Forest App Review: Worth It?

Top Features, Pros, Cons & Verdict

Is Forest worth downloading as your go-to timer app? Let's explore from our tests:

How much does the Forest app cost?

• If you download Forest on iOS, it will be a $3.99 one-off cost.

• If you download it on Android, it will be free to use.

Do you get to use Forest for life?

Once you have downloaded Forest, paying the fee, you get to use it forever.

What is Forest App?

Forest is a unique timer app for iOS and Android. It allows users to set a timer and grow a virtual tree.

The unique feature is that if you stop a timer midway, or during any session by going to other distracting apps, you will kill that tree. This is the ultimate gamified timer experience. It is popular with students and those who need help with focusing on their work.

What does Forest app do?

Think of Forest as a way to set a timer with a fun twist - the app allows you to:

• Create a timer (with any time length)

• Choose a tree you'd like to grow (ranging from basic to more unique real trees)

• Start the timer and get a focused timer screen to show time left.

• The app will track in the background and make sure you haven't switched away.

• If you switch away, a notification will appear reminding you to come back to the app within a time limit.

If you don't return in the allotted time, the virtual tree you have been growing will die. The concept behind this is to try and help keep you focused on your task, without using your phone to distract you by visiting sites or apps that take you away from that. Even phone calls will kill your tree.

What happens once you complete a timer in Forest?

• You collect a virtual free to add to your virtual forest.

• The more trees you have, the better, the more types of tree, the more coins you will collect.

Can I use the Forest app with my friend?

You can invite people to a forest timer session, perfect for group study sessions.

Best Features

Here's what we liked most about the features:

• Choose your timer - good for pomodoro and anytime choices.

• Analytics for seeing how well you progress per day and week.

• Good range of tree to try and unlock a new tree for your forest.

Pros

Things we liked about the app:

• Easy to use.

• Great one-off cost.

• Concept is fun and simple in nature.

• Good for making sure you avoid websites or apps during focus.

• The virtual "forest" statistics are great for breaking down time spent.

• Doesn't rely on an app blocker or unlocking screen time.

Cons

Things we didn't like so much:

• If you visit accidentally, the tree is dead even near the end of timer.

• No focus scores or analytics on focus.

• Not as good for app blocking or websites.

Platforms

• iOS, Android

• Chrome browser extension

Verdict

Is it Forest app worth it?

If you're a student looking to make your next focus session as fun as it can be, yes.

Forest is one of the best gamified timer apps out there - it makes using a timer fun and easy to do. The concept of not touching your phone during the session is perfect for those who are distracted by social media and don't want to pay for an app like Opal which pushes you to block your apps. The Forest app is simple, as a concept, and will avoid the need to block apps or websites. It also comes on Google Chrome for those who want a way to focus on your browser.

People who have subscription fatigue also love that Forest is a one-time payment app that allows them access without paying recurring costs.

Who is Forest app best for?

• Students for focused study sessions.

• Those with ADHD who need to gamify their focus.

• Anyone who needs to make timer or focus fun and playful.