Focus App Comparison
FocuTime vs Forest
Forest is beautiful and beloved. But it doesn't actually block apps — it just makes you feel guilty for leaving. FocuTime makes leaving impossible.
The Critical Difference
Forest's "blocking" is an honor system. If you leave Forest, your virtual tree dies. But you can still open Instagram. Nothing technically prevents it. FocuTime uses Apple's Screen Time API to lock apps at the system level — you literally cannot open blocked apps until the session ends, even if you force-quit FocuTime.
Choose FocuTime if…
- • You need apps to be actually blocked
- • Guilt and gamification haven't worked for you
- • You want Strict Mode to prevent early cancellation
- • You want Scheduled Focus for recurring deep work
- • You have ADHD or high susceptibility to distractions
Choose Forest if…
- • Social features and virtual rewards motivate you
- • You want to contribute to real tree planting
- • Gentle accountability is enough for your focus level
- • You want to focus with friends/colleagues together
- • Gamification genuinely helps you stay on track
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FocuTime | Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Real App Blocking | ✓ | ✗ (honor system) |
| Pomodoro Timer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Strict Mode | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scheduled Sessions | ✓ | ✗ |
| iCloud Sync | ✓ | ✗ |
| Dynamic Island | ✓ | ✗ |
| Gamification | ✗ | ✓ (virtual trees) |
| Social Features | ✗ | ✓ |
| Plant Real Trees | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free Tier | Full timer | Very limited |
| Price | $1.99/wk Pro | $3.99 one-time + $1.99/mo Pro |
Why Gamification Alone Isn't Enough
Forest is genuinely delightful. The virtual forest grows as you focus, and you can donate coins to plant real trees. For mild distractions and students who respond well to visual rewards, it can work.
But for anyone with persistent phone habits — especially people with ADHD or high social media use — the "your tree will die" message isn't enough friction. In the moment, Instagram feels more compelling than a virtual tree. That's exactly the moment when real blocking matters.
FocuTime removes the choice entirely. There's no "I'll just check for a second" — the app literally won't open. This is the difference between a speed bump and a locked gate.
Try Real App Blocking Free
Download FocuTime free — full Pomodoro timer included, app blocking from $1.99/week with a 3-day free trial.
Download Free on App Store