Forest is clever. Plant a tree, stay focused, tree grows.

But guilt-based gamification isn’t for everyone. And sometimes you need something more aggressive.

Here are alternatives.

Why People Look for Forest Alternatives

  1. Tree death guilt — Some people find it stressful, not motivating
  2. Doesn’t actually block apps — You CAN leave, you just kill a tree
  3. Gets boring — Same mechanic, every session, forever
  4. Need harder blocking — Some people need actual prevention, not guilt
  5. Different platforms — Forest’s web version is limited

Quick Comparison

AppGamificationBlocks Apps?PriceBest For
FocusTimerNoNoFreePure timing
OpalNoYes (hard)$99/yrSerious blocking
FloraTrees + friendsSoftFreeSocial accountability
Cold TurkeyNoYes (hard)Free/$39Desktop blocking
HabiticaRPG-styleNoFreeGamification lovers

The Best Forest Alternatives

1. FocusTimer

Price: Free Gamification: None (streaks only) Blocks apps: No

For people who want timing without the gimmicks.

Why it works:

  • Clean, focused (pun intended) interface
  • Customizable session lengths
  • Break reminders
  • Statistics without cute trees
  • Apple Watch support

Best for: Adults who don’t need gamification motivation.

Download →

2. Opal

Price: $99/year Gamification: None Blocks apps: Yes — HARD

When you need actual prevention, not just guilt.

Why it works:

  • Actually blocks apps (hard to bypass)
  • Schedule recurring focus sessions
  • Screen time insights
  • Can’t “just check” Instagram

Best for: People with zero willpower who need hard blocks.

3. Flora

Price: Free (premium available) Gamification: Trees, like Forest Blocks apps: Soft block

Forest’s main competitor with social features.

Why it’s different from Forest:

  • Focus with friends (group accountability)
  • Real money stakes (donate if you fail)
  • Similar tree-growing mechanic

Best for: People who like Forest but want social accountability.

4. Cold Turkey Blocker (Desktop)

Price: Free (Pro $39) Gamification: None Blocks apps: Yes — can’t be bypassed

The most aggressive desktop blocker.

Why it works:

  • Blocks websites AND applications
  • Seriously unbypassable during a session
  • Schedule blocks for days/weeks ahead
  • Nuclear option when you need it

Best for: Desktop warriors who need serious website blocking.

5. Habitica

Price: Free (premium available) Gamification: Full RPG Blocks apps: No

If you want MORE gamification, not less.

Why it works:

  • Full RPG mechanics (character, quests, gear)
  • Covers all habits, not just focus
  • Social guilds and parties
  • Punishment for missing habits (character takes damage)

Best for: Gamification addicts who want the full RPG experience.

Which Type of Focus App Do You Need?

Pure timer (no gamification):

→ FocusTimer

You’re motivated. You just need a timer and stats.

Hard app blocking:

→ Opal (mobile) or Cold Turkey (desktop)

You have no willpower. You need prevention, not guilt.

Soft gamification like Forest:

→ Flora

You like the tree thing, just want social features.

Heavy gamification:

→ Habitica

You want a game, not just an app.

Social accountability:

→ Flora

Your friends’ pressure is more motivating than virtual trees.

Forest vs Alternatives: Honest Take

What Forest does well:

  • Simple, universally understood mechanic
  • Real trees program (plant actual trees)
  • Cute, well-designed
  • Cross-platform

What Forest doesn’t do well:

  • No actual blocking
  • Gets stale
  • Guilt-based motivation can backfire
  • Premium required for some features

When to stick with Forest:

  • The guilt actually motivates you
  • You like the real tree planting aspect
  • You’ve built a forest you don’t want to lose

When to switch:

  • You need actual app blocking
  • The tree guilt creates anxiety
  • You want different gamification
  • You’re bored

FAQ

What’s the best Forest alternative for iPhone? FocusTimer for timing, Opal for blocking, Flora for similar gamification.

Is there a free app that actually blocks apps? iOS Screen Time (built-in) does soft blocking. For hard blocking on iPhone, Opal is the best option.

Can any app block apps as hard as Cold Turkey? On desktop, Cold Turkey is king. On mobile, Opal is close.

What happened to my Forest trees if I switch apps? They stay in Forest. You’d be starting fresh in any new app.

Is the real-tree-planting feature unique to Forest? Mostly yes. Some other apps have similar programs but Forest’s is most established.

Related reads:

— Dolce