Forest alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Forest: no desktop app; computers are covered only by browser extensions, and not a timesheet tool: no billing, projects or client reports. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Forest, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Pomofocus currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best Forest alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Forest alternative for most people
PomofocusA free browser Pomodoro timer with task lists, for anyone who wants the timer without the game layer.
Best Forest alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Focus To-DoCombines a Pomodoro timer with a full to-do list and runs on desktop as well as phones.
Best Forest alternative for Mac
RescueTimeTracks where your computer time actually goes and adds focus sessions, for data over gamification.
Best Forest alternative for Windows
FreedomBlocks distracting sites and apps across phone and computer at once, with scheduled sessions.
Best Forest alternative for Linux
PomofocusA free browser Pomodoro timer with task lists, for anyone who wants the timer without the game layer.
Best Forest alternative for iPhone and Android
RescueTimeTracks where your computer time actually goes and adds focus sessions, for data over gamification.
Best Forest alternative for working in the browser
PomofocusA free browser Pomodoro timer with task lists, for anyone who wants the timer without the game layer.
Forest alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Forest?
Pomofocus ranks first right now. A free browser Pomodoro timer with task lists, for anyone who wants the timer without the game layer. RescueTime and Focus To-Do follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Forest?
Yes. Pomofocus (free plan + paid), Focus To-Do (free plan + paid), Freedom (free plan + paid) and Cold Turkey Blocker (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Forest?
None of the 5 alternatives in this list is open source.
Which Forest alternatives work on Linux?
Pomofocus runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Forest?
The complaints we hear most: no desktop app; computers are covered only by browser extensions; not a timesheet tool: no billing, projects or client reports; free tier shows ads; allowlists and full stats need Plus.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Forest, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.