Forest vs SelfControl

Struggling to choose between Forest and SelfControl? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Forest is a Productivity solution with tags like pomodoro, time-management, concentration.

It boasts features such as Virtual tree planting, Time tracking and productivity monitoring, Focus mode to block distracting apps, Customizable tree types and settings, Collaborative mode for group challenges, Progress tracking and achievements, Reporting and analytics and pros including Effective in encouraging focused work, Visually appealing and engaging interface, Supports both individual and collaborative use, Available on both web and mobile platforms, Free basic version with option to upgrade.

On the other hand, SelfControl is a Productivity product tagged with website-blocker, productivity, focus, self-control.

Its standout features include Block access to distracting websites, Set time periods for blocking (from 5 minutes to 1 day), Customizable blacklists and whitelists, Block application usage, Schedule website blocking in advance, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Simple and easy to use, Effective at blocking distractions, Available for Mac only.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Forest

Forest

Forest is a web and mobile app that helps people focus by letting them plant virtual trees that grow over time. If the user leaves the app, the tree dies, incentivizing them to stay focused.

Categories:
pomodoro time-management concentration

Forest Features

  1. Virtual tree planting
  2. Time tracking and productivity monitoring
  3. Focus mode to block distracting apps
  4. Customizable tree types and settings
  5. Collaborative mode for group challenges
  6. Progress tracking and achievements
  7. Reporting and analytics

Pricing

  • Free
  • Freemium

Pros

Effective in encouraging focused work

Visually appealing and engaging interface

Supports both individual and collaborative use

Available on both web and mobile platforms

Free basic version with option to upgrade

Cons

Limited customization options in free version

May not be suitable for those who prefer more structured productivity tools

Potential for gamification to become a distraction itself


SelfControl

SelfControl

SelfControl is a free Mac app that helps you avoid distracting websites by blocking access to them for a set period of time. It can help you stay focused and productive when you need to get work done.

Categories:
website-blocker productivity focus self-control

SelfControl Features

  1. Block access to distracting websites
  2. Set time periods for blocking (from 5 minutes to 1 day)
  3. Customizable blacklists and whitelists
  4. Block application usage
  5. Schedule website blocking in advance

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Simple and easy to use

Effective at blocking distractions

Available for Mac only

Cons

Lacks advanced configuration options

Easy to uninstall or work around blocks

Mac only, no Windows or mobile support