SelfControl vs Forest

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

SelfControl is a Productivity solution with tags like website-blocker, productivity, focus, self-control.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Free and open source, Simple and easy to use, Effective at blocking distractions, Available for Mac only.

On the other hand, Forest is a Productivity product tagged with pomodoro, time-management, concentration.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

Feature	SelfControl	Forest
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Productivity	Productivity

Product Overview

SelfControl

Description: 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.

Forest

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

SelfControl Features

• 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

Forest Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

SelfControl

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

Forest

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

Pricing Comparison

SelfControl

• Free
• Open Source

Forest

• Free
• Freemium