Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Forest App

$1.99

Forest is a productivity app that helps you stay focused by planting virtual trees that grow while you remain undisturbed by your phone.

Our take

Focus while growing a forest.

So, let's talk about this Forest app. On the surface, it seems like a pretty neat idea — you plant virtual trees to help you focus. It's like having a little garden of productivity on your phone. When you want to concentrate, you set a timer, and if you succeed without touching your phone, a tree grows. If you fail, the tree dies. Simple, right? But here's the twist: it's surprisingly effective at keeping you off your phone. The guilt of killing a tree, even a digital one, works better than you'd think.

Now, the whole thing operates on the premise that you want to build a forest, which is fine if you’re into that kind of visual progress. But let's be real: if you're not into cutesy graphics or gamified productivity, this might not be your jam. It’s like having a Tamagotchi for your attention span. You gotta be into the idea of nurturing something to get the most out of it. Otherwise, it’s just another timer with extra steps.

Another thing to consider is the cost. It's not free, which might be a dealbreaker for some. I mean, there are plenty of free focus apps out there. But Forest does offer something unique: the ability to plant real trees through their partnership with a tree-planting organization. So, if you're already into apps like this and care about the environment, it might be worth the price. Just know what you're paying for — a mix of digital motivation and a bit of real-world impact.

The app is pretty easy to use, which is a plus. No complex settings or endless tutorials — you just set the time and go. But here's where things get interesting: the longer you use it, the more you might find yourself competing against your own distractions. It’s like a game where you’re the only player. That’s both the magic and the madness of it. You might find yourself oddly engaged with your focus habits, or you might just end up ignoring the app altogether if the novelty wears off.

Overall, Forest is a cool idea if you’re looking to gamify your productivity with a side of eco-consciousness. But it’s not a magic bullet. If you’re not committed to the concept, it might just become another app you forget about. But, if you’re someone who responds well to visual goals and likes the idea of contributing to a greener planet, this app could be a nifty way to keep yourself on track. Just be honest with yourself about whether you’ll keep up with it in the long run.