Forest vs Habitica: how do they compare?

Forest and Habitica are both listed on HerFound, and both carry facts sourced from their own pages. Same for both: there is a free version. Last checked Nov 13, 2026.

Updated . We don't pick a winner or publish ratings. This sets out what each company says, side by side.

Side by side

 Forest logoForestHabitica logoHabitica
What it isA focus timer app: grow a virtual tree while you stay off your phone.A habit tracker: turn your habits and to-dos into a retro role-playing game
Price modelFreemiumFreemium
PlatformsiOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Web
Free versionThere is a free version.There is a free version.
Paid plan—$4.99/month or $47.99/year
Selling personal data—Says it does not sell personal data.
AdvertisingSays some data is used or shared for advertising.Says some data is used or shared for advertising.
Where your data is keptYour data is stored on the company's servers.—
Deleting your dataYou can ask the company to delete your data.You can delete your data or account from inside the app.
Company based in—United States

Sources: each app's own privacy policy, help pages and US App Store listing. Open either app to read the exact passage behind each line and the date we checked it. “—” means we have not sourced that fact yet. This is what each company states, not an audit of what it does.

What Forest does

People who want help putting their phone down to study, work or be present.

  • 🌳 A virtual tree grows while you focus, and withers if you leave early
  • 🚫 Allow lists to block distracting apps (iOS 16+), plus Time Guard for scheduled blocking
  • 👯‍♀️ Plant together with friends in shared sessions
  • 📊 Focus history and stats by week, month, year and tag
  • 🌬️ Soundscapes and breathing exercises in Mindful Space
  • 🎁 New tree species and soundscapes unlock at focus milestones
  • 🌍 Real trees planted through Trees for the Future

What Habitica does

People who want to build habits and keep up with tasks by turning them into a game, alone or with friends.

  • ✅ Habits, repeating dailies and one-off to-dos
  • 🪙 Earn gold, experience and items for completed tasks
  • 🧙 Avatar customisation, collectable gear and pets
  • 🐉 Party up with friends and battle bosses by finishing tasks
  • 🏆 Challenges and guilds for shared goals and interests
  • 🔥 Colour-coded tasks with streaks and a levelling system
  • 🔔 Reminders, widgets and colour themes

Forest vs Habitica: common questions

Forest: there is a free version. Habitica: there is a free version.