Updated 3 November 2026 by Spencer Lay, who makes FocusFlow.
Forest
You set a timer and plant a tree. Leave for a distracting app and the tree withers. It's motivating and game-like, works well for short, timed study blocks, and has an optional mode that blocks apps during a session.
FocusFlow
You pick the apps that get locked. You add the tasks you need to do. When you finish a task, you take a photo of it, an AI model checks the photo against the task, and you earn 15 minutes by default. The minutes count down only while you are in the locked apps, and when they run out the apps lock again, even if FocusFlow is closed. Once every task for the day is done, the apps stay open for the rest of the day.
It is built around a student's whole day rather than one session: blockouts for class and bedtime, daily caps on each app, and tasks from your calendar, Reminders or Canvas.
Which to pick
- You like a nudge and a timer, and the tree is enough: Forest.
- You know you'll sacrifice the tree at 11 PM: FocusFlow.
| Forest | FocusFlow | |
|---|---|---|
| Works by | A timed session and a tree | Locked apps until a task is done |
| Ends when | The timer finishes, or you give up | You finish the task |
| Proof of work | No | A photo, checked by AI |