📝 Study and homework tools · 🗓️ Homework, chores and organizing
Forest
By Seekrtech Co., Ltd.. Visit Forest
Desk research from the maker's own pages. Not yet tried by us. Checked 2026-10-24.
A focus timer that grows a virtual tree while you stay off your phone. A student picks a session length, and the tree dies if they leave for other apps. Deep Focus blocks chosen apps during a session, Time Guard schedules app blocks, and Plant Together lets friends share a session where everyone's tree dies if one gives up. Coins earned from focus can pay for real trees planted by the charity Trees for the Future.
Our take: A light, kind nudge for teens who want to study without their phone; parents who need hard limits should use device controls instead.
| Ages it suits | about 10+ (study use); minors with a parent's help |
|---|---|
| What its terms say about age | The iOS privacy policy says the service is not directed to children under 13; minors may use the app only with a parent's or guardian's help, and children under 13 only with verifiable parental consent. The 2018 terms of service do not set an age. (terms) |
| Price | Free, with paid extras. Free core app with occasional ads (never during focus sessions). Forest Plus is a subscription for extra trees, sounds, stats and no ads; price varies by region and store. The old one-time Pro upgrade is no longer sold (Oct 2026). |
| Works on | iPhone and iPad, Android |
| Account | No account needed |
| Ads | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes |
| The AI in it | No AI features described. |
What's good
- Simple, visible reward for staying off the phone
- App blocking free on every tier
- Group sessions with friends
- Real tree planting through a charity
Watch for
- Ads and ad tracking in the free app
- Subscription upsell for extra trees and stats
- Kids can still quit a session; it is not a lock
- Terms not updated since 2018
Data and privacy
The iOS privacy policy lists Google Analytics for Firebase, Facebook and Google ad tools including remarketing and lookalike audiences, using advertising IDs and usage data. Read the privacy policy.
Does it work?
The maker's own claims only; Forest cites general research that a nearby phone reduces attention, not a study of Forest itself.
Alternatives to Forest
Desk researchPaid
BusyKid
BusyKid · ages kids and teens (chores are preset by age)
A good-value chore and card app for families who want a weekly allowance routine; skip it if you only need a chore chart.
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Cozi Family Organizer
In Tandem Families (OurFamilyWizard) · ages whole family; kids about 8+ can use it with a parent
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Google Classroom (guardian email summaries)
Google · ages grades K-12 (any child with a school Google Workspace account)
Worth turning on if your child's school uses Google Classroom; it will not help families whose school uses something else.
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Google Keep
Google · ages any age with a Google Account; most useful for about 8+
A good free starting point for family lists and kids' reminders; pick a real planner for homework tracking.
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Joon
Joon App, Inc. · ages 6-12
Worth a try for families of kids 6-12 who resist routines; parents can leave the AI voice off and judge results for themselves.
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myHomework Student Planner
instin, LLC · ages 13+ for personal accounts; schools use it across K-12
Still works as a plain free planner for teens; families who want active support may prefer a planner that is updated more often.
Where these facts come from
- https://www.forestapp.cc/
- https://www.forestapp.cc/llms-full.txt
- https://forestapp.cc/terms/
- https://forestapp.cc/privacy/
- https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/12886665
Prices, terms and features change. Nobody paid to be listed, nothing here is an affiliate link, and Peabody never rates itself. Where we and the maker disagree, the maker's own pages are the ones to trust.