Capacities vs Forest: Comprehensive Comparison
2
Overview
In today's fast-paced world, choosing the right productivity tool can make all the difference. This comprehensive comparison between Capacities and Forest will help you understand which tool best fits your workflow and productivity needs.
⚡ Quick Summary
Aspect | Capacities | Forest |
|---|---|---|
Best For | Object-based PKM studio with networked knowledge graphs, AI assistant, and calendar integration | Gamified focus timer that grows virtual trees during focused sessions and dies if you leave the app |
Pricing | Free, Pro from $11.99/mo | iOS: $3.99 one-time, Android: Free or $1.99 pro |
Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web |
What is Capacities?
Capacities is an object-based note-taking app that functions as a personal knowledge management studio, integrating notes, calendar events, tasks, and AI to build networked knowledge graphs. It enables users to create typed objects with custom properties, linking them into a flexible graph structure for organizing thoughts, projects, and knowledge.
🌟 Key Features of Capacities
✦Object-based notes with custom types, templates, properties, and bi-directional links
✦AI assistant for contextual queries, idea generation, and content interaction
✦Calendar integration with auto-creation of objects from events and daily notes
✦Advanced queries for surfacing content with offline-first cloud sync
✦Visual graph exploration and backlinking for knowledge discovery
✦Quick capture tools and integrations with 7,000+ apps via Zapier
What is Forest?
Forest is a gamified productivity app that uses a focus timer where users plant virtual trees that grow during focused sessions; leaving the app kills the tree. It tracks focus time, provides statistics, and partners with Trees for the Future to plant real trees. Available on iOS, Android, and web with cross-platform sync.
🌟 Key Features of Forest
✦Virtual tree planting with focus timer that kills trees if you leave the app
✦App blocking and allow lists for iOS devices (iOS 16+)
✦Detailed analytics with tagging, weekly/monthly/yearly statistics
✦Social features including multiplayer planting and leaderboards
✦Real tree planting partnership with Trees for the Future
✦Ambient sounds, white noise, and breathing exercises
📊 Feature Comparison
Feature | Capacities | Forest |
|---|---|---|
📅 Calendar Integration | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
✅ Task Management | ✓ Yes | ◐ Limited |
⏰ Time Blocking | ◐ Limited | ◐ Limited |
🗣️ Natural Language Processing | ◐ Limited | ✗ No |
🔔 Notifications | (empty) | — |
🌍 Time Zones Support | (empty) | — |
📆 Scheduler | (empty) | — |
📈 Analytics | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
🔗 Integrations
Capacities
Google Calendar, Microsoft Calendar, Readwise, WhatsApp, Telegram, Todoist, TickTick, Google Tasks, Microsoft To-Do, Things, Apple Reminders, Kindle, Raycast
Forest
Cross-device sync within Forest ecosystem, Chrome browser extension
💰 Pricing Comparison
Capacities
Free, Pro from $11.99/mo
Free tier with 5GB storage, Pro/Believer at $11.99-$12.49/month or $119.88/year with AI Assistant and unlimited storage
Forest
iOS: $3.99 one-time, Android: Free or $1.99 pro
iOS: $3.99 one-time. Android: Free with ads or $1.99 one-time for pro features. Optional in-app purchases $1-$45 for cosmetic items.
💡 Things to Consider
When Choosing Capacities
→Best suited for users wanting personal knowledge base with rich linking rather than simple note-taking
→Learning curve required for object-based thinking and custom property setup
→Free tier has storage limitations and lacks AI features compared to competitors like Notion
When Choosing Forest
→Requires self-discipline to remember starting sessions and relies on personal motivation rather than strict app blocking
→One-time purchase with no free trial available, and purchases don't transfer between iOS and Android platforms
→Limited integrations with other productivity tools like Google Calendar, Slack, Notion, or Todoist
⭐ User Reviews
Capacities
"Strong for networked knowledge management with object-based structure and calendar integration. Praised for daily notes workflow and AI features. Limited by pricing constraints on free tier, iOS app still in development, and some planned features like OCR not yet available."
Forest
"Users praise Forest for making focus fun and effective against distractions, with 4.8/5 stars on App Store. Positive feedback highlights gamification and real-tree planting. Complaints include UX frustrations, strict tree-death rules, and bugs. Best for gentle nudges over hard blocks."
🎯 Conclusion
Both Capacities and Forest are excellent productivity tools with their own strengths.
Capacities excels in Object-based notes with custom types, templates, properties, and bi-directional links, while Forest shines with Virtual tree planting with focus timer that kills trees if you leave the app. The best choice depends on your specific needs, workflow preferences, and budget.
We recommend trying both tools to see which one fits better with your productivity style.
