Due vs Forest: Comprehensive Comparison
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Overview
In today's fast-paced world, choosing the right productivity tool can make all the difference. This comprehensive comparison between Due and Forest will help you understand which tool best fits your workflow and productivity needs.
⚡ Quick Summary
Aspect | Due | Forest |
|---|---|---|
Best For | Productivity app with persistent reminders and timers that nag until tasks are completed | Gamified focus timer that grows virtual trees during focused sessions and dies if you leave the app |
Pricing | Paid app + $4.99/year | iOS: $3.99 one-time, Android: Free or $1.99 pro |
Platforms | iOS, Mac | iOS, Android, Web |
What is Due?
Due is a productivity app focused on reminders and task management, emphasizing persistent notifications until tasks are completed. It helps users set reliable reminders for tasks and events, with a 'magic timer' for scheduling and persistent alerts that nag until marked done, ideal for time-sensitive productivity.
🌟 Key Features of Due
✦Persistent reminders that continue until acknowledged
✦Magic timer for starting, pausing, and resuming countdowns
✦Natural language input for quick task entry
✦Smart conflict detection to avoid double-booking
✦Visual dashboard showing tasks, events, and conflicts
✦Native WhatsApp reminders and event sharing
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 | Due | Forest |
|---|---|---|
📅 Calendar Integration | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
✅ Task Management | ✓ Yes | ◐ Limited |
⏰ Time Blocking | ✓ Yes | ◐ Limited |
🗣️ Natural Language Processing | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
🔔 Notifications | ✓ Yes | — |
🌍 Time Zones Support | — | — |
📆 Scheduler | ✓ Yes | — |
📈 Analytics | ◐ Limited | ✓ Yes |
🔗 Integrations
Due
iCloud, Dropbox sync, Siri Shortcuts
Forest
Cross-device sync within Forest ecosystem, Chrome browser extension
💰 Pricing Comparison
Due
Paid app + $4.99/year
Paid app with optional $4.99/year Annual Upgrade Pass subscription. No free tier available.
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 Due
→Ideal for quick, forgettable time-based alerts but should be paired with other apps for complex project management
→Only available on iOS/Mac platforms with no Android, Web, Windows, or Linux support
→Persistent nagging notifications may annoy some users rather than motivate them - test if this approach fits your workflow
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
Due
"Due is praised for its persistent nagging alerts, quick setup, and clean design, ideal for time-based tasks. Users love its reliability for critical reminders like medications or bills, with some using it daily for 8-10+ years. However, it has limited advanced repeat options and sync can be inconsistent (~80% reliability). Best for simple, forgettable time-based alerts rather than complex project management."
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 Due and Forest are excellent productivity tools with their own strengths.
Due excels in Persistent reminders that continue until acknowledged, 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.
