Looking for a Forest alternative? Grow a computer instead

By the Focus98 team · Updated October 8, 2026

Forest made focus timers fun: plant a tree, and it dies if you leave. Focus98 keeps the idea of something at stake, and turns it into a computer that grows with you from 1998 to 2010.

Why people look for an alternative

Gamified focus timers work because something is at stake. But people looking for something new tend to give the same reasons: the guilt of a dead tree, the game getting repetitive after a few weeks, blocking that's easy to tap past, and wanting an Android app that feels made for Android.

What's the same

A timer you start when you want to focus, and a reason not to leave.
Rewards for every session, spent on things you collect.
Focusing with friends.

What's different

Nothing dies. Distraction slows your PC down; it doesn't wipe out your work, and it never costs credits.
Something to keep up. Disk Check and Defrag restore your PC's speed, and they count as focus time too.
Something to grow into. Four eras, from a beige 1998 desktop to 2010, each with its own look, sounds, programs and shop. Mail-order parts arrive hours later; once you're online, programs download.
Real app rules on Android: allow, allow for a minute, or block, by kind of app or app by app.
Focus Groups: every friend who sticks with a session adds 25% to everyone's pay, and the FocusChat leaderboard ranks focus time.
Pay once, if you pay at all. The whole first era is free with no ads; Plus is $24.99 once or $7.99 a year.

The Focus98 shop — Credits buy upgrades in the shop

Which one is right for you

If a tree and its quiet guilt keep you on track, stick with it. If you'd rather look after something that grows for months, with upgrades, new eras and friends, Focus98 is built for that.

Note Forest is a trademark of its owner. Focus98 isn't affiliated with it; we just like the idea.

Questions and answers

Is Focus98 free like Forest?

All of the Focus 98 era is free, with no ads. Plus ($24.99 once or $7.99 a year) unlocks the later eras and extras.

Does Focus98 work on Android?

Yes, Focus98 is made for Android first. It's coming soon to Google Play; join the early-access list to hear when it's out.

Can I focus with friends?

Yes. Add friends in FocusChat and start a Focus Group. There's also a leaderboard for friends and for everyone.

Sources

Gamification, Wikipedia

Focus98 is coming soon to Google Play. Free to start, no ads. Get early access