Actions by Moleskine 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 Actions by Moleskine and Forest will help you understand which tool best fits your workflow and productivity needs.
⚡ Quick Summary
Aspect | Actions by Moleskine | Forest |
|---|---|---|
Best For | Task management app using visual Action Cards with natural language input, emphasizing design and simplicity within the Moleskine ecosystem. | Gamified focus timer that grows virtual trees during focused sessions and dies if you leave the app |
Pricing | Free trial, $2.49/month, $14.99/year, $24.99/year bundle | iOS: $3.99 one-time, Android: Free or $1.99 pro |
Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android, Web |
What is Actions by Moleskine?
Actions by Moleskine is a task management app that uses visual Action Cards for capturing, scheduling, and organizing to-dos with natural language input and reminders. It features a clean, card-based interface designed for busy users to manage lists and projects clutter-free. The app integrates well with the Moleskine ecosystem but offers limited advanced features compared to other task managers.
🌟 Key Features of Actions by Moleskine
✦Visual Action Cards: Create and drag/drop Action Cards into custom, color-coded lists for intuitive task organization and management with a tactile, elegant interface.
✦Natural Language Input: Schedule tasks, set repeating actions, deadlines, and priorities using natural language like 'Post status report every second Friday' for effortless task creation.
✦Schedule View Integration: Integrates calendar events with Timepage, includes logbook for completed tasks, and provides push notifications with Siri support.
✦Shared Lists Collaboration: Create shared lists for team collaboration with customizable preferences and playful animations for enhanced user experience.
✦Cloud Sync and Cross-Platform: Available on iOS, Android, and Web with cloud synchronization and auto-suggestions for rescheduling and task management.
✦Share Extension and Auto-Import: Supports iOS Share extension for importing from other apps and one-time importing from Apple Reminders with hands-free Siri integration.
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 | Actions by Moleskine | Forest |
|---|---|---|
📅 Calendar Integration | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
✅ Task Management | ✓ Yes | ◐ Limited |
⏰ Time Blocking | ✗ No | ◐ Limited |
🗣️ Natural Language Processing | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
🔔 Notifications | ✓ Yes | — |
🌍 Time Zones Support | ✗ No | — |
📆 Scheduler | ✗ No | — |
📈 Analytics | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
🔗 Integrations
Actions by Moleskine
Timepage, iOS Share extension, Siri, Apple Reminders (one-time import)
Forest
Cross-device sync within Forest ecosystem, Chrome browser extension
💰 Pricing Comparison
Actions by Moleskine
Free trial, $2.49/month, $14.99/year, $24.99/year bundle
Free trial, then $2.49/month, $14.99/year, or $24.99/year Bonobo Bundle (all apps), $39.99/year Family Bundle
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 Actions by Moleskine
→Design Over Features: If you prioritize beautiful, tactile design and elegant interface over advanced project management features and comprehensive functionality.
→Moleskine Ecosystem Integration: Best suited for users who will use Timepage and other Moleskine apps, as standalone functionality may feel limited for the subscription price.
→Simple Personal Task Management: Ideal for straightforward personal to-dos and lists rather than complex projects, multi-person collaboration, or workflows requiring extensive third-party integrations.
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
Actions by Moleskine
"Actions by Moleskine is a stylish, simple task manager with beautiful design and clean interface that pairs well with Moleskine Timepage. However, it trades advanced features and broad integrations for design and focus, with limited depth compared to competitors and subscription pricing that some find steep for its narrow scope."
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 Actions by Moleskine and Forest are excellent productivity tools with their own strengths.
Actions by Moleskine excels in Visual Action Cards: Create and drag/drop Action Cards into custom, color-coded lists for intuitive task organization and management with a tactile, elegant interface., 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.

