Comparison

Grow a Tree vs Compose

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Grow a Tree

Features
Read full description

Addicted to your phone? Can't focus on your work or studies? Grow a Tree is the ultimate, gamified solution to take back control of your time. The concept is simple: start a timer, put your phone down, and a virtual tree begins to grow. BUT beware... If you leave the app to scroll on social media, your tree will burn to ashes! CORE FEATURES: - Epic Collection: Unlock up to 100 unique trees categorized by rarity (Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary). - Smart App Blocker: Select your most distracting apps (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and block them during your focus sessions. - Flexible Modes: Choose between a classic Timer, Pomodoro sessions, or set daily limits and passive schedules. - STRICT Mode (Pro): For the ultimate procrastinators. Once activated, the "Give Up" button disappears. No cheating allowed, you must finish your session. - Rebirth System: Planted all 100 trees? Reset your forest to climb the global leaderboards and earn prestige! Put down your screen, beat your phone addiction, and build the most beautiful forest! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Compose

This app helps you reduce screen time and increase focus by blocking distracting apps until you write in your private journal. It offers a simple interface, AI organization, and secure storage for your thoughts and memories.

Highlights
  • App blocking
  • Private journaling
  • AI organization
  • Smart search
  • Customizable themes
  • Scheduled blocking
  • Journal prompts
Features
Read full description

Every day, a war is being fought for your attention. Billions of dollars go into algorithms designed to capture your time, attention, and energy. Leaving you stressed, unfulfilled, and stuck in a loop you can't seem to break. You wake up, and the first thing you do is scroll. You get ready for bed, and the last thing you do is scroll. Life passes by, one more scroll at a time. Your phone should feel like a tool, not a reflex. When you open an app that pulls you into the void, Compose makes you write a short journal entry first. Then the choice is yours: stay focused, take a short break, or carry on. The gate is intentionally easy to cross. That's the point. A hard block can stop one scroll. Compose gives you something to build instead: a journal of what was happening each time you reached for your phone. Every entry becomes part of your story, one that grows more useful over time. Compose automatically organizes the people, places, emotions, activities, and topics in your writing. It reconnects related moments, asks thoughtful follow-up questions, and brings recurring themes and changes into view. This adds up to lasting change. A few sentences a day can ease stress, build self-awareness, help you notice the small moments, and be more present. With Compose, you can: •⁠ Block selected apps, websites, and categories •⁠ Create focus profiles and schedules •⁠ Write with curated, custom, and follow-up prompts •⁠ Find entries even when you can't remember the exact words •⁠ Revisit connected moments •⁠ Discover long-term themes, patterns, and insights •⁠ Receive quotes and affirmations shaped by your journal •⁠ Export or delete your entries whenever you like App blocking and journaling are always free. Compose isn't about giving up your phone. It's about using it on purpose and keeping more of your attention for the life around you.

Screenshots

Grow a Tree4 screens
Compose4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Compose at none against Grow a Tree's 2. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Grow a Tree sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Compose asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Grow a Tree ships an update every 10 days, Compose weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Grow a Tree versus Compose: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGrow a TreeCompose
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.018.0
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTimothee VELLUETSamir Thapa

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Grow a Tree

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Plan Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Pro Plan Yearly3 Days trial$44.991 Year
None

Compose

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Grow a Tree free?
Grow a Tree is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Compose free?
Compose is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Grow a Tree or Compose have ads?
Neither Grow a Tree nor Compose shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Grow a Tree or Compose?
Grow a Tree ships an update every 10 days, and Compose weekly. Most recently, Grow a Tree was updated on October 24, 2026 and Compose on October 17, 2026.

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