Comparison

Grow a Tree vs BrainMaxx

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

BrainMaxx

This app helps you complete tasks and habits before you can access your phone's apps. Earn screen time by finishing your to-do list and keep a virtual pet happy with your progress. Build discipline and a healthier relationship with your device.

Highlights
  • Task and habit completion
  • App blocking
  • Earn screen time
  • Virtual pet companion
  • Progress tracking
  • Routine building
Features
Read full description

Get your time, focus, and attention span back with BrainMaxx, the screen time app with a cute brain that rots as you doomscroll and heals when you live your life. Block the apps that eat your day, set schedules, and let the brain nudge you to put the phone down. Save about 2 hours a day, think clearer, sleep better, and actually get things done. What you get: - A brain that rots as you doom scroll, so you see the damage before it's done - App blocking with schedules for mornings, work hours, bedtime and custom times - Unrots: quick habits that heal your brain, like walking, reading, touching grass, and push-ups - A brain that talks you out of scrolling the moment you open a blocked app - Mindful breaks you choose on purpose, without the guilt or shame - Clear insights into your screen time, pickups, and worst hours - Daily streaks that unlock new worlds for your brain PRIVATE & SECURE BrainMaxx uses Apple's Screen Time API. All monitoring, blocking, and your brain health score stay entirely on your device. Your app usage never leaves your phone. Stop scrolling. Unrot your brain. *All features described above require a subscription. Privacy Policy: https://www.brainmaxxapp.com/privacy Terms of Service: https://www.brainmaxxapp.com/terms Support: support@doerpal.com

Screenshots

Grow a Tree4 screens
BrainMaxx4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Grow a Tree at none against BrainMaxx's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases 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 and BrainMaxx sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Grow a Tree ships an update every 9 days, BrainMaxx weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Grow a Tree versus BrainMaxx: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGrow a TreeBrainMaxx
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (176 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—92.3% of reviews
Number of ratings—176 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB126 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTimothee VELLUETJuan Vizoso Prado

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
9 purchases

BrainMaxx

Subscriptions9
  • Pro Weekly$9.997 Days
  • Weekly Subscription$12.997 Days
  • Pro Yearly Offer$29.991 Year
Show 6 more
  • Full Access3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Full Access$34.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$44.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$59.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Full Access$69.991 Year

Questions

Is Grow a Tree free?
Grow a Tree is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BrainMaxx free?
BrainMaxx is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Grow a Tree or BrainMaxx have ads?
BrainMaxx shows ads; Grow a Tree does not.
Which is updated more often, Grow a Tree or BrainMaxx?
Grow a Tree ships an update every 9 days, and BrainMaxx weekly. Most recently, Grow a Tree was updated on October 11, 2026 and BrainMaxx on October 13, 2026.

Other comparisons