Quick answer: Focus Fence is the best Brick alternative when you want software-only blocking that starts automatically by location. Unpluq is the closest substitute for Brick’s physical key. Opal is best for advanced rules, one sec for mindful pauses, ScreenZen for a free option, Freedom for multiple device types, and Apple Screen Time for built-in basics.
Editorial disclosure: We make Focus Fence, the first alternative listed here. We have no affiliate relationships with the other products. We organize the options by genuine differences and link to first-party product pages. Features and prices were checked August 3, 2026.
Why look for a Brick alternative?
Brick is a $59 physical device that works with its iPhone or Android app. Tap to block selected distractions, then return to the device when you want to unblock. It includes custom modes, schedules, remote activation, Strict Mode, focus insights, and five emergency unblocks without a subscription.
That physical separation is the product’s strength. It can also be the reason to choose something else. You may want an alternative if:
- You do not want to purchase, carry, or wait for hardware.
- You want blocking to start automatically when you reach a place.
- You want access to return when you leave a focus location, not when you return to where you left the Brick.
- You want a gentler pause instead of a hard lock.
- You need blocking across computers and phones.
- You want to try a free solution first.
Brick is strongest when you want a session to continue until you physically go back. It is less natural when the boundary should change as you move through the day. If you block social media at work but want access after leaving for your commute or spontaneous plans, a standard session remains active until you return to the Brick. Scheduled end times help on predictable days, and Emergency Unbricks cover exceptions, but neither makes the physical key respond to your location.
Brick alternatives at a glance
| Alternative | Best for | What replaces the Brick? | Hardware? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Fence | Automatic blocking by place | Location and schedule rules | No |
| Unpluq | A portable physical key | NFC tag or digital barriers | Optional tag |
| Opal | Advanced rules and reporting | Limits, sessions, strict modes | No |
| one sec | Mindful app opening | An intentional pause | No |
| ScreenZen | A budget-friendly blocker | Delays, limits, and schedules | No |
| Freedom | Phones and computers | Cross-device sessions | No |
| Apple Screen Time | Built-in controls | Downtime and App Limits | No |
The seven best alternatives
1. Focus Fence
Focus Fence replaces Brick’s physical tap with a contextual trigger. Create a Focus Fence around work, school, home, the gym, or another place, choose what to block or allow, and the boundary activates when you arrive. You can add schedules, block apps, websites, and categories, and use one of five emergency unblocks when necessary.
The app also includes a minimalist launcher and widgets. That makes it a good fit when the goal is not only to block distractions but to make the useful side of your iPhone calmer.
Choose it over Brick when: you want automatic location rules, no extra object, or access to return naturally when you leave a focus location. Do not choose it when: you need Android support or know only a physically separate key will stop you. See the Focus Fence App Store listing.
2. Unpluq
Unpluq is the most direct Brick alternative in this list. Its optional NFC tag acts as a physical key for distracting apps, while the app also offers digital barriers such as a QR scan, a short interaction, or movement. The tag is small enough for a keychain, which is useful if you want the key with you instead of stationed in one place.
The model differs from Brick: Unpluq offers a limited free app tier, while broader app features and Tag use are tied to Premium access. The Unpluq FAQ explains its current schedules, barriers, free tier, and device compatibility.
Choose it over Brick when: you want a portable physical key or several possible friction exercises. Do not choose it when: Brick’s one-time, no-subscription purchase is important to you.
3. Opal
Opal is a mature software blocker with scheduled rules, usage limits, focus sessions, blocklists and allowlists, stricter modes, and progress reporting. It is the alternative for someone who wants to shape a detailed screen-time system rather than attach the system to a physical object.
Choose it over Brick when: you value analytics, flexible rules, and an all-software workflow. Do not choose it when: detailed dashboards tend to become another thing to manage. Read Opal’s official overview for the current free and paid feature split.
4. one sec
one sec is built around a pause between impulse and action. When you open a selected app or website, it inserts an intervention and gives you a moment to decide whether you meant to be there. You can customize and schedule those interruptions.
Choose it over Brick when: you still need regular access but want to stop opening apps unconsciously. Do not choose it when: a pause is not enough and you need a firm lock. Features vary by platform, so confirm your setup on the official one sec site.
5. ScreenZen
ScreenZen offers app and website controls across iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android. It supports mechanisms such as delays, limits, and schedules, and describes itself as donation-supported rather than subscription-led.
Choose it over Brick when: you want to see whether software friction helps before spending money. Do not choose it when: the physical ceremony and separation of Brick are the features you actually need. Check current downloads at ScreenZen’s official site.
6. Freedom
Freedom can block apps, websites, or the internet on phones and computers. Its free tier includes Start Now sessions and custom blocklists on unlimited devices; Premium adds recurring and future sessions, longer sessions, and Locked Mode.
Choose it over Brick when: moving from Instagram on your phone to Reddit on your laptop defeats a phone-only rule. Do not choose it when: you specifically need a tangible off switch. See Freedom’s official plan comparison.
7. Apple Screen Time
Screen Time is already on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It provides Downtime, App Limits, Always Allowed lists, reports, and settings that can sync across devices. There is no new account, hardware order, or purchase.
Choose it over Brick when: your needs are basic or you want a free baseline before trying another tool. Do not choose it when: you regularly tap through your own limits. Apple explains the controls in its official Screen Time guide.
How to pick the right Brick alternative
Do not begin with the longest feature list. Begin with the reason Brick is not right for you:
- No hardware: Focus Fence, Opal, one sec, ScreenZen, Freedom, or Screen Time.
- Automatic rules at specific places: Focus Fence.
- A fluid schedule: choose a rule that can end as your context changes, rather than requiring a return trip to a physical key.
- A different physical device: Unpluq.
- Free first: ScreenZen or Screen Time.
- Phone and computer coverage: Freedom.
- Pause rather than prohibition: one sec.
- Detailed tracking and rule design: Opal.
If you are leaving Brick because it feels too strict, choose a pause or delay. If you are leaving because it is not automatic enough, choose a contextual rule. If you like the physical idea but not Brick itself, compare Unpluq’s keychain-style tag and subscription model.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Brick?
Focus Fence is our pick for automatic location-based blocking without hardware. Unpluq is the closest physical alternative. The best choice changes if your priority is free access, cross-device coverage, or a gentler intervention.
Is there a Brick alternative without hardware?
Yes. Focus Fence, Opal, one sec, ScreenZen, Freedom, and Screen Time are software-only. Each replaces the physical key with a different kind of rule or pause.
Is there a free alternative to Brick?
Apple Screen Time is included with Apple devices. ScreenZen is donation-supported, and products including Opal, Freedom, one sec, and Unpluq offer some form of free access with limitations.
The place is the trigger
Block distractions without another device.
Focus Fence can apply different app and website boundaries at work, school, home, the gym, or any place you choose.
