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The closest Brick alternatives depend on whether you want a physical key or prefer an app to add friction. Unpluq sells an NFC tag that works with its app, while Foqos describes a free, open-source iPhone blocker that can use an NFC tag. Opal is an app-only option identified in a recent Brick review, though its current features and pricing should be checked directly. Generic NFC tags can also serve as a physical key in a compatible app workflow, but a tag on its own does not block phone use.
Brick alternatives at a glance
| Option | How it creates friction | Platforms and flexibility | Cost and important caveats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unpluq Tag | A dedicated NFC tag works with the Unpluq app; the tag is used to unlock access after blocking. | The product listing specifies iPhone with iOS 16 or later and Android devices. The app supports scheduled blocking and app selection. | The official Tag listing shows $26.50 and says a Premium subscription is required to use the Tag. Unpluq’s FAQ also describes a limited free app tier; check current regional price and terms. Unpluq Tag product page and Unpluq FAQ. |
| Foqos | An iPhone app blocker that can use an NFC tag to start or end a session. | The official site describes Foqos as an iPhone app. Android users should not assume it is available for their devices. | The site describes the app as free and open-source. A generic NFC tag may be an additional purchase, and compatibility depends on the phone and setup. Foqos official site. |
| Opal | An app-only blocker, so it does not use a dedicated physical key. | Opal was named as an alternative in Tom’s Guide’s Brick review; current official platform coverage and features were not established here. | Current official pricing was not established. Check the app’s current listing before choosing. Tom’s Guide Brick review, published October 2, 2026. |
| Generic NFC tag plus a compatible app | A separately purchased tag can act as a physical key when a supported app is configured to use it. | Requires a phone and app that support the chosen NFC workflow. Tom’s Guide discusses generic tags used with Foqos. | The tag alone does not block apps or websites. Confirm tag and phone compatibility, and check whether the app has a fee. Tom’s Guide Brick review, published October 2, 2026. |
| Brick (baseline) | A physical device must be present to unbrick the phone; the official page also describes custom modes and says the device does not require a battery. | See Brick’s current product page for its setup and supported-device details. | The official product listing shows $59; price and terms may change. Brick official product page. |
Choose based on the kind of friction you need
For a physical key and scheduling
Unpluq is the clearest direct alternative if you want a branded tag. Its product page says the tag works with the app and lists scheduling and app selection. The trade-off is an ongoing Premium subscription requirement for Tag use, despite a limited free app tier. Compare the total cost—not just the tag price—against Brick before buying.
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For an iPhone setup using a separate NFC tag
Foqos is a fit to investigate if you use an iPhone and want an open-source app workflow rather than a branded blocker device. Its official site identifies it as an iPhone app and describes NFC tags for starting or ending sessions. If you use Android, do not rely on Foqos without confirming availability; its site points Android readers toward independent apps.
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For app-only blocking
Opal avoids dedicated hardware and the need to carry or place a physical key. That means it does not create the same physical interaction as Brick or an NFC-tag setup. Tom’s Guide names Opal among Brick alternatives, but current official feature, platform, and pricing details should be verified before treating it as a specific match.
#1 Best Overall
Mindsight Timed Lock Box | Unplug from Phones, Video Games, Social Media, Snacks & Cravings | 3 Modes based on Willpower | Easy to Use | Out of Sight ~ Out of Mind | Boost Your Mental Wellness
- 🔒 WHAT ITS FOR – Building better habits in today’s busy world. The Mindsight Timed Lockbox helps you disconnect from your phone and reconnect with friends & family. Use as a tool to build better screen habits, reduce consumption of snacks & cravings; build better willpower leading to a happier, healthier mind & body
- 🔒 HOW TO USE IT – Out of Sight ~ Out of Mind. Set countdown timer and select Commitment Level. 3 unique modes allow users to select ‘Commitment Level’ ranging from simple lockbox (no timed countdown), Standard Mode (Timed Countdown w/ unlock code) & Patent Pending Fortress Mode (Timed Countdown w/ NO unlock code). Timer can be set from 1 minute up to 30 days. (Fortress Mode Override Code can be provided in emergency by emailing customer support)
- 🔒 WHO ITS FOR – Those who spend too much time on their phones, screens, social media & other unhealthy habits and want to improve their mental and physical health by living in the moment and reducing consumption. Additionally, works for securely storing medication, ensuring it is taken as scheduled and in accordance with daily requirements
- 🔒 WHERE & WHEN TO USE IT – fits perfectly on kitchen counter, bedside table, home office or even in the classroom & workplace. Set limits on screen time and practice when kids get home from school, family dinner time, lazy Sunday morning’s or during night time wind down (no more doom scrolling)
- 🔒 FEATURES & SIZE – Exterior Size: "9 x 5 x 4" | Holds 3–4 phones (depending on thickness; no iPads) | Fits small items like controllers, snacks, cards & medication | Custom-designed safe-lock system prevents forced openings | Includes 2 AA batteries (6-month battery life) | Charging slot allows devices to stay plugged in while locked
For lower-cost physical hardware
A generic NFC tag or sticker may substitute for a branded tag only as part of a compatible app setup. Tom’s Guide describes using generic NFC tags with Foqos. Buying a tag without confirming that the app and phone support the intended workflow can leave you with hardware that does nothing useful.
Questions to check before switching
- Physical separation or digital friction: Decide whether you want to retrieve a physical key to restore access or whether an app-based barrier is enough. These approaches interrupt the habit in different ways.
- Total cost: Include the tag or device and any required recurring subscription. Unpluq’s Tag listing states that Premium is required for Tag use; its free tier is described as limited.
- Phone and OS support: Check the specific iPhone or Android requirements on the product page and in the current app listing. The Unpluq Tag page specifies iOS 16+ and Android devices; Foqos describes iPhone support.
- Blocking controls: Confirm that the app can select the apps you want to restrict and schedule sessions in a way that matches your routine. Unpluq’s listing describes both scheduling and app selection.
- Exceptions and recovery: Before relying on a physical key, understand what happens if it is lost or you need urgent access. Unpluq’s FAQ covers lost-tag handling; check the chosen tool’s own recovery and override rules.
- Website blocking: If your goal includes websites rather than apps, check exactly what the tool blocks. Unpluq’s FAQ addresses website-blocking limitations, so do not assume app blocking automatically covers websites.
What these alternatives can—and cannot—promise
Physical keys add a deliberate step between impulse and access; app-only blockers rely on software friction instead. The sources cited here describe product mechanisms, not independent measurements proving that one option reduces screen time more effectively than another. Choose according to the barrier you are most likely to keep using, then verify current availability, subscription terms, and platform requirements before purchase or setup.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 4
Rank #4
Vaydeer Metal Phone Lock Box with Timer, 99-Hour Lock
- Focus Made Easier – This VAYDEER phone lock box with timer helps reduce screen distractions during study, work, bedtime, family time, or daily routines. Set the timer up to 99 hours 59 minutes and keep your phone out of easy reach while the reserved center slot helps you stay reachable for important calls.
- Stronger Metal Build – Built with a metal exterior, this timed cell phone lock box offers a sturdier feel than common plastic-style boxes, helping support daily self-control routines without relying only on willpower. The 10-second delay gives you a short moment to cancel before locking.
- Use It Anywhere – Great for home, school, office, dorm, bedside, study rooms, or family spaces, this phone locker helps kids, students, and adults build clearer screen time boundaries. The hollow slot design allows basic access for urgent calls, so you can take a digital break without feeling fully disconnected.
- Fits Many Phones – With an inner space of 6.71 × 3.40 × 0.68 inch, making it a versatile solution for safeguarding a wide range of cellphones, from compact models to larger devices, uch as iPhone Max series, Samsung Ultra series, Motorola, Huawei, etc. Please check your phone and case size before ordering, especially if using a thick protective case, wallet case, or large camera cover.
- Daily Peace of Mind – With up to 30 days of standby time, an emergency unlock option, child lock button, and timed locking design, this self control box adds practical flexibility for parents, students, and adults who want calmer phone habits during homework, reading, meals, sleep routines, and focused work.
Rank #3
ySky Phone Lock Box with Timer,Phone Access Blocker Device for Cell Phones, Limits Smartphone Access, Reduces Screen Time & Improves Focus,Timed Jail Locker to Help Kids,Students, Adults Focus Back
- 【Fit for Most smartphones with Cased】:The internal size of phone lock box is about 18.3 * 8.7 * 1.5cm (7.2 * 3.4 * 0.59inch), Compatible with i-Phone 17 Series/16 /16Pro/16Plus/16Pro Max/15 /15Pro/15Plus/15Pro Max/14/14Pro/13Pro/13 /12 Pro Max /12/11/X/XR/XS/8 Serials, Sum-Sung, Hua-wei etc.(Cautions: some folding phones or with thick phone case not support.)
- 【Two Locking Ways Optional 】: 1.Phone's Screen Face to You when locked,You can Use Phones except Games by the small holes on the lid .2.Phone's back Cover Face to You,Only Emergency Calling can use by Earphone Siri or Small Holes on the Transparent lid to answer/hang up the calling.(Please Note: for kids using ,better put phone's screen down so that they can not touch the screen,otherwise they still can use the phone by the small holes on the lid of the phone jail locker box )
- 【TAKE CONTROL OF SCREEN TIME & BUILD BETTER HABITS】:ySky Phone Access Blocker Device for Cell Phones Easy-Carrying ,Lightweight Phone lock box , Make good Habit for Kids,Students,Adults. More respect and Love from ySky timed phone lock box ,Make their Focus Back.Lock your phone away to reduce distractions, improve focus, and take back your time. Perfect for office use, studying at school, or use to engage with friends & family while setting healthy boundaries with your screen usage.
- 【30 days long working Time with Auto-Timer】: Max working time reach up 30days once full charge. Max setting Time is 99hrs and 59mins ,Super standby time over 90 days.ySky Phone jail lock box with timer can make you reduce screen time, focus on work, study and life, effectively multiply your time.Compact and secure, it's easy to bring anywhere—whether to work, home, car (prevents distracted driving) or on the go—offering peace of mind and total focus.
- 【Emergency Calling Support when locked】:You can Use Earphone , Siri or Small Holes on the Transparent Cover Once important Calling Coming.There is reserved power on the motherboard of phone lock box, so It will unlock when time is up even battery runs out.
Rank #2
Mindsight Timed Lock Box | Unplug from Phones, Video Games, Social Media, Snacks & Cravings | 3 Modes based on Willpower | Easy to Use | Out of Sight ~ Out of Mind | Boost Your Mental Wellness
- 🔒 WHAT ITS FOR – Building better habits in today’s busy world. The Mindsight Timed Lockbox helps you disconnect from your phone and reconnect with friends & family. Use as a tool to build better screen habits, reduce consumption of snacks & cravings; build better willpower leading to a happier, healthier mind & body
- 🔒 HOW TO USE IT – Out of Sight ~ Out of Mind. Set countdown timer and select Commitment Level. 3 unique modes allow users to select ‘Commitment Level’ ranging from simple lockbox (no timed countdown), Standard Mode (Timed Countdown w/ unlock code) & Patent Pending Fortress Mode (Timed Countdown w/ NO unlock code). Timer can be set from 1 minute up to 30 days. (Fortress Mode Override Code can be provided in emergency by emailing customer support)
- 🔒 WHO ITS FOR – Those who spend too much time on their phones, screens, social media & other unhealthy habits and want to improve their mental and physical health by living in the moment and reducing consumption. Additionally, works for securely storing medication, ensuring it is taken as scheduled and in accordance with daily requirements
- 🔒 WHERE & WHEN TO USE IT – fits perfectly on kitchen counter, bedside table, home office or even in the classroom & workplace. Set limits on screen time and practice when kids get home from school, family dinner time, lazy Sunday morning’s or during night time wind down (no more doom scrolling)
- 🔒 FEATURES & SIZE – Exterior Size: 9" x 5" x 4" | Holds 3–4 phones (depending on thickness; no iPads) | Fits small items like controllers, snacks, cards & medication | Custom-designed safe-lock system prevents forced openings | Includes 2 AA batteries (approx. 6-month battery life) | Charging access slot allows users to run their own charging cable through the base so devices can charge while locked (charging cable not included)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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