Alternatives · Focus
Brick alternatives
Brick compared with 6 alternatives: Unpluq, Foqos, ScreenZen, Opal, one sec and 1 more.
Brick is a paid product, starting at $59 one-time purchase (device; the app is free). 5 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| BrickThis tool | From $59 one-time | No | iOS, Android |
| Unpluq | Free plan · from $6.99/mo | Yes | iOS, Android |
| Foqos | Free | Free | macOS, iOS |
| ScreenZen | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Opal | Free plan · from $8.29/mo | Yes | macOS, iOS, Android |
| one sec | Free plan · from $3.99/mo | Yes | macOS, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Bloom | From $39 one-time | No | iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Brick
- Free plan · from $6.99/mo
Unpluq
Phone app blocker with an optional NFC key fob
- Unpluq starts at $6.99 / month, or $59.99 / year (US App Store). Brick starts at $59 one-time purchase (device; the app is free).
- Unpluq has a free plan. Brick does not.
- Brick can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Unpluq also covers time tracking.
Suits: People who want a physical step between themselves and social apps
- Free
Foqos
Free open-source iPhone app blocker using NFC tags or QR codes
- Foqos is free. Brick starts at $59 one-time purchase (device; the app is free).
- Foqos has a free plan. Brick does not.
- Only Foqos lists a macOS app.
- Only Brick lists an Android app.
- Foqos is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: iPhone users who want a free alternative to hardware app blockers
- Free
ScreenZen
Free app that delays and blocks distracting apps and sites
- ScreenZen is free. Brick starts at $59 one-time purchase (device; the app is free).
- ScreenZen has a free plan. Brick does not.
- Only ScreenZen lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Brick can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- ScreenZen also covers time tracking.
Suits: People who want a screen time blocker without paying a subscription
- Free plan · from $8.29/mo
Opal
Screen time app that blocks distracting apps on phone and Mac
- Opal starts at $8.29 / month, billed annually ($99.99). Brick starts at $59 one-time purchase (device; the app is free).
- Opal has a free plan. Brick does not.
- Only Opal lists a macOS app.
- Opal also covers focus music.
Suits: Phone users who want distracting apps blocked automatically by rule
- Free plan · from $3.99/mo
one sec
Screen time app that adds a pause before distracting apps open
- one sec starts at $3.99 / month, or $19.99 / year (US web store price). Brick starts at $59 one-time purchase (device; the app is free).
- one sec has a free plan. Brick does not.
- Only one sec lists a macOS app.
- Only one sec lists a browser extension.
Suits: People who want a pause before social apps rather than a hard block
- From $39 one-time
Bloom
Metal NFC keycard you tap to lock distracting phone apps
- Bloom starts at $39 one-time purchase (card; the app has no subscription). Brick starts at $59 one-time purchase (device; the app is free).
Suits: People who keep dismissing software-only screen time limits
Limits worth knowing in Brick
- Unblocking needs the physical Brick; if it is lost, the app offers five Emergency Unbricks and more only on request.
- On iPhone it blocks any app except Phone, but only selected Safari sites from Apple's approved list.
- It needs iOS 17.0 or later or Android 12.0 or later; the App Store lists the app for iPhone only, and no desktop version is offered.
- Cases at $39 and the Brick Mount at $15 are sold separately from the $59 device.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Brick?
The alternatives to Brick in this directory are Unpluq, Foqos, ScreenZen, Opal, one sec and Bloom. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Brick.
Is there a free alternative to Brick?
Yes. Foqos and ScreenZen are free to use. Unpluq, Opal and one sec have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Brick alternatives work on Windows?
The Brick listing does not include a Windows app. ScreenZen lists one.
Which Brick alternatives work on macOS?
The Brick listing does not include a macOS app. Foqos, ScreenZen, Opal and one sec list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Brick?
Foqos is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
Keep reading
- +4Best of
The best focus apps in 2026
Eight focus apps that do four different jobs: block distractions, time your work, play music made for concentration or show where the hours went. Each pick says who it suits, what it costs and where it stops.
8 tools · Updated October 2026
