Brick, Unpluq or Lock-IN: Which Physical App Blocker Should You Choose?
Blocking apps all share the same flaw: the "turn off" button is right there under your thumb. That's exactly why physical app blockers are gaining ground: a real-world object you have to scan with your phone to unlock your apps. Three names dominate the market: Brick (United States), Unpluq (Netherlands) and Lock-IN (France). Here's an honest comparison — and let's be upfront: Lock-IN is us. But the facts are verifiable, and we'll help you choose even if you don't pick us.
Why a physical blocker instead of just an app?
Screen Time on iPhone, Digital Wellbeing on Android, Forest, Opal… all of these tools rely on your willpower at the exact moment it's at its weakest. One notification, one moment of boredom, and you switch the limit off "just this once."
A physical blocker moves the barrier into the real world: to unlock your apps, you have to bring your phone close to the object (NFC technology). If the box is in another room, left at home while you're in class, or sitting in a drawer at the office, giving in to the impulse becomes physically impossible. It's no longer a matter of willpower — it's real friction. See how it works in detail.
Brick: the American pioneer
The idea: a small magnetic box you stick somewhere at home. You pick the apps to block in the Brick app, scan the box, and they disappear until the next scan.
Strengths: a proven product, a polished app, a big community across the Atlantic.
Weaknesses: expect around 60–70 € once the box has shipped from the United States (price, exchange rate and possible import fees vary), longer delivery times, and an app and support available in English only.
Unpluq: the Dutch tag with a subscription
The idea: an NFC tag you keep on you. Until you scan the tag, your distracting apps stay out of reach.
Strengths: a handy keychain format, a well-crafted app, a European company.
Weaknesses: the business model. Unpluq runs on a subscription: the cost stacks up year after year, and your blocking depends on keeping that subscription going.
Lock-IN: the French alternative, subscription-free
The idea: the same irreversible NFC blocking, made in France. You start a focus session with a single tap in the free app; to turn it off, you have to physically bring your phone close to the box.
What sets us apart:
- 39 € once and for all — no subscription, ever;
- 3D-printed and assembled in France, in Saint-Étienne;
- Free app in French, iOS and Android;
- You keep calls, texts and GPS — only the distractions get blocked;
- A parental mode to set healthy limits on a teen's phone;
- No battery, nothing to recharge;
- Free pickup-point delivery and a 14-day money-back guarantee.
It also comes as a 19 € keychain version to take with you everywhere, and in Duo and Family Packs.
Comparison table
| Brick | Unpluq | Lock-IN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indicative price* | ≈ 60–70 € | Tag + subscription | 39 € |
| Subscription | No | Yes | No |
| Made in | United States / Asia | Netherlands | France (Saint-Étienne) |
| App in French | No | Partial | Yes |
| Battery to recharge | No | No | No |
| Calls / GPS still work | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | Depends on retailer | Depends on plan | 14 days |
* Prices observed at time of publication, subject to change. Check the official websites.
Which one should you choose?
If you live in the United States and English is no problem for you, Brick is a safe bet. If the subscription model works for you, Unpluq holds its own. If you want to pay once, get fast delivery in France, use an app in French and support local manufacturing, Lock-IN is made for you — and if it's not for you, you get your money back within 14 days.
Want to dig deeper before deciding? Also read: why Screen Time isn't enough and how to stop scrolling.