# ScreenZen vs Brick

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Brick at none against ScreenZen's 4. Brick also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). ScreenZen's advantage is review sentiment (93% vs 78%) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Brick asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for ScreenZen against 4.9 for Brick. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 52K and 58K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 93% of ScreenZen's written reviews are positive against 78% of Brick's.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Brick every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Brick |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (52K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews) | **[4.9 (58K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brick-ditch-distractions/id6448794069/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 52K | **58K** |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 78.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #146 | **#85** |
| Size | 159 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Brick LLC (Wisconsin)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1686383161) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222)

**Currently charting:** #146 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app offers multiple strategies to help you reduce screen time and control app usage. Features include delayed app opening, timed scrolling interruptions, and customizable app limits. It also provides options for strict blocking, settings protection, and encourages mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Delayed app opening, Scrolling interruption, Set app goals and limits, Configurable daily schedules, Strict app blocking, Screen time tracking for distracting apps, Settings protection locks

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kind Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $20.00 | one-time |
| Fantastic Tip | $40.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Completely reversed my scrolling addiction
- 🚀 Helps manage screen time
- 👍 Excellent app, easy to use
- 👍 Genuinely the best screentime app out there
- 👍 Effective in avoiding doom scrolling

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy, sometimes doesn't unlock apps
- 🐛 Notifications can't break through
- 🐛 Inconsistent UI across devices

**Reported bugs**

- Unlock button not working as expected
- App stops working after some time
- Compatibility issues with iOS 16 update

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Integrate with productivity/to-do apps
- Add more pause/break options
- Improve website blocking functionality


### Brick

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brick-ditch-distractions/id6448794069)

**Currently charting:** #85 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps you regain focus by temporarily removing distracting applications and notifications from your phone. It uses NFC hardware to create distraction-free periods, allowing you to concentrate on important tasks or activities. Reconnect with your apps by simply tapping your device again.

**Highlights:** Temporarily remove distracting apps, Block notifications, Customize unblocked apps, Track usage history, NFC hardware integration

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great concept
- 🚀 Helps reclaim time and attention
- 🔒 Physical barrier prevents mindless usage
- 💡 Customizable blocking/allowing modes
- 🚀 Improves productivity and focus

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes
- 🐛 Unreliable app functionality
- 🐛 Inconsistent app behavior after updates
- 🐛 Difficulty setting up and configuring
- 🐛 Limited number of apps that can be allowed

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when selecting apps to block/allow
- Saved settings get deleted or reset unexpectedly
- Inability to block certain apps like Safari
- Bricked mode not working as expected after phone restart

**Requested features**

- Scheduled bricking/unbricking modes
- Remote bricking option
- Ability to block more than 50 apps
- Improved app stability and reliability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScreenZen free?

ScreenZen is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Brick free?

Brick is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ScreenZen or Brick?

Brick is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 52K ratings, while Brick averages 4.9 from 58K ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Brick have ads?

Neither ScreenZen nor Brick shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScreenZen or Brick?

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Brick every 5 days. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on October 21, 2026 and Brick on October 21, 2026.

### Which is more popular, ScreenZen or Brick?

ScreenZen currently peaks at #146 in the App Store charts, and Brick at #85. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*