Comparison

HanDBase Database Manager vs Brick

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

HanDBase Database Manager

This is a powerful relational database manager for mobile devices. It allows users to create and edit custom databases with various field types, relational linking, and advanced sorting and filtering options. It supports photos, camera, GPS, and barcode scanning, with an optional custom forms designer.

Highlights
  • Create and edit databases on mobile
  • 19 different field types
  • Relational database linking
  • Sorting, filtering, and custom views
  • Field-level encryption
  • Desktop Connect for import/export
  • Support for photos, camera, GPS, barcode scanning
Features
Read full description

Powerful relational database manager for mobile devices. Track anything! Shopping Lists,DVD Collections,Passwords,Prayer Lists,To Dos,Workouts,Recipes,Checkbook,Weight Loss,Auto Mileage Inventory,Surveys,Directories,Time/Billing CRM,Deliveries,Estimates Patient Lists,Billing Codes,Charge Capture Create and Edit Databases right on your iPhone 19 different field types Relational- link between different database tables Sorting,Filtering, and Customized Views Field level Encryption Desktop Connect- connect via web browser and load/save databases, import/export Integration w/ HanDBase Gallery-download over 2000 templates Support for photos/camera/gps/barcode scanning Custom Forms Designer available via in-app Purchase "HanDBase for iPhone is a very powerful and customizable database. There's really no competition to HanDBase, and given their long history and track record in the handheld world, HanDBase will be adopted quickly in businesses where custom databases are needed. At [Price], this app is a bargain." TUAW.com review "If you’re sick of buying [...] iPhone/Touch applications that don’t live up to their hype – then you should look at HanDBase" GearDiary.com review We are a world leader in the mobile database space and have compatible solutions (sold separately) for desktops, synchronization to programs like Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Filemaker, and most ODBC enabled apps. See our web site for more details and options. Please Note: The HanDBase database format does not support Unicode, so while English and most European languages are supported, other languages are not.

About

Brick

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
Currently charting
Read full description

Brick is the world's first digital wellness tool designed to turn smartphones back into tools, helping people take back control of their time, attention, and technology. A small tool paired with a powerful app that temporarily removes distracting apps and their notifications from your iPhone, leaving only what you choose. In a world designed for constant distraction, Brick introduces a simple but powerful idea: friction. By requiring a physical tap to enable or disable distracting apps, Brick creates a deliberate pause between impulse and action - turning smartphones back into tools for what matters. HOW IT WORKS Choose which apps or websites to block: social media, games, news, streaming, or anything distracting Tap your iPhone to Brick to activate your chosen mode A focus timer starts automatically, tracking your distraction-free time Place Brick somewhere out of reach and go live your life When you're ready, tap again to regain access Not nearby? Activate Brick remotely in the app. You'll still need the physical Brick to unblock, keeping the commitment real. FEATURES Block any iPhone app (except the dialer, per Apple policy) and select Safari websites Create custom modes for different parts of your day: Work, Family, Sleep, Gym, Study, Focus, and more A built-in focus timer tracks how long you stay undistracted Strict Mode closes loopholes, preventing workarounds while you're in a session 5 Emergency Unbricks included for unexpected situations Usage history tracks your progress so you can see how your habits improve over time. No subscriptions and no monthly fees. Buy once, use forever DESIGNED FOR EVERY PART OF YOUR LIFE Parents use Brick to create device-free family time and build healthier habits around technology. Students rely on it during study sessions and exam prep when focus matters most. Professionals use it for deep work without the constant pull of notifications. Athletes keep it in the locker room to stay locked in before competition. Brick is also a thoughtful gift for anyone trying to build a healthier relationship with their screen habits, reduce anxiety from constant notifications, or simply spend less time scrolling and more time living. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING Featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Economist, Fortune, Vogue, TechCrunch, CNET, Fast Company, The Washington Post, Business Insider, and The New Yorker. With over 35,000 five-star reviews, people describe Brick as the thing that finally helped them break free from screen addiction. Join a growing community choosing to take back their time and reclaim hours lost to technology. HSA & FSA ELIGIBLE Brick qualifies as an HSA and FSA eligible purchase through our partnership with Truemed. Use pre-tax health savings to invest in your digital wellness and mental health. WHAT'S INCLUDED Your purchase includes the physical Brick and full lifetime access to the companion app. No subscriptions. No hidden fees. No ads. Brick helps you take back your time, turn your phone back into a tool, and use technology the way it should be: with intention.

Screenshots

HanDBase Database Manager4 screens
Brick4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Brick at Free against HanDBase Database Manager's $9.99. Brick also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). HanDBase Database Manager's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Brick is free to download; HanDBase Database Manager costs $9.99 up front. HanDBase Database Manager sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Brick asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Brick holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Brick has 57K ratings behind it against 99, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of HanDBase Database Manager's written reviews are positive against 78% of Brick's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HanDBase Database Manager ships an update every 3 months, Brick every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
HanDBase Database Manager versus Brick: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHanDBase Database ManagerBrick
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (99 ratings)4.9 (57K ratings) — better
Positive reviews60.0% of reviews78.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings9957K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#86 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDDH Software, LLCBrick LLC (Wisconsin)

Customer experience

HanDBase Database Manager

All ratings99 ratings
Positive68.7%
Neutral8.1%
Negative23.2%
Written reviews395 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral15.4%
Negative24.6%

Brick

All ratings57,214 ratings
Positive99.1%
Neutral0.4%
Negative0.5%
Written reviews2,174 reviews
Positive78.2%
Neutral6.8%
Negative14.9%

User reviews

HanDBase Database Manager

From 99 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Excellent database app
  • 🚀 Fast and efficient
  • 💡 Highly customizable
  • 👍 Powerful relational features
  • 👍 Flexible and versatile

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes frequently
  • 🐛 Buggy and unstable
  • 🐛 Issues with data loss
  • 🐛 Syncing problems
  • 🐛 Awkward user interface

Brick

From 57K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

  • 🐛 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

Bugs and requests

HanDBase Database Manager

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes when using password-protected databases
  • Issues with field order and layout being lost
  • Problems with data entry and saving records
  • Incompatibility with newer iOS versions

Requested features

6 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Improved forms and UI customization
  • Better integration with iPhone features (contacts, calendar, etc.)
  • Enhanced reporting and export options
  • Ability to create databases as standalone apps
Show 1 more
  • Improved support for larger databases

Brick

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • 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

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

In-app purchases

1 purchases

HanDBase Database Manager

One-time1
  • HanDBase Forms Designer for iPhone$4.99
None

Brick

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HanDBase Database Manager free?
HanDBase Database Manager costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Brick free?
Brick is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, HanDBase Database Manager or Brick?
Brick is rated higher. HanDBase Database Manager averages 3.8 out of 5 from 99 ratings, while Brick averages 4.9 from 57K ratings.
Do HanDBase Database Manager or Brick have ads?
Neither HanDBase Database Manager nor Brick shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HanDBase Database Manager or Brick?
HanDBase Database Manager ships an update every 3 months, and Brick every 5 days. Most recently, HanDBase Database Manager was updated on October 15, 2026 and Brick on October 16, 2026.

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