HanDBase Database Manager vs Brick
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
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.
- Temporarily remove distracting apps
- Block notifications
- Customize unblocked apps
- Track usage history
- NFC hardware integration
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | HanDBase Database Manager | Brick |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.8 (99 ratings) | 4.9 (57K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | 78.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 99 | 57K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #86 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 49 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | DDH Software, LLC | Brick LLC (Wisconsin) |
Customer experience
HanDBase Database Manager
Brick
User reviews
HanDBase Database Manager
From 99 App Store ratingsWhat 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 ratingsWhat 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
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- 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
HanDBase Database Manager
- HanDBase Forms Designer for iPhone$4.99
Brick
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is HanDBase Database Manager free?
Is Brick free?
Which has better reviews, HanDBase Database Manager or Brick?
Do HanDBase Database Manager or Brick have ads?
Which is updated more often, HanDBase Database Manager or Brick?
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