# Brick vs Bloom

The clearest difference is monetization model: Bloom at free against Brick's paid. Brick's advantage is ratings volume (55K vs 2.4K) and update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Brick against 4.8 for Bloom. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Brick has 55K ratings behind it against 2.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 78% of Brick's written reviews are positive against 66% of Bloom's.

Brick ships an update every 5 days, Bloom fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Brick | Bloom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (55K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brick-ditch-distractions/id6448794069/reviews)** | [4.8 (2.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **55K** | 2.4K |
| Positive reviews | **78.4% of reviews** | 66.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#99** | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 67 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brick LLC (Wisconsin)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1686383161) | [Find Your Bloom LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773221809) |

## What reviewers say

### Brick

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

**Currently charting:** #99 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


### Bloom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158)

This app helps you conquer screen time by requiring you to tap an NFC keycard to your phone to access distracting apps. Set schedules, manage breaks, and utilize strict mode to stay focused. It's a physical solution for digital detox and improved productivity.

**Highlights:** NFC keycard app blocking, Customizable distraction lists, Focus schedules, Break limits, Strict mode, Emergency exits

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps reduce screen time
- 👍 Effective at improving productivity
- 💡 Unique physical card concept
- 🔒 Prevents access to distracting apps
- 👍 Gamified approach is motivating

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with crashes and settings issues
- 💡 Could use more flexible session scheduling

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when selecting apps for blocklist
- Settings fail to save consistently

**Requested features**

- More flexible session scheduling options
- Thinner, more discreet physical card


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Brick free?

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

### Is Bloom free?

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

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

Brick is rated higher. Brick averages 4.9 out of 5 from 55K ratings, while Bloom averages 4.8 from 2.4K ratings.

### Do Brick or Bloom have ads?

Neither Brick nor Bloom shows ads.

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

Brick ships an update every 5 days, and Bloom fortnightly. Most recently, Brick was updated on September 25, 2026 and Bloom on September 24, 2026.

---

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