# Brick vs Recode

The clearest difference is rating: Brick at 4.9 against Recode's 4.2. Brick also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (57K vs 5). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Recode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Brick asks for nothing beyond the download.

Brick holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Brick has 57K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of Brick's written reviews are positive against 67% of Recode's.

Brick ships an update every 5 days, Recode weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Brick | Recode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (57K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brick-ditch-distractions/id6448794069/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **57K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **78.3% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | **#85** | — |
| Size | 49 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brick LLC (Wisconsin)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1686383161) | [Alexander Hartigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839013984) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Recode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978)

This app helps you regain focus by physically preventing access to distracting applications. It requires scanning a QR or barcode to unlock apps, creating friction that discourages reflex checking and promotes productivity.

**Highlights:** Physical app blocking via QR/barcode scan, Accountability through intentional unlocking, Reduces reflex app checking, Promotes focus and productivity, Customizable app blocking schedules

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Brick free?

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

### Is Recode free?

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

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

Brick is rated higher. Brick averages 4.9 out of 5 from 57K ratings, while Recode averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Brick or Recode have ads?

Neither Brick nor Recode shows ads.

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

Brick ships an update every 5 days, and Recode weekly. Most recently, Brick was updated on October 14, 2026 and Recode on October 5, 2026.

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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.*