If you want a Brick alternative that doesn't depend on a physical device, Repscroll uses your body as the key instead. Brick blocks apps until you tap your phone on a small NFC device. Repscroll keeps your chosen apps locked until you earn screen time with exercise, counted and form-checked by your iPhone camera.
Both make it hard to get back into your apps on impulse. They just ask for different things. Here's how to choose.
What Brick Does Well
Brick is a small physical device with an NFC chip and no battery. According to Brick's website:
- How it works: pick the apps to block in the Brick app, tap your phone on the Brick to start a block, and tap again to end it
- Price: $59 for the Brick device, a one-time purchase. The app has no subscription.
- Emergency Unbricks: five, for when you can't get to your Brick
- Strict Mode: meant to stop you deleting the app or changing settings to unbrick
- Platforms: iPhone (iOS 18+) and Android (12+). One Brick can be used with several phones.
- Brick Night: an optional Bluetooth device that blocks apps in a room you choose, sold separately
The physical step is the clever part. If you leave your Brick in another room, unblocking means getting up and walking to it.
Why People Look for a Brick Alternative
1. The device is in the wrong place
The strength of Brick is that the key lives somewhere else. That's also the weak point. If you travel, leave it at the office or lose it, your options are the limited Emergency Unbricks or contacting support.
2. It's all or nothing
A tap blocks; a tap unblocks. Once you're unbricked, you're unbricked. Some people want a system where access is earned in small amounts.
3. The walk gets shorter
Lots of people start with the Brick across the house and end up keeping it next to their bed. Over time, the friction can shrink.
4. They want the friction to be useful
Walking to a drawer is friction. Twenty squats are friction that also does something for you.
How Repscroll Is Different
No device to carry or lose
Repscroll runs on your iPhone. Nothing to buy, pair, forget or travel with. The "key" is exercise, and you always have it with you.
You earn time in amounts
Instead of switching everything on or off, you earn minutes of access by doing reps: pushups, squats, situps, planks, pull-ups or jumping jacks. When the minutes run out, the apps lock again. See every exercise you can do with Repscroll.
Reps are checked
On-device machine learning counts reps and checks form. Half-reps don't count. Read how the AI counts reps.
Activity counts too
Steps, walks, runs, cycling and workouts from Apple Health can earn screen time. More in how Repscroll uses Apple Health.
Strict without a device
Hard Lock and PIN lock make it hard to turn Repscroll off on impulse, and there's an emergency option for real emergencies. See the Hard Lock and PIN lock guide.
Friends can join in
1v1 challenges, including Double or Nothing, add a social reason to stick with it.
Brick vs Repscroll: Comparison Table
| Feature | Brick | Repscroll |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59 one-time device; app has no subscription | Paid subscription |
| Platforms | iPhone (iOS 18+), Android (12+) | iPhone (iOS) |
| Hardware needed | Yes, the Brick NFC device | No, just your iPhone |
| How you unlock | Tap your phone on the Brick | Earn minutes with exercise |
| Access model | Blocked or unblocked | Minutes earned per session |
| Exercise | No | Pushups, squats, situps, planks, pull-ups, jumping jacks |
| Form checking | N/A | On-device ML; half-reps don't count |
| Emergency access | Five Emergency Unbricks | Emergency option |
| Social | Not a focus | 1v1 friend challenges, incl. Double or Nothing |
Who Should Stay With Brick
Brick is the better fit if you:
- Want to pay once and be done. Brick is a one-time device purchase with no subscription. Repscroll is a paid subscription.
- Use Android, or share one device across several phones in a household
- Want a complete break, not earned minutes. Brick is great for long blocks, like evenings or weekends.
- Like a physical ritual, such as leaving your phone's "key" at the door
- Can't exercise to unlock because of an injury or health condition
Who Should Switch to Repscroll
Repscroll is the better fit if you:
- Travel a lot or keep forgetting where the Brick is
- Moved the Brick closer and closer until it stopped working
- Want small, earned amounts of scrolling instead of all or nothing
- Want to exercise more
- Don't want another gadget
Other Brick Alternatives
- Opal offers strict, scheduled blocks with no hardware, and covers Mac too. See our Opal alternative guide.
- ScreenZen has strict blocking options and no subscription. See our ScreenZen alternative guide.
Using Brick and Repscroll Together
They don't have to compete. Some people use Brick for a full block at night or during deep work, and Repscroll during the day so any scrolling they do is earned. If you go that way, avoid locking the same app in both at the same time so the rules stay clear.
What the First Week Feels Like
Expect the first few days to feel stricter than Brick. With Brick, one tap gave you everything back. With Repscroll, every session is earned, so you'll notice how often you reach for your phone. Start with a goal you can hit even on a tired day, and raise it once the routine sticks. If you're short on time, a quick set of squats or a plank is usually the fastest way to earn a few minutes. Keep the emergency option for real emergencies, not bad moods, so it stays meaningful.
FAQ
Do I need to buy anything besides the app?
No. Repscroll only needs your iPhone. It's a paid subscription with no free tier and no free trial.
Is Repscroll cheaper than Brick?
It depends on how long you use it. Brick is a one-time $59 device with no subscription. Repscroll is an ongoing subscription. If cost over the long term is your main concern, Brick may come out cheaper.
What happens in an emergency?
Repscroll has an emergency option for situations that can't wait. Brick gives you five Emergency Unbricks.
Is Repscroll on Android?
No. Repscroll is an iPhone (iOS) app. Brick works on both iPhone and Android.
The Bottom Line
Brick is a smart idea and a great choice for long, total blocks, especially if you want to pay once. If you'd rather not depend on a device, and want every bit of scrolling to be earned, Repscroll turns the key into a set of reps.
Your body is the key. Get Repscroll.