Tap Out vs Brick: Which Physical Phone Blocker Is Right for You?

Tap Out vs Brick: Which Physical Phone Blocker Is Right for You?
If you've tried screen-time apps but still find yourself opening distracting apps, Tap Out and Brick take a different approach.
Instead of relying only on software, both products introduce a physical barrier between you and your phone.
Choose what you want to block → activate the mode → put the physical device somewhere else → go back to the device when you want to unlock.

Tap Out vs Brick at a Glance
Feature Tap Out Brick
Physical device ✅ ✅
iPhone & Android ✅ ✅
Block apps & websites ✅ ✅
Custom modes ✅ ✅
Scheduling ✅ ✅
No subscription ✅ ✅
Battery required ❌ ❌
Multiple phones ✅ ✅
Emergency access ✅ ✅
Analytics — ✅
Price €47.95 $59
Money-back guarantee 60 days 30 days
🟤 Tap Out
Tap Out combines a small physical device with a companion app.
Choose the apps or websites you want to limit, create a mode or schedule, and tap your phone against the Tap Out Point. Once activated, your selected apps are blocked.
Want access again? You have to physically return to the Tap Out Point.
Key Features
  • Custom modes & schedules
  • Streaks & achievements
  • Challenges with friends
  • Shareable with family and friends
  • Magnetic design
  • No charging required
  • iPhone & Android support
Price: €47.95
→ Explore Tap Out
⚫ Brick
Brick uses the same basic concept: make distracting apps harder to access by introducing a physical device.
Create different modes for Work, Study, Sleep, Family Time or other situations, then use your Brick to activate them.
Brick also focuses heavily on customization and usage tracking.
Key Features
  • Custom modes
  • Analytics & tracking
  • Strict Mode
  • Emergency Unbricks
  • No battery or charging
  • Multiple phone support
  • iPhone & Android support
Price: $59
→ Explore Brick
The Main Difference
Both products are built around the same simple idea:
Make distracting apps physically harder to access.
But their emphasis is slightly different.
Tap Out
Focuses more on habits and shared experiences.
It includes features such as streaks, achievements, challenges and sharing a device with other people.
Brick
Focuses more on control and tracking.
It offers custom modes, analytics, Strict Mode and emergency access options.
Which One Fits Your Routine?
Choose Tap Out if you want:
Simple physical screen-time control
Habit-building features
Streaks & challenges
A device you can share
A longer 60-day money-back period
Choose Brick if you want:
Detailed custom modes
Usage analytics
Strict Mode
Emergency Unbricks
A physical device for multiple phones
Why Physical Phone Blockers Are Interesting
The biggest difference between these products and a normal screen-time app is physical friction.
Instead of simply telling yourself:
"I shouldn't open TikTok."
You create another step:
"If I want to open TikTok, I have to physically get the device."
That small amount of friction can turn an automatic action into a conscious decision.
And that's the core idea behind both Tap Out and Brick.
🧱 Try Brick
If you want to try a physical approach to reducing screen time:
Get Brick →
Affiliate disclosure: This is an affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you.
🟤 Explore Tap Out
Want to compare the other approach?
Visit Tap Out Club →
Quick Verdict
There isn't one solution that fits everyone.
Tap Out leans toward habit-building, simplicity and shared use, while Brick puts more emphasis on customization, control and analytics.
Both are built around the same interesting principle:
Sometimes the best way to control your digital habits is to add something physical to the equation.