Compare
PeerPause vs Brick
Brick puts physical distance between you and your apps, and that works. PeerPause puts a person there instead, so it works wherever the Brick isn’t.
We make PeerPause, so weigh this accordingly. Prices and features checked ; see Brick’s own page for the latest.
The short answer
Pick Brick if…
- You like a ritual: tap to start, tap to stop.
- You can leave the device at home or in another room.
- You’d rather pay once than subscribe.
- You use Android as well as iPhone.
Pick PeerPause if…
- The Brick would end up on your desk, two steps away.
- You want a daily allowance per app, not all on or all off.
- You want someone to say “sure, 15 minutes” from across town.
Side by side
| Brick | PeerPause | |
|---|---|---|
| How it stops you | Tap your phone on the device to block chosen apps; tap again to unblock | A daily limit or schedule that locks the app, with no Ignore button |
| When you want more time | Get to the Brick, or use one of five emergency unbricks | Ask your Time Buddy for 15 minutes to an hour, with a note |
| Who decides | Whoever can reach the Brick | Your Time Buddy, a friend you choose. Changing or removing a limit needs their OK too |
| Works on | iPhone and Android, with the device | iPhone |
| Price | $59 for the device | Free to be a Time Buddy; Pro subscription to limit your own apps |
Prices are US App Store or official-site prices as of October 2026.
Where Brick is ahead
Physical distance is hard to argue with
Leave the Brick at home and your apps stay blocked while you’re out. There’s nothing to talk yourself past and nobody to ask. It works with iPhone and Android.
One price, no subscription
Brick is a one-time $59 device. If you dislike subscriptions, that’s a real advantage.
Where PeerPause is different
It works wherever the Brick isn’t
A Brick is only as strong as where you leave it, and the app gives you five emergency unbricks. With PeerPause there’s nothing to walk to: your limit holds in bed, on the train and at your desk.
Getting past the limit means asking a person
When you hit your limit there’s nothing to tap through. You send your Time Buddy a request for 15 minutes to an hour, with a note if you like, and they accept or deny it from wherever they are. Typing “just one more reel” to a real person is often enough to make you put the phone down.
You can’t quietly undo it at 1am
Changing or removing a limit needs your buddy’s OK as well, so the tired version of you can’t overrule the calm one. Your buddy sees only the app name, the time you asked for and your note: never your messages, photos or what you do inside an app.
The trade-off: it needs a friend who replies
PeerPause only works as well as your Time Buddy. If they never answer, you wait; if they say yes to everything, the limit means nothing. Pick someone who will reply and who will say no when you don’t have a good reason. Being a buddy costs nothing; limiting your own apps needs PeerPause Pro.
Questions people ask
Is PeerPause a good Brick alternative?
If you want something that doesn’t depend on where a device is, yes: a PeerPause limit holds anywhere, and only your Time Buddy can give you more time. If you like a physical ritual and can keep the Brick out of reach, Brick works well.
Can you get around Brick?
Brick gives you five emergency unbricks in its app, and the device only works as a lock if it’s out of reach. Otherwise you have to get to the Brick to unblock your apps.
Is there an app like Brick without the device?
PeerPause is one option: instead of a device you have to reach, a friend you choose has to approve more time.
How much does PeerPause cost?
Being someone’s Time Buddy is always free. Setting limits on your own apps needs PeerPause Pro, a subscription through the App Store. The app shows the price for your country before you subscribe.
Friends keep you off your phone
PeerPause locks your apps. Only your Time Buddy can give you more time.