Screen Time Devices Compared: Apptoken vs Brick vs Bloom vs Blok (2025)
An honest comparison of NFC-based screen time devices. I'll explain how each works, actual pricing, and the key differences—including what makes Apptoken stricter than the alternatives.
Key takeaways
- Keep your token in a consistent spot—on your keys, in a specific drawer, or on a hook by the door.
- Brick's 5 emergency unblocks are useful if you genuinely misplace the device.
- At $100-130/year, Unpluq costs more than any competitor's one-time purchase within the first year.
- Price: €29.90 + €15 shipping for one token, or €54.90 for two tokens with free shipping
- No subscription—one-time purchase with lifetime app access
Disclosure: I built Apptoken
I founded Apptoken, so take this comparison with that context. I'll be as accurate as I can about how each product works, their actual pricing, and their trade-offs. I researched each competitor's current offerings as of late 2025.
All of these products use the same core approach: NFC tap to block/unblock apps. The differences come down to pricing, design, emergency bypass options, and where they ship from. I'll cover each honestly.
How NFC screen time devices work (they're all similar)
Let's be clear: Apptoken, Brick, Bloom, and Blok all work on the same basic principle. You select apps to block, and you tap an NFC device to your phone to unlock them. The device creates physical friction—you have to go get the token/card/device before you can access your blocked apps.
The core experience is similar across all of them. Where they differ is in pricing, emergency bypass options, app features, and shipping logistics.
Apptoken: Strictest blocking, ships from Finland
Apptoken is an NFC token you tap on your phone to unlock blocked apps. No token nearby = no access to blocked apps.
- Price: €29.90 + €15 shipping for one token, or €54.90 for two tokens with free shipping
- No subscription—one-time purchase with lifetime app access
- Ships from Finland (5-10 business days globally, no customs issues for EU)
- Works on iPhone 7+ (iOS 13+). Android coming soon
- If you lose your token: press "Contact Support" in the app to email us. We'll disable your old token, unlock your phone, and send you a new one at shipping cost
Pro tip
Keep your token in a consistent spot—on your keys, in a specific drawer, or on a hook by the door. The goal is physical distance from your phone, not losing the token entirely.
Brick: Most established, has emergency unlocks
Brick is probably the most well-known NFC screen time device. It's been around longer than the others and has a solid reputation. Like Apptoken, you tap to start a blocking session and tap again to end it.
- Price: $59 one-time purchase (sometimes on sale for ~$47). No subscription
- Works on iOS and Android
- Ships from the US
- 5 emergency unblocks built in—you can bypass without the device up to 5 times
- Can also activate blocking remotely through the app (tap and hold)
- Good app with session tracking and statistics
Emergency unlocks: helpful or a loophole?
Brick's 5 emergency unblocks are useful if you genuinely misplace the device. But if you're someone who would use them to cheat "just this once," they undermine the whole point. Know yourself.
Bloom: Stainless steel card, nice design
Bloom uses a stainless steel NFC keycard instead of a plastic token. The card looks sleek and doesn't require charging. Same tap-to-block, tap-to-unblock mechanism.
- Price: ~$31-39 one-time purchase. No subscription—lifetime app access
- Works on iOS and Android
- Ships from the US
- 3 emergency exits built in, plus you get 1 additional exit per month
- Features include scheduled focus periods, 5-minute breaks, child mode, and strict mode (prevents app deletion)
- The app and card design are polished
Blok: Budget-friendly, iOS only (for now)
Blok offers a similar NFC tap experience at a lower price point. They have different form factors: a standard device, keychain version, and card version.
- Price: $29-39 depending on version. No subscription
- Currently iOS only—Android version coming
- Ships from the US
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Multiple device discounts: 2 for $49, 3 for $59
Unpluq: Subscription model, family-focused
Unpluq takes a different approach with a subscription model aimed at families. The NFC tag works similarly, but you pay annually.
- Price: $99.95/year (Lite, up to 3 phones) or $129.95/year (Full, unlimited phones)
- Works on iOS and Android
- Family-focused with parental control features
- The only major player with a subscription model
Subscription math
At $100-130/year, Unpluq costs more than any competitor's one-time purchase within the first year. Makes sense for families managing multiple kids' devices; less sense for individual use.
Phone lockboxes: Different category entirely
Lockboxes like Kitchen Safe are a different approach—they lock your entire phone away, not specific apps. You can't receive calls, check maps, or use any phone features while locked.
- Kitchen Safe: $116-130. Timer-based lock with no override until time expires
- Good for: Complete phone-free time blocks (studying, sleeping, family dinner)
- Not good for: All-day use where you need phone access for calls, navigation, or work
- Different use case than NFC blockers—complementary, not competitive
Quick comparison
Here's how they stack up on the factors that actually matter:
- Most established: Brick
- Best design/aesthetics: Bloom
- Cheapest: Blok ($29)
- Best for EU buyers: Apptoken (ships from Finland, no customs)
- Best for US buyers: Any of them ship domestically
- Best for families: Unpluq (if you need multi-device management)
- All except Unpluq: One-time purchase, no subscription
How to choose
Honestly, these products are more similar than different. The core mechanism is identical. Here's how I'd decide:
- Want the strictest blocking with no way to cheat? Apptoken (no emergency unlocks)
- In the EU and want to avoid customs/long shipping? Apptoken (ships from Finland)
- Want the most polished app experience? Brick or Bloom
- On a tight budget? Blok at $29
- Managing a family with multiple kids? Unpluq's subscription model might make sense
- Want a lockbox for complete phone-free time? Kitchen Safe (different use case)
Want lower iPhone Screen Time without willpower battles?
Apptoken adds a real-world pause before distracting apps—so you don’t have to win the same decision 50 times a day.
FAQ
They all seem similar—does it really matter which one I pick?
For most people, probably not much. They all create physical friction, which is the key mechanism. Pick based on: where you live (shipping), whether you want emergency bypasses (some people need them, some people will abuse them), and price. If you're in the EU, Apptoken makes sense for shipping. If you're in the US and want the most established option, Brick is solid.
What if I lose my Apptoken?
If you lose your token, press "Contact Support" in the app to email us. We will disable your old token, unlock your phone, and send you a new one at shipping cost. We recommend keeping your token in a consistent location (like with your keys or in a specific drawer) to prevent loss.
Can't I just put my phone in another room for free?
Yes! If you can consistently leave your phone in another room when you don't need it, do that. These devices are for people who need their phone available for calls/maps/work but want specific apps blocked. If you don't need selective blocking, save your money.