ctrl vs. Brick vs. Unpluq: the honest comparison
Looking for an NFC phone blocker or a Brick alternative made in Europe? Here is the factual comparison of the three best-known physical phone blockers: what they cost, whether they need a subscription, what they are made of, and who each one is for. As of July 2026, with sources.
What is an NFC focus key?
An NFC focus key (also called a phone blocker or distraction blocker) is a small physical object that locks and unlocks distracting apps on your smartphone: hold your phone to the key and social media, news or games stay closed until you tap again. The idea: real physical distance replaces willpower. Leave the key in another room and the apps stay locked until you actually get up. The best-known products in this category are ctrl (Germany), Brick (USA) and Unpluq (Netherlands).
The three at a glance
| ctrl key | Brick | Unpluq | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 49 € one-time | about $59 one-time | tag about $26.50 + subscription |
| Subscription required? | No. Core app free forever, ctrl+ optional | No | For full features yes, about $61/year (free plan: 2 apps) |
| Material | Precision-milled aluminum + ceramic, engraved and numbered | Plastic/silicone, magnetic | Plastic tag with carabiner |
| Platforms | iPhone (XS or newer), Android on the roadmap | iOS + Android | iOS 16+ and Android |
| Origin | Germany, EU privacy, settings stay on your device | USA | Netherlands |
| Approach | For something: Connect with friends in the app, offline events and running clubs in the making | Focused on blocking | Focused on blocking, plus a family subscription |
| Notable | Edition of 500, Loophole Guard, sleep mode with key-scan alarm, Family | Magnet mount, established for years | Unlock challenges without the tag |
Honestly
Brick and Unpluq are good products, and both helped build this category. The difference is the approach: Brick is the pragmatic plastic block for the fridge, Unpluq the flexible subscription system with challenges. ctrl is the only one of the three built as an object that lasts: milled aluminum with a ceramic face instead of plastic, a core app that stays free forever, and a design from Germany with EU privacy. If you want something that gets to stay on your desk and works the same in five years, you are in the right place.
For something, not against something
The biggest difference does not fit in a price table: Brick and Unpluq are tools against screen time. ctrl is built for what comes after. In the app, Connect links you with friends who are in ctrl right now, and the app keeps growing with self-built features by update. Beyond the app we are building a real offline community: shared events and running clubs are in the making, so that less scrolling turns into more real life, together instead of alone. And if you use an account (optional, the app works without one), your data lives on our own servers in Germany.
Common questions
Is there a Brick alternative made in Europe?
Yes. ctrl is designed in Germany and follows EU privacy rules; Unpluq is from the Netherlands. If you value a purchase without a required subscription and a metal object instead of plastic, ctrl is the European alternative to Brick.
Does ctrl need a subscription?
No. The core app (Modes, blocking, schedules, progress, Loophole Guard) is free and stays free. ctrl+ is optional for deep insights and families.
What makes ctrl different from Brick and Unpluq day to day?
Brick and Unpluq block apps. ctrl blocks too, but gives you something back at the same time: Connect with friends in the app, Momentum for your progress, and a growing offline community with planned events and running clubs. For something, not against something.
Does this actually work?
Physical friction replaces willpower: a randomized study in PNAS (Grüning et al. 2023) showed that added friction before opening an app reduced openings by 57 percent. More verified numbers live in our research library.
All Brick and Unpluq details last checked on July 11, 2026 via getbrick.com and unpluq.com. Prices may change. Brick and Unpluq are trademarks of their respective owners.