BrickWhere each app earns its place
Physical friction that can stay in another room, with custom modes, focus tracking, and no recurring app fee.
No separate hardware and a positive earn-to-unlock loop.
Brick creates real physical distance
Brick’s advantage is easy to understand: the thing that restores distracting apps can be left across the room, at home, or somewhere else inconvenient. Its current iPhone listing supports custom modes, selected app and Safari website blocks, an automatic focus timer, Strict Mode, five Emergency Unbricks, remote activation, and usage history.
You can activate a mode remotely, but the listing says you still need the physical Brick to unblock. If you want a clean break, the hardware is not a gimmick. It is the product.
Aura stays with you and gives effort a payoff
Aura does not require another object in your pocket or on your desk. It also does not try to imitate physical separation. Its leverage is the reward: supported habits earn a limited number of minutes that you can use without guilt.
The trade-off is simple
Brick asks you to buy and place a physical key. Aura asks you to maintain a subscription and complete healthy actions. Pick the inconvenience you are more likely to respect.
Brick or Aura?
Brick is a better fit when
- You want the strongest physical boundary.
- A one-time purchase beats a subscription for you.
- You are willing to keep track of another object.
Aura is a better fit when
- You do not want separate hardware.
- You want habits to earn a positive reward.
- You need access to adapt to what you accomplish that day.
Frequently asked questions
Does Brick require hardware?+
Yes. The intended Brick experience uses a physical device that activates and deactivates your chosen blocking modes.
Does Brick charge a subscription?+
Brick’s current official site says the hardware includes lifetime app access with no subscription. Check the store for current pricing and promotions.
Does Brick work on Android?+
The current US App Store listing describes Brick as iPhone-only. The earlier Android claim on this page was removed.
Can Brick block websites?+
Yes. Its current listing says it can block selected Safari websites along with selected iPhone apps.
What happens if I need emergency access?+
The current listing says five Emergency Unbricks are included for unexpected situations. Brick’s rules and product details can change, so check the current listing before relying on that number.
Is Aura harder to bypass than Brick?+
We would not make that claim. Brick’s physical separation is a strong boundary. Aura’s advantage is a different one: it rewards verified habits with usable minutes.
Product details were checked against the official Brick website and current US App Store listing on August 16, 2026. Features and pricing can change. This comparison is published by Aura. Read the Aura FAQ or browse more screen-time guides.
