Updated November 15, 2026.
Brick and Opal both block distracting apps, but one of them is a physical object. With Brick, you tap your phone on a small device to lock chosen apps and tap again to unlock, so the device has to be within reach. Opal is an app: it blocks apps for a session, on a schedule or after a limit, with no hardware.
At a glance
- What it is. Opal: an app. Brick: a physical NFC device plus a free app.
- How it works. Opal: blocks the apps you choose during a Focus Session, on a schedule, or once a daily app limit runs out. Brick: tap your phone on the Brick to block chosen apps and tap again to unblock. Brick Night blocks apps when you enter the bedroom.
- Platforms. Opal: iPhone and iPad (App Store, iOS 18 or later) and Android (Google Play). Brick: iPhone (iOS 18 or later) and Android 12 or later. No desktop.
- Cost. Opal: free to download, with Opal PRO as an in-app purchase. Prices depend on your country. Brick: Brick $59 and Brick Night $129, one-time. The app is free.
- Schedules. Opal: yes, on iPhone (Calendar) and Android (Schedules). Brick: yes, custom schedules.
- Getting out early. Opal: on iPhone, Deep Focus is a level you can't cancel or bypass. Brick: unblocking needs the Brick; there are 5 emergency unbricks, and more from support.
- Websites. Opal: on iPhone, you can block websites as well as apps. The Android listing doesn't mention websites. Brick: on iPhone, selected Safari sites from Apple's list.
- Reports. Opal: Focus Score and a Focus Report on iPhone; weekly reports on Android. Brick: a focus timer and usage history.
How they differ
Hardware or software. Brick's strength is distance: leave it in another room and unblocking means getting up. Opal needs nothing extra, so it works wherever your phone is.
Cost. Brick is a one-time purchase. Opal is free to download, with Opal PRO as an in-app purchase.
Limits, not only on and off. Opal adds daily app limits and a Focus Score on top of blocking.
When Brick is the better pick
- You want a physical step between you and your apps, and you're happy to keep a device at home.
- You prefer a one-time purchase.
When Opal is the better pick
- You want blocking that goes wherever your phone goes, with nothing to carry.
- You want daily app limits, schedules and a Focus Score, not only on and off.
Try Opal
Opal is free to download on the App Store and Google Play, with Opal PRO as an in-app purchase. See plans and pricing.
Questions
Do I need hardware to use Opal?
No. Opal is an app on the App Store and Google Play.
How much does Brick cost?
As of November 15, 2026, Brick lists the Brick at $59 and Brick Night at $129, one-time.
Sources
Read November 15, 2026.
- Brick website
- Brick FAQ
- Brick on the App Store (US)
Opal facts come from Opal's listings on the App Store and Google Play, read November 15, 2026.
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