Brick vs Opal vs ScreenZen compares three different approaches to reducing screen time. This guide examines their pricing, setup, platform support, privacy, return terms and practical limitations to help you choose the right option.
Brick appears hardest to casually bypass when its physical NFC device is left in another room or another inconvenient location. Its main advantage is physical separation, not an unbreakable technical lock. [1] [7]
Opal appears to offer the strongest software-only controls through schedules, blocking difficulty, No Unblocks and supported uninstall or Screen Time protections. Its advanced features cost considerably more than Brick or ScreenZen. [8] [10]
ScreenZen is the best free starting option in our assessment. It provides opening delays, limits, schedules and strict-block settings without a required core subscription. [14] [15]
How Do Brick, Opal and ScreenZen Compare?
Brick is the physical-friction option, Opal is the advanced software option, and ScreenZen is the free behavioral-friction option.
| Comparison | Brick | Opal | ScreenZen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current listed price | $59 one-time | Free tier; $19.99 monthly, $99.99 annually or $399 lifetime | Free and donation-supported |
| Main method | Physical NFC device plus app controls | Software sessions, limits, schedules and paid protections | Opening delays, usage limits, schedules and strict blocks |
| Casual bypass resistance |
Editorial: strong Strongest when the device is kept out of reach |
Editorial: strong Depends on the platform, plan and selected protections |
Editorial: moderate Best suited to users willing to follow their own limits |
| Mobile platforms | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android |
| Desktop support | No native desktop blocker identified | Mac supported; no native Windows app identified | macOS and Windows versions advertised |
| Best fit | People who repeatedly override phone-based limits | People who need detailed schedules, reports and software rules | People who want to test a free blocker first |
Which Option Costs Less?
ScreenZen costs the least, Brick has the lowest fixed paid price, and Opal is the most expensive option over one or two years.
Brick
Brick currently lists a one-time hardware price without a required core subscription.
Shipping and applicable taxes may be added during checkout.
Opal Pro
The official pricing page also lists $19.99 monthly and $399 lifetime.
Monthly and annual plans renew unless canceled.
ScreenZen
ScreenZen describes its main blocker as free and donation-supported.
Optional features or hardware may have separate pricing.
| Cost period | Brick | Opal annual | Opal monthly | ScreenZen core |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First year | $59 plus checkout costs | $99.99 | $239.88 | $0 |
| Two years | $59 under the current pricing model | $199.98 | $479.76 | $0 |
Brick currently costs $40.99 less than one year of Opal’s annual plan. This is a price comparison only. Opal includes software features that Brick does not provide.
Opal trial, renewal and cancellation
- Opal’s web checkout currently describes a seven-day annual trial and a three-day monthly trial. [9]
- The subscription converts to a paid plan unless it is canceled before the trial ends.
- Opal recommends canceling more than 24 hours before renewal or trial conversion. [9]
- Deleting the Opal app does not cancel the subscription.
- App Store and Google Play refunds are controlled by Apple or Google.
Which Option Appears Hardest to Bypass?
Brick appears hardest to bypass impulsively, while Opal can provide stronger configurable software restrictions. ScreenZen provides meaningful friction but does not add a physical unlocking step.
Brick adds physical distance
Brick users activate a mode by scanning the physical device. Normal access is restored by scanning it again. Leaving the Brick in another room changes an instant phone-based override into a physical decision. [1]
Independent reviewers at NBC Select and TechCrunch identified this physical retrieval step as Brick’s main practical advantage. Their experiences do not guarantee the same result for every user. [7]
Brick should not be described as completely tamper-proof. Brick’s support documentation says Strict Mode prevents app deletion during an active session, while restricting access to iPhone Settings requires an additional setup. [3]
Opal adds configurable software protection
Opal Pro lists No Unblocks, harder blocking, unlimited rules and supported uninstall or Screen Time protections. [8] [10]
Opal remains dependent on operating-system permissions and correct setup. Its help center includes troubleshooting for situations where blocking does not begin or end correctly. [10]
ScreenZen creates behavioral friction
ScreenZen’s official listings describe opening delays, usage targets, schedules, strict blocks and Settings locks. [15]
ScreenZen may be enough when a short pause stops automatic app opening. Users who repeatedly remove permissions or disable blockers may need a different approach.
How Do Platform Support and Setup Differ?
Brick requires mobile hardware permissions, Opal requires the most software configuration, and ScreenZen provides the broadest advertised desktop support.
| Platform point | Brick | Opal | ScreenZen |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone requirement | iOS 17 or later | Current US App Store listing requires iOS 18 or later | Current US App Store listing requires iOS 16.4 or later |
| Android | Android 12 or later with NFC | Available on Google Play; features may differ from iPhone | Available on Google Play; verify device compatibility |
| Desktop | No native desktop version identified | Mac supported | macOS and Windows versions advertised |
| Setup requirements | NFC scanning, mobile permissions, blocking modes and optional Settings protection | Screen Time or Android permissions, blocked-app lists, schedules and blocking difficulty | App selection, opening delays, daily limits, schedules and optional stricter settings |
Thick phone cases may interfere with Brick’s NFC scan. Brick recommends removing a thick case, changing the scanning angle or locating the phone’s NFC antenna. [6]
What Are Brick’s Shipping, Return and Lost-Device Terms?
Brick provides a 30-day return window and emergency software unlocks, but buyers should confirm shipping cost and delivery timing during checkout.
Shipping
- Brick currently advertises free shipping on orders of two or more devices. [5]
- A fixed nationwide shipping price for one Brick was not clearly stated on the public policy pages reviewed.
- Delivery timing should be confirmed using the estimate displayed during checkout.
Returns and hardware coverage
- Brick’s terms provide 30 days from delivery to initiate an eligible return. [4]
- Brick says eligible US returns receive a prepaid return label.
- Expedited-shipping premiums may not be refundable.
- Brick’s manufacturer guarantee covers approved manufacturing defects or hardware failure during normal use.
- Accidents, misuse, modifications and ordinary wear are excluded.
Lost Brick
Brick provides five Emergency Unbricks for situations such as losing the physical device or leaving it somewhere inaccessible. Brick says a reset can be requested after the emergency unlocks are used. [2]
No free lost-device replacement policy was identified. Brick says another physical Brick can work with the phone, so a household member’s Brick may provide temporary access.
What Should Privacy-Conscious Buyers Know?
ScreenZen publishes the simplest local-storage statement, Opal says detailed iPhone usage remains on-device, and Brick’s FAQ and privacy-policy wording require careful platform-specific reading.
| Privacy point | Brick | Opal | ScreenZen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local-data statement | FAQ says blocking information is local, while the privacy policy describes some Android blocking data stored on servers | Opal says detailed iPhone app and browsing activity remains on-device | Policy says core blocking settings are stored on the device |
| Additional data | Policy describes account, usage, analytics and some blocking-related data | Account, subscription, community and analytics data may be handled separately | Optional social, hardware, diagnostics and analytics features may use additional data |
| Independent audit | Not established in the reviewed sources | Not established in the reviewed sources | Not established in the reviewed sources |
These statements come from company policies and support pages. They should not be treated as independent privacy audits. [16] [17]
Which Product Should You Choose?
Choose ScreenZen first when you have not yet tried structured limits, choose Brick when software controls are too easy to override, and choose Opal when advanced automation and reporting justify the price.
Choose Brick when:
- You repeatedly ignore phone-based limits
- You can leave the unlock device in another location
- You prefer a one-time purchase
- You do not need desktop blocking
Choose Opal when:
- You need recurring schedules and advanced rules
- You want reports and usage history
- You want Mac support
- You will use its paid protections consistently
Choose ScreenZen when:
- You want to start with a free blocker
- Opening delays are likely to stop impulsive use
- You need Windows support
- You do not require extensive reporting
Final Recommendation
Start with ScreenZen when you want to test whether free delays and schedules are enough.
Consider Brick when phone-based controls have already failed and physical separation is likely to create meaningful resistance.
Consider Opal Pro when detailed automation, reports, Mac support and stronger software controls are worth the higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the main practical concerns buyers may have before choosing one of the three products.
Does Brick work through a thick phone case?
A thick case may interfere with NFC scanning. Brick recommends removing the case, changing the scanning angle or locating the phone’s NFC antenna. [6]
What happens if I lose my Brick?
Brick provides five Emergency Unbricks that can restore access without the physical device. A reset can be requested after they are used. No free lost-device replacement policy was identified. [2]
Can one Brick be used by multiple family members?
Brick’s support documentation says multiple phones and users can use one physical Brick. Separate user accounts may still be needed for individual settings.
Does Opal renew automatically?
Opal’s monthly and annual subscriptions renew unless canceled. Canceling more than 24 hours before renewal or trial conversion is recommended. Deleting the app does not cancel the subscription. [9]
Which features work differently on Android?
Brick requires NFC and Android permissions including Accessibility-related access. Opal says feature parity across its platforms is still developing. ScreenZen uses Android Accessibility permission for some website-blocking functions.
What is Brick’s return and warranty policy?
Brick’s terms provide a 30-day return window for eligible purchases and manufacturer coverage for approved hardware defects during normal use. Accidents, misuse, modifications and normal wear are excluded. [4]
View Sources and Research Notes
-
Brick official product page:
price, device operation and included app access.
getbrick.com/products/grey-brick -
Brick Emergency Unbricks guide:
emergency access and reset process.
support.getbrick.com/en/articles/7950209 -
Brick stricter setup guide:
Strict Mode and separate Settings protection.
support.getbrick.com/en/articles/5288897 -
Brick Terms of Service:
returns, refund conditions and manufacturer guarantee.
getbrick.com/pages/terms-of-service -
Brick shipping information:
current shipping promotion and policy details.
getbrick.com/pages/international-shipping-policy -
Brick scanning guide:
NFC placement and thick-case troubleshooting.
support.getbrick.com/en/articles/11748161 -
Independent Brick reviews:
practical discussion of physical friction.
NBC Select Brick review
TechCrunch Brick review -
Opal official pricing:
free tier, monthly, annual and lifetime options.
opal.so/pricing -
Opal trial and cancellation information:
trial conversion, renewal and cancellation guidance.
Opal cancellation guide -
Opal help center:
blocking protections, platform differences and troubleshooting.
opal.so/help -
Opal US App Store listing:
iPhone compatibility and platform information.
Opal on the Apple App Store -
Opal Google Play listing:
Android availability and data disclosures.
Opal on Google Play -
ScreenZen official website:
free model and advertised platforms.
screenzen.co -
ScreenZen App Store listing:
iPhone features and compatibility.
ScreenZen on the Apple App Store -
ScreenZen Google Play listing:
delays, schedules, strict blocks and Android permissions.
ScreenZen on Google Play -
ScreenZen privacy policy:
local storage and optional feature disclosures.
screenzen.co/policies/privacy-policy -
Brick privacy policy:
account, analytics and platform-specific blocking-data descriptions.
getbrick.com/pages/privacy-policy
✓
