Hardcore Focus vs Brick (2026)
Brick is a $59 NFC tag: leave it at home and the phone stays blocked. Hardcore Focus is software — Screen Time plus an on-device AI Gatekeeper. When hardware wins.
Short answer: Brick is stricter if you will leave a physical NFC tag behind. Hardcore Focus is the better software-only pick if you want timed focus sessions, habits, and an on-device AI that argues back — no extra object to carry or lose.
Quick comparison
| Hardcore Focus | Brick | |
|---|---|---|
| How it blocks | Screen Time API + AI Gatekeeper | NFC tag + Screen Time API |
| Strictness | High for software | Highest — need the tag |
| Extra hardware | No | Yes (~$59 one-time) |
| Subscription | $3.99/wk · $8.99/mo · $49.99/yr | App free; you buy the tag |
| Focus sessions / habits | Yes | Blocking is the product |
What’s actually stricter?
Software blockers share a hatch: Settings → Screen Time. Brick adds a second lock you cannot tap if the tag is in another room. That is why Brick (and Blok, Foqos) win “absolute” strictness.
Hardcore Focus wins “I still need a focus timer, habits, Watch, and something that argues when the tag is in my pocket.” The Gatekeeper is not as hard as leaving plastic at home. It is harder than a button.
Price
Brick is roughly $59 once. Hardcore Focus is a subscription with a 7-day annual trial. If you hate subscriptions and only want a switch, Brick. If you want the session system, Hardcore Focus.
Who should pick which
- I keep disabling every software blocker: Brick.
- I want sessions + Gatekeeper + no extra gadget: Hardcore Focus.
Related: can you bypass iPhone app blockers, best blockers 2026.