Detach vs Brick vs Unpluq: Which NFC App Blocker Is Actually Worth It?

Three physical app blockers tested head-to-head. One costs $59. One costs $26 plus a subscription. One is completely free. Here's the honest breakdown.

If you have tried every software blocker on your iPhone and kept bypassing it within 48 hours, you already understand the core problem. Software blockers live on the same device they are supposed to protect. One weak moment and the block is gone.

Physical NFC app blockers solve this differently. They require a real-world action to unlock your apps. That physical step is the friction that breaks the automatic habit before it completes. Three tools dominate this space in 2026: Detach, Brick and Unpluq. We tested all three. Here is exactly what separates them.

How NFC blocking works: All three tools use Apple's Screen Time API for system-level blocking. The NFC element adds a physical unlock requirement on top. Blocked apps are genuinely unavailable, not just hidden behind a soft timer.

The Three Contenders

Detach                           Free App + $9.99 NFC Card 

Best for: anyone who wants NFC blocking without paying premium prices

Detach is the only free app blocker in this comparison that also offers a physical NFC card option. The app itself costs nothing and works with scheduled blocking and a Commitment Mode that removes the ability to override entirely for a set period. The NFC card is available for $9.99,  a one-time purchase with no subscription ever.

The block is system-level through Apple's Screen Time API, which means apps are genuinely unavailable, not just delayed. Setup takes under five minutes. No account is required. For anyone comparing NFC blockers on cost, the math is straightforward: Detach is the same physical friction principle as Brick and Unpluq at a fraction of the price.

For a deeper look at how Detach compares to Brick specifically, head to our full Brick vs Unpluq breakdown.

Brick                                                         $59 One-Time

Best for: users who want a fixed magnetic device placed at home or desk

Brick is a small magnetic NFC puck. You tap your phone to activate a block, then physically tap it again to unblock. The magnetic design lets you stick it to a fridge, desk or filing cabinet. Leaving it in another room creates genuine distance between you and the option to unblock.

Brick works on iOS 16.2 and above and was made available on Android from September 2025. It requires an internet connection to function, which means it will not work in areas with no signal. It comes with five lifetime emergency unlocks, after which you need to contact support. No subscription is required, which makes the $59 one-time cost reasonable for a long-term purchase. The limitation is that it requires the physical device nearby for every block and unblock action.

Unpluq                $26.50 Tag + $64/yr Subscription

Best for: people who want a portable tag with flexible unlock options

Unpluq uses a small rubberized NFC tag that attaches to a keychain. Because it travels with you, the friction level depends on where you keep it. Leave it at home, and your apps stay blocked while you are out. Carry it everywhere and the block is easier to undo in a weak moment.

Where Unpluq stands out is in unlocking flexibility. Beyond NFC, it supports shake-to-unlock, scroll challenges, tap patterns and QR code scanning. It also works fully offline once schedules are saved. The honest downside is the cost structure. The tag alone is $26.50, but the real functionality requires the Premium subscription at $64 per year. Over two years, that is significantly more than either Brick or Detach. One emergency access per day gives you five minutes of unblocked time without the tag.

Side by Side: What Actually Matters

The best NFC app blocker is not the most expensive one. It is the one whose friction holds when you are most likely to fail.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Detach if cost matters and you want system-level blocking with a Commitment Mode that removes the override option entirely. It is the only free option with real physical NFC blocking and no subscription ever. Ideal for students, freelancers and anyone who does not want to pay $60 for a piece of hardware.

Choose Brick if you want a fixed magnetic device that stays in one place and you are comfortable with the $59 one-time cost. The fixed placement is actually an advantage for some users because carrying the unlocker with you everywhere reduces friction in the wrong direction.

Choose Unpluq if you want the most flexible unlocking options, including offline functionality and a portable keychain tag. Be clear on the cost before committing. The subscription makes it the most expensive option in this list over time and the portability that makes it convenient also makes it easier to override impulsively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Detach really free or are there hidden costs?

The Detach app is completely free with no subscription. The optional physical NFC card is $9.99 as a one-time purchase. There are no hidden fees, no premium tier and no account required to use the core blocking features, including Commitment Mode.

Does Brick work without internet?

No. Brick requires an active internet connection to activate or deactivate blocking sessions. If you are in an area without signal, you will not be able to brick or unbrick your phone. Detach and Unpluq both work offline once their schedules are configured.

Can I use any of these on Android?

Yes. All three support Android as well as iPhone. Brick added Android support in September 2025 and requires Android 12.0 or above. Detach and Unpluq both support modern Android devices with NFC capability. If your Android phone supports tap-to-pay, it will work with all three tools.

What happens if I lose my NFC card or device?

Each tool handles this differently. Brick gives you five lifetime emergency unlocks before requiring you to contact support. Unpluq provides one daily emergency mode,  giving five minutes of access without the tag. Detach's scheduled blocks run automatically, so losing the card does not lock you out entirely. Scheduled windows behave independently of the card.

Are NFC app blockers actually better than software-only blockers?

For most people, yes. Research on behavioral change consistently shows that environmental friction reduces impulsive behavior more effectively than reminders or willpower. Software-only blockers that can be overridden in one tap are useful for mild overuse. NFC blockers that require a physical action to disable are significantly more effective for anyone who has a history of overriding software blocks under stress or boredom.

Which NFC app blocker is best for someone with ADHD?

Detach's Commitment Mode is particularly useful for ADHD users because it removes the override option entirely for a set period rather than relying on the user to resist the temptation to unlock. For ADHD, the ideal tool decides for you in advance so you do not have to win the same internal argument repeatedly throughout the day.

Start With the Free Option

Detach is free, needs no account, and includes Commitment Mode. The NFC card is optional at $9.99 with no subscription ever.