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Brick makes it harder to reopen selected apps by putting a physical step between the urge to scroll and access. You choose restrictions in its companion app, tap your phone to the Brick to activate them, then return to the device to undo the mode. In Tom’s Guide’s October 2, 2026 hands-on review, the reviewer said that having to retrieve the Brick helped interrupt the impulse to resume scrolling. That is one reviewer’s experience, not proof that the device will reduce screen time for every household.
What is the Brick smartphone blocker?
Brick is a physical device paired with a companion app. Unlike a screen-time setting that lives entirely in the phone’s software, Brick is designed to make restoring access require an additional action—and, when the device is left elsewhere, a trip to retrieve it.
Brick’s official product page says users can choose apps or websites to block, or instead select apps to leave available. It also describes separate modes for different situations, such as work, family time, or study.
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- Set up a mode in the app. Select the apps or websites to restrict, or specify what should remain accessible.
- Activate the restrictions. Tap the phone to the Brick. Tom’s Guide explains that the interaction uses an NFC signal, while the companion app enforces the restrictions.
- Restore access. Tap the phone to the Brick again to undo the mode. The maker also says users can activate a mode through the app when away from the physical device and that each device includes five emergency unbricks; check the current app and product details for how these options work.
The physical device is therefore a source of friction, not an absolute lock. The idea is that a pause and a change of location may be enough to interrupt an automatic app-opening habit. Brick does not establish that a person’s total phone use will fall, and the sources available do not provide population-level evidence of its effectiveness.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What happened in the hands-on review?
The supplied-title review was published by Tom’s Guide on October 2, 2026. Its reviewer said standard screen-time limits were easy for them to ignore, then described using Brick to block selected apps while keeping basic phone functions available. They reported that having to retrieve the Brick to resume scrolling helped break the impulse.
That account is useful for understanding the intended experience, but it is not a controlled test and should not be read as a promised result. NBC Select separately described a two-week test with five staffers and reported that one Brick can be used with multiple phones. Those details describe that publication’s test and household-use claim; they do not establish a general outcome for all users.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How Brick differs from software-only limits
Built-in screen-time controls and app blockers can be convenient, but their restrictions and override options remain within software. Brick adds a physical object to the process: activation and ordinary restoration involve tapping the phone to it, according to the maker. This distinction may matter most to someone who routinely dismisses or changes software limits on impulse.
Brick is not impossible to bypass. The company describes remote activation in its app and five emergency unbricks per device, so users have options beyond the ordinary tap-to-restore flow. The sources here do not establish a like-for-like ranking of Brick against built-in controls or other blockers for compatibility, ease of bypass, household sharing, or cost.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Compatibility and practical checks
Brick’s product page says it supports iPhone and Android, but compatibility can depend on the particular phone, operating-system version, and app restrictions available to it. Confirm the current compatibility information with the maker before buying, especially if household members use different phones or operating systems.
- Decide which essential apps or functions must stay accessible before setting a restrictive mode.
- Consider where the Brick will live: the distance is part of the friction, but you will need to retrieve it to restore access through the ordinary physical interaction.
- Check the current terms for remote activation and emergency unbricks, rather than assuming the restriction has no fallback.
- If several people intend to use it, confirm how the app handles multiple phones and shared modes for your devices.
Should a household consider Brick?
Brick is best understood as a tool for adding deliberate inconvenience to selected app use, not as a guaranteed screen-time cure. It may suit people who find software-only limits too easy to dismiss and who are willing to place a physical device out of reach. Whether that extra step helps depends on the person, the apps being restricted, and how they configure the mode.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The evidence cited here consists of the maker’s feature descriptions and editorial reports, including one reviewer’s personal account. Brick’s official page also displays a “55,000+ 5-star reviews” claim, but it does not provide a dated methodology or independent verification; that figure is not evidence that the product reduces screen time.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
