Compareone sec
brb vs one sec
one sec interrupts the impulse with a short breathing exercise before an app opens. brb blocks chosen apps until you walk. If you tap through pauses, you need the harder gate.
The short answer
Prefer brb when you want a hard Screen Time lock until you walk. one sec is a lighter pause — choose it only if a mindful delay already stops you, or you need Mac / browser coverage brb does not offer.
Choose brb if
- You keep opening apps before you have moved for the day.
- You want chosen apps locked until steps, not just delayed.
- You want Strict Mode and a defined Emergency Unlock on iPhone.
Only pick one sec if
- A breathing pause before launch already stops you cold.
- You need Mac or browser coverage, not just iPhone.
- You only want friction on one free app and Pro pricing later.
brb vs one sec at a glance
| Feature | brb | one sec |
|---|---|---|
| Core rule | Walk to unlock chosen apps | Breathing pause before app opens |
| Enforcement | Screen Time shield until step goal | Delay / intervention — not a step lock |
| Platforms | iPhone | iPhone, Android, Mac, browsers |
| Free tier | 7-day trial, then subscription | Free for one app; Pro for more |
| Pro pricing (US, approximate) | Subscription after trial | About $6.99/mo, $19.99/yr, or $99.99 lifetime |
| Strict enforcement | Strict Mode while locked | Pause duration and settings vary by plan |
| Steps / Health | Required for unlock | Not the unlock rule |
Why a step lock beats a pause
brb is for when a pause is not enough and the app should stay unavailable until you move. Chosen apps use Apple Screen Time blocking until the step goal clears. Strict Mode tightens the lock; Emergency Unlock is five minutes, once per day.
That is a harder gate than waiting through a breathing animation. If you already know you tap Continue, brb is the product that matches your failure mode.
When one sec is enough
one sec sits in the moment before you enter an app. The breathing exercise can break autopilot without claiming to brick your phone all day. It spans more platforms than brb and offers a free tier for one app.
If you usually stop after the pause, keep one sec. If you push through it and still doomscroll, graduate to brb’s step lock.
Pick the stronger gate for the same apps
Usually pick one primary gate for the same apps. Stacking a pause app and a Screen Time locker on identical targets can conflict or feel redundant. Prefer brb on the apps that matter most.
Questions
Is one sec the same as blocking?
No. one sec focuses on a delay and breathing before launch. brb keeps apps behind a Screen Time shield until your step goal is met — a stronger everyday lock for most doomscrollers.
Can one sec use my steps?
one sec’s core is the pause, not a daily walk-to-unlock rule. brb’s unlock is Apple Health steps plus Screen Time.
Should I use both?
Usually no. Prefer brb as the primary gate for the apps that steal your time.
