Work · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to Helpful Phone
Block distracting apps. Focus on your tasks. Built for ADHD
Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes.
- 1
I wanted to find a way to use Instagram without ending up scrolling for two hours every time I open the app to see a friend's story. Most screen time apps I found focus on blocking the app itself instead of the addictive feed, so I created this app to allow me to keep using the "healthy" and "social" features and block the infinite scrolling (Reels) After implementing the block on Instagram Reels, I got addicted to YouTube Shorts and Reddit feed. So, I extended the app to cover these as well. To avoid replacing the scrolling for regular feeds, I also added a feature that shows a pop-up when…
2025 · scrollguard.app · its alternatives →
- 2
ScreenBreak▲125Hi HN, I built ScreenBreak after realizing that most app blockers failed in practice. “Hard blocks” were too rigid — I either locked myself out entirely or tapped Ignore Limit and kept scrolling. There was no useful middle state. In reality, people still need to open apps like TikTok or Instagram for specific tasks: looking something up, replying to someone, checking updates, etc. The problem isn’t intentional use; it’s the unplanned, unconscious scrolling that follows. I wanted a system that interrupts the impulse without fully preventing access. ScreenBreak uses soft blocking plus…
Dec 2025 · screenbreak.app · its alternatives →
- 3
Set time or locations to block distractions from apps.
2018 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
- 4
Barrier▲373Stop doomscrolling by blocking your addictive apps!
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 5
Endel for ADHD▲235A toolkit to beat distraction, using sound and beyond
2024 · endel.io · its alternatives →
- 6
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Block distractions to eliminate wasteful browsing habits
2017 · selfcontrol.apki.io · its alternatives →
- 8
AppBlocker▲73Increase productivity and reduce screen time
2022 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
- 9
CogniFocus▲19Focus Timer & App Blocker With A Goblin That Fights Back
Jun 2026 · cognifocus.app · its alternatives →
- 10
- 11
AppBlock▲87Block apps with one tap and stay focused when it matters
2022 · appblock.app · its alternatives →
- 12
- 13
Block apps and set focus timers to help iPhone addiction.
2024 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 14
The trick: block timer that you can’t bypass!
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 15
Timer to block apps and use todo list.
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 16
A friendly app blocker that keeps you focused
Jul 2026 · simbafocus.com · its alternatives →
- 17
Focus on just one thing today!
Dec 2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 18
EvoCat▲17I’ve always struggled with mindless scrolling, even when I had important work to do. Timers and app blockers never stuck — they felt boring and were easy to bypass. I built EvoCat as a small side project to solve my own problem. It’s a simple iOS app that blocks distracting apps and websites, but adds a fun layer of gamification: • You earn XP for staying focused • You evolve a digital cat as your self-control grows • Each evolution makes the blocking stronger (harder to quit sessions) It’s still in early beta, but this approach has helped me stay more mindful with my phone use. Would love…
2025 · evocat.app · its alternatives →
- 19
ADHD focus timer that holds your distracting apps closed
Jul 2026 · readbuildship.com · its alternatives →
- 20
Zone▲13Block apps, track Screen time. No account needed
Jan 2026 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 21
Block distracting apps when it is time to focus
Jul 2026 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
- 22
I built an app to block my own Instagram addiction.
Jun 2026 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
- 23
- 24
Bring structure and clarity into your day. Stay focused. Win
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →