Dev tools · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to PlugBrain
I've been working on PlugBrain, an open-source Android app that helps reduce screen time by blocking distracting apps. Instead of simply locking you out, PlugBrain makes you solve math puzzles to regain access. PlugBrain uses math challenges as a barrier. The difficulty increases as you use distracting apps more often, and decreases if you stay away. The app is GPL3-licensed and available on GitHub. Still early, so I'd love feedback on the code, usability, and whether the idea feels useful or annoying in practice.
Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes.
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FlowBuddy▲179Block Distractions & Study Flashcards to Unlock Apps
2024 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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Barrier▲373Stop doomscrolling by blocking your addictive apps!
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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Set time or locations to block distractions from apps.
2018 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
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CodenQuest▲282Hello everyone, I've been working on a project called CodenQuest, a coding practice app inspired by platforms like LeetCode, but with a major twist: it's heavily gamified, similar to Duolingo. The main goal is to make coding practice more engaging, especially on mobile. Key Features: - Diverse coding questions with integrated hints and timers. - Code editor with code completion and fill in the blanks questions - Performance statistics (runtime, memory, CPU usage, and more). - Gamified elements: leagues, ranking systems, daily challenges, friends, and streak mechanisms. - Available on iOS and…
2024 · codenquest.com · its alternatives →
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Hey there! I'm the brains behind the math crossword game on my site. This game is all about making math a little more fun – users just drag and drop numbers to fill in the blanks and move on to the next level if they get it right. Let me know if face any issues or have any suggestions! :)
2024 · scientific.place · its alternatives →
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Challenger▲70A clean mobile app with programming challenges for Android
2022 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
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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 →
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Math Brain▲105Level up your math skills with many interesting exercises.
2020 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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1Question▲100Turning your child's screen time into study time!
2020 · 1question.app · its alternatives →
- 13SW
Hello HN, I've created a new Sudoku app for iOS and Android that prioritizes simplicity and privacy. It's free to download and use, and I'd be grateful for any feedback or suggestions. Features: > 4 difficulty levels, accessible at any time > No personal data collection of any kind > Clean, minimalistic design that focuses on the game > Takes up significantly less space than other popular apps (by a factor of about 10x) > Minimal use of advertisements I was frustrated by how many of the popular Sudoku apps feel excessively over-engineered, consume a lot of storage space and some that even…
2023 · its alternatives →
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I built Recode because I realized I was spending 8-10 hours a day on my phone pretty consistently. I tried other screen time apps but I found them too easy to bypass and end my blocks whenever I wanted to use an app. My solution was to build an app blocker app that makes users have to scan a physical QR/barcode to take a break from their app blocks. This helped me be able to get my screen time down to just a few hours everyday since I didn't want to physically get up and go across the house to get my barcode. Anyways, since it worked for me I felt like sharing it. App store link:…
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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Brain Challenge! Simple math, but how fast can you count?
2016 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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my phone secretly robbed all my dreams and i didn’t even knew it got so bad. when i saw my screen time being about 11hrs with ~95 phone pickups per day, i realized how bad it got. my problem is that i could not avoid social media entirely as i post actively because i’m involved in marketing and branding. I tried the usual, app blockers & time limits, but i always find myself hitting “one more minute” like a junkie. i’m not looking for a complete social media absence or deleting everything as these radical solutions don’t fit my lifestyle and needs and i tend to come back needing even more.…
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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I wanted to use YouTube ,reddit etc.while using productivity apps but they block entire domains. So I built something that blocks distracting content based on my goals.Feedback would be really appreciated
2025 · dpwrk.app · its alternatives →
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Train Your Brain Math Skills
2022 · mathbrain-5d255.firebaseapp.com · its alternatives →
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CogniFocus▲19Focus Timer & App Blocker With A Goblin That Fights Back
Jun 2026 · cognifocus.app · its alternatives →
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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 →
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I built this app in less than 4 hours over a busy and noisy weekend to help me stay focused while studying, during my college days. Since then I have been maintaining this open source project. Its been quite a fruitful and enjoyable ride. Hope you all like it :)
2023 · github.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 →