# Best Opal alternatives for iPhone
You are shopping for something that actually blocks distracting apps. Here is a short list with who each option suits, without pretending every blocker is the same.
## Direct answer
Prefer brb if the unlock should be a daily step goal — Strict Mode, Emergency Unlock, walk first. Stay on Opal only if you specifically need timed focus sessions, schedules, and Allow Only. Use Apple Screen Time alone only when a soft limit or a parent-held passcode already works.
## brb
Walk-to-unlock. Apps stay locked until you hit a step goal.
### Strengths
- Chosen apps unlock only after Apple Health reports the daily step goal.
- Strict Mode removes the casual ignore path while apps are locked.
- Emergency Unlock is five minutes, once per day, resets at midnight.
- Step data stays on the device.
### Limits
- No Allow Only / brick-phone mode.
- No focus schedules or session timers as the main product.
- Not a Mac or multi-device focus suite.
## Apple Screen Time
Built-in limits, Downtime, and reports with no extra app.
### Strengths
- Already on every iPhone.
- App Limits, Downtime, and Block at End of Limit with a Screen Time passcode.
- Works well when someone else holds the passcode.
### Limits
- Ignore Limit is easy when you know your own passcode.
- Does not unlock apps with steps.
- Soft limits without Block at End of Limit are only reminders.
## Opal
Timed focus blocks, schedules, and Hard Mode / Deep Focus.
### Strengths
- Sessions, schedules, limits, and timers on Apple Screen Time controls.
- Allow Only can leave only the apps you explicitly permit.
- Hard Mode / Deep Focus (Pro) makes casual cancel harder.
### Limits
- Unlock is still tied to time, schedule, or an allowed break, not steps.
- If breaks still open the feed before you have moved, the core habit stays.
- Two Screen Time blockers on the same apps often conflict.
Canonical: https://berightbackapp.com/opal-alternatives