brb vs one sec
one sec interrupts the impulse with a short breathing exercise before an app opens. brb blocks chosen apps until Apple Health reports your daily step goal.
The short answer
Choose one sec when a mindful delay on one or more apps is enough, especially across iPhone, Android, Mac, and browsers. Choose brb when you want a hard Screen Time lock until you walk, with Strict Mode on iPhone.
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.
Choose one sec if
- A breathing pause before launch is the intervention you want.
- You need Mac or browser coverage, not just iPhone.
- You prefer one free app and optional Pro pricing instead of brb’s trial and subscription.
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 |
What one sec is good at
one sec sits in the moment before you enter an app. The breathing exercise is the product: a pause that 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. Pro unlocks more apps and features at monthly, yearly, or lifetime prices in the US store — confirm the current price in the App Store before you buy.
What brb is good at
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. It also means iPhone-only and a subscription after the trial.
Which problem are you solving?
If you usually stop after the pause, one sec may be the lighter tool. If you tap through the pause and still doomscroll, brb’s step lock is the different rule.
Neither removes every workaround. one sec can still be skipped depending on settings and habit. brb still offers Emergency Unlock and depends on Screen Time permissions you control.
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.
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 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.
Walk first tomorrow morning
Download brb free and let your first unlock of the day be steps — not your phone.
Download on the App Store