A Brick alternative from Germany – mindfully less screen time

Looking for a Brick alternative from Germany that not only works, but also feels good? Zenbox is a minimalist solution for anyone who wants to reduce their screen time – without forced apps, without an account and without data leaking away.

Instead of controlling you with ever more apps, Zenbox relies on a physical NFC ritual that helps you create mindful offline moments. Simple. Clear. Effective.

The most important differences to Brick

🇩🇪 Designed & made in Germany

Zenbox is designed and made in Germany. Short distances, high quality standards and a clear focus on sustainability instead of mass production.

🔓 No forced account

No registration, no login, no email address. You can start using Zenbox right away – without creating an account and without being pushed into a closed ecosystem.

🔒 All data stays on your device

Your usage data belongs to you. 100% local, no cloud, no servers, no tracking. Zenbox works mindfully offline and keeps data to a minimum.

🎨 Beautiful, pared-back design

Zenbox is not a techy gadget but a beautiful object you enjoy using and like to leave in plain sight. Pared-back design instead of a plastic look – focus begins the moment you touch it.

COMPARISON

Why Zenbox is the better choice

Zenbox
OTHERS
German company ✓ ✗
No forced profile – use it without an account ✓ ✗
Privacy-friendly – your data stays with you ✓ ✗
Block URLs & websites (e.g. Safari) ✓ ✗
Schönes, reduziertes Design ✓ ✗

Why a Brick alternative from Germany?

Many people today are looking for:

  • more digital self-determination
  • solutions without subscriptions and without sharing data
  • products with genuine design ambition
  • alternatives to US products and cloud dependencies

As a Brick alternative from Germany, Zenbox stands for exactly that: mindful technology that knows when to step back.

In summary

If you are looking for a Brick alternative from Germany that is developed locally, works without an account, protects your data and looks good doing it, Zenbox is the natural choice. Less screen. More control. More calm.

Discover Zenbox

As seen in

How the Zenbox works

More focus and fewer distractions in just 4 simple steps

Choose the apps and websites that distract you. You can also allow certain apps and block others.

Tap your phone on the Zenbox or use the button in the app. A timer starts and tracks your focus time.

Place the Zenbox out of reach. As a physical device, it creates real friction - you have to physically touch it to unlock your apps.

Regain access to your apps by tapping your phone on the Zenbox again. You also have 5 emergency unlocks through the app.

Become part of the "offline" movement

4,8 / 5
The difference is that I can't just unlock it. I have to walk over to a device - and that's exactly what works.
Profilbild von Kati Ernst (Unternehmerin)
Kati Ernst (Unternehmerin) Verifiziert
Time and focus are incredibly valuable in everyday life. The Zenbox helps me handle both more mindfully and concentrate on the things that truly matter.
Profilbild von Roberto Hilbert (Deutscher Fußballmeister 2007 / Trainer)
Roberto Hilbert (Deutscher Fußballmeister 2007 / Trainer) Verifiziert
My best investment under 100 euros. The original idea was to block social media during working hours, but by now I've gone so far that I block social media in the evening too. The Zenbox sits in my office, two floors away from the living room. And lo and behold, there are more - and above all more focused - conversations again. And another plus: I've realized that Insta isn't worth walking two floors for. 🤷‍♀️
Profilbild von Sabine Wittmann
Sabine Wittmann Verifiziert
Ever since, I've been living in peaceful coexistence with my phone again, and on this point I'll spare myself any more lessons from teenagers for now. Bottom line: I recommend the Zenbox, if only because it's a bit more affordable and you don't have to have it shipped from the US.
B
Barbara V. (Spiegel-Redakteurin) Verifiziert
Before I head into the office, I use Zenbox to lock away whatever distracts me. A game changer for me.
Profilbild von Lisa H.
Lisa H. Verifiziert
Since I started using the Zenbox, not only has my reading time doubled, I also work with much more focus.
Profilbild von Tobias Milbrandt (Bookfluencer)
Tobias Milbrandt (Bookfluencer) Verifiziert
No app-blocking system has worked as well for me and my friends as Zenbox.
Profilbild von Alon
Alon Verifiziert
I'm simply thrilled! The idea and the execution are pure genius! On top of that, wonderful customer service … I'll definitely recommend it!
S
Steffi Verifiziert
The Zenbox is light and feels solidly built. It's unobtrusive and functional. At the current 49 euros, it's a tool that fits easily into everyday life and serves a clear purpose. For me, the Zenbox is practical, everyday support. It helps me direct my attention more mindfully and be more present in family life.
Profilbild von Philipp
Philipp Verifiziert
Super easy to use, an absolutely cool product!
D
Dr. Klee Verifiziert
The idea is charming and makes sense to me. The execution succeeds. Note: feedback was incorporated quickly and it works. A wholehearted recommendation.
A
Agile Waterfall Verifiziert
The Zenbox is fully accepted by our children. We've agreed on a schedule for when each profile needs to be active - there's even a profile for "play and fun" (= everything allowed). Because a profile always has to be active, the Zenbox app documents phone usage.
Profilbild von Simon M.
Simon M. Verifiziert
Received the Zenbox today. Great idea and a visually appealing execution, too. The app is continually being developed further and will surely offer more great features in the future. I had a question for the developer about this, which was answered very promptly and kindly. I'm looking forward to using the app to take mindful phone breaks. For that, the physical lock (deactivation only via NFC token) is the best method for me - I've been dismissing reminders about phone usage etc. from my iPhone far too often so far… ;-)
K
Kolja Verifiziert
Since I started using the Zenbox, I get my work done without constantly drifting off to Instagram. The moment I tap my phone again feels like a conscious choice
Profilbild von Lena
Lena Verifiziert
I stumbled upon the Zenbox by chance in a podcast. I've been regularly trying out new ideas for 3 years now, but unfortunately without success so far. Even paid focus apps brought no results. Smartphone games are simply built far too well. What I'm getting at: Zenbox is the first product that has helped me stay focused!!! I'm finally getting away from my phone and can hopefully escape more of my addiction again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
T
Tobi W. Verifiziert
No subscription, no complicated app. Just this small, beautiful device and a single touch.
Profilbild von Sven
Sven Verifiziert
I tried quite a few things, but thanks to Zenbox I finally broke away from my TikTok addiction. Thank you!!
Profilbild von Leonie
Leonie Verifiziert
Great app! The application is beautifully designed and fully available in German. The friendly and helpful support responds quickly and reliably. Your own suggestions for improvement and new feature ideas can be submitted easily. Best of all, though, the app actually helps reduce screen time!
A
André Verifiziert
Zenbox is just absolutely fantastic! My screen time has dropped massively, I'm more relaxed, and I use my phone far more mindfully. Thank you!
A
Anonymer Nutzer Verifiziert
I really like the Zenbox, even though I'd prefer not to need it to keep my phone - that time-eater - better in check. With the app you can set up different "scenarios" and tailor them to your particular needs. It works without any problems, and so far I've been using it successfully.
C
Cornelia M. Verifiziert
Wonderful, I'm so glad that the automatic tap on Instagram no longer works. Freedom! :-)
A
Anonymer Kunde Verifiziert
I'm thrilled. The hurdle I'd been looking for to create less screen time. I have it running almost constantly!
A
Anonym Verifiziert
We use it together with our teenagers and we're all on our phones far less. In extreme cases, the Zenbox can even be hidden away 😉.
J
Johannes Verifiziert
1 10

The Zenbox

€49,99 EUR
€49,99 EUR
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
Color: White
View full details

SHIPPING

Packed & shipped with care for resources

The Zenbox comes to you in deliberately minimal, sustainable packaging - everything you need in a single set. Less material. Less waste. More responsibility.

Inside you'll find a clear, compact quick-start guide and a Zenbox sticker.

As soon as you've ordered, your new favorite product is already on its way to you.

We ship with carbon-offset DHL GoGreen - responsibly and reliably.

LOCAL PRODUCTION

🇩🇪 3D printed in Stuttgart

The Zenbox is made in Stuttgart-Ost using 3D printing: local, precise and from consciously chosen materials. Shorter distances, fewer emissions, more control over what we create.