Physical faff or
a simpler block?

Pricing shown is from the current US listings and Fella’s UK offer. App Store prices vary by region. The Unpluq Tag is a separate optional purchase.

Unpluq goes blocked → intentional barrier → access. When a schedule is active, chosen apps are blocked. To get back in, complete the barrier tied to that schedule: shake the phone, tap buttons, scroll, scan a QR code, random challenge or optional NFC Tag.

That configurability is a genuine advantage. A tag left in the kitchen drawer turns a reflex into a proper trek. A QR code stuck on the fridge does similar without proprietary hardware.

Fella goes session → blocked apps → one controlled exception. Pick the distracting apps and either start a session yourself or let a routine start sessions automatically. During an active session, chosen apps stay unavailable unless you use that session’s single 5-minute Emergency Unlock.

Fella has fewer moving parts, but it’s not bare. It handles manual sessions, scheduled routines, basic stats, goals, streaks and achievements. It doesn’t offer Unpluq’s menu of barriers, NFC object, Android support or Safari blocking.

You don’t need the Tag to use Unpluq. The free app includes digital barriers, Premium adds more. The NFC Tag is a stronger optional barrier: leave it away from your phone, then fetch and scan it when access is worth the faff.

Pick the Tag when distance breaks autopilot. It can beat another on-screen prompt if you respond to a physical ritual. The trade-off is practical: it must be bought, placed, carried and be there when needed.

Fella requires no proprietary hardware. The rule lives on iPhone through Apple’s Screen Time frameworks. That makes Fella a cleaner alternative if you want software-only blocking.

Fella gives each active session one 5-minute Emergency Unlock. Use it for something necessary inside a blocked app. Apps become available for 5 minutes, then Fella reblocks automatically.

Unpluq documents Emergency Mode as 5 minutes, once per day. It gives temporary full access and lets you change the barrier tied to a schedule. Unpluq also lets you disable Emergency Mode entirely.

Neither rule is universally harder. An Unpluq Tag on the landing table can create real physical friction. Fella’s constraint is predictable and software-based.

Fella isn’t all-day-only. Run a temporary manual session or create routines that start sessions automatically on chosen days/times. Each active session follows the same Emergency Unlock rule.

Unpluq’s free tier includes one schedule. It can run continuously or at a chosen daily time. Premium expands to multiple schedules, more blocked apps and more barrier types.

The distinction is config depth, not schedules versus none. Fella uses routines to automate its narrower session model. Unpluq puts schedules at the centre of a more configurable barrier system.

Unpluq has the better free entry point. Its current free tier blocks up to two apps on one schedule and includes two digital barriers. The US App Store lists Premium at $6.99 per month or $59.99 per year (UK pricing varies).

Fella has no ongoing free tier. The current UK offer is $9.99 monthly, billed immediately with no trial, or $34.99 annually after a seven-day free trial.

Don’t choose on price alone. Unpluq earns its higher annual price if configurable or physical friction is what keeps you intentional. See Fella’s current pricing.

You want a physical ritual. The optional NFC Tag gives you something tangible to keep away from the phone.

You want configurable ways back in. Shake, tap, scroll, QR, random and Tag barriers let you tune the friction.

You need Android or Safari website blocking. Unpluq supports Android and can block websites visited in Safari on iPhone. Fella is iPhone-only.

You want to start free or see broader progress data. Unpluq’s limited free tier is useful alone, and screen-time progress is central.

You want software-only enforcement. Nothing proprietary to buy, carry, place or scan. Fella runs through Apple’s on-device Screen Time frameworks.

You want fewer barrier decisions. Fella asks which apps and when the session should run.

You prefer one predictable emergency rule. Every active session receives one 5-minute Emergency Unlock, then the block returns automatically. See Fella’s Emergency Unlock guide.

You’re buying annually. At current UK prices, Fella’s $34.99 annual is lower than Unpluq Premium’s $59.99, and includes a seven-day trial.

Unpluq is stronger for configurable friction. Its free tier, Android support, Safari blocking, barrier selection, multiple Premium schedules and optional NFC Tag make it the more versatile product.

Fella is stronger for a narrower software rule. It gives you manual or scheduled app-blocking sessions, one controlled emergency window per session, automatic reblocking and no proprietary object.

Neither psychology wins for everyone. Decide which model removes your most common loophole.