More than a timer with a lock on it.
Most blockers can stop an app. Curbox can remove only the addictive part, let you choose meaningful friction, and show what short-form scrolling is doing to your attention. The best tools are not locked behind a subscription.
Feature comparison
This chart compares publicly documented Android capabilities. "Not listed" means we could not find the feature in the cited product materials when this page was checked. It does not mean the product could never add it.
| App | Apps & websites | Schedules & limits | Reels / Shorts inside apps | Hide parts of apps | Unlock friction | Short-video insights | Across devices | Open source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CurboxFree | ✓Apps, sites, and page sections | ✓Schedules, allowances, and focus | ✓Native feeds | ✓Feeds, tabs, recommendations | ✓Waits, intent, math, NFC, QR, and more | ✓Count and attention span | ✓Optional Sync | ✓GPL v3 |
| Digital WellbeingBuilt into Android | Apps and Chrome sites | Daily timers and Focus schedule | Not listed | Not listed | PIN and temporary breaks | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| ReefFree · Open source | Apps and websites | Daily limits, routines, and a focus timer | Not listed | Not listed | Mindful Launch plus flexible and strict modes | General usage charts | Not listed | ✓MIT |
| DetoxDroidFree · Open source | Apps | Daily budgets and always-on protection | ✓Doomscroll detection and cooldown | Not listed | Pause cooldown and commitment password | Not listed | Not listed | ✓GPL v3 |
| FreedomPremium | Apps, sites, and internet | One-off and recurring schedules | Not listed | Not listed | Locked Mode | Not listed | ✓Strong multi-platform sync | Not listed |
| AppBlockFree + Premium | Apps, sites, URLs, and keywords | Usage, time, location, and Wi-Fi | Not listed | Not listed | Cooldown and third-party approval | Not listed | Android, iOS, and browsers | Not listed |
| Stay Focused | Apps and websites | Profiles and screen-time limits | Not listed | Not listed | Strict Mode and Lock Mode | General usage statistics | Not listed | Not listed |
| ScreenZenDonation-supported | Apps and websites | Schedules and daily limits | Not listed | Not listed | Pauses, prompts, tasks, and unlock caps | General screen-time tracking | Available on multiple platforms | Not listed |
| Lock Me OutFree + Premium | Apps, sites, allowlists | Time, usage, opens, unlocks, location | Not listed | Not listed | Breaks, emergency access, and password | General usage statistics | Not listed | Not listed |
✓ means the capability is directly documented. Descriptive cells show a narrower or different approach. "Not listed" means we could not find it in the sources below.
Why Curbox wins on Android
Keep the useful part
Block Reels or Shorts without losing messages, search, subscriptions, or the rest of the app.
Friction that fits you
Choose a complete lock, a wait, adaptive math, written intent, NFC, QR/barcode scanning, or another challenge.
Understand the scroll
See not only how many short videos you watched, but also how that scrolling affects your attention span.
No premium wall
Curbox is free and open source. Its strongest blocking and unlock tools are available without a subscription.
No blocker is best for every person. Reef is a clean choice for classic blocking and focus timers. DetoxDroid is excellent for grayscale and interrupting doomscrolling. Curbox stands out by putting feed controls, app-part hiding, flexible unlock challenges, and short-video attention insights together in one free Android app.
Try Curbox for freeSources & methodology
Compared on 19 August 2026 using each product's public feature pages and help documentation. Features may change after that date.