Put the internet in a box.
Physical tools for a truly offline life
Basic phones, timed safes, and analog bedroom tools to build real friction between you and the internet. We test all 10 of them by hand, and nobody can pay to be here.
Browse all hardware
10 products
- Editor's pick
dumb phone$299 - $399 - Editor's pick
dumb phone$319Mudita Kompakt
MuditaMindful E-ink phone with ultra-low radiation & offline hardware toggle
- Editor's pick
dumb phone$329 - Editor's pick
lockbox$49The Brick NFC Stone
Brick TechA physical hardware stone that locks your phone until you return home
- dumb phone$150 - $250
lockbox$49 - $69
accessory$149Banishing the smartphone from your sacred sleep sanctuary
- dumb phone$399 - $499
- accessory$29 - $45
Mission Darkness Faraday Bag
Mission DarknessInstant signal black-out for phones and devices
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute screen habits quiz
Top picks for every need
Compare hardware side by side
How hard each tool stops you, who makes it and what it costs.
| Action | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Light Phone II / III Designed to be used as little as possible | No Browser/Feeds | Light | $299 - $399 | Check price |
 Mudita Kompakt Mindful E-ink phone with ultra-low radiation & offline hardware toggle | Hard Lock | Mudita | $319 | Check price |
 Punkt MP02 Unapologetic voice & text purity in bespoke Swiss design | No Browser/Feeds | Punkt | $329 | Check price |
 The Brick NFC Stone A physical hardware stone that locks your phone until you return home | Hard Lock | Brick Tech | $49 | Check price |
Willpower vs hardware
Why willpower alone isn't enough
Modern feeds employ thousands of engineers optimizing for your attention. Relying solely on cognitive self-control is an unfair fight—physical barriers level the field.
bedtime willpower
Willpower alone: “I’ll just check one notification.” Two hours of scrolling vanish.
Physical tools: The smartphone stays outside the bedroom. A dedicated analog clock gently wakes you.
the override itch
Willpower alone: Dismissing an app timer or typing a passcode takes three seconds.
Physical tools: A mechanical timed lockbox with zero bypass buttons until the timer hits zero.
phantom pings
Willpower alone: Tapping your pocket reflexively eighty times a day just in case.
Physical tools: A military-grade Faraday sleeve providing undeniable, 100% wireless blackout.
walking out the door
Willpower alone: Taking your glass slab for emergency calls, then doomscrolling in the park.
Physical tools: A minimalist handset with voice, SMS, and hotspot—and zero infinite feeds.
How hardware makes the list
Plenty of gadgets claim to cut your screen time. These are the checks every physical tool here has to pass.
How we pick what goes on the siteFrequently Asked Questions About Minimalist Hardware
Insights on dumb phones, network carrier compatibility, physical lockboxes, analog bedroom tools, and transitioning to hardware simplicity.
Still wondering something? See every answer.