Screen-time apps aren’t always effective because they rely on willpower. Enter the Autonomous Key, an NFC key that pairs with a companion app to lock away distracting apps. Instead of tapping a button, you have to physically scan the key with your phone.

This physical requirement makes it compelling; you can leave the key in another room, turning a mindless impulse into a deliberate decision. The key is compact and works with smartphones running Android 8.0 or later and iPhones running iOS 15 or later. It’s available for just $9, making it significantly cheaper than its competitors.

The companion app provides AI-powered insights, tracking your unlocking habits and suggesting more inconvenient locations for the key. Unlike many app blockers, there are no subscriptions or premium tiers required. One key can be paired with multiple phones, making it practical for families or individuals with multiple devices.

However, during testing, I noticed occasional issues with NFC scans requiring multiple attempts to register. It’s not ideal for locking important apps that you may need to access throughout the day. Also, if you lose the key, there’s a workaround involving uninstalling and reinstalling the companion app, or simply removing the key from your account.

The Autonomous Key is currently in beta following a Kickstarter campaign and began shipping earlier this month. Available in five colors: pink, orange, blue, gray, and brown.