The 7 Best Phone Lock Boxes (2025 Buying Guide)
A phone lock box is a commitment device that allows you to lock your phone away for a set time.
In this post, you'll learn what a phone lock box exactly is and how it works. We'll show you all the features and specs. And, I'll share my experience using it to improve my focus and reduce screen time.
Let's dive right in.
In this post
What Is a Phone Lock Box?
A phone lock box is exactly what it sounds like: a box that locks your phone away so you can’t use it. You set a timer, drop your phone in, and get your time and focus back.
Whether you're battling social media addiction, wasting productive time doom-scrolling, or trying to limit your kids' screen time, a lock box can help you turn things around.
Unlike screen time apps, which are easy to bypass, a phone lock box forces real commitment. Apps that limit screen time have weak barriers. A phone lock box is a tangible, real-world solution.
If your screen time is more than a couple of hours per day, a phone lock box is a drastic and effective way to finally break bad habits and get your time back.
The Best Phone Lock Boxes
I've researched and compared different lock boxes on the market.
I've come across lots of interesting products. Some are see-through (kSafe Mini), some block cellular signal (Yondr Home Tray), and some even allow you to interact with your phone while it's locked (ySkys Locker 01).
Here are the 7 best models:
Mindsight Phone Lock Box ($39.95)
This is the one I own. I like it because it offers a great mix of features at a reasonable price.
It's an opaque box, so you can't see your phone while it's locked (less temptation).
You can set the timer anywhere from 1 minute to 30 days, and it has three different lock modes depending on how strict you want to be with yourself.
The box has small holes at the bottom for charging cables, so your phone can charge while locked away. It's also big enough to hold multiple phones or other items like game controllers or snacks. But, if space is a concern, they also have a smaller size.
The unlock code is displayed on the bottom of the box, which might be an issue if you're using it for kids (though Strict mode, aka Fortress mode, solves this).
I reached out to Mindsight and got a deal for readers of this post. Simply use code WHATIFIDIDNT at checkout for 10% off your order.
kSafe Mini ($59.90)
The kSafe Mini gained fame after appearing on Shark Tank in 2014.
This clear container lets you see your phone but not touch it, which some people can find motivating (and others torturous).
The kSafe can lock for up to 10 days and has no built-in overrides. Once it's locked, you're committed until the timer ends.
I personally prefer someone that's not see-through. Being able to see notifications could make it harder to disconnect mentally.
ySky Locker 01 ($27)
The ySky Locker is a transparent box with a unique feature - small holes that let you make emergency calls or use limited functions while your phone is still locked inside. If you don't like that, you can set your phone screen down in the box.
It can be set for up to 99 hours and includes a 10-second "hesitation period" if you change your mind (a common feature on most lock boxes).
In my opinion, the holes that let you interact with your phone might defeat the purpose of getting a lock box in the first place, especially for those of you who need stricter boundaries.
Yondr Home Tray ($249)
The Yondr Home Tray is a premium option that locks your devices and blocks all signals using a special fabric lining. It blocks 5G, Wi-Fi, cellular signals, Bluetooth, GPS, and RFID when fully closed.
It holds about six smartphones and includes an option to thread charging cords through the back panel.
You cannot charge phones and block signals at the same time. Charging requires the back hatch to remain open. Signal blocking only works when the hatch is fully closed.
Still, it’s a solid choice for families, workplaces, or hotels that want to create phone-free spaces. It also looks great on a shelf.
Stolp ($79)
The Stolp is a stylish box created in partnership with organizing guru Marie Kondo. Like the Yondr, it blocks all wireless signals using Faraday cage technology and doesn't have a locking mechanism.
The Marie Kondo edition comes in tasteful colors (KonMari Brown and KonMari Sand) and includes a guide to digital decluttering based on Kondo's joy-sparking philosophy. It can hold up to five phones.
If design is important to you, and you don't want to spend $250 on the Yondr Home Tray, then this is a great choice.
Lockabox One ($39.95)
The Lockabox One looks like a mini safe and uses a three-digit combination lock rather than a timer.
Unlike most phone lock boxes, this one doesn't restrict you with a timer - you open it whenever you know the code. It's made from food-grade material, is stackable, and can even go in the freezer 🤷♂️. It also has USB ports for charging devices while locked.
Since you know the code, there's less forced accountability than with timed boxes. But if you want to lock your phone but aren't sold on the whole "timer" thing, this is a good alternative. It will also work great to lock things away from kids.
GoAro ($199 + $99/year subscription)
The Aro system combines a charging station with an app that tracks and rewards your time away from your phone.
The charging box pairs with an app that gamifies being phone-free. It tracks when you put your phone away and rewards you for meeting goals.
You can also compete with other families on which household spends the least amount of time on their phones.
The box can connect with up to five phones for tracking and app features, but only four can be plugged in and charging at the same time.
I like that GoAro is taking a different approach with their box. They use positive reinforcement to encourage phone-free time, rather than focusing on restriction like a traditional lockbox. I can see this being more effective for reducing screen time in the long term.
What I don't like though, is that it requires a $19.99/month subscription after purchase, which you have to pay on top of the already premium price of the box.
How Do Phone Phone Lock Boxes Work?
For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to use the Mindsight lock box as an example, but most lock boxes work more or less the same.
1. Add your phone to the box
Open the lid and throw in your phone and any other distractions you want to lock.
2. Set the timer
Use the display on top of the lid to set how long you want to lock the box for. You can set days, hours, and minutes. You can lock it for as little as one minute or as long as 30 days.
3. Choose your mode
You can choose how strict you want the locking mechanism to be using the display. The Mindsight lock box has three modes:
🔓 Lockbox-only mode: No timer. This mode locks the box indefinitely. To unlock it, you have to use the unlock code, which is a sequence of keys to press on the display.
⏳ Standard mode: This works with a timer. The box unlocks at the end of the timer. You can open it while it's locked with a code if you need to.
🏰 Fortress mode: This mode works with a timer, too, but there is no code that unlocks the box. You have to wait for the timer to run out. There's no to hack your way in (except by breaking it).
4. Confirm and lock
Once you've set the timer and chosen your mode, simply press OK. The box will self-lock after 15 seconds.
Get 10% off your lock box today
You can save 10% on the Mindsight lockbox by visiting mindsightnow.com and using coupon code WHATIFIDIDNT.
Let's do this5. unlock the box
There are only two ways to unlock the lock box (three if you consider breaking it):
1. Let the timer run out
2. Use the unlock code (indicated on a label at the bottom of the box)
Note: you won't be able to use the unlock code if you've chosen Fortress mode when locking the box. The only way to unlock the box in Fortress mode is to contact Mindsight and ask them to generate an emergency access code for you.
What happens if the batteries dies while the box is locked?
If your batteries die while the box is locked, all you have to do is replace them and the timer will resume where it was at when the batteries died.
I tested this by removing the batteries when the box was locked. There was 57 seconds left on the timer. When I pulled them out, the display turned off. When I put them back in, the countdown resumed at 57 seconds.
Considerations for Choosing a Lock Box
After using a lock box for a while, here is what I'd recommend paying attention to when choosing your device.
✅ Opaque vs Transparent: Clear boxes let you see your phone, which can make it harder to resist. Opaque ones remove that visual trigger. If you can’t see it, you’re less likely to reach for it.
✅ Size and What You Plan to Lock: Some boxes are big enough for multiple items like phones, remotes, or snacks. Others fit just one phone. Consider what you’ll lock up and how much space you have.
✅ Signal Blocking vs Non-Blocking: A few lock boxes are lined to block Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and cell signals. Most do not. I personally don't need this feature, since setting the phone to Airplane Mode achieves the same result.
✅ Limited Screen Access in Emergencies: Some models like the ySky Locker let you tap or see your screen without unlocking. Handy for emergency use.
✅ Charging Access: Many boxes now offer small slots for charging cables. This lets you power up while your device stays locked. Not all designs support this, so double-check if it matters to you.
✅ Locking Mechanism: Some lock boxes use digital timers. Others rely on simple codes or even just a latch. Decide how much friction you want. More friction usually means more follow-through.
✅ Strictness of the Lock: Some timers allow early unlocking. Others have no override once started. A few offer both options depending on the mode. Choose based on how much self-control you want to outsource.
Bottom Line: Should You Get A Lock Box for Your Smartphone?
...if you want to use your phones less
If you catch yourself doom-scrolling, checking notifications every few minutes, or wasting time on apps you don’t like, a phone lock box will help you break the cycle. Set a timer, lock your phone away, and actually focus on work, reading, or just existing without a screen.
It’s the easiest way to force yourself into better habits. The only thing you have to remember is to put your phone in the damn box.
...if you want to reduce your kids' screen time
If you're tired of arguing with your kids about screen time, a phone lock box will take the battle out of your hands. Set the timer, lock their devices, and let the box be the bad cop.
The box makes screen-free time easier to enforce and accept.
...if you want to better focus
If you’re studying for exams, writing a paper, or trying to get through a deep work session, locking your phone away removes the temptation completely. You don’t have to rely on self-discipline.
Once you lock your phone up, you will find it easier to get into flow state and do deep work.
...if you want to break habits or addictions
If you have a problem with late-night snacking, vaping, or constantly reaching for your phone out of boredom, a lock box helps put space between impulse and action.
Lock away cigarettes, snacks, video game controllers, or anything else you’re trying to cut back on. And Let the timer force you to pause before acting on a craving.
Phone Lock Box Alternatives
I've written about solutions for managing screen time. A lock box is the most committed method and works incredibly well for creating focused time blocks throughout your day.
If you're looking for something a bit less committed that would still let you use certain features of your phone, consider the following:
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Dumbed-down iPhone: if you have an iPhone, there are lots of cool hacks you can use to decrease your screen time. I've written about my favorites in this guide.
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The Brick: the Brick is a one-of-a-kind device that allows you to lock specific apps on your phone. But unlike basic app blockers, you need to scan a physical device to lock and unlock those apps. I've written a complete review of the Brick on the blog.
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Distraction-free smartphones: If you can’t trust yourself to put your phone in a box every day, just get one without distractions. There are several options, but my favorite is the Wisephone. It’s a full-featured smartphone with no email, social media, browser, games, or porn.
📸 Photos courtesy of Jakub Wittka, jakubwittka.com.
(Copyright whatifididnt. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.)
~ Ben
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