moss vs An analog alarm clock
A plain alarm clock, about $42, so the phone does not have to wake you.
Checked 11 November 2026 against Bagby (one verified example)'s own pages. We make moss, so we have linked every source below.
What An analog alarm clock is
Any simple alarm clock does this job. The example we checked is the Bagby CLASSIC Silent Alarm Clock: an analog clock with a wooden frame, a night light, snooze and a gentle alarm, for $42. It runs on one AA battery, which is not included. Bagby also sells it in a $71 bundle with a phone sleeping bag. It blocks nothing. It takes away the reason the phone sleeps next to you.
What moss is
moss is an iPhone app that comes with a small physical stone. You choose the apps that distract you, tap your phone on the stone, and those apps stay locked until you tap the stone again. People who live together can link their phones to share schedules and put their phones down at the same time, while each person keeps control of their own phone. Locking is free in the app, the stone is a one-time purchase, and the household features are a paid add-on.
Side by side
| Feature | moss | An analog alarm clock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$49 stone, free app | $42 for the Bagby example |
| Subscription | None to lock your own phone. Household features are a paid add-on | None |
| Works on | iPhone only, iOS 17 or later | Not applicable. There is no app |
| How you lock | Tap the stone, or start from the app, a Shortcut, the lock screen or the Action Button. Schedules by day of week | It does not. It replaces the phone as your alarm |
| How you unlock | Tap the stone, in the app | Not applicable |
| If you need back in | 3 emergency unlocks a month, refilled automatically | Not needed: nothing is locked |
| Locking together as a household | Yes, as a paid add-on. Shared schedules, sessions others join in one tap, a view of whose phone is down, a streak. Nobody controls anyone else | One per bedside |
| Whose key opens your phone | Only your household's own stone, card and sprigs unlock your phones | Nothing is locked |
Where An analog alarm clock is better
- It is cheap.
- No app, no charging and no screen.
- It works whatever phone you own.
Where moss is better
- It locks the apps. With a clock, moving the phone is still up to you.
- It works at any hour and in any room.
- Schedules by day of week that run without you remembering.
Who should pick which
Pick An analog alarm clock if
Your only reason for keeping the phone by the bed is the alarm.
Pick moss if
You want the apps locked on a schedule as well. An alarm clock and a stone are a good pair.
Sources
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.
moss is a stone that locks the apps you choose.
Tap to lock, tap to unlock. One price, and locking needs no subscription.
