Best Distraction Free Phones in 2025
Shako Memon
Linkedin.com/in/shako-memon is a Participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, As An Amazon Associate, We Earn Affiliate Commissions From qualified Purchases.
A distraction-free phone isn't a dumb phone. It's a phone where you simply specify the terms of engagement, and all apps and notifications play by the rules.
A distraction-free phone is about what's not on your phone. Rather, it's about intentionally choosing what to cut out. It's about keeping only what aligns with your vision and values for how you want to use your device. Want to develop a reading habit? Keep the Kindle app. Want to journal more? Put Day One front and center.
The beauty of this is that you get to decide what you want. If you get a lot of value from Twitter, keep it on your phone. It's entirely up to you, but get rid of anything that doesn't help you use technology positively.
The distraction-free phone mantra is less is more. Replace unintended bulk usage with specific things you want to do more of.
Best Distraction Free Phones in 2025
1. Wisephone 2
Techless has developed Wisephone 2 that meets both the minimalist's need for simplicity and the everyday warrior's need for functionality, making it the best distraction-free phone of 2025.
A phone that offers a truly minimalist user experience. Wisephone boasts a calm and beautiful design. Created by Eddie Lobanovskiy, a top designer and founder of Unfold.co, this phone is minimalist from start to finish.
The colors and contrast are reminiscent of printed pages, honoring the heritage and beauty of books. Instead of using contrasting colors, Wisephone offers a simplified color scheme to promote calm.
If smartphone tractors are your thing, you can find respite in the simplicity of Wisephone. Another unique feature of Wisephone's design is its icon set. Millions of loud and colorful icons adorn the screen, while red notification badges grab your attention.
Wisephone is virtually icon-free. But it's intuitive, simple, and elegant. It uses some sliders and basic symbols. For example, if you have a great text message worth reading, a subtle dot appears near the message tool.
Use it when you want to. No need for a flashy notification badge. There are tons of minimalist wallpapers, icon sets, and launchers. They wrap the functionality of the phone in a veneer of simplicity.
I recently experimented with one on Android. It allowed me to make my home screen as close to a minimalist dream as possible but still function as a full-fledged smartphone.
It also didn't help my Twitter addiction. All I had to do was swipe up and type T-W-I, and the app would show up. Honestly, it was as fast as opening a folder on iOS.
The launcher looked nice, but it didn't curb my appetite for social media. It's a custom OS that's been designed to be safe and minimal from the start.
And that's the thing about digital minimalism. It requires a deliberate commitment to a philosophy of life. It's more than installing a launcher or reading a book. It's the rhythm of your day and how you interact with the things that occupy your time and attention.
Wisephone isn't a minimalist wallpaper or a stock launcher. It's a custom minimalist phone that's been designed to be safe and minimal from the start.
We want to see your phone become a tool again. Something you choose to pick up and use, not the other way around. With this mindset, we've built and continue to grow our curated list of gadgets at Wisephone.
Most smartphones start with the mindset that more is more. Wisephone started with the mindset that less is life. It's a minimalist phone from the beginning because its design is people-centric, not profit-centric.
We sometimes offer different Wisephone models to suit different needs, and the price of each model reflects the hardware specifications.
The Wisephone starts at $399. And unlike some minimalist devices we know, it's a phone with a high-resolution backlit LCD.
We believe that what we're offering now is perfect for everyone. But if you're looking for higher specs or a larger screen, keep an eye out for future phone models.
The Wisephone is unlocked and works with most carriers in the US, while other minimalist phones only work with some third-party carriers.
Techless decided on a Bring thTheirwn-Carrier policy for simplicity and flexibility. To transfer your number and carrier to Wisephone, simply slide your SIM card from your current phone.
You don't have to worry about your smartphone accessing your data or distracting you. Wisephone 2 should provide a pure and simple experience.
Ultimately, Wisephone is a stress-free experience. It's a minimalist phone that complements your intentional lifestyle.
2. Light Phone 3
The Light Phone 3 is popular with those who seek a balance of functionality and minimalism. The E-Ink display is a standout feature, providing a paper-like interface that's easy on the eyes and perfect for long-term use. This design also contributes to the impressive battery life that can last for days on a single charge.
The phone includes only the most essential tools, like calling and texting, so users can stay connected without interruption. It also has a built-in hotspot feature, allowing you to connect other devices to the Internet when needed.
Despite its minimalist approach, the Light Phone 3 does have some limitations. For example, it lacks multimedia messaging support and limited text formatting options, which may frustrate users accustomed to modern smartphones.
Furthermore, while the price point reflects its premium build and features, some users may find it overpriced compared to other options in this category.
3. Punkt MP02
The Punkt MP02 is designed for professionals and individuals who value secure communication. It integrates with Signal to enable encrypted messaging, making it a great choice for those who value privacy.
The phone's tactile keyboard offers a satisfying typing experience reminiscent of classic phones that many users find appealing. Featuring 4G LTE connectivity, the MP02 ensures reliable network access for calls and text messages, while the tethering feature allows users to share their Internet connection with other devices.
However, the Punkt MP02 is not without its drawbacks. The steep learning curve can be a hurdle, especially for beginners who aren't used to minimalist phones. Also, while the high price tag can be a barrier to budget-conscious buyers, the build quality and unique features often justify the expense.
4. reMarkable II
When I first unboxed the reMarkable II, their attention to detail was evident in the minimalist, recyclable packaging and the anticipation of slowly weaving through increasingly thin layers of material until the final sleeve and screen protector were removed. In my hand, it feels impossibly thin and heavier than I expected.
Pressing the power button wakes up a custom Linux operating system and a 10.3-inch monochrome digital paper display. The effect is calming, with no beeps or dings as notifications fill the screen, emails pile up, or likes and retweets jostle for my attention. It's just quiet, and there's nothing to do but write, type, or read.
The keyboard folio is why I chose the reMarkable over other devices like the Kindle Scribe. For example, the Scribe's keystroke lag is unusable from the get-go, and the device lags your inputs in a distracting way. After 30 years of typing, I've achieved a 100+ WPM speed, so lag has never been an issue with Scribe.
Fortunately, the reMarkable has no noticeable lag and fits my drafting flow well. The keyboard isn't as flexible as my Macbook Pro, but it's comfortable on my fingers and has a natural stroke depth and responsiveness. The only adjustment I've had to make is the loss of keyboard shortcuts that are just part of my muscle memory.
The Folio maintains the reMarkable's impossibly thin profile but works in all configurations, from handwriting meeting notes to the bliss of typing word counts by simply flipping the cover over.
The more I use the reMarkable, the more it adapts to my workflow. My first concern was, "How can I reference specs and product details for technical articles?" I solved this problem by pulling in a few basic sources for the product, such as manufacturer websites, press releases, and spec sheets, and then uploading the webpages to the reMarkable cloud via a Chrome plugin.
It syncs almost instantly, and I can reference them while I write, but my walled garden of distraction-free workflow remains intact. This was a change in mindset, allowing for focus on the draft and leaving blank space for copy that needed further investigation.
One of my concerns when deciding whether I wanted a reMarkable was whether I would need an e-reader app like the Kindle. But that turned out to be (mostly) unfounded and once again changed my mindset.
In fact, most of the new books I read are consumed as audiobooks or hardcovers, and I sit down with a physical copy to take notes (90% of the books I read are nonfiction).
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Despite that, I'm reading far more books on the remarkable than I expected. I've downloaded Feynman, Marcus Aurelius, and Smith's Fundamentals of Principles (The Wealth of Nations offers thoughtful insights into the current structure of the global economy).
I was able to find all of these books with a Google search and sync them to my device right away. While my e-reader experience has been positive, it would be a huge benefit to have a Kindle app to read the dozens of books in that library.
After a month of using it, I've integrated the reMarkable into my daily routine, and I wake up every morning feeling unhindered by my goal of producing 1,000 words of content.
By comparison, these drafts are completed in about half the time it takes on a Macbook Pro, but I usually end up with a more complete draft in that time. There's also something intangible about using a device like the reMarkable, which feels a lot like eating a whole-grain meal.
Creative engagement activates neurons. Just as cutting out added sugar can have a positive effect on your body, reducing social media and communication distractions can have a similar effect on your mood and mind.
5. Nokia 225 4G
The Nokia 225 4G combines the charm of a classic feature phone with the benefits of modern 4G connectivity. The simple design and T9 keypad will make it a nostalgic choice for those who miss the simplicity of their old phones.
The device is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making it a practical choice for those who need a second phone or dedicated communication device. The battery life is impressive, lasting several days on a single charge, a significant advantage over modern smartphones.
However, the phone's basic browser and lack of advanced features may not meet the needs of those who want even the bare minimum of productivity tools. It's perfect for calling and texting, but some users may find its features limited.
6. Light Phone II
I continued my experimentation with the Light Phone II. It's a minimalist black-and-white mobile phone that does a lot of the basics, like calling, texting, and more. In recent years, this slick phone has been gaining traction as a way to escape constant notifications, app usage, and doom scrolling.
The Light Phone first launched on Kickstarter in 2015, and it took about two years to deliver a lockable and lanyard variant that promised to free you from your smartphone. The first variant received mixed reviews but was thankfully replaced by the standalone replacement, the Light Phone II.
The second version was released in 2019 to great acclaim and addresses almost all of the limitations of the first model. It accepts a standard SIM, has 4G capabilities, can play music or podcasts, and even provides route guidance. It's available in US and international network versions.
For me, the appeal of the Light Phone was threefold: The most notable was the forced minimalism, followed by the compact form factor and, ultimately, the elegant design.
It was not the Light's fault, but my iPhone was an eSIM version, so there was no way to swap SIMs, which made setup more difficult than I expected. eSIM has its security benefits, but it's definitely more distracting and complicated to navigate between disconnected and disconnected states. So, it took me about two hours to set up my SIM at the drive-in and the AT&T store.
Once the Light Phone was installed, the adjustment period began. As soon as I pulled out of the parking lot, I realized that Google Maps was gone, and I drove to my next destination in a hazy memory.
Then came the compulsion to check my email, DMs, WSJ, and even my bank account. I was shocked at how often I reached for my phone for a quick answer to a question (how long does a baobab live?) or to get a dopamine hit.
Wow, I realized how much constant connectivity had influenced my behavior. The next step was to get used to texting on a small screen with my big hands. It worked, but it was slow, and strangely enough, it was okay. Suddenly, I joined the green bubble outsiders.
My experience with the Light Phone began as an experiment, but it turned into half digital detox and half rebellion. Almost everyone in my personal and business circles was bewildered by the effort, some were suspicious, others were annoyed.
As I slowly stopped checking my phone every 10 or 15 minutes (the average American checks their phone 58 times a day), I found it harder to hold on.
The frustration with my choice varied, with some frustrated that I couldn't open links (usually unimportant ones), others frustrated that I couldn't see photos or recent memes. But for me, it started to make me happy.
For every new obstacle that arose, I found a solution. For example, links and images would be emailed to the account I chose in Light. You could still view them, but you could view them when you wanted to, and they were more useful when viewed in batches.
The Light Phone didn't even have a camera, so I had to pack a proper mirrorless with a prime lens in my bag. It was the perfect tool for the job. While my food photos decreased during the experiment, all my other images improved, and I focused more on capturing moments or creating content for my work.
Without social media, my use of Meta products drastically decreased, and I ended up checking them only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I used my iPad Mini to tackle social media challenges and other apps I needed (like Google Maps or Uber). It worked well without being too big to fit in my pocket and having a bad camera, which ruined the experiment.
After a few weeks, I found the Light Phone surprisingly enjoyable to use, and it became quieter as communication shifted primarily to email and phone calls. My time with coworkers, friends, and family became more intentional and present-focused. My 18-year-old nephew found the phone fun but also "cool" and nicknamed it "Potato."
I could still listen to music (in mp3 format) or my favorite podcasts, and it had a calculator, notes, and alarms. The navigation app worked fine in an emergency, but the battery died, and the phone got hot. My only complaint is that the plastic around the buttons is too thin to be durable in the long term.
Both sides broke within a week. Another interesting result was the national presidential alert, which was delivered in Spanish and completely locked the phone up (this issue was fixed in a later update).
For domestic travel, it worked well, and I enjoyed it on trips to Utah and further afield. For international travel, however, I'm still deciding if I can take the risk.
The first problem is that you have to buy a second LightPhone with international network capabilities, including a new number for each country (just like buying a SIM at the border). There is also the reality of remote international travel, such as calling an Uber, using a translation app, using an iOverlander, etc.
Of course, it is possible to drive around the world without a phone, but the added complexity and obstacles to the process are amazing. A simple example is the number of services that require you to scan a QR code or barcode on the screen before boarding the plane or processing your eVisa.
7. Mudita Pure
The Mudita Pure is a great choice for wellness enthusiasts and those looking to minimize their digital exposure. The E-Ink display is not only gentle on the eyes, but it also preserves battery life, making it a reliable device for long-term use.
The phone's low SAR value and radiation-free design are also great for those concerned about the potential health effects of prolonged smartphone use. The custom operating system is designed to provide a smooth, uninterrupted experience without distracting users from their goals by accessing apps or the iInternet
On the downside, the lack of GPS or internet connectivity on the Mudita Pure may be a deal-breaker for some. It's also a relatively high price, given its limited features. However, its focus on wellness and premium build quality makes it a worthy investment for the right audience.
8. Gabb Phones
Gabb Wireless sells two phones a high-end Samsung model added to the original ZTE device) aimed at parents looking for a way for their children to stay connected while avoiding distracting or dangerous apps and people.
There's no Wi-Fi, no browser, no email, and no app store for digital distribution. Gabb wanted to make it look and act like a smartphone (at least until you ask your kids to check out their latest Instagram posts) while avoiding the hassle of managing parental controls via Google Family Link.
The phone has just 13 apps, including those that support basic phone tasks like making calls, sending texts, and taking and reviewing photos.
Photos and recordings require a USB connection to a PC to retrieve them. A voice recorder is one of the apps Gabb added after its initial Indiegogo campaign, but it's still surprising that there's no app for typing notes.
The Gabb phone only works with Gabb Wireless MVNOs, which means you'll have to pay at least $20 per month, but most carriers will let you add another phone to your account for $10 per month, and you can get it for less with plans from companies like US Mobile and Lycamobile. That could be especially appealing for a device that you use occasionally.
Conclusion
A distraction-free phone is a powerful tool for those who want to reclaim their time and focus on what matters most. Whether you want simplicity, productivity, or a break from constant notifications, there's an option for you.
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