9 Best Brain Training Apps for iPhone & Android [Tested 2024]

Are you looking for brain training apps? Like some of us hit the gym to target and strengthen specific muscle groups, our brains also need training to enhance cognitive abilities, memory, intelligence, processing speed, and other functions.

According to research, the use of brain training apps boosts our capacity to process information faster and enhances our working memory. While several apps for both iPhone and Android claim to aid in brain training, not all of them fulfill their promises.

Thus, I conducted trials on over ten brain training apps and selected the top nine most effective ones. I’ll provide an overview of each app in my selection, but first, let’s delve into what brain training apps are.

What is the best app to train your brain?

I’ve compiled a list of the top seven brain training apps based on criteria such as the variety of brain exercises they provide and their effectiveness. Here are they:

Do brain apps really work?

When we talk about whether brain training apps really work, it’s helpful to look at them from a few different angles.

Some researchers argue that specific activities on brain training apps can enhance cognitive functions such as memory. However, the degree of improvement and real-world applications remain topics of debate.

From my own experience trying out various brain training apps, I’ve noticed that the ones that seem to be effective often have well-designed exercises and algorithms. For example, apps like Elevate focus on puzzles to boost intelligence, while others like Anki use spaced-repetition algorithms to help with memorization.

However, it’s worth noting that many brain training apps tend to exaggerate their effectiveness. The truth is, their impact can depend on many factors beyond just the exercises they offer, like how consistently you use them and your brain chemistry.

In simpler terms, these apps give your brain a digital workout, mirroring the tasks we do in real life to improve our brain functions. And while they can sometimes help, it really depends on how well they’re made and how you use them.

Elevate

Elevate stands out as one of the top-rated brain training apps, largely due to its extensive array of training activities. The app offers personalized daily brain workouts, including basic exercises, brain-training games, daily crossword puzzles, and memory challenges.

When testing the app, I found that its training categories span reading, writing, speaking, and math. Within each category, users can engage in numerous brain-teasing games that progressively increase in difficulty as higher stages are unlocked.

After each activity, it generates a detailed report highlighting performance, including a Performance section for users to track their progress over time.

Elevate is designed around consistent daily engagement to enhance brain function through its tailored exercises. However, one notable drawback I observed is that its user experience (UX) isn’t as intuitive as one might expect from a training app.

Furthermore, Elevate operates on a subscription model, offering a 7-day free trial to access its features. Alternatively, there is a free version available for users to explore.

Pros:

• Personalized Training: Tailors exercises based on the user’s performance, focusing on skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and math.
• Wide Variety of Games: Offers over 40 games designed to improve various cognitive skills.
• Daily Engagement: Encourages consistent daily use with progress tracking and performance reports.

Cons:

• Limited Free Version: The free version only allows access to a few games per day, with more features locked behind a subscription.
• Visuals: We found the app’s visuals plain compared to other apps.
• User Experience: The interface is less intuitive, which can be a drawback for some users​

Get Elevate: Android, iOS

Anki

Anki is a free, open-source app that helps you learn and remember things through flashcards. Unlike traditional flashcards, Anki uses spaced repetition, a scientifically proven method to optimize your study sessions and boost long-term memory.

Anki lets you create decks – digital folders for your flashcards — for different subjects or topics. Within each deck, you can add various card types, including:

• Basic: Create classic flashcards with questions on the front and answers on the back.
• Cloze: Focus on memorizing specific information within a piece of text. Anki will hide parts of the text, prompting you to recall the missing part.
• Image Occlusion: Test yourself on visuals by hiding portions of an image and asking you to identify them.

While there are advanced card options, basic flashcards are a perfect starting point. With Anki, you can transform studying into manageable, effective sessions and get well-prepared for your exams and interviews. While Anki is free on Android, there’s a paid version for iOS.

You have to register an account with the app to be able to backup your card collection.

Pros:

• Effective Memorization: Uses spaced repetition to optimize learning and memory retention.
• Customization: Allows users to create and customize their own flashcards for different subjects.
• Free on Android: Provides a robust free version on Android.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Can be complex to set up and use, especially for new users.
• Paid iOS Version: The iOS version requires a purchase, which can be a barrier for some users.

Get Anki: Android, iOS

NeuroNation

Another brain training app I found helpful to use is NeuroNation. It’s designed to help sharpen your memory, improve your focus, and keep your brain working at its best.

The app has over 60 exercises, all designed with the help of neuroscientists to target the specific mental skills you want to train. It even lets you track your progress over time so you can see how much your brain is improving!

NeuroNation is available for download on both computers and phones. It has a free version you can try, but if you want all the features, there’s also a paid option.

Pros:

• Scientifically Designed: Features over 60 exercises developed with neuroscientists to target specific mental skills.
• Progress Tracking: Allows users to monitor their improvement over time.
• Free Version Available: Offers a free version with basic features.

Cons:

• Limited Free Access: Full access to all features requires a subscription.
• Repetitive Exercises: Some users may find the exercises repetitive after a while.

Get NeuroNation: Android, iOS

Lumosity

Lumosity is an app created by scientists to engage your brain through specialized training exercises. It enables users to select from various cognitive skills to enhance, such as Memory, Attention, Flexibility, and Problem-Solving.

At the beginning of my trial with the app, it conducted a fit test comprising three cognitive games. It uses the fit test to customize a training regimen based on individual performance. These fit tests evaluate information processing, attention, and spatial recall abilities.

Furthermore, the app provides activity reports based on your performance. It also has a very user-friendly interface. Overall, it’s a recommended brain training app for Android and iPhone.

Pros:

• Diverse Skill Focus: Targets a wide range of cognitive functions including memory, attention, flexibility, problem-solving, and speed.
• Engaging Games: Provides a variety of games that feel more like casual gaming than brain training.
• Personalized Training: Adjusts training programs based on the user’s performance and progress.

Cons:

• High Subscription Cost: The monthly subscription can be expensive compared to other apps.
• Repetitiveness: The free version can feel repetitive with limited games available.
• Tracking Issues: We had some issues with progress tracking, especially on the desktop version​.

Get Lumosity: Android, iOS

Peak

If you’re looking for an app to train your mind, like Lumosity, Peak is a great option. It uses engaging games to assess your cognitive strengths and weaknesses, then personalizes daily workouts to target specific brain functions like memory, language, and problem-solving.

Peak boasts over 45 brain training games, including a memory-enhancing game (Wizard) developed by Cambridge University. There are also games to improve your language skills and challenge your processing speed.

To help with consistency, it allows me to set a weekly training schedule and track my progress with detailed reports. That is a very unique feature I found when testing the app. Also, it offers both free and premium plans.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Training: Offers over 45 games targeting different cognitive areas such as memory, language, and problem-solving.
• Personalized Workouts: Customizes daily workouts based on the user’s performance and cognitive strengths.
• Motivational Features: Includes a virtual coach to track progress and motivate users.

Cons:

• Limited Free Version: The free plan offers limited access to daily exercises and games.
• Subscription Required for Full Access: Full access to all games and features requires a paid subscription.

Get Peak: Android, iOS

CogniFit

CogniFit offers a wider range of brain training features than other options in this article, targeting memory, reasoning, concentration, coordination, perception, and even relaxation.

It includes engaging games and video training (limited to paid users). It also provides a cognitive assessment to understand your mental strengths and weaknesses. While the free version is functional, a paid subscription unlocks the full range of features.

Pros:

• Wide Range of Features: Covers various cognitive functions including memory, reasoning, concentration, and even relaxation.
• Engaging Content: Offers games and video training to keep users engaged.
• Cognitive Assessments: Provides assessments to understand mental strengths and weaknesses.

Cons:

• Paid Subscription for Full Features: The free version is functional but limited; a subscription is needed for full access.
• Complexity: Some users may find the app’s wide range of features overwhelming.

Get CogniFit: Android, iOS

Other Apps You Can Use to Exercise Your Brain Include:

• Brilliant: Android, iPhone
• Tetris: Android, iPhone
• Pythagorea: Android, iPhone

Final Thoughts

Now that we have shown you the top best brain training apps for Android and iPhone, it’s important to remember that their effectiveness can vary. However, consistent use can still lead to improvements in mental skills. Share your thoughts on the most effective app in the comments below!

FAQs: Brain Training Apps