# N-Back Challenge — Raise your IQ in 20 days > Cognitive training app to improve intelligence via dual n-back exercises. (iPhone/iPad app by Rivuspurus.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Rivuspurus](https://appshunter.io/developer/1171945549) - Category: Education, Games, Family, Puzzle - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.70/5 from 192 App Store ratings · 93 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 17+ - Requires: iOS 16.6 · 52 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2022-05-17 - Data updated: 2026-08-11 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079/reviews.md ## What is N? The N-Back Challenge provides a special type of cognitive training, “dual n-back,” that helps you raise your IQ in just a few minutes per day. Sounds implausible? The N-Back Challenge is based on a decade’s worth of scientific studies, published in top peer-reviewed journals, including Nature. (For more details, see https://nbackchallenge.com/science.) The catch? It’s no fun at all! Indeed, the training is designed to be maximally exhausting. If you are determined enough to make it through 20 sessions, however, science suggests that you stand to reap powerful benefits. Intelligence is the ultimate cognitive ability: You need it to learn, reason, solve novel problems, and see connections. Higher IQs have been linked to improved academic achievement, professional success, and even better health. Since it will take you just 7 hours, in total, to complete the N-Back Challenge, not much more than the length of a single school day, it may prove to be the best investment of time you’ve ever made! ------------------------------ SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND: Not only has the dual n-back paradigm been validated in top peer-reviewed journals, but our two founders – both PhDs, one with a focus on neuroscience, the other with a focus on higher education – have taken particular care to thoroughly align the app with the prevailing scientific research. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS: In order to help you stay motivated, the N-Back Challenge allows you to visually monitor your progress over time, build up “streaks,” and compare yourself against other learners across various stats. COMPETE AGAINST YOUR FRIENDS: Perhaps the most powerful way of making sure you remain motivated to complete the Challenge is to tackle it together with friends or colleagues. To make it more fun, we’ve provided leaderboards that allow you to compete based on who has completed the most sessions, racked up the longest streak, and more. CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE: The N-Back Challenge allows you to choose between different voices across multiple languages, turn on notifications, and customize their timing and style. There are advanced settings for turning on instant button feedback, controlling the n-back level, and tweaking the game speed. And if you are too busy to complete one session every day, you may switch to the Weekly Habit, which gives you a full week to complete each session. ------------------------------ ARE YOU… … A PARENT? Give your children an edge at school or university by nudging them to complete the N-Back Challenge. Indeed, why not tackle the Challenge together as a family? … A GRANDCHILD? Help your grandparents (and other older relatives) fight cognitive decline by introducing them to dual n-back. (See https://nbackchallenge.com/decline.) … A KNOWLEDGE WORKER? Share the N-Back Challenge with your HR department. Dual n-back may well be the single most cost-effective way of making knowledge workers more productive. (See https://nbackchallenge.com/work.) … A TEACHER? Use dual n-back to enhance students' problem-solving skills. You can have a big impact, with a minimal investment of time! (See https://nbackchallenge.com/class.) ------------------------------ HOW IT WORKS: The N-Back Challenge is free as long as you stick to the program. When you miss or delay a session, we ask you to support us with a “coffee,” which you can buy in-app or earn — for example, by using the Share link in the Settings to invite friends. (Each of you will receive a free coffee.) You can also unlock unlimited free breaks by becoming a premium subscriber. CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Do you have any questions or suggestions? Like to say hello? We’re happy to hear from you! Just drop us a note at support@nbackchallenge.com. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: To learn more about dual n-back and the N-Back Challenge, browse our repository of articles at https://nbackchallenge.com/articles. Privacy Policy: https://nbackchallenge.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://nbackchallenge.com/terms-of-use ## Key features - Dual n-back cognitive training - IQ enhancement - Progress tracking and streaks - Social competition and leaderboards - Customizable voices and settings - Weekly habit option ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | Premium (monthly) | $8.99 | per month | | Premium (annual) | $54.99 | per year | **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Pizza | $7.99 | one-time | | 1 cup of coffee | $1.99 | one-time | | 4 cups of coffee | $5.99 | one-time | | 7 cups of coffee | $8.99 | one-time | | 10 cups of coffee | $10.99 | one-time | ## What do users think of N? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🧠 Effective working memory improvement - 🎮 Excellent gamification and motivation system - 💰 Free to use with affordable payment options - 🎨 Clean, polished, intuitive user interface - 📚 Scientifically-backed with educational articles - 🎯 No ads or distracting interruptions - 🔊 Multiple voice options for letter pronunciation - 📊 Detailed progress tracking and statistics - ⚡ Optimal pacing between sequences - ❤️ Developer focus on user benefit over profit **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent mid-session freezes and crashes - 🔊 Unclear letter pronunciation (some letters sound similar) - 💳 Controversial 'coffee' paywall for missed days - 🔌 Requires internet connection (not offline compatible) - ⚠️ Inconsistent instant feedback on answers - 🔄 Sync issues between devices - ⏱️ Occasional sound generation failures - 🎮 Steep learning curve for new users - 🔘 No penalty for incorrect clicks - ⚡ App crashes on startup sometimes **Commonly reported bugs** - Mid-session freezing and soft locks (most common) - Sound not generating for letters during gameplay - Buttons greyed out preventing interaction - App crashes when accessing stats - Double coffee charge on streak breaks - Sound disabled when button pressed simultaneously with letter - App crashes on startup - Sync failures between iPad and iPhone - Game freezing on specific levels (Level 2, 4) - Countdown ends but first tile/letter doesn't appear **Most requested features** - Single n-back and quad n-back modes - Lock screen widgets for streak reminders - Color-position dual n-back mode - More granular settings (interference, probability, trial count) - Penalty system for incorrect answers - Game Center leaderboard integration - iPad and desktop versions with synced accounts - Offline gameplay capability - Data export for personal analysis - Extended play duration at higher levels ## Recent user reviews (10 of 93) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Alhamdulillah *2026-08-02, version 1.13.3* Praise be to Allah for this iq raised I have gotten much smarter and no pay ### 5/5 — Simple but effective *2026-07-20, version 1.13.3* Have been using this app for years now. It’s very simple but it does a great job presenting Dual N Back. I use it every day to test my mental acuity. ### 5/5 — My performance improved a lot! *2026-06-23, version 1.13.3* At first, it was really challenging to complete even 2-back, but after 10 days continuous training, I can steadily tackle 6-back. I’m shocked by the progress myself. I think my trick is to keep a shelf in my brain, it has 2 layers, you can put 3 items on each layer in the case of 3-back. You should put new items in new layers while comparing it to the upper layer, figuring whether it’s position or sound is the same. ### 5/5 — Forensic Utility for High-Stakes Operations *2026-04-18, version 1.13.3* Most users view Dual N-Back as a game, for a Sovereign Operator, it is a Clinical Calibration Tool. I am currently at Level 7, utilizing this training to manage a high leverage trading environment while navigating complex structural transitions. The benefit isn't just 'memory' it is the expansion of Working RAM. It allows for the decoupling of emotional noise from strategic execution. I have found that as my N-Back level increases, my execution becomes automated. I no longer narrate my life, I execute it. Whether it’s auditing a CPG brand’s architecture, or maintaining a trade setup during personal volatility, the N-Back provides the cognitive resolution to see through the world in a different lens. ### 4/5 — Fun game, dubious benefits *2026-04-08, version 1.13.3* Been playing it every day for the last two months. Just hit my 1000th round. I really enjoy the game. It’s the right amount challenge where you can get better at it the more you play it. I am skeptical that my IQ has gone up at all. And I’ve not noticed any memory or intelligence benefits in general. But none of that is why I keep playing it. When I play it, I give it my full attention. I get locked in. Focusing on a skill I can see noticeable improvement in is super satisfying. Especially for my ADHD-diagnosed brain. ### 1/5 — Stuck behind a paywall *2026-04-04, version 1.13.3* I am stuck behind the “0.00$ coffee” paywall. I dont have “coffees” anymore so the game tells me that i can purchase coffee for free. But when i click to buy one, it wants payment. I thought it will be fixed if i wait some days but it never fixes. ### 5/5 — Great app *2026-03-29, version 1.13.3* This app is great. I love everything about it. The streaks, the pricing model, the intermittent articles. It like uses dopamine to make you smarter instead of dumb! I’ve also been noticing that my memory has gotten a lot better and I find it easy to listen to audiobooks because I can zone out, but when I zone back in, I will just naturally remember that like 5-7 seconds without having to go back. It’s really great! ### 1/5 — Lies about percentage to make you feel better *2026-03-10, version 1.13.3* I don’t believe the results. It says you get more right than you actually do. ### 5/5 — Cool stuff *2026-02-05, version 1.13.3* It’s good mental exercise. You may have to google the rules of the game to get it but once you get it it’s fine. I also like the “free as long as you’re using it” model, very cool and puts a little fire under my butt to keep up the sessions. ### 5/5 — One of the best dual-n-back apps *2026-01-29, version 1.13.3* The makers of this app know how to motivate users to come back. The app is free to use, but if you regularly miss a session during the first twenty days, they ask for the cost of a cheap coffee for you to continue playing. The pace of the game is another bonus - the pause between each square/sound and the next is just enough to help you remember the sequence so far, but not too long that you forget it. A lot of other apps move though the sequence during an n-back session too quickly. All round, a great app for those looking to improve working memory. Though it’s challenging, stick with it, and you’ll slowly notice improvements. ## Frequently asked questions about N ### What is the N-Back Challenge app? The N-Back Challenge app provides a specific type of cognitive training called 'dual n-back.' This scientifically validated method is designed to help users improve their intelligence, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving skills through daily exercises. ### What are the key features of the N-Back Challenge? Key features include scientifically sound dual n-back training, progress tracking with streaks, the ability to compete with friends via leaderboards, and customizable settings for voices, notifications, and game speed. It also offers an option to complete sessions weekly instead of daily. ### How much does the N-Back Challenge app cost? The app is free to download and use, but it offers in-app purchases. This means you can access the core functionality for free, with optional purchases available for additional features or content. ### Who can benefit from using the N-Back Challenge? The app is beneficial for a wide range of users, including parents seeking to give their children an academic edge, knowledge workers aiming to boost productivity, and older individuals looking to combat cognitive decline. Anyone interested in improving their overall cognitive abilities can find value in the training. ### Is the N-Back Challenge scientifically proven? Yes, the dual n-back paradigm used in the app is based on a decade of scientific studies published in top peer-reviewed journals, including Nature. The app's founders, both PhDs with expertise in neuroscience and higher education, have ensured the app aligns with current scientific research. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.13.3 — 2026-01-21 This version contains a few bug fixes and technical improvements. Thank you for using our app. ### 1.13.2 — 2025-12-24 We’ve fixed a couple of bugs in this version to make the app run more smoothly. Thank you for using the app! ### 1.13.1 — 2025-12-19 In this update, we added automatic data extraction and fixed several bugs. Thank you so much for your continued support, and thanks for using the app! ### 1.13.0 — 2025-12-15 In this update, we fixed a crash that occurred when tapping the Statistics icon. A big thank you to everyone who reported the issue. Thank you for your patience, and thank you for using our app! ### 1.12.0 — 2025-12-03 In this version, we applied a major upgrade to our voices across all supported languages. Not only do the new voices sound more natural and pleasant, but they should also make it much easier to phonetically distinguish the different letters being read out. At the same time, we fixed a bug related to missing stimuli during gameplay. We hope these updates improve your enjoyment of the N-Back Challenge. Thank you very much for using our app! ## Apps similar to N | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Schulte table!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/schulte-table/id951462483) | 4.6 (338) | Free | Education | | [Dual N-Back ADHD Focus Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dual-n-back-adhd-focus-game/id1568448504) | 4.3 (19) | Free | Education | | [Dual N Back Brain Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dual-n-back-brain-game/id6748565017) | 4.8 (4) | Free | Education | | [Dual N-Back Ultimate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dual-n-back-ultimate/id6752545551) | 4.7 (15) | Free | Education | | [Dual N-Back Extreme](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dual-n-back-extreme/id6744034751) | 4.6 (9) | Free | Education | | [RaiseYourIQ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raiseyouriq/id6502886231) | 5.0 (9) | Free | Education | ## More apps by Rivuspurus - [Expercast](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expercast/id1171945550) All apps by Rivuspurus: https://appshunter.io/developer/1171945549 ## Related topics [n back](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/n-back) · [dual n back](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dual-n-back) · [dual and back](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dual-and-back) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-11.*