# Brain Trainer vs Tessel

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Brain Trainer at none against Tessel's 4. Brain Trainer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.5). Tessel's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tessel sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Brain Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Brain Trainer against 5.0 for Tessel. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

Brain Trainer ships an update every 3 weeks, Tessel every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Brain Trainer | Tessel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brain-trainer-cognitive-game/id1037477449/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tessel-strategy-duel/id6778083586/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 83 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 17.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [samona limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1453997195) | [MELANIE SHEILA CADET](https://appshunter.io/developer/6778083588) |

## What reviewers say

### Brain Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brain-trainer-cognitive-game/id1037477449)

Sharpen your memory and boost your brain strength with this engaging game. It features progressively challenging levels and intuitive gameplay designed for the whole family. Remember patterns and repeat them to test your cognitive abilities.

**Highlights:** Boost brain strength, Sharpen memory power, Pattern recall challenges, Progressive difficulty levels, Simple and intuitive interface, Fun for the entire family

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Tessel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tessel-strategy-duel/id6778083586)

A relaxing yet strategic hex-based board game where players place uniquely shaped pieces. Compete against AI, friends locally, or players online. Utilize power tokens and unlock cosmetic customizations for a unique experience.

**Highlights:** Hex-based strategy gameplay, AI opponents with multiple difficulties, Online turn-based multiplayer, Local Pass and Play mode, Optional power tokens, Unlockable cosmetic themes, Save and resume games

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kintsugi Skin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aurora Glass Cosmetic Skin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Rose Quartz Cosmetic Skin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Brain Trainer free?

Brain Trainer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Tessel free?

Tessel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Brain Trainer or Tessel?

Brain Trainer and Tessel are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do Brain Trainer or Tessel have ads?

Tessel shows ads; Brain Trainer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Brain Trainer or Tessel?

Brain Trainer ships an update every 3 weeks, and Tessel every 2 days. Most recently, Brain Trainer was updated on October 12, 2026 and Tessel on October 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*