# Dual N vs NBack

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NBack at 100% against Dual N's 52%. NBack also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). Dual N's advantage is ratings volume (88 vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dual N sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and NBack sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NBack holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dual N has 88 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Dual N's written reviews are positive against 100% of NBack's.

Dual N ships an update every 6 months, NBack every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dual N | NBack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (88 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dual-n-back-brain-training/id1099572886/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nback-boost-iq/id6743346501/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **88** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 52.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 42 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lindware OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/510283189) | [eric cesar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1783301800) |

## What reviewers say

### Dual N

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dual-n-back-brain-training/id1099572886)

Enhance your working memory and fluid intelligence with a scientifically validated brain training exercise. This app replicates the original Dual N-Back experiment to help you improve your cognitive abilities. Track your progress with detailed statistics and stay motivated with customizable reminders.

**Highlights:** Working memory enhancement, Fluid intelligence improvement, Replicates original experiment, Competitive leaderboards, Configurable reminders, Extensive statistics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Improves memory and cognition
- 👍 Well-made and functional app
- 👍 Nice looking and clean UI
- 👍 Not obtrusive ads
- 👍 Supports developer financially

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Gridless layout is challenging
- 🤔 Scoring doesn't make sense
- 🤔 Percentage of success is vague
- 🤔 English version uses 'Zed'
- 🐛 Position and sound buttons come up late

**Reported bugs**

- Scoring doesn't make sense
- Position and sound buttons come up too late
- Dark background is distracting
- Poorly planned letter combinations
- No sound

**Requested features**

- Option to turn grid on/off
- Feature to pick scoring method
- Tri-back or Quad-back options
- Option to swap buttons
- Option to reset stats


### NBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nback-boost-iq/id6743346501)

This scientifically validated cognitive training app is designed to enhance focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. It utilizes the dual n-back method, proven to increase fluid intelligence, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for those seeking mental improvement.

**Highlights:** Scientifically validated cognitive training, Dual n-back method for fluid intelligence, Boosts memory and focus, Enhances problem-solving skills, Progress tracking with data-backed gains, Customizable user experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly membership | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly membership | $14.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dual N free?

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

### Is NBack free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dual N or NBack?

NBack is rated higher. Dual N averages 4.1 out of 5 from 88 ratings, while NBack averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Dual N or NBack have ads?

Neither Dual N nor NBack shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dual N or NBack?

Dual N ships an update every 6 months, and NBack every 2 months. Most recently, Dual N was updated on October 24, 2026 and NBack on October 11, 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.*