# Mathematical N vs N

The clearest difference is update cadence: N at monthly against Mathematical N's every 8 months. Mathematical N's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mathematical N sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and N sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Mathematical N against 4.7 for N. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 85 and 239 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Mathematical N's written reviews are positive against 83% of N's.

Mathematical N ships an update every 8 months, N monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mathematical N | N |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathematical-n-back/id1298836462/reviews) | [4.7 (239 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 85 | **239** |
| Positive reviews | 81.3% of reviews | **82.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [William Mahoney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1124295006) | [Rivuspurus](https://appshunter.io/developer/1171945549) |

## What reviewers say

### Mathematical N

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathematical-n-back/id1298836462)

This app offers a comprehensive mathematical n-back training experience. Users can select from various arithmetic operations or a mixed mode for increased difficulty. Track your performance with detailed charts and compete with others on leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Multiple arithmetic operations (add, subtract, multiply), Mixed operation mode for advanced challenge, Timed games to beat personal bests, Progress tracking with charts, Global leaderboards for competition

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version | $3.99 | one-time |


### N

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079)

This app offers a scientifically validated cognitive training program designed to enhance intelligence. It uses the dual n-back method to improve learning, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Track progress, compete with friends, and customize your experience to boost cognitive abilities.

**Highlights:** Dual n-back cognitive training, IQ enhancement, Progress tracking and streaks, Social competition and leaderboards, Customizable voices and settings, Weekly habit option

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium (monthly) | $8.99 | per month |
| Premium (annual) | $54.99 | per year |
| 1 cup of coffee | $1.99 | one-time |
| 4 cups of coffee | $5.99 | one-time |
| Pizza | $7.99 | one-time |
| 7  cups of coffee | $8.99 | one-time |
| 10  cups of coffee | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🧠 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**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

**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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mathematical N free?

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

### Is N free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Mathematical N or N?

Mathematical N and N are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 85 and 239 ratings respectively.

### Do Mathematical N or N have ads?

Neither Mathematical N nor N shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mathematical N or N?

Mathematical N ships an update every 8 months, and N monthly. Most recently, Mathematical N was updated on October 17, 2026 and N on October 16, 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.*