# PVT Research Tool vs N

The clearest difference is review sentiment: N at 83% against PVT Research Tool's 33%. N also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (239 vs 8). PVT Research Tool's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. N sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. PVT Research Tool asks for nothing beyond the download.

N holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: N has 239 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of PVT Research Tool's written reviews are positive against 83% of N's.

## The numbers

| Metric | PVT Research Tool | N |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pvt-research-tool/id1475726298/reviews) | **[4.7 (239 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **239** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **82.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | — | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 30 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [The Texas A&M University System CSE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462337505) | [Rivuspurus](https://appshunter.io/developer/1171945549) |

## What reviewers say

### PVT Research Tool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pvt-research-tool/id1475726298)

This application assists researchers in gathering data on alertness changes related to fatigue. It is designed to measure reaction times and assess the impact of sleep loss or extended wakefulness.

**Highlights:** Measures reaction time, Assesses fatigue-related changes, Collects research data, Supports sleep loss studies, Evaluates alertness

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 PVT Research Tool free?

PVT Research Tool is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is N free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PVT Research Tool or N?

N is rated higher. PVT Research Tool averages 4.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while N averages 4.7 from 239 ratings.

### Do PVT Research Tool or N have ads?

Neither PVT Research Tool nor N shows ads.

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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.*