# CogniFit vs N

The clearest difference is update cadence: CogniFit at weekly against N's monthly. CogniFit also leads on ratings volume (1.7K vs 239). N's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (83% vs 71%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CogniFit sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month 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.

N holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CogniFit has 1.7K ratings behind it against 239, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of CogniFit's written reviews are positive against 83% of N's.

CogniFit ships an update weekly, N monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CogniFit | N |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognifit-brain-training/id528285610/reviews) | **[4.7 (239 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.7K** | 239 |
| Positive reviews | 71.0% of reviews | **82.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 238 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [CogniFit](https://appshunter.io/developer/528285613) | [Rivuspurus](https://appshunter.io/developer/1171945549) |

## What reviewers say

### CogniFit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognifit-brain-training/id528285610)

Engage in fun mental games designed to test, train, and improve your cognitive functions. Monitor your progress with personalized scores and track improvements in areas like memory, focus, and reaction time. This app offers a scientific approach to brain health for users of all ages.

**Highlights:** Personalized brain training sessions, Cognitive score monitoring, Improve memory, focus, and reaction time, Track cognitive age, Guided mindfulness techniques, Interactive brain games

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription 50% Off | $9.99 | per month |
| Subscription Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Monthy Basic | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly Basic | $19.99 | per month |
| CogniFit Premium | $19.99 | per month |
| CogniFit Premium | $59.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription 50% Off | $59.99 | per year |
| Yearly Basic | $119.99 | per year |
| Assessment - Full price | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Varied and interesting
- 👍 Great design, learn about strengths and weaknesses
- 👍 Challenging and engaging
- 👍 Amazing app
- 👍 Comprehensive assessments and personalized training

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Free but not free, locked features require payment
- 🐛 Freezes and crashes, app not working properly
- 🐛 Inconsistent audio, issues with Bluetooth devices
- 🐛 Confusing instructions, difficult to understand some games
- 🐛 Glitchy controls, unresponsive buttons

**Reported bugs**

- Constant need to restart iPad to get app to work
- Games freezing and progress not saved
- Buttons and controls not working as expected
- Inconsistent loading and crashing issues
- Personalized training not functioning properly

**Requested features**

- More language options
- Ability to skip games during personalized training
- Option to practice specific weak areas
- Clearer instructions and tutorials for all games
- Accommodate for color blindness and visual impairments


### 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 CogniFit free?

CogniFit 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, CogniFit or N?

N is rated higher. CogniFit averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while N averages 4.7 from 239 ratings.

### Do CogniFit or N have ads?

Neither CogniFit nor N shows ads.

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

CogniFit ships an update weekly, and N monthly. Most recently, CogniFit was updated on October 18, 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.*