Comparison

Lumosity vs Impulse

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Lumosity

Engage your mind with a variety of science-based brain games and puzzles designed to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Personalized daily workouts and detailed performance insights help you track progress and achieve cognitive goals.

Highlights
  • 40+ adaptive brain games
  • Daily personalized workout plans
  • Performance insights
  • Progress tracking
  • Fit Test for baseline scores
  • Games by skill category
Read full description

Train your mind with Lumosity’s fun science-based brain games, played by over 100 million users worldwide. Lumosity is a leading brain training app with cognitive games and puzzles to exercise Memory, Attention, Problem Solving and more. WHAT’S INSIDE THE APP •40+ Brain games that adapt as you play •Daily workout plans to train your brain •Insights into your performance •Track your progress and achieve your training goals GET STARTED WITH A FIT TEST Take a free, 10-minute Fit Test to set your baseline scores and see how your scores compare to others in your age group. EXPLORE BRAIN GAMES BY SKILL Choose the skill you want to target by playing games for speed, memory, attention, flexibility, problem-solving, math and word games. DAILY PERSONALIZED BRAIN WORKOUTS Build daily habits with workouts curated for you. Get personalized challenges based on your training habits and preferences. Practice key skills through curated, targeted brain games. DETAILED TRAINING INSIGHTS Discover your strengths across games with in-depth performance insights. Explore patterns in your gameplay to better understand how you engage with different challenges. THE SCIENCE BEHIND LUMOSITY We’re a team of scientists and designers exploring new ways to challenge the brain and advance cognitive research. We take established cognitive and neuropsychological tasks, or create entirely new, experimental challenges. We then transform these tasks into games and puzzles that challenge core cognitive skills. We also collaborate with 40+ university researchers worldwide. We provide qualified researchers free access to Lumosity’s tools, to support new investigations in the cognitive sciences. WHO IS LUMOSITY FOR? •People of all ages who enjoy challenging their minds with fun, challenging games •Lifelong learners interested in games that engage cognitive skills. •Anyone aiming to exercise Memory, Speed, Attention, or Problem Solving skills. Whether you're drinking your morning coffee or winding down before bed, Lumosity makes it easy to fit a meaningful brain training session into your day. Join millions using Lumosity to train their minds. Download today and build your brain training habit. GET HELP: https://lumositybeta.zendesk.com/ FOLLOW US: http://twitter.com/lumosity LIKE US: http://facebook.com/lumosity LUMOSITY PREMIUM & TERMS With Lumosity Premium, you will work out with a personalized training program, unlock in-depth insights about how you play, and receive tips for better game accuracy, speed and strategy. Lumosity Premium subscriptions are charged through your iTunes account upon confirmation of purchase. Your subscription will automatically renew at the price and period selected above unless you turn off auto-renewal at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You may manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal in your iTunes account settings after purchase. Refunds are not provided for the unused portion of any term, and any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when a purchase is made. Privacy Policy: https://www.lumosity.com/legal/privacy_policy Terms of Service: https://www.lumosity.com/legal/terms_of_service Payment Policy: https://www.lumosity.com/legal/payment_policy California Privacy Policy: https://www.lumosity.com/en/legal/privacy_policy/#what-information-we-collect

About

Impulse

Enhance your cognitive abilities with personalized brain training games and puzzles. Discover your mental strengths and weaknesses through self-discovery tests, and track your progress over time to build a sharper mind.

Highlights
  • Personalized daily training plans
  • Memory & processing speed training
  • Attention & focus exercises
  • Mental math challenges
  • Problem-solving games
  • Cognitive profile discovery
  • IQ and personality tests
Features
Read full description

100+ million downloads 4.7 worldwide rating App of the Day in 50+ countries Train your brain. Discover yourself. Become sharper. Impulse is more than a brain training app — it's a complete toolkit for understanding how your mind works and building it into its strongest version. Struggle to stay focused? Forget things easily? Feel like your brain could do more? That’s where Impulse comes in. TRAIN WHAT YOUR BRAIN NEEDS MOST Impulse builds a personalized daily training plan tailored to the brain areas you need most: - Memory & Processing speed - Attention & focus - Mental math - Problem-solving Our science-inspired games are challenging enough to keep you progressing and simple enough to enjoy every day — at any age or skill level. DISCOVER YOUR COGNITIVE PROFILE Go deeper with a library of self-discovery tests that reveal how your mind truly works: - IQ tests & Cognitive strengths - Personality type and archetype insights - Emotional intelligence and self-awareness tests Each test comes with personalized recommendations so you know exactly which areas to focus on and how to grow. TRACK YOUR GROWTH - See your performance trends over time - Get actionable insights — not just scores - Stay motivated with streaks and progress reports WHY IMPULSE Most brain apps just give you games. Impulse also gives you deeper understanding of yourself. Train smarter and stay sharp for life. Join 100 million people worldwide who've made Impulse part of their daily routine. Impulse offers a 3-day free trial with full access to all games - no ads, no interruptions. If you choose to subscribe, the fee will be shown in the app before you complete the payment. Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renewal is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You may manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal at any time in your iTunes Account Settings. Terms of Service: https://brainimpulse.me/app/tos.html Privacy Policy: https://brainimpulse.me/app/privacy_policy.html Contact: support@brainimpulse.me

Screenshots

Lumosity4 screens
Impulse4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Impulse at 849K against Lumosity's 130K. Impulse also leads on chart position (#13 vs #68). Lumosity's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 69%) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Lumosity sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and Impulse sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Lumosity against 4.7 for Impulse. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Impulse has 849K ratings behind it against 130K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 79% of Lumosity's written reviews are positive against 69% of Impulse's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Lumosity ships an update every 5 days, Impulse every 6 days. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Lumosity versus Impulse: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLumosityImpulse
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (130K ratings)4.7 (849K ratings)
Positive reviews79.2% of reviews — better69.2% of reviews
Number of ratings130K849K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 6 days
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#68#13 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size255 MB249 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLumos Labs, Inc.GMRD Apps Limited

Customer experience

Lumosity

All ratings130,054 ratings
Positive93.6%
Neutral4.1%
Negative2.3%
Written reviews3,449 reviews
Positive79.2%
Neutral5.9%
Negative14.9%

Impulse

All ratings849,108 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral3.3%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews7,379 reviews
Positive69.2%
Neutral3.9%
Negative26.9%

User reviews

Lumosity

From 130K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Challenging and engaging games
  • 👍 Helps improve cognitive abilities
  • 🧠 Effective brain training
  • 💡 Variety of games and exercises
  • 🧠 Noticeable improvements in memory and focus

Room to improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription model
  • 🔒 Limited access to features without premium
  • 🐛 Glitches and performance issues
  • 🤔 Frustrating difficulty progression
  • 🤔 Repetitive and unengaging at higher levels

Impulse

From 849K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🤩 Engaging and fun brain games
  • 🧠 Helpful for improving focus, memory, and cognitive abilities
  • 📈 Tracks progress and compares to peers
  • 🧘‍♀️ Relaxing and calming experience
  • 🏆 Motivating to improve scores and skills

Room to improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription model, with limited free access
  • 🤖 Misleading ads and paywalls for test results
  • 🙄 Excessive ads and upselling in free version
  • 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
  • 🤨 Questionable accuracy of personality/IQ tests

Bugs and requests

Lumosity

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login and account issues
  • Inconsistent performance across devices
  • Syncing problems between mobile and desktop
  • Unreliable customer support

Requested features

6 requests
  • More free games and content
  • Ability to slow down or adjust game difficulty
  • Better performance and stability
  • More detailed progress tracking and insights
  • Ability to compete with friends
Show 1 more
  • Easier subscription management and cancellation

Impulse

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Inconsistent progress tracking and level completion
  • Crashes and freezes, especially on older devices
  • Subscription issues and unexpected charges

Requested features

5 requests
  • More varied and challenging brain games
  • Personalized training plans based on user needs
  • Family sharing and multi-user support
  • Better integration of test results and game performance
  • Improved night mode and accessibility features

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Lumosity

Subscriptions7
  • Lumosity Premium2 variants$11.991 Month
  • Lumosity Premium14 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • Lumosity Premium$35.991 Year
Show 4 more
  • Lumosity Premium$54.991 Year
  • Lumosity Premium$69.991 Year
  • Lumosity Premium2 variants$89.001 Year
  • Lumosity Premium14 Days trial$89.001 Year
One-time1
  • One Month Subscription$14.99
14 purchases

Impulse

Subscriptions13
  • ImpulsePRO [7 days]3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Premium Access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Premium Access$6.997 Days
Show 10 more
  • Premium Access$7.997 Days
  • Premium Access3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • ImpulsePRO [1 week]3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • ImpulsePRO [1 month, 25% off]3 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Premium Access$15.991 Year
  • Premium Access$24.991 Year
  • Premium Access$28.991 Year
  • PRO [1 year, special offer]$29.491 Year
  • ImpulsePRO [52 weeks]$29.991 Year
  • Premium Access$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Access$49.99

Questions

Is Lumosity free?
Lumosity is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Impulse free?
Impulse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Lumosity or Impulse?
Lumosity and Impulse are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 130K and 849K ratings respectively.
Do Lumosity or Impulse have ads?
Both Lumosity and Impulse show ads.
Which is updated more often, Lumosity or Impulse?
Lumosity ships an update every 5 days, and Impulse every 6 days. Most recently, Lumosity was updated on September 24, 2026 and Impulse on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, Lumosity or Impulse?
Lumosity currently peaks at #68 in the App Store charts, and Impulse at #13. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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