# N'Back vs N

The clearest difference is rating: N at 4.7 against N'Back's 4.0. N also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 9 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. N'Back 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.

N holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: N has 237 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of N'Back's written reviews are positive against 83% of N's.

N'Back ships an update every 9 months, N monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | N'Back | N |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nback/id591320567/reviews) | **[4.7 (237 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/n-back-challenge/id1524599079/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **237** |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | **82.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Yasuyoshi Ota](https://appshunter.io/developer/1500357652) | [Rivuspurus](https://appshunter.io/developer/1171945549) |

## What reviewers say

### N'Back

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nback/id591320567)

Enhance sensory and working memory with this brain training application. It offers various modes to test your ability to recall sequences of numbers, progressing through different 'N' levels.

**Highlights:** Sensory memory improvement, Working memory enhancement, N'Back exercises, Flash Mode, Slow Mode, Step Mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Add Levels (3'Back-10'Back) and Remove Ads | $2.99 | 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 N'Back free?

N'Back 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, N'Back or N?

N is rated higher. N'Back averages 4.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while N averages 4.7 from 237 ratings.

### Do N'Back or N have ads?

N'Back shows ads; N does not.

### Which is updated more often, N'Back or N?

N'Back ships an update every 9 months, and N monthly. Most recently, N'Back was updated on September 11, 2026 and N on September 17, 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.*