Comparison

NBack vs SynapseGym

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

Head to head
About

NBack

This scientifically validated cognitive training app is designed to enhance focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. It utilizes the dual n-back method, proven to increase fluid intelligence, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for those seeking mental improvement.

Highlights
  • Scientifically validated cognitive training
  • Dual n-back method for fluid intelligence
  • Boosts memory and focus
  • Enhances problem-solving skills
  • Progress tracking with data-backed gains
  • Customizable user experience
Features
Read full description

The N-Back Challenge isn’t just a game.
 It’s a scientifically validated cognitive upgrade —
 engineered to boost your IQ in just 7 hours total. Built on Research. Designed for Results.
 Forget brain-training fluff.
 This is dual n-back — the only method proven to actually increase fluid intelligence, with results published in New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and other top journals. But here’s the truth:
 It’s brutal. It’s exhausting. It works. If you can complete 20 sessions, you may unlock:
 • Sharper memory
 • Faster learning
 • Enhanced problem-solving
 • Stronger focus under pressure Track your progress.
 See real gains — backed by data.
 All within a beautifully designed, customizable experience. This is not for everyone.
 But if you’re hungry to evolve,
The Challenge awaits. This app is only available in English. Privacy Policy: https://boostiq.app/privacypolicy.html Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

SynapseGym

Features
Read full description

Most brain games just hand you a score. SynapseGym shows you something more useful: where your mind is actually sharp, where it slips, and exactly what to train next. A REAL COGNITIVE PROFILE Take a short check and see yourself across six core skills — working memory, attention, processing speed, flexibility, impulse control and planning. No vague number. A clear picture of your strengths and your blind spots. TRAIN WHAT ACTUALLY HOLDS YOU BACK SynapseGym finds your weakest skill and builds a short daily session around it. No random games — focused practice aimed at the one thing that moves the needle for you. SEE REAL, MEASURABLE PROGRESS Re-check every couple of weeks and watch the numbers move. Track your reaction time, follow your streak, and learn the hours when your mind is at its sharpest. GROUNDED IN REAL SCIENCE The exercises are built on established cognitive tasks — Stroop, N-Back, Go/No-Go, digit span and more — turned into quick, sharp sessions that feel like play, not homework. MORE THAN GAMES A sharper mind needs a calmer one. Built-in meditation, gratitude journaling and habit tools help you stay focused and steady, every day. Leaderboards and achievements keep you coming back. 66 EXERCISES — NEVER THE SAME WORKOUT TWICE • Mental math, arithmetic drills and number sequences • Digit span, sequence memory and episodic recall • Stroop, Flanker, Go/No-Go and vigilance for attention • Single and dual N-Back for working memory • Reaction time, processing speed and visual tracking • Trail making, task switching and card sorting • Anagrams, verbal fluency and mental rotation NO ADS. EVER. 38 exercises are free. Premium unlocks all 66 — monthly, yearly, or a one-time lifetime purchase. Train a few minutes a day. See your mind get measurably sharper. SynapseGym is a training and self-assessment tool — not a medical device or a diagnosis. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

NBack4 screens
SynapseGym4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SynapseGym at every 11 days against NBack's every 2 months. NBack's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. NBack sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and SynapseGym sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NBack ships an update every 2 months, SynapseGym every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
NBack versus SynapseGym: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNBackSynapseGym
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 11 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB111 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developereric cesarJonas Hoettler

In-app purchases

2 purchases

NBack

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly membership$1.991 Month
  • Yearly membership$14.991 Year
3 purchases

SynapseGym

Subscriptions2
  • SynapseGym (monthly)$7.991 Month
  • SynapseGym Premium (yearly)$44.991 Year
One-time1
  • SynapseGym Lifetime$99.99

Questions

Is NBack free?
NBack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SynapseGym free?
SynapseGym is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NBack or SynapseGym have ads?
Neither NBack nor SynapseGym shows ads.
Which is updated more often, NBack or SynapseGym?
NBack ships an update every 2 months, and SynapseGym every 11 days. Most recently, NBack was updated on October 11, 2026 and SynapseGym on October 30, 2026.

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