Comparison

Span N vs Dual N

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

Head to head
About

Span N

This application offers scientifically-backed cognitive training to enhance working memory and fluid intelligence. It utilizes the dual n-back task to progressively challenge users with visual and auditory stimuli, providing detailed analytics for progress tracking. Designed for daily practice, it aims to sharpen focus and improve mental agility.

Highlights
  • Dual n-back task training
  • Visual and auditory stimuli
  • Progressive difficulty levels
  • Detailed analytics and tracking
  • Privacy-focused, on-device data
  • Exportable data (JSON/CSV)
  • Dark mode support
Features
Read full description

Train your brain with the gold standard of cognitive training. Span N-Back is a scientifically-designed working memory training app based on the dual n-back task — the only cognitive training method shown in peer-reviewed research to improve fluid intelligence. WHAT IS N-BACK TRAINING? The n-back task challenges you to remember sequences of positions and sounds, then identify when the current stimulus matches one from "n" steps back. It's simple to learn but progressively challenging, keeping your brain in the optimal training zone. WHY SPAN N-BACK? • Research-Based Design — Built on the Jaeggi dual n-back protocol used in cognitive science studies • Precision Timing — Sub-20ms stimulus accuracy for reliable training • Progressive Difficulty — Levels 1-9 adapt to your growing abilities • Dual Modality — Train visual and auditory working memory simultaneously • Detailed Analytics — Track accuracy, reaction time, and progress over time • Privacy First — All data stays on your device. No accounts, no tracking. WHO IS THIS FOR? Whether you're a student preparing for exams, a professional seeking mental edge, or anyone interested in cognitive fitness — consistent n-back training can help sharpen focus, improve working memory capacity, and enhance mental agility. FEATURES • Clean, distraction-free interface • Visual and audio training modes • Session history and performance tracking • Export your data (JSON/CSV) • Dark mode support • Designed for daily practice Start with 2-back and work your way up. Just 15-20 minutes daily can make a difference. Download Span N-Back and train smarter.

About

Dual N

Features
Read full description

NBackLab is a focused brain training app built around Dual N-Back, one of the most researched methods for challenging working memory and fluid intelligence. Push your brain with multiple training modes: Dual N-Back – simultaneous auditory and visual working memory training Audio N-Back – strengthens listening, focus, and verbal reasoning Position N-Back – improves visuospatial memory and mental navigation NBackLab also includes Digit Span (Forward) and Digit Span (Reverse) assessments so you can test and challenge your memory capacity over time. Whether you are a student, founder, chess player, knowledge worker, or anyone serious about cognitive performance, NBackLab gives you a clean, disciplined way to build a stronger mental workspace. It does not teach facts. It trains your ability to hold, update, and manipulate information under pressure. WHY NBACKLAB Research-backed Dual N-Back training Multiple modes targeting different cognitive skills Built-in psychometric-style memory tests Fast, effective daily sessions Clean, distraction-free experience Train your working memory. Challenge your fluid intelligence. Build your daily ritual for cognitive performance.

Screenshots

Span N4 screens
Dual N4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Span N at none against Dual N's shown. On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Span N versus Dual N: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpan NDual N
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequency—Fortnightly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB50 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJerzy PlochaPositri Ltd

In-app purchases

None

Span N

No in-app purchases

None

Dual N

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Span N free?
Span N is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Dual N free?
Dual N is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Span N or Dual N have ads?
Dual N shows ads; Span N does not.

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