Comparison

Backshift vs N

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

Head to head
About

Backshift

This app trains your working memory with a dual N-back exercise. It challenges you to recall positions and sounds from previous steps, adapting difficulty as you improve. Daily practice and streak tracking help build consistency for enhanced cognitive function.

Highlights
  • Adaptive difficulty adjustment
  • Progress tracking and accuracy trends
  • Daily streak tracking
  • Customizable session duration and speed
  • Daily training reminders
  • Multiple audio packs (letters/numbers)
Features
Read full description

Backshift is a Dual N-Back trainer designed to strengthen your working memory through daily practice. How it works: Watch a 3×3 grid while listening to letters. Your task: identify when the current position OR sound matches what appeared N steps ago. Start at N=1 and progress as you improve. Features: • Adaptive difficulty — auto-adjusts based on your performance • Progress tracking — view your accuracy trends over time • Daily streaks — build consistency with streak tracking • Customizable sessions — adjust duration, trial speed, and gap timing • Daily reminders — never miss a training session • Multiple audio packs — letters or numbers Why Dual N-Back? Dual N-Back pushes your brain to hold more information and stay focused under pressure. Train for 20 minutes a day and build a stronger working memory. Free tier: Levels N=1 through N=3 Premium: Unlock N=4+ with a subscription, or earn it free by scoring 100% at N=5 Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

N

Features
Read full description

Unlock your brain's full potential with Dual N-Back, the comprehensive cognitive training game designed to improve your working memory, focus, and fluid intelligence. Whether you are looking to sharpen your mind, enhance your concentration, or challenge yourself with a stimulating puzzle, Dual N-Back is the perfect mental workout for you. What is N-Back? Dual N-Back is a scientifically backed memory training exercise. "Dual" means you must process two different streams of information simultaneously: Visual: The position of a square on a 3x3 grid. Audio: A spoken letter. Your goal is to remember if the current position or letter matches the one that appeared "N" steps back in the sequence. It starts easy at N=1 or N=2, but as you progress, the challenge intensifies, pushing your brain to adapt and grow. Key Features: • Classic Dual N-Back Experience: Train with simultaneous visual (grid positions) and auditory (spoken letters) stimuli. • Customizable Difficulty: Choose your 'N' level to match your current skill and gradually increase it as your memory improves. • Adjustable Speed: Control the pace of the game to make it as relaxing or as intense as you want. • Multiple Languages: The audio letters are available in multiple languages, making the game accessible and versatile. • Clean & Minimalist Interface: A completely distraction-free design that lets you focus entirely on your brain training. • Track Your Progress: See your scores at the end of each round and watch your cognitive capacity expand over time. Why Play N-Back? Studies suggest that practicing the Dual N-Back task can lead to improvements in working memory and fluid intelligence—the ability to reason and solve new problems independently of previously acquired knowledge. Regular training can help you: • Enhance your daily concentration and focus. • Improve your ability to multitask in real life. • Keep your mind sharp, active, and healthy. Ready to take the brain test? Download Dual N-Back today and start your journey towards a sharper, faster, and more focused mind!

Screenshots

Backshift4 screens
N4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: N at none against Backshift's 2. Backshift's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, 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. Backshift sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. N asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
Backshift versus N: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackshiftN
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Update frequency—Every 4 days
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIris RadoiBartosz Bleja

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Backshift

Subscriptions2
  • Advanced Levels (Monthly)$0.491 Month
  • Advanced Levels (Yearly)$4.991 Year
None

N

No in-app purchases

Questions

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

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