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The 6 best brain training apps and games.
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Having a sharp mind isn't just for those in school, and homework, studying, and tests aren't the only way to help sharpen your mind. Brain training apps can help you stay sharp, and these make the process fun and easy!
By using brain training apps, it's possible to improve your concentration skills or even gain a stronger memory. They may even help your mind stay sharp as you age. With these fun apps and games, you'll be better at these skills, which could even carry over to how your brain performs tasks in real life.
Do Brain Training Apps Actually Work?
How do brain training apps work.
- The Longtime Favorite: Lumosity
- Another Well-Rounded Option: Elevate
- Brain Training and Meditation: Focus Factor Brain Hub
- Lots of Categories, Workouts, and Games: Peak
- Old School and Simple: Genina Sudoku
- Find the Right Word: New York Times Crossword
A consensus among scientists is yet to be reached about whether or not brain training apps are actually effective . Many believe that there is no proof that these games are ineffective, while others are sure they don't work . There are many inconsistent and different conclusions out there, plus with so many brain training apps out there making hyperbolic promises of the health benefits that can be reaped from their apps, it's understandable if it confuses you, too.
Mostly, the controversies settle around whether the sometimes-odd tasks one is asked to complete within these apps---like feeding a group of fish or completing simple rapid-fire arithmetic problems---have any consequential impact on your brain or daily life. Likewise, proponents in favor of brain games counter this by saying the brain is like a muscle that needs to be regularly exercised and toned, and that repetition and regular practice can absolutely make a difference.
According to the Mayo Clinic , however, results are mild to moderate at best with no strong evidence in any direction. Part of the problem is that there aren't any long-term studies (spanning multiple decades) that have been completed on the topic to add sufficient evidence to either side.
So, unfortunately, any definitive conclusion regarding the efficacy of brain training apps is still up in the air. We think the truth lies somewhere in the middle, that they can probably do a little to sharpen your mind. Either way, these apps and games are super fun to play.
Using a brain training app is considered to be an active behavior, rather than one that's passive, according to Tamily Weissman , PhD, neuroscientist, and Associate Professor of Biology at Lewis & Clark College. Actively thinking about something keeps your brain's neural circuits more active, and when they're repeatedly activated, they are strengthened.
Many brain training apps and games keep your mind thinking actively by having you juggle multiple tasks, recalling where items are or what they're called, complete arithmetic problems, think creatively, or make accurate decisions quickly.
The Longtime Favorite: Lumosity ( Android and iPhone )
When thinking of brain training apps, the first one that probably pops into everyone's mind is Lumosity ( Android and iPhone ), because it's been around for years. The fun app offers over 40 puzzles and games that test your brain and help it train memory, logic, and math skills for a well-rounded mind workout.
It features specific challenges for attention, flexibility, problem solving, language, math, speed, memory, and more. You can also choose one of many workout modes, which offer curated lists of games along with personalized training tracking. This makes it a little easier to keep an eye on your progress.
Lumosity also offers detailed training insights so you can learn your strengths and weaknesses, and gives you an analysis of your gameplay that might help you make connections to daily life. The app's premium subscription upgrade runs $11.99 per month and gives you personalized training, tips for more accurate gameplay and strategy, and in-depth insights.
Another Well-Rounded Option: Elevate ( Android and iPhone )
Elevate ( Android and iPhone ) offers extensive developmental tracking across five categories, and gives you over 35 games to try your hand, or rather your mind, at. It uses bold, colorful games to test your mind, spanning areas like memory, comprehension, focus, and other similar skills. The app claims it can boost your productivity, self-confidence, earning power, speaking abilities, and processing skills.
Logging in regularly will help you keep up your streak on the app's built-in calendar and help maintain motivation. Elevate also gives you personalized daily workouts that focus on working the skills you need the most help with, and its adaptive difficulty ensures your exercise is always challenging no matter how much you progress.
The app also has a pro subscription option with multiple tiers starting at $4.99 per month and a free trial period. Upgrading unlocks additional games, unlimited free play, and other features.
Brain Training and Meditation: Focus Factor Brain Hub ( Android and iPhone )
Focus Factor Brain Hub ( Android and iPhone ) takes a slightly different approach to things, balancing stimulating brain training with mindful meditation. The company believes this is a more holistic, well-rounded approach for users of all ages. It also shakes things up each day and offers personalized guidance.
Categories in Focus Factor include problem solving, language, memory, focus, and math, in a library of over 20 fun games. Problem solving games are designed to improve process of elimination skills; language games expand your active vocabulary and test creative word generation; memory games improve information and visual recall skills; focus games test your ability to maintain attention in rotating environments, and to avoid distractions; math games boost your quick calculation skills.
Focus Factor also has about a dozen meditation topics, which are then broken down into individual meditative sessions. Topics include managing stress, concentration, anxiety, breath, pain, and good sleep, and range from beginner to expert. You'll also find a mood tracker, breathing exercises, a supplement log tracker, short-form audiobooks, and an in-depth performance tracker in the app.
The app also offers a premium option---at $17.49 per month, the priciest on our list---which grants you unlimited access to every last bit of content on the app. And though the app says it's for all ages, we recommend it for adults or at least older children at the youngest.
Lots of Categories, Workouts, and Games: Peak ( Android and iPhone )
The two best things about Peak ( Android and iPhone ) are its gorgeous design and its large library of categories, workouts, and games. Peak has over 45 games spanning six categories you can play, or you can challenge yourself with its versatile Daily Workouts to hone your attention, memory, coordination, emotion control, and mental agility along with your language and problem-solving skills.
The app features a convenient Coffee Break mode, which makes it easy to fit in a little training in under five minutes. There are other training modes to choose from as well, like Weakest Link, Low Rank, and The Total Workout, depending on what your particular goals are. You can also opt for the Advanced Training modules, which were designed with scientists and universities (including Cambridge).
You can track your progress with in-depth insights and statistics, and even compete against friends or compare our scores with other players in your profession or age range. Upgrading to the Peak Pro plan, which starts at $4.99 per month---gets you tailored workouts, deeper and more tailored performance analysis, and access to the app's full catalog of content.
Old School and Simple: Genina Sudoku ( Android and iPhone )
Though it might seem an odd pick after the brain training apps we've featured, Sudoku felt like a natural addition to our list. If you don't want to bother with the dedicated apps, Genina Sudoku ( Android and iPhone ) is a great way to keep your brain sharp any time of day. The stylish and easy-to-use app makes it easy to jump right into a game and work out unlimited puzzles.
The app gives you four difficulty levels to choose from, three input modes, the ability to make notes, and a handy auto-save function. You can select a digit or choose from the other myriad highlighting options, show a digit count option, get logic-only hints, and take advantage of the unlimited Undo and Redo feature. If you want, there's even an option for submitting your results online, tracking your progress, and comparing your top scores against those from other players.
Find the Right Word: New York Times Crossword ( Android and iPhone )
In a similar vein as sudoku, we'd also be remiss to exclude crossword puzzles from our lineup. If you find more of a challenge with words, rather than numbers, partaking in a daily puzzle from the New York Times Crossword app ( Android and iPhone ) is a solid idea. This crossword puzzle app in particular is high quality, widely loved, and well-designed.
To get the most out of the app, we recommend paying for a subscription, which starts at $6.99 per month. With it, you'll unlock every feature and puzzle type---including the daily puzzles, mini crossword packs, past puzzles, MIDI puzzle packs, spelling bees, and more. The app syncs across the mobile and web versions, and you can put your score on the app's leaderboard.
- Apple iPhone
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Top 10 Critical Thinking Apps for Students
Think of your brain like a toolbox. Apps are kind of like those awesome multi-tools with everything you need, but for your mind! Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a set of digital tools designed to make you a master problem-solver, a logic champion, and a super creative brainstormer? That’s where critical thinking apps come in. Ready to level up your thinking skills? Let’s explore the best of the best!
Table of Contents
Why Critical Thinking Apps Matter?
Okay, I know what you might be thinking: “Critical thinking? Isn’t that just for super-serious grown-up stuff?” Nope! Critical thinking is how you analyze information, solve problems, and make smart decisions. It’s basically the secret weapon of successful students.
Think of it like this: school throws a ton of facts at you. Critical thinking is what helps you actually use all that knowledge and apply it to the real world.
How can critical thinking apps boost learning and grades?
- Deeper Understanding : These apps help you dig beneath the surface of what you’re learning, making connections that might not be obvious at first.
- Unlock Problem-Solving Skills : They give you a whole toolbox of strategies to analyze tricky situations and find creative solutions.
- Improved Decision Making : Critical thinking helps you weigh options and make informed choices – on homework assignments, in group projects, and even in your personal life.
Helpful Hint:
Critical thinking isn’t just about getting better grades (though it definitely helps!). It’s about becoming a more flexible, adaptable thinker, ready to tackle any challenge.
Top 10 Critical Thinking Apps: Our Picks
Ready to find the perfect app? Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider before hitting that download button:
- Age Group : Choose an app that aligns with your current school subjects and learning style. A super complex logic app might frustrate an elementary schooler, while a basic pattern game might bore a high school student.
- Skill Focus : Some apps target specific critical thinking skills like problem-solving, logic, reasoning, or creativity. Think about which area you want to strengthen first.
- Free vs. Paid : There are excellent critical thinking apps in both categories. Free versions are a great way to test the waters, and paid apps often offer expanded features or more in-depth challenges.
Age 5-8: Building the Blocks of Critical Thinking
These apps focus on foundational skills like observation, pattern recognition, and basic problem-solving, all wrapped in a fun and engaging package:
1. Think!Kids
This award-winning app uses adorable animations and interactive games to introduce young students to critical thinking concepts. Kids will sort shapes, solve puzzles, and complete silly challenges that get them thinking creatively. (Free trial; paid subscription available)
- Android: Think!Kids on Google Play Store .
- iPhone: Think!Kids on Apple App Store .
2. Loopy Logic Puzzles
These colorful brain teasers introduce basic logic and reasoning skills in a playful way. Kids will use visual clues to solve mazes, unscramble patterns, and complete sequences. (Free with in-app purchases)
iPhone: Link to Loopy Logic Puzzles on Apple App Store .
Helpful Stats: A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that children who engaged in regular problem-solving activities scored higher on critical thinking assessments compared to those who did not.
Age 9-12: Leveling Up Thinking Skills
As kids enter middle school, the critical thinking challenges get a bit more complex. Here are some apps to match their growing minds:
3. Euclidea
This geometry game disguised as an app is a fantastic way to develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. Players use logic and creativity to solve geometric puzzles that gradually increase in difficulty. (Free)
Link to the app website: euclidea.xyz iPhone: Link to Euclidea on Apple App Store .
4. CodyMaze
Coding meets critical thinking in this engaging app. Kids will use logic and step-by-step planning to guide a robot character through challenging mazes. This app is a great introduction to coding concepts while also strengthening critical thinking skills. (Free with in-app purchases)
- Android: Link to CodyMaze on Google Play Store .
- iPhone: Link to CodyMaze on Apple App Store .
5. Peak – Brain Games & Training
This app offers a fun mix of brain games that target various aspects of critical thinking, including problem-solving, memory, focus, and mental agility. Its vibrant visuals and personalized challenges make it engaging for this age group. (Free with premium subscription for additional features)
Android: Link to Peak on Google Play Store . iPhone: Link to Peak on Apple App Store .
Age 13 and Up: Critical Thinking for Teens
Teenagers are naturally curious and love a good challenge. These apps will push their critical thinking skills to the limit:
This science-backed brain training app offers a wide variety of exercises and games targeting multiple areas of cognitive function . Among its exercises, many promote critical thinking skills like problem-solving, logic, speed, and decision-making. (Free, with paid subscription for more extensive features)
Android: Link to BrainHQ on Google Play Store . iPhone: Link to BrainHQ on Apple App Store .
This mind mapping app is a fantastic tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and seeing the bigger picture. Teens can use it for school projects, study sessions, or just to explore their own creativity. (Free with paid upgrade options)
Link to the app website: Ayoa.com
8. Socratic by Google
This app uses real-world scenarios to pose thought-provoking questions and encourage critical thinking. Users can explore different viewpoints, analyze evidence, and develop strong arguments. (Free)
Android: Link to Socratic on Google Play Store . iPhone: Link to Socratic on Apple App Store .
Stat: According to a study by Stanford University, students who regularly debated complex topics showed significant improvement in critical thinking skills compared to those who did not
9. DragonBox Elements
This award-winning game series cleverly combines logic puzzles with the basic principles of algebra. Players will solve increasingly complex challenges that require strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills. (Free with in-app purchases for additional levels)
Link to the app website: dragonbox.com
10. Elevate
This app goes beyond critical thinking and offers a holistic brain-training experience. It includes games that target memory, processing speed, focus, and critical thinking. (Free with paid subscription for access to all features)
Link to the app website: elevateapp.com
Wrapping Up
Critical thinking skills are essential for success in today’s world. From schoolwork to future careers, the ability to analyze, problem-solve, and think outside the box will set you apart. Critical thinking apps offer a playful and interactive way to boost these valuable skills. Whether you’re a student or an adult seeking lifelong learning, don’t underestimate the power of enhancing your thinking toolkit. Start exploring, have fun, and let your mind stretch in unexpected ways!
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