The best brain training apps, honestly compared
Six brain apps, from the biggest names to small calm ones. Tap what sounds like you and the list re-sorts to put your best fit first.
What sounds like you? Tap all that apply
The list below re-sorts to put your best fit first.
Lumosity
Best for: You want a structured, personalized program and you enjoy timed games, and it's the most established option.
Peak
Best for: You want depth and variety, and it's a well-reviewed app.
Elevate
Best for: You want broad skills training, and it's a hugely popular app.
CogniloMade by us
Best for: You want a calm daily puzzle habit with honest progress and nothing tracking you.
SkillArenaMade by us
Best for: You want a fast, ad-free daily habit and a score to beat.
Attention AgeMade by us
Best for: You want a clear, honest read on your attention.
At a glance
| App | Price to start | App Store ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Lumosity | Free download, Premium subscription | 4.7 from about 131,000 ratings |
| Peak | Free, optional Pro | 4.7 from about 146,000 ratings |
| Elevate | Free, optional Pro | 4.8 from about 547,000 ratings |
| Cognilo (ours) | Free download, optional upgrade | Newer, fewer ratings so far |
| SkillArena (ours) | Free, optional upgrade | Newer, fewer ratings so far |
| Attention Age (ours) | Free daily challenge; optional subscription | Newer, fewer ratings so far |
Facts from each app's App Store listing, November 2026. Apps marked "made by us" come from Honest Little Apps, the studio behind this page. We list them last on purpose: the picker decides, not us.
Cognilo is a calm daily puzzle game for adults: five short rounds, about six minutes, untimed by default. Six skills are tracked honestly, with no account, no ads and no tracking, and it works offline.
Free on the App StoreQuestions
What is the best brain training app?
Lumosity, Peak and Elevate are the best known. The right one depends on whether you want games, communication skills, a quick daily workout or simply a calm puzzle habit.
Why are your own apps on this list?
We make them, so we say so on every card. We list them last and let the picker, based on your answers, decide which app fits.
Where did these facts come from?
From each app's App Store listing in November 2026. Prices and features change, so check the listing before you decide.
Updated November 12, 2026.
- Lumosity vs PeakLumosity or Peak? Compare two of the biggest brain training apps side by side, tap what sounds like you, and see which one fits. Plus a calm third pick.
- Lumosity alternativeLumosity is the best-known brain training app. If you want a calmer, untimed daily puzzle session with no account and no tracking, compare it with Cognilo here.
- Chimp test memory gamePlay the chimp test free in your browser. Numbers flash on a grid, then hide. Tap the squares in order from memory and see how many you can hold.