Six apps to improve your memory
Feeling forgetful? These apps can give you total recall
People say that video games rot the brain, but many games can actually help you improve your concentration and other mental skills. In fact, there’s an entire industry of “brain training” apps that use games and tests to improve your mental abilities. Memory function is often a key aspect of these apps, so here we’ve concentrated on ones that have a good selection of memory games. Most of these apps require a monthly subscription, but they generally have a basic free version too, so download a few and see which ones work best for you.
EIDETIC — SPACED REPETITION Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
Rather than conventional memory tests that ask you to match numbers or objects, Eidetic lets you create personalized tests with “flashcards” that focus on specific things you need to remember, such as phone numbers, lists, or useful facts. The free version only lets you run a couple of tests at a time, but at least you can try it before opting for the $4.99 “Pro” version.
ELEVATE — BRAIN TRAINING Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
Apple’s App Of The Year in 2014, Elevate includes 35 games designed to improve brain power, including memory, math, and verbal skills. It’s one of the slickest apps in this category. There’s a basic free version but the “Pro” version isn’t cheap — a year’s subscription is $39.99. However, there’s a 14–day trial period where you can try it out and decide if you want to cancel.
PEAK — BRAIN TRAINING Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
Peak calls itself a brain “workout”, with games aimed at boosting memory, mental agility, and other skills. The memory tests (designed in collaboration with Cambridge University) are pretty tough, so we were happy to just use the free selection of around 20 games. You can unlock 25 more games with a “Pro” subscription of $3.99 a month or $30.99 a year.
LUMOSITY Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
Lumosity includes tests that cover several aspects of mental performance, but it does allow you to focus on specific areas, such as memory, if you prefer. The app starts with some quick tests to assess your performance, and then plans a training course. It’s free for the first 14 days, but then requires a subscription of $11.99 a month or $59.99 a year.
CLOCKWORK BRAIN TRAINING Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
Clockwork Brain Training focuses on several aspects of brain power, with 17 free games that cover memory, reasoning, language, attention, and dexterity. The free version includes ads, but there’s a variety of paid–for upgrades that remove the ads and provide additional games as well. The free games should keep you busy for quite a while, though.
NEURONATION Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
This is one of the few apps that focuses primarily on memory rather than wider brain function. The tests are quite tricky too, and we like the option of creating a personal training schedule. The free version includes ads, and only a limited selection of games, but you can upgrade with a subscription of $11.99 a month or $46.99 a year.