Best games that make you smarter for iPhone and iPad (iOS)
Best iOS games to train your brain
Updated on July 1st, 2026
When it comes to games, there is a stigma that they might rot your brain; however, they can be some of the best learning tools out there! In terms of gamifying learning, there are apps out there that literally reward you for learning and often feel more like a game than something that can make you smarter. It’s a really clever way for you to spend your free time - idly learning without putting in too much effort.
Learning games may seem like they are only for children; however, there are plenty of options for adults that will make you smarter, while also gamifying the experience for you to actually enjoy. Having a few that improve your mind is always a good idea, as you can mindlessly improve yourself while playing.
Do you know what else will train your brain? Strategy games on iOS, or the best word games for iPhone and iPad (iOS)!
Lumosity: Brain Training
Lumosity is a daily workout for your brain that tests problem-solving, memory, and general thinking through various tests, including car racing, swiping colours and assembling different puzzles. This also has detailed statistics that help you understand what you might need to practice more.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a language learning app with over 35 different languages that you can explore and learn. Since it's split into small, bite-sized lessons that can be done between other tasks in your home, you can learn to read and speak various languages easily. There are lots of sentences you can link together, and you can speak out loud into your microphone - with a friendly green owl supporting you as you go. Duolingo also keeps track of your streak, which is a big motivator.
Tricky test
Tricky test is a brain-teasing quiz that gives you a bunch of different puzzles, brain teasers, and tests with absurd solutions to see if you are smart enough to solve them. It’s designed as a test to give you an IQ at the end, and you can even try to beat your friends' IQs as well. Each of the puzzles is really one of a kind, and there is a timer, so you’ll have to think fast while you go through them!
Words With Friends 2
If you are looking for something that will increase your vocabulary and spelling, Words With Friends 2 is a Scrabble-inspired puzzler that allows you to try weekly challenges, earn badges, defeat your friends, and spell out a bunch of different words using the tiles that are placed in front of you. It’s challenging if you don’t have a big vocabulary, but you’ll definitely grow yours the more you play, making you smarter along the way.
Peak - Brain Training
Peak is an app that can challenge your memory, attention, math skills, problem-solving ability, mental agility, language, creativity, emotional control and coordination. This app has been made in partnership with Cambridge and NYU, so its focus on keeping users mentally sharp is backed and researched. Through a bunch of different activities, you can challenge your friends and show off how clever you really are.
Brain Wars
The most interesting picks are those in which you have to test yourself. Brain Wars is similar to Lumosity, but you are playing against real people. This has a great number of short tasks. After starting, you go through a small tutorial with a virtual opponent. During the match, you need to gain as many points as you can. It doesn't really need a plot, graphics, or amazing music, because a person focuses directly on the gameplay - everything else is a distraction. Brain Wars is worth playing because it helps you develop your strengths and get rid of weaknesses.
Wordle!
Wordle tasks you with solving crosswords. You will find many different modes, each with its own features. If you cannot find a solution right away, take your time and try your best because some of the levels are pretty complex. Moreover, you can always use a hint if you need help. With time and practice, you will become better and significantly improve your spelling skills.
Pokemon Friends
Pokemon Friends is a logic-based puzzler where you are given three puzzles at the start of each day. You have a strict time limit to complete these to earn yarn for plushies. Each time you play through a puzzle, it levels up, giving you a more challenging and longer version of the puzzle next time. You'll test your memory, quick thinking skills, and logic, all in the realm of Pokemon.
