Five word-based cognitive drills. Each one takes a minute. Together they target the five domains brain scientists actually study — processing speed, working memory, attention, flexibility, and vocabulary.
No signup wall. No paywall. No 7-day trial that auto-renews. Just open the brain hub and start training. We track your progress on a 5-domain radar chart so you can see which mental muscle is weakest — and which is getting stronger.
Each drill maps to one cognitive domain studied by researchers like Adele Diamond (executive function), and the Duke School of Medicine (word-based memory training).
Processing Speed
How fast can you find words?
Sixty seconds. One grid. Find as many valid words as possible. Lightning Round measures processing speed — the rate at which your brain retrieves and validates lexical patterns. It’s the closest a word game gets to a reaction-time test.
★ Research basis
Processing speed declines with age earlier than most other cognitive functions and is one of the strongest predictors of overall cognitive performance. Speeded word-retrieval tasks are used clinically in verbal fluency assessments.
Working Memory
Hold it in your head, then recall
A sequence of letter positions flashes. The grid clears. You recall and form words from memory. Memory Hunt directly trains working memory — the executive system that holds task-relevant information online while you manipulate it.
★ Research basis
Working memory training is the most-studied cognitive intervention in the literature. NIH-indexed research (PMC5930973) finds reliable domain-specific gains.
Sustained Attention
Build long uninterrupted chains
Build chains of valid words without breaking the streak. Combo Master targets sustained attention — the ability to maintain focus across many consecutive responses without lapses. Most word games reward bursts; this rewards endurance.
★ Research basis
Sustained attention (vigilance) is operationalized in the Continuous Performance Test. It correlates with academic performance and is a clinical marker for ADHD.
Cognitive Flexibility
Switch rules mid-task
Find words. Then the rule changes. Then it changes again. Pattern Switcher targets cognitive flexibility — the executive function that lets you switch mental sets when the rules shift.
★ Research basis
Cognitive flexibility is one of Adele Diamond’s three core executive functions (with working memory and inhibition). It predicts academic and life outcomes and shows substantial training gains.
Vocabulary Depth
Find uncommon, high-value words
Common words score little. Rare words score big. Rare Gems targets vocabulary depth — your access to low-frequency words in semantic memory. It rewards readers, crossword solvers, and word collectors.
★ Research basis
Vocabulary is the most stable cognitive measure across the lifespan. The Duke crossword study (2022) showed word-based puzzles slowed memory decline more effectively than commercial brain apps.
| Feature | LexiClash | Lumosity | Elevate | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, no paywall | $11.99/mo Premium | $49.99/yr Pro | $49.99/yr Pro |
| Free games | 5 drills, all unlocked | 3/day rotation | 3/day rotation | 4/day rotation |
| Signup required | No (optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Word focus | 100% word-based | Mixed (math/logic) | Heavy on word | Mixed |
| Domains tracked | 5 (radar chart) | 5 areas | 5 categories | 6 categories |
| Languages | 5 (incl. RTL Hebrew) | English mainly | English/ES/PT | English mainly |
| Browser play | Yes, no download | Web + app | App only | App only |
| Research citations visible | Yes, in-app | Marketing pages | Marketing pages | Marketing pages |
FTC fined Lumosity $2M in 2016 for unsupported transfer claims. We don’t promise IQ gains. We promise domain-specific improvement on the drills themselves and on adjacent word skills — which is what the science actually supports.
Five domains. Pick the one your radar chart says is weakest, or just the one that sounds fun.
One short focused round. Find words, build combos, hunt rare gems. No interruptions.
Domain score (0-100) + overall brain score + tier badge. All saved if you create a free profile.
Three drills/day = under 5 min. Streaks unlock harder levels (1-5 per drill). All free.
5-domain radar chart, history, all drills
Long-form: research, citations, training tips
9 games ranked, honest pros & cons
Word Wheel + Word Hunt Survival
Vocabulary depth, daily ritual
Real-time word-finding, 2-20+ players
Pick a drill. Spend a minute. See your brain score update on the radar chart. Repeat tomorrow. That’s the whole pitch — and the science says short, daily, domain-specific drills are exactly what works.