Editors’ Picks: Best Apps to Keep the Brain Healthy & Mind Sharp

Okay, we’ll be the first to admit it: It’s imperative to detox from technology every so often, and we know this concept is one we’ve preached in the past. But we also remain firm that keeping well not only resides in the exercise we do or the foods we eat, but in the stimulation our brain achieves and training our mind receives—so while we’re all for detoxifying once in a while, we’ll make an exception for these four apps that keep our brain healthy and mind sharp. Just call it brain food, smartphone-style.

CogniFit: Find out how your cognitive skills measure up based on your age, play games designed by neuroscientists, and challenge your friends. Free; iOS.

Hello Brain Health: Like sit ups help shape the body, brain buffs help shape the brain. Brain buffs, aka “exercises,” come in varying categories—physical, social, mental, attitude, and lifestyle, and you can track your development via a “brainbow” visual. Plus, take the Hello Brain Challenge and do one thing every day that’s good for your brain (the app makes it all the easier by suggesting daily tips and encouragement during the first 100 days of downloading).  Free; available on  iOS.

Lumosity: Lumosity’s fan base is more than 50 million members from 180-plus countries—to see what caused such a response, we tried it and decided the fanfare is worth it: Forty-plus games test and challenge your cognitive skills and help train your memory with a personalized program. Free; iOS.