Paid vs Free
Brain Training Exercises Online

Brain training is such a popular topic these days with much research suggesting that regular mental activity and stimulation can help combat memory deterioration, dementia or Alzheimer's in later years.

Most people over 30 realize unless you use your brain you will lose it!

Research suggests that some deterioration of memory or brain function can be reversed or at least slowed by including a regular program of brain games or exercises in a good healthy lifestyle.

Here I am comparing games and programs that can be found online for free vs paid subscriptions.

Paid vs Free Brain Exercises Online

Types of Paid vs Free Brain Exercise Games and Programs Online Brain Exercise Programs fall into two categories – free to use and paid subscriptions.

Within the free category, there are two types:

• Free brain games
• Brain exercise programs that are under development or in beta testing that are not being charged for at present.

Paid subscriptions generally offer a program rather than just games – though Mini-Clip is probably the exception that comes straight to mind.

There are some pretty good games out there – both free and under the paid subscriptions. There are equally some pretty average ones – mostly in the free category. So the trick is to cut through the rubbish and hone in on the good ones.

What the Free Brain Games Websites Offer

Many of the free brain exercises are just games. There are some websites with free games on that go into the science behind them. Most do not offer any kind of structured program for developing your skills or creating a habit of training your brain.

For pure game playing a fun - there is certainly lots of variety around. You will be able to find all manner of games, brain teasers and puzzles for free online.

What the "Under Development" Websites Offer

The free brain exercise websites that are of most interest to me have been those that are in beta testing or under development. These sites often contain background information and science and the games appear to have more structure. 

On these websites in return for a free login, you will be able to monitor your progress and follow their program. Each of these sites is in various stages of development so you may have to put up with:

• sluggish performance
• glitches
• limited programs
• limited games
• limited feedback
• incomplete program

On the flip side you get to access for free now programs that will most likely become subscription based and they are being developed all the time.

What the Paid Subscription Websites Offer

Paid subscription brain exercise programs are generally pretty professional websites. Some have quite a bit of background information and science about their program including citing studies and even some studies on their own programs outcomes.

Most are single user subscriptions. which can become costly for families. There are some with family subscription options. You cannot really have more than one person using a subscription as the results and feedback become meaningless.

Most paid subscription sites allow you to try some or even all the games without the program or feedback or offer a free trial period. 

There is a bit of difference in the complexity of the different subscription websites. Personally, I look for stimulation without frustration! 

Everyone has different tastes and requirements – which is why it is important to try before you buy.

Main Differences Of Paid vs Free Brain Exercise Websites

The free brain exercises websites are generally just that – games. Take these as fun mental games – a bit like throwing the ball in the park. It almost constitutes exercise but couldn’t be considered an exercise program!

The "under development" brain training websites offer some interesting alternatives including some complex brain games and some structure, but have a few drawbacks. I liken it to going to the gym.

The subscription brain training program websites are generally well presented, easy to follow and bedded down as you would expect. The programs guide you through your program with the objective of helping you make brain training part of your daily routine. This is the gym plus the Personal Trainer option in my analogy.

Summary – Paid vs Free Brain Exercises Online

If you are looking for some fun – head towards the free games. If you are serious about combating the effects of aging by training your brain in a regular and structured fashion investing in a subscription based program is definitely the way to go.

• Compare Paid vs Free Brain Exercises for yourself- This Top 10 list of some simple ways and websites you can visit to give you brain a work out today for free!

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