Comparing Paid vs Free Brain Exercises Online
Paid vs Free Brain Exercises - Article by Hope Wynns
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. I think most people over 30 realize that unless they use it they will most likely 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.
This review compares the 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 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.
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
– I personally 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.
Useful Links - Paid vs Free Brain Exercises Resources
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 - all for free! With links to some of the websites and information about those "under development" websites and also how to try some of the paid subscriptions for free.Lumosity Brain Games Program Review - review of the popular online brain training program.
Natural Brain Power Blog - Tips and articles about brain training, brain fitness and overall brain health issues.
We hope you enjoyed this article. Should you have any questions or comments, please use our contact page. Please include the full name of the product you have your question on and ensure your email address is correct.
