What does "N-back" mean?

N is how many steps back you compare against. At 2-back you flag a match when the current square or sound is the same as the one two steps ago; at 3-back it is three steps ago, and so on. "Dual" means you track two things at once — position and sound.

Where should I start?

Begin at 2-back until you can hold both streams comfortably with good accuracy, then move up. It feels overwhelming at first, which is normal; the task is hard by design, and a few minutes a day is plenty.

Does it really train your brain?

N-back is the exercise most studied for working memory, though researchers still debate how far the benefit carries over to everyday tasks. Treat it as a focused, genuinely challenging workout rather than a guaranteed boost.

Are my best scores saved?

Your best result for each game is kept in your browser so you have something to beat next time. It lives only on this device, so clearing your browser data or switching to another device starts you fresh. Nothing is tied to an account because there is no account.

Does anything I do here get sent to a server?

No. Every game runs locally in your browser. Your scores and any text you type stay on your own device, nothing is uploaded, and nothing is logged or stored by us. Once the page has loaded it keeps working even if you go offline.

Dual N-Back

A square moves around a grid while letters are spoken, one step at a time. Your job is to flag when the current position, or the current sound, matches the one from N steps back. This free dual N-back trainer is the classic working-memory exercise, with adjustable difficulty, running in your browser with no sign-up.

No sign-up, ever
100% free
Nothing uploaded
Works offline after first load
Scores stay on your device

Read the guide: What Is Dual N-Back?

Best: —

Dual N-BackFlag when the square position or the spoken letter matches the one 2 steps back. Start at 2-back.

How to use it

1
Pick your N

Start at 2-back: you compare each step with the one two steps earlier. Raise N as it gets easy.
2
Watch and listen

A square lights a position and a letter is spoken each step. Track both at once.
3
Flag the matches

Press the position key when the square repeats from N back, and the sound key when the letter does.

When it comes in handy

Working-memory training

Practise the task most associated with stretching working memory through regular sessions.

Daily focus drill

A short, demanding session that asks you to hold and update two streams at once.

Step up the challenge

Move from 2-back to 3-back and beyond as your accuracy climbs.

Instant & 100% private — nothing is uploaded

Every game runs right here in your browser, and your best scores are kept on your own device. Nothing is sent to a server, so there is no sign-up and no account. Load the page once and it keeps working even if you go offline.

Frequently asked questions

What does "N-back" mean?: N is how many steps back you compare against. At 2-back you flag a match when the current square or sound is the same as the one two steps ago; at 3-back it is three steps ago, and so on. "Dual" means you track two things at once — position and sound.
Where should I start?: Begin at 2-back until you can hold both streams comfortably with good accuracy, then move up. It feels overwhelming at first, which is normal; the task is hard by design, and a few minutes a day is plenty.
Does it really train your brain?: N-back is the exercise most studied for working memory, though researchers still debate how far the benefit carries over to everyday tasks. Treat it as a focused, genuinely challenging workout rather than a guaranteed boost.
Are my best scores saved?: Your best result for each game is kept in your browser so you have something to beat next time. It lives only on this device, so clearing your browser data or switching to another device starts you fresh. Nothing is tied to an account because there is no account.
Does anything I do here get sent to a server?: No. Every game runs locally in your browser. Your scores and any text you type stay on your own device, nothing is uploaded, and nothing is logged or stored by us. Once the page has loaded it keeps working even if you go offline.