Brain Workshop - Dual N Back

Trainer Basics

What is Brain Workshop?

Brain Workshop is an open-source working memory training program created by Paul Hoskinson in 2008. It became one of the most famous tools among Dual N-Back users due to its flexible settings and classic approach to training.

Why did Brain Workshop become popular?

100% free of charge

open-source code

wide variety of settings

close to original Dual N-Back protocol

Brain Workshop vs Dual N Back App: What's the Difference?

Classic Desktop

Brain Workshop Service

Created in 2008 by Paul Hoskinson, Brain Workshop is a free, open-source program written in Python. It served as the primary tool for thousands of people inspired by Susanne Jaeggi's study on expanding fluid intelligence.

Brain Workshop 4.1

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P: Pause / Unpause
F8: Hide / Reveal Text
ESC: Cancel Session

2 remaining

Dual 2-Back

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A: position match L: sound match

Modern Web Service

Our Online Trainer

Our trainer was built with a focus on daily accessibility and immediate feedback for UI and feature improvements. We transferred the rigorous Dual N-Back scientific algorithm into a browser environment, equipping it with powerful analytics.

Progress: 1/22

CURRENT LEVEL: 1N

HOTKEYS:

SPACE Start/Pause

F Position Match

J Audio Match

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ACTIVE MODE: POSITION + AUDIO

CONTROLS

LEFT MOUSE: POSITION

RIGHT MOUSE: AUDIO

Feature Comparison Table

A detailed comparison of software capabilities for an objective assessment of your daily training convenience.

Feature / Parameter	Brain Workshop (PC)	Our Online Trainer	Verdict / Importance
Free to use	Free	Free	Tie
Smartphone Availability	No (Windows/macOS/Linux only)	Yes (iOS, Android, PC, tablets)	Dual N Back App
No Installation Required	Requires installation	Works directly in browser	Dual N Back App
Workout Reminders	None	Web Push notifications	Dual N Back App
Error Analysis & Telemetry	No (only general numbers in stats.txt)	Response time in ms, attention drift	Dual N Back App
Scientific Algorithm & Adaptability	Jaeggi 2008 parameters	100% scientific algorithm + N auto-tuning	Tie
Advanced Training Modes	Triple, Quad, Arithmetic, Color N-Back	Classic Dual N-Back only	Brain Workshop
Open Source Code	Yes (Open Source)	No (Web Service)	Brain Workshop
Progress Tracking	Limited data	Full training history & metrics	Dual N Back App
Beginner Friendliness	Complex (Hotkeys, config files)	Very easy (Intuitive 1-click interface)	Dual N Back App
Support & Active Development	Project abandoned since 2012 (Open Source)	Active support, rapid UI & feature updates	Dual N Back App

Scientific Basis

Are Brain Workshop and DualNBackApp based on scientific research?

Both tools rely on the Dual N-Back methodology, which gained widespread popularity following studies by Susanne Jaeggi and colleagues in 2008.

The difference lies not in the methodology itself, but in implementation: Brain Workshop provides a classic desktop approach, while Dual N Back App emphasizes a modern browser experience, analytics, and daily workout convenience.

Learn more about the science behind Dual N-Back

Which Option Is Right for You?

Classic Program

Brain Workshop is right for you if:

you need a classic Dual N-Back experience
you want to use a desktop program
advanced customization settings matter to you
you prefer an open-source approach

Recommended Choice

Dual N Back App is right for you if:

you want to start training immediately
you don't want to install software
you train regularly
you want to track statistics and progress
you use different devices

Start Training Free

Why Usability Affects Training Consistency

Neuroplasticity requires regularity. Research shows that cognitive training yields stable results only with daily sessions of 15–20 minutes for at least 20 days.

In the psychology of habit formation, there is a concept called friction. The more steps required to take an action, the higher the chance you will abandon it.

The Desktop Trap

To train in Brain Workshop, you strictly need a PC. You have to sit at a desk, power up your computer, launch the app, and remember control keys. Our online trainer reduces friction to zero: you can complete a session on the subway, during a lunch break from your smartphone, or right during a short work pause. And push notifications gently remind you if you accidentally fall off track.

Try Modern Dual N-Back Right Now

Our online trainer is completely free, runs directly in your mobile or PC browser, and contains no ads. Check out the automatic preview below:

Mode: 2-Back (Position + Audio)

Squares randomly flash in grid cells while letters are spoken simultaneously.

Audio signal: Letter «K»

Ready to test your brain under load?

Start training in 1 click Start Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Brain Workshop is an open-source program, and it continues to work on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. However, its development stopped in 2012, so modern OS versions may require additional libraries or older versions of Python to launch.

Yes, Brain Workshop is completely free and distributed as open-source software. You can download it for free without paywalls or in-app purchases.

The original Brain Workshop is a desktop PC application. If you want to train directly in your browser without installing software, you can use our Dual N Back App online trainer on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

It depends on your preferences. Brain Workshop offers fine-tuning of hotkeys and specific modes (Triple N-Back), but requires a PC and installation. DualNBackApp opens in 1 click on any device, requires no setup, and automatically tracks your dynamics and progress.

The best program is the one you use regularly. Daily training for 15–20 minutes is key to maximizing working memory growth. Our browser trainer eliminates all unnecessary friction before starting sessions, allowing you to train anytime.