critical thinking apps for android

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Top 10 Critical Thinking Apps for Students

Think of your brain like a toolbox. Apps are kind of like those awesome multi-tools with everything you need, but for your mind! Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a set of digital tools designed to make you a master problem-solver, a logic champion, and a super creative brainstormer? That’s where critical thinking apps come in. Ready to level up your thinking skills? Let’s explore the best of the best!

Table of Contents

Why Critical Thinking Apps Matter?

Okay, I know what you might be thinking: “Critical thinking? Isn’t that just for super-serious grown-up stuff?” Nope! Critical thinking is how you analyze information, solve problems, and make smart decisions. It’s basically the secret weapon of successful students.

Think of it like this: school throws a ton of facts at you. Critical thinking is what helps you actually use all that knowledge and apply it to the real world.

How can critical thinking apps boost learning and grades?

• Deeper Understanding : These apps help you dig beneath the surface of what you’re learning, making connections that might not be obvious at first.
• Unlock Problem-Solving Skills : They give you a whole toolbox of strategies to analyze tricky situations and find creative solutions.
• Improved Decision Making : Critical thinking helps you weigh options and make informed choices – on homework assignments, in group projects, and even in your personal life.

Helpful Hint:

Critical thinking isn’t just about getting better grades (though it definitely helps!). It’s about becoming a more flexible, adaptable thinker, ready to tackle any challenge.

Top 10 Critical Thinking Apps: Our Picks

Ready to find the perfect app? Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider before hitting that download button:

• Age Group : Choose an app that aligns with your current school subjects and learning style. A super complex logic app might frustrate an elementary schooler, while a basic pattern game might bore a high school student.
• Skill Focus : Some apps target specific critical thinking skills like problem-solving, logic, reasoning, or creativity. Think about which area you want to strengthen first.
• Free vs. Paid : There are excellent critical thinking apps in both categories. Free versions are a great way to test the waters, and paid apps often offer expanded features or more in-depth challenges.

Age 5-8: Building the Blocks of Critical Thinking

These apps focus on foundational skills like observation, pattern recognition, and basic problem-solving, all wrapped in a fun and engaging package:

1. Think!Kids

This award-winning app uses adorable animations and interactive games to introduce young students to critical thinking concepts. Kids will sort shapes, solve puzzles, and complete silly challenges that get them thinking creatively. (Free trial; paid subscription available)

• Android: Think!Kids on Google Play Store .
• iPhone: Think!Kids on Apple App Store .

2. Loopy Logic Puzzles

These colorful brain teasers introduce basic logic and reasoning skills in a playful way. Kids will use visual clues to solve mazes, unscramble patterns, and complete sequences. (Free with in-app purchases)

iPhone: Link to Loopy Logic Puzzles on Apple App Store .

Helpful Stats: A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that children who engaged in regular problem-solving activities scored higher on critical thinking assessments compared to those who did not.

Age 9-12: Leveling Up Thinking Skills

As kids enter middle school, the critical thinking challenges get a bit more complex. Here are some apps to match their growing minds:

3. Euclidea

This geometry game disguised as an app is a fantastic way to develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. Players use logic and creativity to solve geometric puzzles that gradually increase in difficulty. (Free)

Link to the app website: euclidea.xyz iPhone: Link to Euclidea on Apple App Store .

4. CodyMaze

Coding meets critical thinking in this engaging app. Kids will use logic and step-by-step planning to guide a robot character through challenging mazes. This app is a great introduction to coding concepts while also strengthening critical thinking skills. (Free with in-app purchases)

• Android: Link to CodyMaze on Google Play Store .
• iPhone: Link to CodyMaze on Apple App Store .

5. Peak – Brain Games & Training

This app offers a fun mix of brain games that target various aspects of critical thinking, including problem-solving, memory, focus, and mental agility. Its vibrant visuals and personalized challenges make it engaging for this age group. (Free with premium subscription for additional features)

Android: Link to Peak on Google Play Store . iPhone: Link to Peak on Apple App Store .

Age 13 and Up: Critical Thinking for Teens

Teenagers are naturally curious and love a good challenge. These apps will push their critical thinking skills to the limit:

This science-backed brain training app offers a wide variety of exercises and games targeting multiple areas of cognitive function . Among its exercises, many promote critical thinking skills like problem-solving, logic, speed, and decision-making. (Free, with paid subscription for more extensive features)

Android: Link to BrainHQ on Google Play Store . iPhone: Link to BrainHQ on Apple App Store .

This mind mapping app is a fantastic tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and seeing the bigger picture. Teens can use it for school projects, study sessions, or just to explore their own creativity. (Free with paid upgrade options)

Link to the app website: Ayoa.com

8. Socratic by Google

This app uses real-world scenarios to pose thought-provoking questions and encourage critical thinking. Users can explore different viewpoints, analyze evidence, and develop strong arguments. (Free)

Android: Link to Socratic on Google Play Store . iPhone: Link to Socratic  on Apple App Store .

Stat: According to a study by Stanford University, students who regularly debated complex topics showed significant improvement in critical thinking skills compared to those who did not

9. DragonBox Elements

This award-winning game series cleverly combines logic puzzles with the basic principles of algebra. Players will solve increasingly complex challenges that require strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills. (Free with in-app purchases for additional levels)

Link to the app website: dragonbox.com

10. Elevate

This app goes beyond critical thinking and offers a holistic brain-training experience. It includes games that target memory, processing speed, focus, and critical thinking. (Free with paid subscription for access to all features)

Link to the app website: elevateapp.com

Wrapping Up

Critical thinking skills are essential for success in today’s world. From schoolwork to future careers, the ability to analyze, problem-solve, and think outside the box will set you apart. Critical thinking apps offer a playful and interactive way to boost these valuable skills. Whether you’re a student or an adult seeking lifelong learning, don’t underestimate the power of enhancing your thinking toolkit. Start exploring, have fun, and let your mind stretch in unexpected ways!

• Helldivers 2
• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Wuthering Waves
• Genshin Impact
• Counter Strike 2
• Honkai Star Rail
• Lego Fortnite
• Stardew Valley
• NYT Strands
• NYT Connections
• Apple Watch
• Crunchyroll
• Prime Video
• Jujutsu Kaisen
• Demon Slayer
• Chainsaw Man
• Solo Leveling
• Beebom Gadgets

10 Best Mind Training Apps and Games for iPhone and Android

Best Brain Training Apps and Games for Android & iPhone

So, how do mind training apps work, 1. memorado.

If you prefer to customize your workouts , you would be glad to have multiple personalization options. You can customize everything in keeping with your preference to have a better result. Beyond the churning mind games, the app also offers mindfulness exercises to help you de-stress. Save those exercises for the times where you feel stressed out due to mounting workloads or hectic lifestyle as they can come in super handy in refreshing the mind. Another front where Memorado shines is the detailed statistics that show both the strong areas and the weak spots that need more attention.

Another area where I find Elevate a touch better than most of its counterparts is the detailed performance tracking . Thus, you can keep an eye on how well you are going ahead with the learning and also figure out the areas that warrant more attention. Moreover, the app comes with a fully-featured workout calendar that makes it a bit easier to track your streaks and also remain inspired to achieve your goal. Just like a true guide, Elevate also offers some crucial tips to accelerate your learning and also tackle the shortcomings in a better way. In short, it’s one of the best brain training apps for iOS and Android that you get right now.

3. Lumosity

Considering one set of rules doesn’t live up to everyone’s taste, Lumosity offers a fully customized tracking of training habits . So, depending on what works best for you, fine-tune everything accordingly to get the most out of your mind. Furthermore, Lumosity also delivers better insight into how well you are performing. Thus, you can find out your strengths, weaknesses and even your cognitive patterns. Long story short, it’s what you need to bring some fun elements into the brain training without spoiling the learning curve!

Aside from offering better recommendations, the virtual coach also provides the much-needed tips so that you can stay on the track. Often don’t get time for yourself due to rather a hectic lifestyle? No problem. The app has got some neatly designed contextual workouts that can seamlessly fit into your short times – even when you are on the go.

5. CogniFit

On the personalization front, I think CogniFit seems to be up to the ask. Based on your goal, you can customize the programs to enhance specific skills – without needing to dabble into unnecessary stuff. Aside from a good collection of games for adults, the app has also got a nice roster of memory games designed for kids . So, if you want to take your child some interesting mind training sessions, they could prove to be bang on target.

6. Brain Training

Price: Free, in-app purchases available 

Install: Android , iOS 

8. Brain School

Are you on the lookout for a brain training game for kids? If yes, DoBrain would be a fantastic option. The reason why I like this app so much is that it offers a nice way to teach children through stories, puzzles , and of course interesting games. And based on what excites a kid, the app provides a curated collection of lessons so that he/she will enjoy learning. Through every session, the app focuses on improving eight core areas of the brain including logical reasoning, Math, reaction, spatial perception, attention and memory, constructional ability, discernment, and creativity. Moreover, DoBrain also offers in-depth report cards of your child’s progress so that you can keep a track of the development.

10. MentalUP

Get the Most Out of Mind Training Apps and Games

Rajesh Mishra

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.

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