5 Best IQ Tests in 2025

Of all that I've learned in the 1.5 years I've worked with Dr. Russell T. Warne in the field of IQ testing, one resounding realization was that online IQ tests are notoriously invalid, unreliable, bad, and or pure scams. I'm writing this article to steer people away from these fake free online IQ tests toward the light at the end of the tunnel-- we call it the RIOT - Reasoning and Intelligence Online Test. We have been working on this online IQ test for over a year with the sole mission to build the best modernized online IQ test and assessment platform in the world.

To that endeavor, my research has required me to study, and to scrutinize, the lineup of IQ tests available today. My 5 IQ Test recommendations listed below will contain 4 in-person IQ Test recommendations for high-stakes assessments, and 1 online IQ Test recommendation for medium-to-low-stakes assessments (spoiler-- our RIOT assessment). If any other valid and reliable online IQ test beyond my scope of study exists, please do contact us and I'll happily add to this list-- as long as they are scientifically sound.

WAIS-V: (in-person, ages 16-90)

WAIS-V: Link here

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition (WAIS-V), is a cornerstone of adult IQ testing that is suitable for ages 16 to 90 years and 11 months. It includes indexes like verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and spatial ability. These are the same 5 indexes as the RIOT. The WAIS-V is the gold standard for in-person assessment, highlighted by updated norms and expanded subtests that reflect the latest cognitive science standards.

RIAS-2: (in-person, ages 3-94)

RIAS-2: Link here

The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition (RIAS-2), spans an impressive age range (3 to 94) and offers a quick, reliable snapshot of intelligence. I’ve long admired its efficiency: in just 20–25 minutes, it delivers a Composite Intelligence Index with a reliability coefficient of 0.95. Its focus on verbal, nonverbal, and memory components demonstrates that we can distill complex constructs without sacrificing depth.

RIOT: (online, ages 18+)

RIOT: Link here

Note: The RIOT test's validity and reliability data is not gathered yet! This data is coming in soon.

That aside, the RIOT will be valid for American, native English speaking adults, aged 18 and up. It does not contend with in-person tests like the WAIS--nor should it, given the irreplaceable value of proctored settings. RIOT is in an altogether alternate category that offers a credible, convenient, and easily accessible format. Its validity and reliability data are yet to be determined, but the integrity and vision is intact: an entirely online IQ test that leverages the newest software to assess reasoning and intelligence with scientific rigor. It is well within possibility that RIOT may even become a complementary assessment to tests like the WAIS (think colleague, rather than rival), helping to transcend the limitations of in-person testing and increase access virtually instead

CogAT 9 (in-person, grades k-12)

CogAT 9: Link here

The Cognitive Abilities Test, Ninth Edition (CogAT 9) is designed for students from kindergarten through grade 12 and excels in educational settings. Unlike individualized Wechsler tests, it is group-administered and assesses verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. In my research, I’ve observed its capacity to help educators not only quantify IQ, but also tailor instruction to meet need. Its latest edition offers a new test design with fresh content such as updated national norms and age-based local norms.

WISC-V (in-person, ages 6-16)

WISC-V: Link here

For children aged 6 to 16 years and 11 months, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V), is my go-to recommendation. The WISC-V’s ability to provide both a Full Scale IQ and detailed index scores makes it indispensable for identifying giftedness or learning difficulties.

Other in-person IQ tests:

1. Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales (SB or SBIS)

2. Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM)

3. Cattell Culture Fair III (CFIT)

4. Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS)

5. Woodcock–Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities,(WJ)

6. Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC)

7. Differential Ability Scales(DAS)

8. Cognitive Assessment System (CAS)

9. Thurstone's Primary Mental Abilities (PMA)

10. Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT)

11. Multidimensional Aptitude Battery II (MAB-II)

12. Das–Naglieri cognitive assessment system (CAS)

13. Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)

14. Wide Range Intelligence Test (WRIT)

Why is there only 1 online IQ test in the list above?

Yes, you would be right. There is only 1 online IQ test mentioned in the list of 5. This is because in-person IQ assessments are still the gold standard and accepted way to obtain the most accurate measure of IQ. But, online IQ tests have their place, and there has been critical need for a valid online IQ test. Our team (Riot IQ) saw this and started developing such a test in early 2024-- called the RIOT, or the “Reasoning and Intelligence Online Test”. We think it will be a valuable resource for psychologists, researchers, professionals and individuals alike. We spent over a year developing the test.

Our mission is to establish a new standard for online IQ testing, and restore confidence in the online medium as a valuable tool for cognitive assessment in specific scenarios. We acknowledge that online tests cannot fully replace in-person evaluations, but we want to offer a compelling alternative for specific situations where in-person testing is not feasible. For instance, the RIOT can serve as a valuable screening tool, providing preliminary insights before professionals administer comprehensive in-person assessments like the WAIS.

That's all for now. We will be maintaining this list and updating it as tests come and go. We hope you found this article helpful. Feel free to email us at research@riotiq.com with any questions.