In many ways, Android phones are perfect for racing games. Controls are simple and touch screen friendly, and you can often pretend your phone is a steering wheel while racing. Racing games are also particularly suitable for controllers, so grab one of the best Android controllers if you’re about to play Asphalt 9.
A wide variety of great racing games are available on Android, from realistic racing simulators like GRID Autosport to quirky arcade racing games like Datawing. Casual gamers will find something to enjoy here, but as a general rule, racing games are about competition, not relaxation. (You’ll want to check out our roundup of the best casual games if you want something to kick back with.) But no matter what your preferred style of racing game is, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best racing games for Android on today’s list.
Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9 is perfect for car enthusiasts who like to take trips out of reality. While the game is packed with real-life cars, parts, and locations, it is an arcade game at heart. The focus is on the sensation of driving at high speed, not on the recreation of realism.
Part of what makes Asphalt 9 so accessible is the variety of control options at your disposal; there’s tilt steering, touch controls, and an option that controls throttle and steering for you. It’s not an autopilot, as you’ll have to make quick decisions to win, but it’s much easier to enjoy the spectacle of Asphalt 9 with it enabled.
GRID motorsports
GRID Autosport initially launched for PC, Xbox, and Playstation in 2014; the android version is the latest port of many. While the graphics are a bit dated these days, it’s the closest you can get to a console racing game on the Play Store.
Where Asphalt 9 leans towards arcade style racing, GRID Autosport offers a realistic experience. It is definitely one to play around with a controller and install it on one of the best Android tablets for an immersive experience.
Skyline Chase
Horizon Chase is an arcade racing game that replicates older racing games and implements enough modern features to make it feel new. Those who grew up with racing games of the early 90s will feel right at home here, but younger gamers will have a blast too.
Horizon Chase may seem simple, but you will experience as many exciting endings as in Asphalt 9. It is perfect for those who want a fast, fun and easy racing game.
CSR 2
Are you tired of making mistakes in the corners in GRID Autosport? Try CSR 2. It’s a drag racing game, so you’ll be practicing your gear changes instead of your cornering skills. It has a wide variety of cars and customization options so you can play and race with your favorite vehicle.
While CSR 2 encourages you to buy your microtransactions, it’s nice without spending any money on it. Get this if you need a fast racing game on rails; you can get into a bus ride.
testing frontier
Racing isn’t just for cars. There’s a tragic shortage of good bike racers on Android, but you can’t go wrong with Trials Frontier. You won’t just be competing; stunts are just as important. It’s certainly not for those who prefer a realistic racing game, but in terms of sheer fun, Trials Frontier is head and shoulders above most of its competitors.
Mario Kart Ride
Mario Kart is the biggest name in racing games, and after a few years of lopsided design choices, Mario Kart Tour has finally come to fruition. It’s the classic Mario Kart experience built for mobile, with lots of unique features. For example, the “Travel” part refers to courses inspired by real-world locations.
Mario Kart Tour is a multiplayer game at heart; you can play globally or locally, against friends or strangers. If you can’t play Mario Kart on a Nintendo console, try this, you won’t regret it.
Rush Rally Origins
Top down racing games may not be as realistic as classic first person racing games but it will improve your racing skills at the same time. Rush Rally Origins is the best of the sub-genre and builds on the previous games in the series to create an exciting rally experience.
Rush Rally Origins lets you play how you want. Whether you want to adjust the onscreen controls to fit your thumbs or plug in a controller, Rush Rally has you covered. It’s also one of the best Play Pass games, which means subscribers can play it for free.
data wing
Who said a good racing game required real-world vehicles? Data Wing proves that all you need to have exciting races are neon lights and different colored triangles. While it’s a relatively short game, the story-driven approach makes for a more engaging experience than most of the other games on this list.
Data Wing is unrealistic and won’t use a controller, but don’t underestimate it. The only thing that could make it better is a multiplayer option, but this might come as a relief to some people. However, there are leaderboards so you can compete with others for the fastest times.
The competition is better on the track
We can guarantee hours of tense competition for whichever game on this list was your favorite pick. We mentioned it before, but we strongly recommend choosing a controller to play these games; something like SteelSeries Stratus+ is perfect. Racing games are also best enjoyed with a friend, but if you’re looking for a game that encourages teamwork rather than competition, try one of the best co-op games for Android.
