Racing games on Android have pushed the limits of phone hardware, offering cutting-edge visuals that aim to replicate the realistic racing sims on PC and consoles. However, they're not all designed to be realistic games for car nerds. There are plenty of fun arcade games here, but you'll undoubtedly want to pick up an Android-compatible controller regardless of your choice.
We've gathered the best racing games on Android together into this list. But if you want to take the fun beyond the realm of vehicles, try out AP's favorite games on Android.
1 Rush Rally 3
Rally fans have to give this one a go. Rush Rally 3 is the closest you can get to a console-quality racing simulation on your phone. There are plenty of solo and multiplayer modes, so you can race in whatever way you choose. On top of this, it has full controller support and a customizable touch control system so that you can find the most comfortable controls.
Rush Rally 3 has a real-time damage system, so as you collide with trees, obstacles, or other cars, your car will deform and break appropriately. The graphics are a little dated, but if you want an authentic rally experience – go no further.
2 Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9 is a perfect compromise between racing sim and arcade racer. While the game is full of real-world cars, parts, and real-life locations, it knows what you want is the feel of racing, not the stress of changing gears at the optimal time. It's challenging but easy to learn.
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 the acceleration and steering for you. It's not autopilot, as you'll still need to make quick decisions to win, but it's much easier to enjoy the spectacle of Asphalt 9 with it enabled. If there's one game on this list to enjoy on an Android tablet, it's this one.
3 GRID Autosport
GRID Autosport was initially released on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in 2014; the Android version is the latest port of many. While the graphics are a tad dated today, it's the closest you can get to a console racing game on the Play Store. Despite its age, it includes many modern racing features, like soft body deformation.
Where Asphalt 9 leans towards an arcade racing style, GRID Autosport offers a realistic experience. It's one to play with a controller for an immersive experience.
4 Horizon Chase
Horizon Chase is a retro racer with tons of quality-of-life features. Those who grew up on the racing games of the early 90s will feel right at home here, as, despite a few modern additions, it doesn't let go of its roots. Bold colors, sharp polygons, and a spectacular array of seasons and weather show that you don't need ultra-realistic graphics to make a good-looking racing game.
Horizon Chase may look simple, but you'll experience just as many nail-biting finishes as on Asphalt 9. It's perfect for those who want a fast, fun, and straightforward racing game.
5 CSR 2
Are you tired of messing up your corner drifts in GRID Autosport? Give CSR 2 a go. It's a drag racing game, so you'll practice your gear changes rather than cornering skills. A hyper-realistic simulator, you can tinker and race with your favorite vehicle to your heart's content.
While CSR 2 encourages you to purchase its microtransactions, it's enjoyable without spending any money on it. Get this if you need a quick racing game on rails; you can squeeze in on a bus ride.
6 Trials Frontier
Racing isn't just for cars. There's a tragic shortage of good motorcycle racers on Android, but you can't go wrong with Trials Frontier. You won't just be racing; stunts are a vital part of topping the leaderboards.
It's certainly not for those who prefer a realistic racing game, but in terms of sheer fun, Trials Frontier stands head and shoulders above most of its competition. It's the best motorcycle game on Android.
7 Mario Kart Tour
Mario Kart is the biggest name in racing games, and after a few years of wonky design choices, Mario Kart Tour has finally come into its own. It's the classic Mario Kart experience built for mobile, with plenty of unique features. For example, the “Tour” part refers to courses inspired by real-world locations, and there are new game modes that can only be found here.
Mario Kart Tour is a multiplayer game at heart; you can play globally or locally against friends or strangers. The competitive racers among us will enjoy rising up the ranks, but casual players will get the most out of this fantastic racing game. If you can't play Mario Kart on a Nintendo console, give this a shot, you won't regret it.
8 Rush Rally Origins
Top-down racers might not be as realistic as classic first-person racing games, but they'll stretch your racing skills regardless. Rush Rally Origins is the best of this subgenre, drawing on the previous games in the series to create a gripping rally experience.
Rush Rally Origins lets you play how you want. Whether you wish to adjust the on-screen controls to fit your thumbs or attach a controller, Rush Rally has you covered. It's also one of the best games on Play Pass, which means subscribers can play it for free.
9 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 offers a more absorbing experience than most other games on this list.
Data Wing is an actual arcade game that is an engaging experience from start to finish despite its lack of controller support. The only thing that might improve it is a multiplayer option, but this might be a relief for some people. However, there are leaderboards so you can compete with others for the fastest times.
10 Assoluto Racing
Another delicate balance of realistic and arcade racing mechanics, Assoluto Racing, is a competitive track racing game that utilizes realistic physics to let you drift while staying in complete control of your car. It's similar to Asphalt 9, so Assoluto racing is a must-play if you enjoyed that.
There's a lot of customization in Assoluto Racing, and it's not just visual. You can adjust gear ratios, torque, and horsepower or install a new suspension to suit your preferences. People who enjoy tinkering with cars and researching the best option in any situation should give Assoluto Racing a go.
11 Hot Lap League
Enjoy the arcade gameplay of Asphalt 9 but felt it was a bit too conservative? Give Hot Lap League a try. It offers enough competitive racing features to keep you hooked, but the ridiculous tracks are the real selling point. You'll perform maneuvers unseen in any other racing game, thanks to Hot Lap League's tenuous relationship with the laws of physics.
Hot Lap League offers an extraordinary amount of content for everyone. Those who don't like competitive racing can find solace in the time trial competitions, and everyone will soon get the hang of the loops, jumps, and magnetic tracks. All the cars are the same, so winning is a case of your skill with the controls. It's great fun and a must-play for any racing fan.
12 Wreckfest
Wreckfest's Android port may have started out suffering from noticeable performance issues, but seeing this fantastic racing game on phones is still a remarkable achievement now that many issues have been addressed. Utilizing soft-body physics to create realistic damage, Wreckfest is an excellent destruction derby game that's also a racer.
In Wreckfest, you can choose from regular races or destruction derbys. A campaign mode takes you through most of the cars and game modes available, or you can jump into a custom game to create your own.
13 Hellrider 3
Hellrider 3 changes the perspective of previous games, offering a third-person view rather than a top-down one. Fans of the series won't be disappointed, though, as Hellrider 3 still provides the same low-poly racing fan. Each level pits you against other riders, as well as a variety of bizarre enemies, including giant monsters.
Hellrider 3 is free-to-play with in-app purchases, but these won't inconvenience your gameplay. Just be mindful of the ads, as some players have reported game crashes after watching them.
Competition is best on the track
It's worth reiterating that picking up a controller like the SteelSeries Stratus+ is the best way to enjoy these games. Physical controllers are vital for the best control over your vehicle, but the touch-screen controls will serve you in a pinch. But regardless of your preferred way to play, you're guaranteed to find the perfect racing game on this list.
