Speed your way past the competition in these outstanding racers for Android!
We’ve rounded up the best racing games found in the Google Play Store. With so many options to choose from, we’ve compiled a list that covers a whole slew of sub-genres — from stylized arcade racing to highly realistic racing sims — so no matter your preference, you should find an outstanding game that’s right for you.
And if you want some great games in other genres, we have our list of favorite Android games overall, too. Ready? Let’s hit the road!
The games
- GRID Autosport
- Mario Kart Tour
- Asphalt 9: Legends
- Riptide GP: Renegade
- #Drive
- Horizon Chase: World Tour
- Thumb Drift
- Real Racing 3
- CSR Racing
- Top Speed 2: Drag Rivals
- Motorsport Manager Mobile 3
- Grand Prix Story
GRID Autosport
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzR-AtEoVR0?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
GRID Autosport brings console-quality racing to Android with no compromises in terms of graphics or gameplay. The game offers some of the best-rendered graphics and textures that I’ve seen from a mobile game. The physics engine is dynamic and you’ll see real-time damage on your vehicle as you swap paint with opponents in the corners.
There are over 100 cars to drive and an equal number of tracks to race across a wide range of disciplines — from open-wheel and touring circuits to street drag races and more arcade-style demolition races. GRID Autosport also lets you choose how you want to race with scalable difficulty allowing for an easier and more arcade-style experience for casual gamers or ramped-up difficulty for fans yearning for a pure racing simulation.
While the game does offer nice flexibility for touchscreen controls, you’ll want to take advantage of the support for Bluetooth controller. It’s simply better with a physical controller, and if you need to find one for mobile gaming we’ve got you covered.
It’s unfortunate that there’s a lack of support for the NVIDIA Shield TV, since it should be perfectly suited for running a game like GRID, but them’s the breaks. GRID Autosport is a premium game but well worth the money if you’re looking for the best racing action on Android.
Grid Autosport
$10 at Google Play Store
GRID Autosport is a full-featured racing game for Android that features a huge roster of cars to choose from and a ton of tracks and circuits to burn rubber down. Choose from more traditional racing modes, hit the streets in drag or drift races, or smash ’em up in a demolition derby.
Mario Kart Tour
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87lnoRaoP6I?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Nintendo making Mario Kart Tour free-to-play is as much a blessing as it is a curse — it means that millions of people can jump in and play without having to pay a dime, but it also means the game has been carefully designed to entice you to subscribe to a monthly Gold Pass and spend on in-app currency to unlock more characters and rewards at a quicker pace.
The gameplay itself is as frantic and chaotic as you’d expect from a Mario Kart game, and it’s easily the most fun I’ve had with a mobile racing game in some time. In most aspects, this does look and feel like a true Mario Kart experience complete with item boxes and coins scattered across each course, fun shortcuts to discover, and that familiar thrill of victory and the more familiar sting of defeat. This is, however, despite the oversimplified controls, invisible bumper rails preventing you from going off course, and other bizarre limitations that Nintendo has imposed.
In many ways, the only novel aspect of Mario Kart Tour is that it’s available to play on smartphones. There’s less courses and characters available and to unlock them all would likely require spending cash than it would take to simply buy the latest Mario Kart game for the Nintendo Switch. But again, you don’t need to spend money to enjoy Mario Kart Tour — until you start getting matched up against those players who have spent gobs of it to upgrade their drivers and karts, of course.
Mario Kart Tour
Free w/IAPs on Google Play
Mario Kart Tour lets you play some of your favorite race tracks, along with several new ones, right from your phone. There are plenty of characters, karts, and items to unlock. Compete against others from around the world to see how well you match up!
Asphalt 9: Legends
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_L5LQSfYyk?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Asphalt 9: Legends is the latest entry in one of the most popular racing titles games available in the Google Play Store. It skips all pretensions of realism and provides an over-the-top, high-octane experience with all the fixings. Players can work (or pay) their way through the career mode to unlock new rides or upgrade the ones they have. You can race against online opponents in eight-car races that are wild and fast.
The controls default to “TouchDrive,” which allows you to focus on shifting lanes to hit specific jumps or routes, drifting and using nitro while the game itself handles your acceleration and steering. There are other control options available including on-screen controls and tilt-steering, but honestly, you’re best off playing with TouchDrive on to start until you get a handle on the game.
The incredibly polished graphics and outstanding soundtrack make Asphalt 9 an adrenaline trip you won’t soon forget.
Download Asphalt 9: Legends (Free w/IAPs)
Asphalt 9: Legends
Free w/ IAPs on Google Play
Asphalt is one of the best racing franchises for mobile that features high-octane racing with over 50 of the world’s top racing cars. There’s a full career mode to enjoy with wild arcade-style racing action.
Riptide GP: Renegade
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS2eojfRSD4?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Riptide GP: Renegade is the latest and greatest in futuristic jet ski racing franchise on Android. Harkening back to memories of games like Jet Moto or Wave Race 64, Riptide GP: Renegade features a story-driven career mode alongside options to run a quick race or battle against online opponents. The graphics are top-notch, with water and motion blur effects, giving the game a good sense of speed.
It uses tilt-steering to control your hydro jet, which is less than ideal, but Bluetooth gamepads are also supported and make things smoother. Speaking of controls, one key aspect of the game is pulling off insane stunts, which are easy to do with quick swipes. There’s plenty to unlock and upgrade as you play through the career mode, and the AI is top-notch, providing a real challenge compared to other racing games for Android. You’ll need a pretty good phone to handle the graphics and gameplay, and also plays wonderfully on the NVIDIA Shield Android TV box.
If you’re looking for some tips before diving in, check out our Beginner’s Guide for Riptide GP: Renegade.
Riptide GP: Renegade
$3 at Google Play Store
Who’s ready to get a little wet? Riptide GP: Renegade is a stylish wave racer that’s still one of the best looking racing games on Android.
#Drive
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xciy2_Rj9kQ?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
This game stands out from other racing games with the way it blends a high-speed car chases with the best elements from the endless runner genre. Immediately, you are drawn in by the great art style that uses procedurally generated maps to plot out the curbside attractions and towns you must pass through on your outlaw tour. You’ll need to become a skilled driver to collect all the bottle caps as you go, which are spent on unlocking your choice of 29 uniquely cool vehicles. Completing the ambiance is your anonymous sidekick, who reminds you every time you pass a gas station and comment on every near miss.
Although endless runners are often casual games, the touch controls require your full attention with quick inputs used to drive your car through tight spots. Each car you unlock has its own speeds and handling, but you can master each one as you unlock them and race across the three terrains — deserts, snow, and jungle — each with five cities to tour through. The free version you download from the Play Store includes ads that you can watch to extend a run — or you can pay a one-time in-app purchase to remove ads and get permanent in-game bonuses.
#Drive
Free w/ ads, IAPs at Google Play Store
This is an endless driving game where you’re on the run across multiple counties. All you have to do is keep your car fueled up and avoid crashing while outrunning the police — easier said than done!
Horizon Chase – World Tour
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLoJp_lhQuY?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Horizon Chase is a fun retro-style racer with gameplay reminiscent of the classic 80s arcade racer Pole Position. Featuring bright and colorful retro graphics and over 70 tracks spanning 32 cities, there’s plenty of fun to be had here. You start each race from the back of a 20 car pack and must weave your way past your opponents to take the crown. Keep winning to upgrade and unlock up 16 available cars.
You get to play the San Francisco tracks but then must pay to unlock the full game. Given how beautiful and fun this game is, we bet you will. Horizon Chase is an ode to the arcade classics of old, from Pole Position to Outrun to Cruis’n USA. The soundtrack is just plain awesome and all of it just makes me feel like a kid again dropping in quarters or booting up my N64.
Horizon Chase World Tour
Free, $4 to unlock full game at Google Play Store
Race through bright and colorful locales in Horizon Chase, a throwback racer that delivers fun arcade action with or without a controller in hand.
Thumb Drift
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRTih5cagg4?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Want to race, but only have one hand free? Thumb Drift is the perfect game for you! Featuring charming graphics and a simple premise, your goal is to drift sideways through four increasingly challenging courses. With over 100 cars to buy via in-app purchases, or unlock randomly using coins collected on the track or via special tricks, there are hours of mindless fun to be had here.
Thumb Drift is the casual, endless racer you’ve been waiting for. It’s not exactly the most engaging or endearing racing game on this list, especially with how in-your-face the IAPs are, but sometimes a bit of mindless fun is worth the install. There’s really not that much else to Thumb Drift. Give it a shot if it sounds like something you’d enjoy.
Thumb Drift
Free w/ ads, IAPs at Google Play Store
Featuring simple, one-thumb controls, Thumb Drift is a casual endless racing game that features over 100 cars to unlock and drift through six unique tracks.
Real Racing 3
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRZ9S9UmEgk?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Real Racing 3 is a stunning mobile racing game that is bound to keep hardcore gearheads entertained. It puts real brand-name cars on real-world tracks – hence the name — and features an interesting asynchronous multiplayer system whereby lap times are recorded from your friends, and you race against a bot that’s driving at that time.
Of course, you can bump them out and affect their track time, and there’s a single-player career worth playing through too. Over time, players earn new cars and can upgrade various mechanical bits with their winnings, but make sure you take it easy on your car — you’ll have to keep your ride in good condition to avoid repair costs.
This being an EA game, you can expect the usual slew of microtransactions on offer. including three different in-game currencies with accomplish different things. It’s a typical EA move and sours an otherwise fun racing game for me, personally.
Real Racing 3
Free w/ ads, IAPs at Google Play Store
Real Racing 3 is gorgeous, and the white-knuckled racing action will keep you coming back for more.
CSR Racing
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkrvNyphpV8?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
CSR Racing is a clean-cut drag racing game. Players needn’t worry about steering — all you have to do is perfectly time your gear changes. Indicators tell when to make your next shift, and assuming your timing is up to snuff and your ride is amply upgraded, you should pull across the finish line before your opponent, and earn some winnings.
Premium currency can be used to buy high-end cars, while the standard currency can be used to buy the others, as well as upgrade specific parts such as the gearbox, engine, intake, and body.
There are a couple of other racing games in this franchise including CSR Racing 2 and CSR Classics, but the first is still the best in our books.
CSR Racing
Free w/ ads, IAPs at Google Play Store
CSR Racing boils down drag racing to pure twitch reflexes. Featuring over 100 licensed cars that can all be upgraded and customized, how far will you make it on the World Tour?
Top Speed 2: Drag Rivals
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcwikFysbGw?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Top Speed was a very popular racing game back in its day, but the sequel takes things up a notch. It comes standard with multiplayer, over 70 cars to unlock, plenty of customization and racing options, and a lot more. It’s a racing game that packs in a lot of what you’d expect, with the only downside being the freemium model.
You play as a disgraced cop who gets into drag racing with the mafia. Sounds pretty weird, but the story takes second place next to the high octane racing action. You have a ton of cars to choose from as you make a name for yourself and work to be the best driver in the city.
Top Speed 2 offers some good vehicular customization, but it’s not without its faults. There are plenty of in-app purchases to be found here. You’ll be asked to spend money on “refueling” (the stamina meter), lootboxes for car parts, and upgrades for your cars. It all feels pretty slimy, but the game itself is fun enough.
Top Speed 2: Drag Rivals
Free w/ IAPs at Google Play Store
The sequel to the popular Top Speed brings all the things you loved about the first game, just better. Drive over 70 cars, customize them, and prove yourself the best racer around.
Motorsport Manager Mobile 3
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG1wvQIxprk?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
What if, instead of being the racer, you wanted to manage the racers? Well, Motorsport Manager Mobile 3 does just that. You build up your own racing team from scratch and compete in international events to become the best. You control everything, from hiring the drivers to upgrading the cars.
Strategy is the name of the game here, with you even working to have the most efficient pitstop. You’ll need to be prepared for anything, including weather changes and crashes. It’s really quite the robust game, forcing you to see the whole picture of what goes into a given race.
With the challenge constantly evolving to meet your increasing skills, Motorsport Manager Mobile 3 (what a mouthful) promises less high octane action than some of the other games on this list, instead offering an excellent experience that makes you excited to manage a racing team.
Motorsport Manager Mobile 3
$7.49 at Google Play Store
Step out of the driver’s seat and put on your manager’s hat, it’s time to build up a whole racing team. Control every aspect, down to training and upgrades.
Grand Prix Story
Grand Prix Story is another racing sim, though quite different in function and form from Motorsport Manager Mobile 3. This pixel art adventure is more cutesy and fun — much less serious than MMM3. You’re still in charge of a racing team instead of being a singular driver, but some of you might prefer that. If so, read on.
Realism isn’t what’s important here; it’s about having a fun time with a great art style. Since you’re the manager, it’s up to you to recruit and train drivers, build sponsorship deals, and ensure that your team wins as much as possible. Build new cars and parts to ensure you succeed.
Grand Prix Story is a one-time purchase with no ads or microtransactions. It’s just a wholesome, quirky, and fun experience that puts you in the manager’s chair.
Grand Prix Story
$5.49 at Google Play Store
Another racing sim, Grand Prix Story takes a more whimsical and less realistic approach. Enjoy the cute art style while you manage a team to ultimate victory!
Your turn
Our obvious pick for the best racing game available on Android right now is GRID Autosport, a truly fantastic game. It’s hard to believe that Feral Interactive was able to port this over to Android and have it run so well while looking and playing so great. Seriously, it’s worth the high cost to entry if you love your racing games.
But for a more relaxed experience, I’d like to point you to Grand Prix Story. I just love the art style and how fun this game is. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did.
What’s your go-to racing game of choice? Let us know in the comments!
June 2020: Added Top Speed 2: Drag Rivals, Motorsport Manager Mobile 3, and Grand Prix Story to our list.
Get the most out of your Android gaming experience
SteelSeries Stratus Duo
$60 at Amazon
A great Bluetooth controller for use with Android games that offer gamepad support that also includes a wireless USB dongle for gaming on PCs. Highly recommended!
Ventev Powercell 6010+ Portable USB-C Charger
$37 at Amazon
This battery pack from Ventev is recommended so often because it’s so compact and convenient. You get a built-in USB-C cord, built-in AC prong for charging the unit, and 6000mAh battery capacity.
Spigen Style Ring
$13 at Amazon
Of all the phone mounts and kickstands we’ve tested, the most consistently reliable and sturdy is the original Spigen Style Ring. It also has a minimalist hook mount for your car’s dashboard.
