Top 25 best racing games for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

Time was you had to go to a murky arcade parlour if you wanted to play a full-blooded racing game. Now you just need an iPhone or iPad.
There are a number of loosely affiliated titles that don’t quite fit the description of ‘racing games,’ even if they still involve commandeering a vehicle. That’s why we’ve also specified ‘driving games’ on this list.

As someone who’s spent countless hours behind the wheel and on the track, I can confidently say that these games have truly captured the essence of the racing world. From the adrenaline-pumping action of Asphalt 9: Legends to the strategic depth of Motorsport Manager 4, there’s something for every racing enthusiast here.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a driving game fan, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something to love among our recommendations. As we said, it’s about a lot more than just driving around a track these days.

1 GRID Autosport

Publisher:
Feral Interactive
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about GRID Autosport

GRID Autosport, arguably the top-tier racing game for iOS devices, delivers an exceptionally authentic console racer experience with breathtaking 3D graphics that are among the best in the industry. The visuals are nothing short of spectacular, and the gameplay is equally impressive. The game primarily focuses on racing events, but it also allows you to manage your own team with a unique twist: time manipulation. Unlike cheating, this feature lets you rewind time a few seconds to adjust your braking or steering in an attempt to avoid accidents caused by realistic physics that can severely damage your vehicle. The variety of cars and tracks is impressive, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience for players.

For enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge, here’s our take on the GRID Autosport game. If you’re into hardcore racing titles boasting top-notch visuals, this one’s worth checking out!

2 Gear.Club

Publisher: Eden Games
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Gear.Club

As a developer known for creating authentic console racers, it’s not surprising that Gear.Club has been one of the most thrilling iOS racing games for quite some time. It boasts realistic car physics, stunning visuals, and an extensive collection of real-world vehicles. You can run your own garage, personalize your rides, and immerse yourself in every facet of a genuine racing adventure.

You will never get bored with the plethora of tasks to be done, and the actual experience when driving the racecars feels, simply put, right.

3 Rush Rally 3

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Rush Rally 3

A remarkably well-tuned racer that merges realistic mud-splattered simulation with user-friendly arcade racing. The visuals may not be quite as stunning as in GRID Autosport, but they’re adequate to provide a clear view of the track. In essence, they seem slightly less futuristic and more grounded in reality.

Playing Rush Rally 3 offers an enjoyable overall experience, as you get to race with your preferred vehicles in diverse settings. The game features a day/night cycle, different time constraints, and allows you to adjust the perspective for a more authentic feel.

4 Reckless Racing 3

Publisher: Pixelbite Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Reckless Racing 3

In simpler terms, Reckless Racing 3 offers a thrilling experience where you race through dirt and bump into your rivals using your steering wheel at full turn. It’s a joyful, chaotic game that you can play on your own in the single-player campaign or with your friends for some multiplayer fun.

Additionally, one standout aspect of Reckless Racing 3 that many gamers will appreciate is its extensively adjustable touch controls. We’ve all experienced the frustration of dealing with difficult touch controls, which can make screens look messy. However, in this game, such issues are minimized.

If this was not enough to convince you to try it, we have a Reckless Racing 3 review with additional information.

5 CSR Racing 2

Publisher: NaturalMotion Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about CSR Racing 2

Undoubtedly, CSR Racing 2 is a game that’s hard to tear yourself away from. This remarkable racer offers an array of features including customizable cars, incredibly intuitive controls, and so much more. Countless players have transitioned to this sequel following numerous victories in the original, without any second thoughts.

As an enthusiast myself, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving into the thrilling world of CSR Racing 2! If you’re ready to hit the virtual track, let me guide you with a helpful resource: our carefully curated CSR Racing 2 tier list. This essential tool will assist you in selecting the swiftest vehicles in the game, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of the competition!

6 Motorsport Manager 3

Publisher: Game Insight
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Motorsport Manager 3

In Motorsport Manager Mobile 3, you may not physically drive any cars on the track, but your role as a manager – handling hiring and firing of drivers, selecting tires, and negotiating with sponsors – is equally vital. Essentially, the game offers an office-based experience of racing, where you make crucial decisions that impact the performance of the race cars.

In simple terms, MotorSport Manager 3 lives up to its expectations and is an exceptional choice if you’re seeking top-notch racing games on iOS but prefer a more strategic experience over fast-paced driving and impulsive choices. This game offers everything you’d want in such a game.

7 Race Master 3D

Available on: iOS
Find out more about Race Master 3D

The current top-rated racing game on the App Store, as confirmed by Apple, stands out for several reasons. To begin with, unlike many other racers that require high-end devices due to their graphics demands, this game is surprisingly playable even on low-end devices. Secondly, its developers are consistently active, continually introducing new tracks, levels, and challenges to keep players engaged. Furthermore, Race Master 3D is free to download, with the only purchases being cosmetic skins and details. This ensures that no one can buy an advantage, making driving skill and experience paramount.

Regarding the technical aspects and gameplay, they’re straightforward to understand. The graphics are cartoony, featuring vibrant colors and characters that are often short. These games can be found in unique locations filled with obstacles such as sports balls, crates, and other items to dodge if you want a shot at winning the trophy.

8 Blocky Roads

Publisher: DogByte Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Blocky Roads

For all Minecraft enthusiasts, here’s an exciting It’s an uncommon racer with a pixelated Minecraft aesthetic. A cleverly designed, meticulously refined interpretation of the Trials concept. Navigate your blocky vehicle to the finish line by conquering hills, valleys, and seemingly impossible canyons. Unlike most iOS racing games, this one offers visually appealing graphics, and here’s the twist – it includes a farm!

It also leaves room for a lot of creativity when creating your own car, since you can build it block by block. Sounds interesting?

9 Asphalt 9: Legends

Publisher: Gameloft
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Asphalt 9: Legends

Legacy, an over-the-top arcade racer, doesn’t require much understanding of physics or gravity to enjoy. It’s user-friendly and visually appealing, making it hard not to smile while playing. This is the ninth installment in the Asphalt series, and with eight previous titles under its belt, you can expect a top-notch racing experience.

If you haven’t yet explored other Asphalt series games, consider trying out Asphalt 9: Legends. You might find yourself deeply enjoying it and making it your new favorite game franchise.

10 Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Developer: Firemonkeys
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Available on: iOS + Mobile + Android + PlayStation Vita
Find out more about Need for Speed: Most Wanted

One commonly loved racing series, known even to those not typically into the genre, is Need for Speed: Most Wanted. This installment reintroduced classic, appealing, and intriguing mechanics to its standard racing mode, including high-speed police chases. The thrill of evading numerous police cars remains etched in my memory, more so because I played it at a younger age. With over 40 vehicles available for customization, you can create some wild and stylish combinations. As you advance, new cars are unlocked, and they possess an impressive level of destruction, despite the game being arcade-style in nature.

As a dedicated fan, I must say, despite its age, the graphics on this game truly sparkle, and the developers should take pride in their exceptional work. It’s also essential to mention the music – it’s one aspect that we might overlook sometimes. Since Underground, the NFS franchise has consistently impressed with its diverse selection of musical performers. More than once, you’ll find yourself humming or even singing along to a particular track.

11 Carnage: Battle Arena

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Carnage: Battle Arena

This title, Carnage: Battle Arena, stands out among the others in this collection. It’s essentially a unique blend of battle royale, racing, and complete car and environment destruction. It’s exhilarating, challenging, and mercilessly entertaining. You can explore different game modes, including survival, an arena battle, and numerous others. The gameplay is straightforward: pick from over 80 fantastic cars, and wreak havoc on various spectacular maps against your opponents.

If you’re looking for a less conventional yet precise description of Carnage: Battle Arena, consider it as the rough-edged relative of an ordinary game, specifically designed with multiplayer battles (PvP) in mind, promoting underhanded tactics. It’s quite a spectacle to witness.

12 Data Wing

Developer: Dan Vogt
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Data Wing

Data Wing might not resemble any game you’ve played before, but let me tell you, it showcases the genre in an exciting way. Picture a racing game viewed from above where spaceships like Lunar Landers take the place of cars, and you’ll start to understand the fundamental mechanics of this clever game. Despite its unassuming appearance, it predominantly relies on physics and demands a high level of skill to master.

As a gamer, I found myself deeply engrossed in the straightforward visuals and the thrill of racing, but what truly sets this game apart is its captivating storyline that propels the experience forward. And let me tell you, if you’ve got your speakers on, the background music perfectly complements the gameplay.

13 Kartrider Rush+

Developer: Nexon
Publisher: Nexon
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Kartrider Rush+

For those who felt slightly disappointed by Mario Kart on mobile devices, prepare to be delighted by KartRider Rush+. You might even find yourself a tad frustrated with Nintendo for not offering such an experience earlier. This game demonstrates how a top-notch kart racing experience can fit snugly into a compact handheld device. It’s worth mentioning that the graphics are exceptionally modern and shine so brightly they’re almost stunning. The first time you fail to finish a race on time and see your character shedding tears, you’ll find yourself smitten with KartRider Rush+ – I can assure you of that.

This game boasts an impressive collection of vehicles and characters, numerous play modes, and intuitive touch controls. It strikes the perfect balance and undeniably belongs in the ranks of the best iOS racing games available.

14 REKT

Publisher: Game Insight
Available on: iOS
Find out more about REKT

A captivating blend of Rocket League and True Skate, this 3D racing game introduces exhilarating stunts, tricks, ramps, and loop-the-loops into traditional speed-to-the-finish competitions. Known for its vibrant visuals, this title is a must-have for any gaming enthusiast as it offers straightforward, race-focused gameplay.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the array of automobiles waiting to be amassed and the challenging race tracks yearning to be conquered in this incredible game. It’s the kind of title that leaves you feeling content knowing you haven’t missed a beat if you play it every day, but even skipping a day doesn’t diminish the thrill it offers.

15 Battle Racing Stars

Publisher: Halfbrick Studios
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Battle Racing Stars

From the acclaimed Halfbrick Studios comes an engaging online game that blends side-scrolling platform racing with elements from beloved titles like Jetpack Joyride, Fruit Ninja, and Dan the Man. This exciting competition pits characters from each game against each other, offering a unique crossover experience for fans of these games. The high level of competitiveness is consistent with Halfbrick’s other titles, making this game a must-play for those familiar with their work.

The only difference is that in Battle Racing Stars you can really focus on the racing part of the game more so than anything else. It’s even better with your friends in the Friendly Race mode!

16 Rebel Racing

Publisher: Hutch Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Rebel Racing

Hutch Games focuses on the exhilarating 3D arcade racing experience in Rebel Racing, delivering a visually impressive and smoothly controlled game for mobile devices. Boasting impressive graphics and simplified controls, this game stands out among its peers in the mobile gaming world. It offers a realistic driving environment where you can take the wheel of your desired vehicle, whether it’s a truck or luxury car. Customization options are plentiful, allowing you to tailor each ride to your preferences.

If you’re looking for an exceptional racing game experience today, consider giving Rebel Racing a shot. Since it’s free, you have nothing to lose by trying it out!

17 Riptide GP: Renegade

Publisher: Vector Unit
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Riptide GP: Renegade

The action-packed sibling of Riptide GP 2, with its grittier and more spectacular feel, demonstrates that high-speed racing isn’t limited to vehicles on wheels or roads. Instead, this thrilling jet ski simulator replaces asphalt with water, allowing you to perform jaw-dropping stunts in the air to gain speed boosts. You can personalize your own hydro jet and use it to dominate every race on the water.

In a more engaging and informal manner, Riptide GP: Renegade disregards conventional racing rules. Instead, it offers an expansive, futuristic environment for you to traverse and fully experience the heart-pounding excitement of the competition.

18 Mario Kart Tour

Publisher: Nintendo
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Mario Kart Tour

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t hide my excitement as Nintendo’s iconic kart racer roars onto mobile devices! Admittedly, it doesn’t meet the high standards of some die-hard Nintendo fans, and its free-to-play nature might be too casual for them. However, one thing is certain: the one-finger controls still echo the familiar feel of Mario Kart. Despite a few shortcomings, this game remains exceptionally fun. For anyone who’s a fan of the series, you know that it stands among the best racing games available on iOS.

This popular game is cherished by numerous iOS gamers, who often view it as a timeless classic alongside a few other chosen titles. If you’ve yet to experience it, I highly recommend giving it a spin! Exciting news for fans: we’ve compiled rankings of top drivers in Mario Kart Tour and the best karts in MKT just for you!

19 Pako Forever

Publisher: Tree Men Games
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Pako Forever

In essence, Pako Forever extends the series’ destructive automobile action into an endless play mode. Unlike traditional driving games focusing on speed, this one emphasizes endurance and agility. However, what truly sets it apart is its hidden spots where you can uncover a range of vehicles and enhancements, making it irresistible to explore every nook and cranny!

If you’re looking for a racing game that steers clear of flashy graphics and complex free roam options, then Pako Forever might just be the one for you.

20 Asphalt Xtreme

Publisher: Gameloft
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Asphalt Xtreme

In simpler terms, Asphalt Xtreme is yet another race game that offers you the thrill of driving off-road vehicles ranging from buggies, pickups, to monster trucks. Notably, all these cars in Asphalt Xtreme are based on real-world counterparts, so expect to see familiar names like Jeep, Ford, Dodge, and more!

Beyond its five gaming modes, numerous professional events, and challenges, Asphalt Xtreme offers multiplayer functionality that lets you race against up to seven other players. If you’re seeking an exhilarating racing game to enjoy with friends, Asphalt Xtreme is a top-notch choice.

Get Asphalt Xtreme (free)

21 Need for Speed: No Limits

Publisher: EA Mobile
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Need for Speed: No Limits

As a child, I fondly recall spending hours on NFS Underground, believing nothing could surpass that racing experience. Fast forward to today, and lo and behold, a similar racer is now accessible on mobile devices! This game has been developed by the same team behind Real Racing 3, guaranteeing top-notch quality. You’ll find yourself navigating city streets, evading cops, competing against rivals, and meticulously customizing your vehicle to the smallest detail. The publisher claims there are over 2.5 million unique customization combinations, a number we couldn’t possibly verify, so we’ll have to trust their estimate.

Our true passion lies in the variety of luxury sports cars. However, you’ll need to uncover their designs using blueprints, which adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the experience, as it’s more satisfying to earn them over time instead of having them all at once, isn’t it?

22 Tofu Drifter

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Tofu Drifter

Experience the unique thrill of Tofu Drifter, a game that involves skillfully maneuvering your car to create wobbly tofu-like substances. The focus isn’t on why you’re doing it, but rather on the joy of sliding. Despite its basic and ordinary visuals, the drifting in this game is exceptionally enjoyable. You can drift in many racing games, but the drifting in Tofu Drifter is something special.

Indeed, let me clarify the main objective of the game: it revolves around tofu delivery! Yes, that’s correct. You will navigate through mountains, hills, and deserts at high speed to ensure the best tofu possible reaches its destination. Give this thrilling, pulse-raising title a go – it’s definitely worth experiencing for yourself!

23 F1 Clash

Publisher: Hutch Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about F1 Clash

Despite not being a traditional action racing game, F1 Clash delivers an exhilarating racing experience in a unique way. You’ll find yourself assuming the role of an F1 team manager, responsible for various aspects from driver recruitment to strategic decisions during races. You can choose to take risks and instruct your drivers to move first, or wait for the optimal moment and launch an attack towards the end of the race.

24 Motorsport Manager 4

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Motorsport Manager 4

In the delightful series known as Motorsport Manager 4, you step into the shoes of a team manager, much like in F1 Clash, except this time you won’t be behind the wheel but orchestrating the action off it. It’s not just those who love cars and racing that enjoy driving them; some prefer the strategic side, and I’m one of them. In this game, you hire drivers and guide them towards victory. The strategies you employ are entirely up to you – do you want to take risks with multiple pit stops or play it safe for a slow-and-steady win? It seems that adapting to various conditions such as weather and track incidents will be key to securing the checkered flag.

25 Traffic Rider

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Traffic Rider

Traffic Rider is an exceptional first-person motorcycle racing game that used to lead the pack among top apps on the App Store. You’ll earn additional time or points by skillfully dodging vehicles like cars and trucks. The riskier the maneuver you perform, the larger the bonus you receive.

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With this headline, we’re wrapping up our selection of top-notch racing games for iOS! We trust you’ve discovered a heart-pumping game or two in the list above, and wish you countless hours of enjoyable gaming!

Get Traffic Rider (free)

2024-12-05 15:50