Racing games have always been a staple of mobile gaming, and as we head into 2025, the quality and variety of racing experiences on smartphones have hit new heights. Fans of realistic simulations, arcade action, or wild kart racing will all find something exciting at their fingertips. I've spent the last year putting some of the most talked-about mobile racing games through their paces. Here are the best mobile racing games you absolutely can't miss in 2025, each with its own unique appeal and a whole lot of heart-pounding excitement.

• Asphalt 9: Legends

  Asphalt 9: Legends, developed by Gameloft, remains the gold standard for arcade-style mobile racing in 2025. This series has always been about over-the-top action, luxury cars, and stunning tracks, and the latest updates have made the experience even smoother and more exhilarating. The first thing you notice is just how incredible the game looks—the visuals are crisp, the lighting effects during nitro boosts are dazzling, and the car models are nearly console-quality.

  What really keeps me coming back is the sense of pure speed and spectacle. Races are short but intense, with plenty of wild jumps, impossible drifts, and dramatic slow-motion crashes. The controls are super accessible, thanks to the TouchDrive system, which lets you focus on timing drifts and using your nitro at just the right moment. Of course, you can switch to manual controls for a more hands-on experience, but either way, there's a constant adrenaline rush. Collecting and customizing cars is genuinely addictive, and each new season adds fresh events and vehicles to keep things interesting. If you want a racing game that feels like a blockbuster action movie, Asphalt 9 is a must-play.

• Mario Kart Tour

  Mario Kart Tour brings Nintendo's legendary kart racing formula to your phone, and it's just as chaotic and charming as ever. What sets this game apart is the blend of classic Mario Kart fun with mobile-friendly controls and quick-fire races. Jumping in is easy, no matter if you've played the series for years or are experiencing it for the first time.

  Each race only takes a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick gaming session. I love how the game lets you choose between portrait and landscape mode, so you can play comfortably wherever you are. The controls are simple: swipe to steer, flick to use items, and off you go. Every race is packed with familiar power-ups, unpredictable obstacles, and colorful tracks inspired by classic Mario worlds. The sense of friendly competition never fades, whether the goal is to get the highest score or simply have fun messing with your friends. Unlocking new karts and character skins keeps things fresh, and the regular updates and special events make Mario Kart Tour one of my go-to picks when I want some lighthearted racing fun.

• Need For Speed: No Limits

  Need For Speed: No Limits, from EA's Firemonkeys Studios, delivers the gritty, underground racing vibe that fans of the franchise love. What's impressive is just how good the game looks and feels on mobile—the cars are beautifully detailed, and the city tracks are full of neon lights and sharp turns. From the first race, I was drawn in by the combination of fast-paced action and the thrill of building up my own collection of legendary cars.

  The career mode is surprisingly deep, with story-driven events and a steady stream of new challenges. I especially enjoy the customization system, which lets you tweak everything from paint jobs to performance parts. Drifting around corners at high speed feels responsive and satisfying, and there's always an incentive to push your skills further, be it for a rare upgrade or the satisfaction of topping the leaderboards. While the game does feature in-app purchases, I found it's absolutely possible to make progress and enjoy the thrill of street racing without spending a dime. If you crave that classic NFS adrenaline rush on mobile, No Limits hits all the right notes.

• Real Racing 3

  Real Racing 3 is the game I turn to when I want a true driving simulation on my phone. Developed by Firemonkeys as well, this title is all about authenticity, from the meticulously recreated real-world tracks to the wide roster of officially licensed cars. The attention to detail is stunning—you can spot reflections on your car's hood, watch tire marks appear on the asphalt, and even feel the difference in handling between vehicles.

  Every race is a test of skill, not just speed. The AI puts up a real fight, and even a small mistake can cost you a podium finish. I love how the game includes everything from quick sprints to full-on endurance events. There's a real sense of progression as you unlock new cars and fine-tune your driving style. I also appreciate the practice modes, which let you master every turn before taking on tougher opponents. Some players might find the game's realistic approach a bit demanding, but for anyone searching for a serious, technical challenge, Real Racing 3 is unmatched on mobile.

• Rush Rally Origins

  Rush Rally Origins takes the classic rally racing experience and distills it into a tight, polished mobile package. This isn't just another street racer—the game features point-to-point rally stages, dynamic weather, and day-night cycles. I was immediately hooked by the top-down perspective, which offers a clear view of every hairpin turn and tricky jump. The controls are responsive and customizable, letting you find the setup that suits your driving style best.

  What really stands out are the course designs and the way the terrain affects your driving. Racing on mud or gravel feels totally different from tarmac, and learning to master the different surfaces is a challenge in itself. There's a great sense of progression as you unlock new cars and compete in harder rallies. Even after dozens of races, the game kept surprising me with new challenges and tight competition. Rush Rally Origins is a breath of fresh air for anyone searching for something different from the usual circuit racing—and it's incredibly satisfying once you nail a perfect stage run.

  Fans of fast-paced arcade action, nostalgic kart racing, technical driving, or rally thrills are all in for a treat in 2025—there's a fantastic mobile racing game for every kind of player. Each of these titles brings something special to the table, and after countless hours behind the (virtual) wheel, I can honestly say they're the best the genre has to offer right now. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite racing fix.