Choosing the best racing game on the Play Store involves some tough decisions. Do you want an arcade racer like #Drive or a realistic racing simulator like GRID Autosport? The racing genre is packed with variety, but to help you choose, we've narrowed them down to these high-quality games.

We recommend using one of our favorite Android-compatible controllers, especially for the more realistic games on this list. These are the kind of games that also push your phone's hardware to its limits, just like the other games with the best graphics on Android.

1 #Drive

#Drive is an arcade endless racer with an unusually high level of quality. From the procedurally generated landscape to the bold and beautiful graphics, there's plenty to enjoy beyond the gameplay. However, you won't have much time to appreciate these features as #Drive's high-speed racing will keep your eyes glued to your car at all times.

Despite its cartoony appearance, #Drive is just as intense as any "realistic" racer on this list. It's the perfect choice for people who want a quick racing game that doesn't skimp on the thrills.

2 Hyperburner

In Hyperburner, you'll pilot your ship through various difficult courses, dodging asteroids and space stations at high speeds. It's easy to pick up, but you'll quickly realize that you'll need lightning-fast reactions to top the leaderboards. Mastering it takes time and patience making this the perfect racing game for perfectionists.

While Hyperburner is a little simplistic at times, it's an enjoyable game in which you can lose yourself for ages. Make sure to adjust the sensitivity, as it can feel oversensitive when you start playing.

3 Riptide GP: Renegade

Beautiful graphics, a thrilling soundtrack, and original racing mechanics make Riptide GP: Renegade a must-play racing game. The visuals are incredibly stunning, but you may need one of the best Android gaming phones to avoid a drop in framerates at the highest settings.

Riptide GP: Renegade's races are short and sweet, easy to fit in on your commute to work. It has a reasonably steep learning curve, but stick with it, and you'll master the controls in no time. But if you're struggling to master your hydro jet, we recommend picking up an Android controller for greater control over acceleration and turning.

4 Rush Rally 3

Rally fans have to give this one a go. Rush Rally 3 is the closest to a console-quality rally simulation on your phone. Plenty of solo and multiplayer modes exist, so you can race however 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.

5 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 you want the feel of racing, not the stress of changing gears at the optimal time. It's challenging to master 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.

6 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.

7 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 as many nail-biting finishes as on Asphalt 9. It's perfect for those who want a fast, fun, and straightforward racing game.

8 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 money on them. Get this if you need a quick racing game on rails; you can squeeze a race or two in on a bus ride.

9 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 Mario Kart gamemodes exclusive to this game.

Mario Kart Tour is also one of the best multiplayer games on Android; you can play globally or locally against friends or strangers. The competitive racers among us will enjoy rising 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.

10 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.

11 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.

12 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 and tuning cars for each race should give Assoluto Racing a go.

13 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. Thanks to Hot Lap League's tenuous relationship with the laws of physics, you'll perform maneuvers unseen in any other racing game.

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.

14 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 problems 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.

15 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 and 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

All these racing games offer fast-paced action, so why not wind down with one of the best games on Android? From casual to adventure, plenty of games offer a relaxed gaming experience.