Top 3 Best Mahjong Apps on iOS and Android

If you’re looking for the best Mahjong apps on iOS and Android, you’ve probably noticed that most options fall into two categories: simple solitaire games or clunky apps filled with ads.

I’m Connor, and I’ve played more digital Mahjong than I care to admit — across apps, websites, and real club games. In this guide, I’ve tested the most popular Mahjong apps and selected the best options for different play styles — including American Mahjong (NMJL), Riichi, and casual play.

🥇 1. I Love Mahj (Best for American Mahjong Players)

Platform: Web-based (works on desktop, tablet, and mobile)
Rating: 4.9★ (User-rated)

👉 Play American Mahjong on I Love Mahj (Free Trial)

If you play American Mahjong or want to learn the official NMJL rules, I Love Mahj is hands down the best option. It’s beautifully designed, beginner-friendly, and built around the real experience of playing with friends — not just a solo app.

You can play against live opponents or practice with bots, all while following the latest NMJL card. There’s also a full tutorial system, strategy articles, and even a “Practice Mode” for mastering hands before your next club game.

Connor’s Take: “This is where I send anyone serious about learning American Mahjong. The tutorials are clear, the gameplay feels authentic, and the community is incredibly friendly.”

✅ Pros:

• Official American Mahjong rules (NMJL card)
• Real multiplayer games and bot practice
• Beautiful, intuitive interface
• Great learning tools for beginners

❌ Cons:

• Browser-based (no App Store version yet)
• Subscription required after free trial

2. Mahjong Soul

Platform: iOS & Android
Rating: 4.8★ (App Store), 4.7★ (Google Play)

This anime-styled Riichi Mahjong app delivers slick design, fast-paced gameplay, and an easy learning curve for newcomers. Don’t let the art style fool you – this is real, competitive mahjong with proper scoring and ranked matches.

Connor’s Take: “This is the first Mahjong app that made me feel like I was learning while playing. Even when I lost, I understood why. And yes, I’ve spent too much money on character outfits. No regrets.”

✅ Pros:

• Clean, intuitive interface
• In-game tutorials and guides
• Global matchmaking

❌ Cons:

• Anime visuals may not appeal to all
• Requires account to unlock features

Best for Riichi Mahjong players.
If you’re looking to play American Mahjong with the NMJL card, I Love Mahj remains the best option.

3. PlayMahjong.io (Browser App)

Platform: iOS & Android
Rating: 4.6★ (App Store), 4.3★ (Google Play)

A solid alternative for solo American Mahjong practice that follows NMJL rules. PlayMahjong.io includes official NMJL hands, automatic validation, and helpful hints, making it a good option if you want to practice alone before playing with others.

Connor’s Take: “I didn’t grow up on American Mahjong, but this app helped me crack the code. It’s surprisingly addictive once you wrap your head around the card.”

✅ Pros:

• Official NMJL card hands
• Great for solo practice
• Auto-validation and hints

❌ Cons:

• Subscription required
• Only one style of Mahjong

Best for solo practice. For live games with real opponents and a full learning system, I Love Mahj remains the best choice.

Other Mahjong Apps Worth Mentioning

Real Mah Jongg

Platform: iOS & Android
Rating: 4.6★ (App Store), 4.3★ (Google Play)

An official NMJL-based app best suited for solo practice and rule validation.
Real Mah Jongg includes official hands, automatic validation, and both solo and multiplayer modes, making it useful if you want to check hands or practice independently.

Connor’s Take: “Real Mah Jongg is great when you want to check hand validity or practice NMJL patterns on your own. I don’t use it for social play, but it’s a solid solo practice tool.”

✅ Pros:

• Official NMJL card hands
• Great for solo practice
• Auto-validation and hints

❌ Cons:

• Subscription required
• Only one style of mahjong

Best for checking hands and solo play. For live games with real opponents and a full learning experience, I Love Mahj remains the best option.

Mahjong Time

Platform: iOS & Android
Rating: 4.2★ (App Store), 4.1★ (Google Play)

Mahjong Time offers traditional multiplayer games across multiple rulesets: Hong Kong, Riichi, American, and more. It’s a bit more advanced but perfect if you want to grow into competitive play.

Connor’s Take: “This is where I go when I want serious competition. It’s intense, skill-heavy, and not beginner-friendly — but great if you’re ready for ranked play across multiple Mahjong styles.”

✅ Pros:

• Supports multiple styles
• Real tournaments and rankings
• Deep player community

❌ Cons:

• UI is clunky on small screens
• Learning curve for newcomers

Best suited for experienced players. For learning American Mahjong and NMJL hands in a more beginner-friendly environment, I Love Mahj is the better starting point.

Jong-Tile Game (Solitaire)

Platform: iOS & Android
Rating: 4.7★ (App Store), 4.5★ (Google Play)

This is a tile-matching solitaire game, not traditional Mahjong. If you’re looking for a peaceful, low-stress experience, Jong-Tile is one of the better options, with elegant design, relaxing music, and no aggressive ads.

Connor’s Take: “I use this one when I want to chill out before bed. It’s not ‘real’ mahjong, but it scratches the tile-sorting itch nicely.”

✅ Pros:

• Beautiful minimalist style
• Great brain break
• Offline play supported

❌ Cons:

• Not a 4-player game
• No progression system

FAQ

What’s the best mahjong app for American Mahjong beginners?

👉 I Love Mahj is the best choice for most American Mahjong beginners, thanks to its guided practice, tutorials, and real games.
Real Mah Jongg is also useful for solo practice and checking NMJL hands.

Can I play American Mahjong free?

Yes — I Love Mahj offers a free three-week trial with full access, and no credit card is required to start.

Can I play offline?

Some apps like Jong-Tile allow offline play. Most multiplayer platforms require a connection.

Which app has the most active players?

Mahjong Soul and Mahjong Time have large global communities. I Love Mahj is more focused, with an active community dedicated specifically to American Mahjong players.

Do these apps teach you how to play?

Some do. I Love Mahj includes tutorials and practice modes designed specifically for American Mahjong, while Mahjong Soul and Real Mah Jongg also offer helpful in-game guides.

Final Thoughts

The best Mahjong app depends on your goals:

• 🏆 Learn & practice American Mahjong (Best Overall): I Love Mahj
• 🀄 Want real Riichi games: Mahjong Soul
• 📕 Play with the NMJL card: Real Mah Jongg
• 🎮 Get competitive: Mahjong Time
• 😌 Just want to relax: Jong-Tile Game

“Mahjong apps are how I keep my game sharp between real-life sessions. Whether you’re learning or climbing the leaderboards, there’s a good fit for you.”

If you’re not sure where to start, I Love Mahj is the best all-around option for American Mahjong players.

Written and reviewed by Connor, your go-to guy for tile-based obsessions and way-too-honest app reviews.