Best Mobile Rhythm Games for Android & IOS in 2025
Rhythm games are addictively joyful and the ultimate stress relief after a long day! Just grab your mobile and tap, swipe or hold in time with the music to hit notes and cues.
They’re ideal if you love music or coordination games, and they offer immediate feedback and a real sense of hands-on satisfaction. Even better, nail your favourite rhythm game and you’ve got a soundtrack you can really buy into.
Whether you’re a new gamer or a hardcore tap-fan, there are so many brilliant options to choose from. So today the team at Scrambly has done the “hard work” for you, and devoted the day to identifying the best mobile rhythm games in 2025, all to save you time (and keep us away from the actual office to-do list).
We’ve scientifically sought out the best mobile rhythm games for Android and iOS (got shouted at several times to keep the noise down), and even rounded up some of our favorite tips to get you started.
Let’s go!
How did we choose the best mobile rhythm games for 2025?
Team Scrambly chose rhythm games that:
- Are currently available on iOS and/or Android in 2025, avoiding anything dubious, dodgy or otherwise unreviewed
- Had great mechanics and enticing music libraries to suit all styles
- Were clear whether they’re free-to-play or premium / paid-for
- Are great for players at all levels, from casual to hyper-competitive.
- Have an official storefront and developer info, so that you don’t accidentally download a bug and blow up your handset.*
But seriously, do your own research before you download anything to your phone.
Our Top 8: Best Mobile Rhythm Games for 2025
These are our top mobile rhythm games for 2025. Are any of your faves on the list?
1. Cytus II
Available on iOS and Android, Cytus II is owned by Rayark, which will mean something to fans of the rhythm game genre. These developers are known for their quality, depth and production values, and they certainly haven’t disappointed with Cytus II.
The storyline is built around beats, with a very distinctive UI and a massive song library that keeps growing to keep you engaged. Test your timing and ability to read music with the varying notes and moving scan line.
Cytus II is sometimes free after a major update, but it tends to be chargeable or monetized with in-app purchases for extra song packs depending on promotions and the platform.
The Scrambly Team Says:
Cytus II is a deep world with plenty of dark beats, and it's probably best for story lovers and serious players. We love the slick production and all the genres, which include rock, pop, electronica and orchestral, and the character-driven storyline to make it feel unique and intriguing, even beyond the songs and challenges.
We’d recommend playing it with headphones to get the best timing cues. Begin with the easier holds, flicks and slides before you progress to harder charts, or you can end up getting lost in the note types and frustrated. Walk then run, guys!
2. DEEMO
Available on iOS and Android (plus various other platforms if you’re using ports) DEEMO is one of the best mobile rhythm games thanks to its beautiful artwork, piano-led games and surprisingly emotional storyline.
It’s typically a premium purchase, with some in-app purchases available for additional songs or cosmetic upgrades. Players say that they love the soundtrack and story beats in particular, and it’s also easy to play, with a touch-based piano format which works well for even newbies.
The Scrambly Team Says:
Take your time as you explore story mode, and if you’re thinking of going high on scores, build up your practice rhythms on the harder charts.\
3. ARCAEA
Serious rhythm player with no time to mess around? Then absorb yourself in the precision and challenge of ARCAEA, with its challenging ceilings, layered patterns and competitive chart-focused speedruns. The aesthetic is dense and driven by musical puzzles, with a look that’s built around floating tiles.
This game is famous in the rhythm playing communities for its precision-based scoring system and demanding charts. If you’re keen to really push your reflexes and skills, this is your go-to!
Even better, the basic version is usually free to download, and you can buy season passes or paid chart bolt-ons to unlock extra music. Look out for promotions that can get you freebies and keep an eye on fan wikis and community pages to find out when new songs or updates to live.
The Scrambly Team Says:
We find ARCAEA works best on a large phone screen or tablet if you’re playing the seriously hard levels. Just remember to learn your patterns visually before you hit up the dense, fast songs, and warm up with plenty of lower-level challenges before you dive into the advanced stuff.
4. Beatstar
Beatstar is available on iOS and Android, and it’s all about mainstream sounds and short-session games with lots of fun bite-size levels created for charge pop, rock, hip-hop and EDM.
Beater is great for quick runs, leaderboard bragging rights and social shares. It’s great if you love to play casually or for social reasons, and if you love the fast-learning approach of swipe and tap mechanics that don’t take much to master.
Generally speaking, it’s also free to play, with in-game purchases for song access passes, cosmetic upgrades and faster progression routes.
The Scrambly Team Says:
Look out for daily challenges to get bonuses and free song cases. We love playing this one on coffee breaks or while waiting in line for something slow, it’s great for quick sessions and a lot of fun.
5. Muse Dash
Muse Dash is available on Android and iOS, plus some other platforms. It’s a great, approachable, arcade rhythm game which is very approachable and packed with cute characters. We love the side-scroll action and addictive soundtrack, and it really does have a ton of personality.
Muse Dash is less about technical precision and more about charm, accessibility and funny visuals, so it’s great if you’re new to this type of game, and also very relaxed if you’re an old hand who just wants to chill with something a little lighter.
It’s a paid-for app, with a one-time price, but you can also pay for optional upgrades and expansions depending on the platform you use.
The Scrambly Team Says:
If you’ve got touch sensitivity settings, these are worth using for the best game experience. Try the various character combos too as these are a great way to match your reflexes with the various available playstyles.
6. Lanota
Lanota really is a beautiful hybrid of rhythm game and storytelling, and it's designed like an illustrated story book that scales and moves with the music. The result is a dynamic timing and visual experience that is extremely creative and unusual, but very gentle to experience.
In fact, this game has real charm and a really immersive experience that manages to be friendly and meaningful all at once, with a fabulous storyline. It’s usually a paid app, and again, you can buy in-app purchases for storyline content and song packs. Check out sale prices for special offers
The Scrambly Team Says:
We like playing this one with headphones; it really helps you with the soundtrack interplay and cueing.
7. VOEZ
Head to Android or iOS to experience VOEZ, which is our favorite for music discovery, steady challenges and really chilled playlists. You’ll love the relaxed indie, electronic and pop tunes, with a polished, approachable UX and relaxed rhythmic gameplay.
The music discovery is spot on as the developers constantly add new vibes and tracks, and the gameplay works for casual players and more serious gamers alike. It’s also free to play with the usual optional purchases if you want convenience features, cosmetic upgrades or unlocked songs.
The Scrambly Team Says:
Check out the seasonal upgrades to discover new music, and search for artists that go beyond your usual playlist to sample fresh beats quickly and easily.
8. Crypt of the NecroDancer: Pocket Edition
This is a real mashup with a unique mix of rhythm action and dungeon-crawling storylines! Time your attacks, dodges and movements to the beat, and progress with rhythmic moves and deep thinking.
Crypt of the NecroDancer is a proper hybrid experience with deep levels, and it’s completely absorbing. Expect to pay a one-time purchase cost, with prices dependent on the platform.
The Scrambly Team Says:
Take a little time to learn the base rhythm. After you’ve worked through a few runs, the movement patterns and timings will become second nature.
Which Game is Right for You?
We only ran through eight of the best rhythm games for Android and iOS, but there are far more out there! So how do you pick the ones that best suit you?
- If you love stories and a polished aesthetic, then try DEEMO or Cytus II. These are very narrative-led games, alongside the core rhythm gaming elements, and their UI is superb.
- If you want to really push your skills, try ARCAEA, which has notably high ceilings.
- Love quick and social games with lots of catchy pop hits? Beatstar’s your choice.
- Want to enjoy the chill and discover fresh sounds and vibes? Then check out Lanota or VOEZ for the story and atmosphere.
- In the market for something a little twisty? It’s got to be Crypt of the NecroDancer.
How to Get the Most from Mobile Rhythm Games
So you’ve discovered the best rhythm games for 2025, but how do you get the most from them? Max your fun with these tips.
Concluding Thoughts on the Best Rhythm Games for 2025
Whether you’re a casual gaming pop fan or a serious rhythm gamer with a passion for battling and electronica, you’ll find a rhythm game to suit you in 2025.
Most are premium titles with a single-time purchase and optional in-app purchases, but you’ll also find free-to-play options such as VOEZ, Beatstar and ARCAEA.
FAQs
Q. Will rhythm games drain my phone battery?
A. Some rhythm games with top-quality audio and big music libraries tend to be storage-heavy. So if your phone’s on the older side, scale down the audio quality setting where you can and close your background apps to preserve the battery.
Q. Do I have to play online?
A. Most rhythm games are online if you want to access all the songs, leaderboards and social features. However, some games allow offline play, or offer single-time purchases to access offline content.
Q. How can I learn to play rhythm games?
A. The best approach is to head to the practice mode, or use a slow tempo mode to get to grips with the controls and rhythms before you take it up a notch. Headphones can also work well by making the audio and beats clearer. If you like physical inputs like arcade buttons or external controllers, look for ports and titles that support these accessories.
