American Mahjong Apps: Which One to Play in 2026
Mobile apps for American Mahjong are a smaller market than you'd expect. Most "mahjong" apps in the iOS App Store and Google Play are tile-matching solitaire games, which share tiles with American Mahjong but are entirely different games. The number of apps that actually support NMJL rules with the four-player game, Jokers, and the Charleston is in the single digits.
What to look for in a real American Mahjong app
- NMJL card support. If the app doesn't reference the NMJL card or only uses generic mahjong rules, it's not American Mahjong. Look for "NMJL," "American mahjong," "Mah Jongg" (the NMJL spelling), or specific mention of the annual card.
- Current card year. The NMJL releases a new card every April. Apps that haven't been updated for the current year's hands won't match what you'd see at a real game night.
- AI difficulty. Mobile AI tends to be weaker than desktop or web AI. Check user reviews specifically for "AI is too easy" or "predictable" complaints.
- Online multiplayer. Most mahjong apps are solo-only. A few support real-time multiplayer with friends, which is the actual social experience.
- Ads and pricing. Free apps usually have ads or freemium gates. Paid apps charge $5-15 upfront. Check what you're paying for.
- Last updated date. A mahjong app last updated in 2022 won't have current card support and may not run smoothly on current OS versions.
The web alternative
An often-overlooked option is just playing American Mahjong in your browser. americanmahjongg.app is web-based, works on iPhone, iPad, Android, laptop, desktop, anything with a browser. No install, no account, no ads. The 2025 and 2026 NMJL cards are both supported. computer opponents run at two difficulty levels (Sparrow logic-based, Dragon Claude-powered). Multiplayer with friends is built in.
Web-based isn't always better than native, but for American Mahjong specifically, it removes the install friction and ensures everyone gets the latest card automatically.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | americanmahjongg.app | Paid NMJL apps & sites | Free "mahjong" solitaire apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Subscription or paid app | Free (usually ad-supported) |
| Real American Mahjong (NMJL rules) | Yes | Yes | No — tile-matching solitaire |
| Full game vs. computer opponents | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2026 NMJL card | Yes (2025 also) | Usually | Not applicable |
| Download required | No — runs in any browser | Often an app-store install | App-store install |
| Signup / account | No | Usually required | Sometimes |
| Ads | None | Usually none (paid) | Yes |
Why specific app reviews are limited
The American Mahjong app market is small enough that listing every option would mean including apps that haven't been updated in years or that we genuinely don't recommend. The detailed comparison below this overview covers the apps actually worth considering. The short version: most serious American Mahjong players use either a web-based site or a native app, not both, pick the one that fits how you play.
Related guides
- Online American Mahjong sites compared: web-based options in detail
- Best free American Mahjong online: focused on free options
- AI mahjong opponents compared: what good AI looks like
- How to play American Mahjong: beginner walkthrough