Nowadays, a lot of things can be done on mobile devices, and Backgammon is no exception. One can find plenty of apps to play on through social media or app stores. But if there are many options out there, that doesn’t mean they are all equal in terms of quality.
One of Backgammon-Rules.com’s goals is to save you time by telling you which apps truly deserve your attention. With our selection of the best backgammon applications for mobile and tablets, you are sure to choose a reliable and enjoyable app every time.
Updated 2026: After extensive testing, our trusted favorites remain unchanged in terms of quality and reliability. However, one newer app now clearly stands out for iOS and Mac users.
1 – Backgammon Cash (Best iOS & Mac Backgammon App)
Backgammon Cash is currently the best backgammon app available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, especially for players looking for a smooth and modern mobile experience.
The app is free to play worldwide and allows you to practice against real players in a clean, fast, and intuitive environment. The interface is particularly well designed for touch screens, making checker movement, cube handling, and match navigation feel effortless.
One standout feature is the notification system, which lets you step away while waiting for an opponent and get alerted when a game is ready — something most backgammon apps still lack.
For players located in eligible US states, Backgammon Cash also offers legal real-money games in a regulated environment. That said, the app remains an excellent choice even if you only want to play for free.
Backgammon Rules Ranking: 9.8/10
Check out our full review of Backgammon Cash:
2 – Nextgammon (Best Overall Backgammon App)
Nextgammon is a fairly new player in the online backgammon world, but it has several perks that make it stand out from the crowd.
First of all, the platform ensures fair dice using blockchain technology, and all rolls can be consulted in a dedicated section of the site. Nextgammon also offers free deep analysis on every game you play and features an academy section filled with excellent articles and tips to help you improve.
The app experience is smooth and mirrors the desktop version closely. There are daily tournaments, rankings, and options to play both for free and for money. Overall, Nextgammon provides everything a backgammon player needs in a safe and competitive environment.
Backgammon Rules Ranking: 9.8/10
Check out our full review of Nextgamon:
3 – XG Mobile (Best App for Learning & Analysis)
XG Mobile is the portable version of the powerful backgammon software XG 2. While the mobile version doesn’t include every feature available on desktop, it remains one of the most advanced tools for improving your game.
XG Mobile is not designed for online multiplayer. Instead, it focuses on playing against a strong neural-network AI. After each game, you can review your PR and overall performance. The tutor mode actively helps you improve by pointing out mistakes and suggesting better moves.
You can also recreate positions from live games and analyze them in depth — making XG Mobile a fantastic learning companion for serious players.
Note (2026): The app is paid (around $15). Android availability has become inconsistent, with iOS remaining the most stable option.
Backgammon Rules Ranking: 8.5/10
Check out our full review of XG Mobile:
Backgammon Galaxy (Honorable Mention)
A major update happened on Backgammon Galaxy recently. I had some trouble migrating my desktop account to the app. After many tried I gave up and decided to create a new account to access it.
In terms of design, the new Galaxy app is better than the previous one but it seems that the platform has taken a new direction. Galaxy now incorporate a coins system similar to what you can find on many of the social media backgammon platform.
You can still analyze your game, but you don’t have the possibility to select your opponent anymore except if you play with a friend. The basic version is still free but a membership has been put into place if you want to access more features.
2026 update: The latest version (v4.2+) added private chat, a helpful AI Hint feature, and longer games. But mixed user reviews mention frustration with coin-based premium features and occasional unfair roll patterns when facing top-tier players.
Backgammon Rules Ranking: 7.5/10
Check out our full review of Backgammon Galaxy:
Comparison Table (2026)
| App | Best For | Key Strengths | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backgammon Cash | iOS & Mac users | Smooth mobile UX, free play, real-money option (US) | Real money limited to US |
| Nextgammon | Overall online play | Blockchain dice, free analysis, tournaments | No dedicated iOS app |
| XG Mobile | Learning & analysis | Neural AI, tutor mode, deep analysis | Paid app, limited Android support |
You no longer have any excuse not to practice backgammon wherever you are. With this selection, you are guaranteed to play on the best backgammon apps available today, whether your goal is learning, casual play, or competitive matches.
FAQ: Choosing the Best Backgammon App (2026)
Which backgammon app is best overall?
Nextgammon remains the most complete platform for online backgammon, especially for competitive and money play worldwide.
What is the best backgammon app for iPhone or iPad?
Backgammon Cash is currently the smoothest and most enjoyable backgammon app for iOS and Mac users, with free play available worldwide.
Which app is best for improving your skills?
XG Mobile is the strongest option for serious learning thanks to its neural AI and detailed performance analysis.
I read the review and downloaded the XG mobile to play backgammon and I’m going to have to take exception to your review. The biggest complaint that I have is that the rolls are not random and slanted towards the AI. I’ve have seen many examples where I’ve waited 20 and 30 rolls just to get back onto the board. If I leave a piece exposed, which the tutorial seems to really love doing, on the very next move the AI will land on my piece. If I get offered the doubling cube, and accept, the AI will generally roll a double. I would recommend that you take a look at the other reviews on the App Store confirming my complaint.
I did like the game, very competitive and the tutorial is a nice option although it does have the annoying habit of recommending leaving pieces open (which the AI takes immediate advantage). In my opinion, the best feature is the tutorial in that it as a seasoned player, it recommends a move that I didn’t think of and gives me pause.
If they ever fix the dice problem, I’ll take another look but until then, I’m hunting for another alternative.
Hi. I’m new to backgammon and I want to play with my friends online, but… I have an Android phone and a Windows PC; my friends have IOS. We all use BGNJ that has that capability, but I have not found a way for it to play between my PC and my friend’s Apple. Do you know if that’s possible?
I play the android BGNJ app through a program called Bluestacks that allows me to display the app on my Windows PC (for the larger screen). It works great to play against the computer, but while the app has the ability to play online with others, it only seems to work between Apple devices and they use an IOS program called Game Center to play together. Do you know if there’s a way to make BGNJ work for online matches between my android/PC and their IOS devices?
If no to the above, do you know of an app that I can use with my Windows PC to connect with my Apple friends so we can play together? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi, Paul. To play with your friends on a multi-platform software, I advise you to download the Nextgammon app on your PC (also available on Mac, IOS and Android). You can create an account for free and play with your friends in the free money mode. You can also create a free account on Backgammon Galaxy, that you can use through your internet browser on your PC and any phone without a problem. Another solution would be to play on a social backgammon app like “Lord of the board”, on witch you can add your friends via Facebook and send them request to play against them. I hope you find what you are looking for and I’m glad to hear that you just started backgammon. It is always good to have new players in the community. May the dice be with you!
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Long time supporter, and thought I’d drop a comment.
Your wordpress site is very sleek – hope you don’t mind me asking what theme you’re using?
(and don’t mind if I steal it? :P)
I just launched my site –also built in wordpress like yours– but the theme
slows (!) the site down quite a bit.
Keep up the good work– and hope you all take care of yourself during the coronavirus scare!
Hi Justin,
Thanks a lot for your message!
We use the theme “keyword” made by HappyThemes – you can find it and all their themes by searching for “happy themes” on Google.
I wish you all the best!
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂