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American Mahjong apps compared
What each app costs, what it does well, and which one fits the way you play. Checked against each app's own App Store listing or website.
Updated November 9, 2026
We make Mahjong Alley, so read this with that in mind. We've tried to be fair: every fact about another app comes from its own App Store listing or website, read on November 9, 2026. Prices are US App Store prices and change often. If something here is out of date, email hey@mahjongalley.com and we'll fix it.
Side by side
| App | Cost | Platforms | Solo vs computer | Online with friends | Async play | Lessons | Blanks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahjong Alley | Free. No ads, no subscription, no purchases | iPhone, iPad | Yes, 4 levels | Yes, private tables with a running score (in beta) | Yes | Yes, interactive lessons with narration and quizzes | Yes (House Rules) |
| American Mahjong Practice (Eight Bam) | Free download with older hands. Current year: $17.99 one-time or $3.99/month | iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows | Yes, works offline | No | No | Tips and in-game coaching | Yes (2, 4 or 6) |
| Mahjong 4 Friends | Free with ads. In-app upgrades, including ad-free for $5.99 | iPhone, iPad, Android, web | Yes, adjustable difficulty | Yes, private and public tables, real time | No | Tips and videos | Not listed |
| Real Mah Jongg | 2-week free trial, then $6.99/month | iPhone, iPad, Android | Yes | Yes, with voice and text chat | Not listed | Hand suggestions | Not listed |
| The Mahjong App | Free with ads. Premium $5.99/month or $59.99/year | iPhone, iPad, Android | Yes, several levels | In beta, real time; host needs Premium | No | Built-in tutorial | Yes (beta) |
| MAHJ: Learn American Mahjong | Free intro lessons. $4.99 one-time unlock | iPhone, iPad, Android | Yes | No online game; scorekeeping for in-person games | No | Yes, 18 lessons and drills | Not listed |
| Mahj Parlour | Free lessons and daily games. Full games $6.99/month or $49.99/year | iPhone, iPad | Yes, 2 levels | Yes, private tables, real time | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maylee | 2 free games a day. $3.99/month or $19.99/year | iPhone, iPad, Android | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Tutorial | Not listed |
| I Love Mahj | 2-week free trial, then $6/month or $60/year | Web browser | Yes, 3 levels | Yes, groups with video calls | Scheduled games, not async | Yes, tutorials and exercises | Not listed |
| NMJL Online (the League's game) | Free app with a membership: $4.99/month or $49.99/year | iPhone, iPad, web | Yes | Yes, online lobby | Not listed | Interactive tutorial | Not listed |
"Not listed" means the app's listing doesn't say either way. "No" means it says it doesn't, or the feature it describes works another way (for example, real-time only).
Which one fits you
You want everything in one app, free: Mahjong Alley
Learn from zero, practice solo, and play with your group online, all in one app with no ads and nothing to buy. None of the other apps here lists async tables, which let friends in different time zones, or with different schedules, keep one game going all week. iPhone and iPad only.
You practice alone, often offline: American Mahjong Practice
The longest-running American Mahjong practice app, with the most reviews, years of past hands, and offline play. No online play with friends.
You play several styles of mahjong, on any device: Mahjong 4 Friends
American plus Chinese and other styles, on phones, tablets and the web, with public tables when your friends aren't around.
You want to talk while you play: Real Mah Jongg or I Love Mahj
Real Mah Jongg has voice and text chat. I Love Mahj runs in a browser with video calls and scheduled group games. Both are subscriptions.
You're brand new and want structured lessons: Mahjong Alley or MAHJ
Mahjong Alley's lessons are free and lead straight into practice games and tables with friends. MAHJ has 18 lessons and drills for a one-time $4.99, and scorekeeping for your in-person game.
What to look for in an American Mahjong app
- Real rules. The Charleston, joker limits, exposures that can't be taken back, concealed hands and dead hands. An app that bends these teaches habits you'll have to unlearn at a real table.
- This year's hands. The card changes every spring. Check that the app is on the current card, and what it costs to get it.
- The true price. Free downloads often mean ads, a daily game limit, or a subscription for the current card or for playing with friends.
- How your group plays. Real-time tables need everyone free at once. Async tables don't.
- Your devices. If someone in your group is on Android or a laptop, check that the app runs there.
Whatever app you use, a real table still needs everyone's own official card, sold by the National Mah Jongg League.