26 Best Endless Runner Games for Mobile in 2026 (All Still Live)
The best endless runner games for mobile in 2026 are Subway Surfers, Banana Kong and Alto's Odyssey. Subway Surfers is the safe first download and is still updated every few weeks. Banana Kong scores 4.68 stars in a small download. Alto's Odyssey is the calm, good-looking one, and it is ad-free if you have Google Play Pass. If you will have no signal, Temple Run 2 says outright that it needs no internet.
A lot of runner lists still recommend games that have been pulled or shut down. So on 3 October 2026 we rechecked the live US Google Play page of every pick below. All 26 are still live. 25 of them carry Google's "Contains ads" label, all 26 sell in-app items, and 23 are marked as playable offline by Google's own tag or the developer's text.
The ads are the real difference between these games, so this guide also shows the ways to play without them: one-time "remove ads" purchases, Google Play Pass, Apple Arcade "+" editions and Netflix's ad-free versions.
In a hurry? Jump to: quick picks · games like Subway Surfers · lane runners · side-scrollers · one-touch runners · action runners · comparison table · how to play with no ads · offline · kids · delisted and dated runners · how we checked · bottom line
Quick picks: the best endless runner for you
Find your situation in the first column. Every game links to its full entry below.
| You want | Play this | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| The safe first pick | Subway Surfers | Ads; items up to $99.99 |
| The newest Subway game | Subway Surfers City | Updated 1 October 2026; items up to $99.99 |
| No signal on a trip | Temple Run 2 | Lowest score of the big names (4.07) |
| A small download | Banana Kong | About 53 MB; remove-ads is a paid extra |
| A calm, pretty run | Alto's Odyssey | Ads unless you have Play Pass |
| Almost no ads, free | Smash Hit | Developer says no ads, but Play still shows the label |
| Parkour moves | Vector | Items up to $129.99 |
| A younger child | Temple Run | Rated Everyone; turn on purchase approval |
| Zombies, ages 17+ | Into the Dead 2 | Mature 17+; about 1.68 GB |
| Zero ads, zero shop | Subway Surfers+ or Sonic Prime Dash | Needs Apple Arcade or a Netflix membership |
Games like Subway Surfers (and Temple Run)
If you want the same swipe-to-change-lanes feel, start with Subway Surfers City, Sonic Dash and Temple Run 2. All three use the same three-lane, swipe-jump-slide controls. Here is how the closest matches differ:
- Subway Surfers City: same crew and studio, newer game, plus a City Tour mode. Its listing says it plays offline.
- Sonic Dash: faster, with boss fights. At 4.70 it is the best-rated lane runner here, and SEGA sells an ad-free option.
- Temple Run 2: you turn corners as well as change lanes, with mine carts and zip lines.
- Blades of Brim: from the Subway Surfers studio, but you also swing a sword at enemies.
- Minion Rush and Talking Tom Gold Run: lane runners built around famous characters, aimed at younger players.
- MetroLand: from Kiloo, Subway Surfers' co-creator, with a base-building layer.
If what you liked about Temple Run was the chase rather than the lanes, Vector and Lara Croft: Relic Run are the next step up.
3D lane runners
Start here if you want the classic. These are the big names. They are easy to learn, update often and have the biggest shops.
1. Subway Surfers
Swipe to dodge trains, surf on a hoverboard, repeat.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $99.99
- Rating: 4.55 from 41.5 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 24 September 2026 · Approx. size: 223 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: It is the runner most people mean by "endless runner," and Play lists it at 1B+ downloads. SYBO still adds a new World Tour city every few weeks, so it does not go stale.
The catch: Ads and a large coin and key shop. The ad-free version, Subway Surfers+, is Apple Arcade only (iPhone and iPad).
Get it: Subway Surfers on Google Play · App Store.
2. Subway Surfers City
The same crew in a new game, updated on 1 October 2026.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $99.99
- Rating: 4.61 from 332,658 ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 1 October 2026 · Approx. size: 244 MB
- Offline: yes (developer's text: "Play without wifi or internet connection")
Why it is here: Besides the endless run there is a City Tour mode, and you collect and upgrade surfers and boards. It is the most actively updated game on this page.
The catch: It has a fraction of the original's ratings so far. On the App Store its top-selling item is a $8.99 "City Pass Unlock," so expect a season-pass model.
Get it: Subway Surfers City on Google Play · App Store.
3. Temple Run 2
Swipe to turn, jump and slide. Mine carts and zip lines break up the run.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $44.99
- Rating: 4.07 from 9.8 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 9 September 2026 · Approx. size: 156 MB
- Offline: yes (Play "Offline" tag and the developer's text)
Why it is here: The listing says "no internet needed," which makes it the most dependable pick for flights and subway rides. It has several worlds and many heroes to unlock.
The catch: Its 4.07 is the lowest score among the big lane runners here.
Get it: Temple Run 2 on Google Play · App Store.
4. Temple Run
The 2011 original. Grab the idol, outrun the monkeys.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $19.99
- Rating: 4.23 from 5.1 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 15 September 2026 · Approx. size: 144 MB
- Offline: yes (Play "Offline" tag and the developer's text)
Why it is here: Simple controls, an Everyone rating and a cheap way out of the ads: on the App Store, "Ad Removal" is a $1.99 one-time item.
The catch: It has less to unlock than Temple Run 2.
Get it: Temple Run on Google Play · App Store.
5. Sonic Dash
Run fast as Sonic, then fight a boss.
- Ads: Contains ads (ad-free play sold in-app) · Items: up to $99.99
- Rating: 4.70 from 6.5 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 18 September 2026 · Approx. size: 241 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: The best-rated lane runner on this page. SEGA's listing says the game is ad-supported, that purchases are not needed to progress and that "ad-free play is available with an in-app purchase."
The catch: The shop goes up to $99.99. Netflix members can play Sonic Prime Dash instead, which has no ads or purchases (see no ads).
Get it: Sonic Dash on Google Play · App Store.
6. Minion Rush
A Despicable Me runner with costumes, gadgets and tournaments.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: $0.29 to $99.99
- Rating: 4.46 from 10.4 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 28 July 2026 · Approx. size: not listed
- Offline: partly; Gameloft says "certain aspects" need an internet connection
Why it is here: More than a plain runner: there are story puzzles, costumes and daily and weekly tournaments on top of the Endless Run mode.
The catch: Tournaments and some features need a connection, so it is a weaker pick for a flight.
Get it: Minion Rush on Google Play · App Store.
7. Talking Tom Gold Run
Chase the raccoon robber, collect gold, build homes.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $149.99
- Rating: 4.35 from 6.4 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 31 August 2026 · Approx. size: 193 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Bright worlds and a home-building layer that younger players like. Outfit7 says the app is certified by PRIVO, a COPPA Safe Harbor program.
The catch: It has the most expensive single item on this page: $149.99. Outfit7 sells a remove-ads option in the game.
Tip: If a child plays, turn on purchase approval first (see kids).
Get it: Talking Tom Gold Run on Google Play · App Store.
Side-scrolling runners
Pick these for short, light runs. The view is from the side and the controls are one or two taps. They also tend to be the smallest downloads.
8. Banana Kong
A small runner with a huge fan base.
- Ads: Contains ads (Remove Ads $2.49 on the App Store) · Items: up to $30.99
- Rating: 4.68 from 5.1 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 30 September 2026 · Approx. size: 53 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Tap and swipe to run, bounce and swing on vines while a banana avalanche chases you. It has the best score-to-size ratio here: 4.68 stars in about 53 MB, when most picks are three to four times bigger.
The catch: Ads, unless you buy the remove-ads item.
Get it: Banana Kong on Google Play · App Store.
9. Banana Kong 2
The sequel, with new worlds, a penguin ride and a surfboard.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $109.99
- Rating: 4.68 from 160,780 ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 18 August 2026 · Approx. size: 170 MB
- Offline: yes (Play "Offline" tag and the developer's text)
Why it is here: Same simple controls, new places and missions. The listing calls it "a fun addition to your offline games collection."
The catch: The shop is far bigger than the first game's, with VIP tiers ($3.99 and $11.99 on the App Store) and a $109.99 top item. It is about three times the download size.
Get it: Banana Kong 2 on Google Play · App Store.
10. Jetpack Joyride
Hold to fly, let go to fall, dodge lasers.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $119.99
- Rating: 4.44 from 4.8 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 2 March 2026 · Approx. size: not listed
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: The simplest control scheme on this page, with vehicles, missions and outfits. The sequel, Jetpack Joyride 2, is an Apple Arcade game with no ads.
The catch: Items go up to $119.99, and the Android game has not been updated since March 2026.
Get it: Jetpack Joyride on Google Play · App Store.
11. Zombie Tsunami
You are the zombie horde. Eat the town.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $132.54
- Rating: 4.59 from 6.1 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 23 July 2026 · Approx. size: 89 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Grow a swarm of zombies across 11 worlds and 300+ missions with one-touch controls. It is light and very well rated.
The catch: The $132.54 top item is the second-highest price here.
Get it: Zombie Tsunami on Google Play · App Store.
12. CookieRun: OvenBreak
A cute side-scroller with an energy meter and pets.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $99.99, plus a $3.49/month Royal Club
- Rating: 4.17 from 1.0 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 16 September 2026 · Approx. size: 222 MB
- Offline: not confirmed
Why it is here: Run, jump and slide as a cookie, collect pets and race others for trophies.
The catch: You run "for as long as your energy can last," and it leans online. The listing also sells a monthly subscription. It has no US App Store listing that we could match.
Get it: CookieRun: OvenBreak on Google Play.
13. Agent Dash
A spy runner with gadgets, jetpacks and a villain called Dr. Quantumfinger.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: $1.49 to $59.99
- Rating: 4.37 from 366,642 ratings · Age rating: Teen
- Last update: 28 April 2026 · Approx. size: 152 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Tap and swipe through traps, then upgrade gadgets back at base.
The catch: Rated Teen for violence, blood and crude humor, and its last update was April 2026.
Get it: Agent Dash on Google Play · App Store.
One-touch and calm runners
These suit a quiet commute. One finger does everything, and three of them are in Google Play Pass, which removes ads and purchases for subscribers.
14. Alto's Odyssey
A sandboarding runner you play with one finger.
- Ads: Contains ads (none with Play Pass) · Items: up to $99.99
- Rating: 4.54 from 286,815 ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 16 October 2025 · Approx. size: 157 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Chain tricks, grind vines and fly over dunes. Google Play shows it as part of Play Pass, and Google says Play Pass games come "without ads or in-app purchases." On iPhone it is a $4.99 paid app, and an Apple Arcade "Remastered" edition exists too.
The catch: Without Play Pass the free Android version has ads and a shop. Its last update was October 2025.
Get it: Alto's Odyssey on Google Play · App Store.
15. Alto's Adventure
The snowy first game, with a 180-goal list.
- Ads: Contains ads (none with Play Pass) · Items: up to $99.99
- Rating: 4.33 from 657,445 ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 16 October 2025 · Approx. size: 123 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Physics-based snowboarding down endless hills, with weather and a one-button trick system. Also in Play Pass on Android, $4.99 on iPhone, and on Apple Arcade as a Remastered edition.
The catch: Same ad and shop setup as Odyssey for non-subscribers, and a slightly lower score.
Get it: Alto's Adventure on Google Play · App Store.
16. Smash Hit
Fly forward and smash glass to the beat.
- Ads: Play shows "Contains ads"; developer says "free from ads" · Items: $1.99 to $9.99
- Rating: 4.54 from 4.6 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 30 March 2026 · Approx. size: 90 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Mediocre's listing says it is "playable at no cost and free from ads," with one optional premium upgrade (checkpoints, new modes, cloud save). It is also in Play Pass. On the App Store, Premium is $1.99.
The catch: Play's ads label and the developer's text disagree, and we cannot tell which is out of date.
Get it: Smash Hit on Google Play · App Store.
17. Crossy Road
Hop forever. Do not get hit.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: $0.49 to $29.99
- Rating: 4.45 from 4.6 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 24 September 2026 · Approx. size: 157 MB
- Offline: yes (Play "Offline" tag and the developer's text)
Why it is here: An endless hopper with hundreds of characters and daily quests, and a modest shop. Crossy Road+ is the ad-free Apple Arcade edition.
The catch: It is a hopper, not a lane runner. We include it because almost every runner list does.
Get it: Crossy Road on Google Play · App Store.
18. PAC-MAN 256
A maze that never ends, with a glitch chasing you.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $4.99
- Rating: 4.19 from 477,970 ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 25 August 2026 · Approx. size: 83 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Pac-Man in an endless scrolling maze with 15+ power-ups, made with the Crossy Road team. The cheapest shop on this page tops out at $4.99.
The catch: Ads, and a lower score than most picks.
Get it: PAC-MAN 256 on Google Play · App Store.
19. Dino T-Rex
The no-Wi-Fi dinosaur, as an app.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: $0.99 to $49.99
- Rating: 4.34 from 195,288 ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 3 August 2026 · Approx. size: 6 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: A copy of Chrome's offline dinosaur game, based on open-source Chromium code. At about 6 MB it is by far the smallest pick.
The catch: It is very basic, from a small developer, and now sells items up to $49.99. Android only.
Get it: Dino T-Rex on Google Play.
Action runners
Pick these for more fighting and story. They are the heaviest downloads, and three of the four Teen or Mature games on this page are in this group.
20. Vector
A parkour runner from the makers of Shadow Fight.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $129.99
- Rating: 4.69 from 3.7 million ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 14 September 2026 · Approx. size: 224 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: Vault, slide and flip across rooftops while you are chased. It is a remaster with new levels and a daily special level, and at 4.69 it is a hair behind Sonic Dash for the best score here.
The catch: A large shop. On iPhone, Vector Classic is a $0.99 paid alternative.
Get it: Vector on Google Play · App Store.
21. Blades of Brim
Run, vault cliffs and slash enemies with a magic sword.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: $1.99 to $99.99
- Rating: 4.38 from 309,269 ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 15 September 2026 · Approx. size: not listed
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: From the Subway Surfers studio. You run and fight, then upgrade blades, armor and pets. It is the natural next game after Subway Surfers.
The catch: Ads and a $99.99 top item.
Get it: Blades of Brim on Google Play · App Store.
22. Lara Croft: Relic Run
Run, swing and drive as Lara Croft.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $49.99
- Rating: 4.42 from 743,540 ratings · Age rating: Teen
- Last update: 27 August 2026 · Approx. size: 293 MB
- Offline: yes (Google Play "Offline" tag)
Why it is here: A campaign map plus an endless mode, with vehicles, boss fights and outfits.
The catch: Teen rating for violence and a near-300 MB download.
Get it: Lara Croft: Relic Run on Google Play · App Store.
23. MetroLand
A city parkour runner from Kiloo with a base to build.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $99.99 (Season Pass $5.99 on the App Store)
- Rating: 4.22 from 12,203 ratings · Age rating: Everyone
- Last update: 31 October 2025 · Approx. size: 144 MB
- Offline: yes (Play "Offline" tag and the developer's text)
Why it is here: The listing says you can run and level up your base offline.
The catch: A small player base and no update since October 2025.
Get it: MetroLand on Google Play · App Store.
24. Ninja Dash Run
Slash demons and bosses while you run.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: $1.99 to $94.99
- Rating: 4.60 from 112,560 ratings · Age rating: Everyone 10+
- Last update: 25 July 2026 · Approx. size: not listed
- Offline: yes (Play "Offline" tag and the developer's text)
Why it is here: More fighter than pure runner. The listing says "no wifi required."
The catch: Fantasy violence and mild blood, and a $94.99 top item. Android only.
Get it: Ninja Dash Run on Google Play.
25. Into the Dead 2
A zombie run-and-shoot with a story.
- Ads: Contains ads · Items: up to $99.99 (VIP $9.99 on the App Store)
- Rating: 4.55 from 718,708 ratings · Age rating: Mature 17+
- Last update: 19 September 2026 · Approx. size: 1.68 GB
- Offline: yes (Play "Offline" tag and the developer's text)
Why it is here: Seven chapters, 60 stages and plenty of weapons, and the listing says "no internet connection required." Netflix members get Into the Dead 2: Unleashed with no ads or purchases.
The catch: Mature 17+ for blood, gore, language and violence, and the biggest download here.
Get it: Into the Dead 2 on Google Play · App Store.
26. Ninja Must Die
A ninja runner built like a gacha game.
- Ads: no ads label · Items: up to $99.99 (battle pass and subscriptions on the App Store)
- Rating: 4.38 from 41,110 ratings · Age rating: Teen
- Last update: 24 August 2026 · Approx. size: 1.36 GB
- Offline: not confirmed
Why it is here: The only pick without the Play ads label. It adds a 1v1 mode and a lot of characters.
The catch: The listing reads like a patch note of limited-time rate-ups and top-up rewards, and the App Store shows a $9.99 battle pass and a $4.99 subscription. It is 1.36 GB.
Get it: Ninja Must Die on Google Play · App Store.
Comparison table: all 26 side by side
25 of 26 show "Contains ads" on Google Play; the exception, Ninja Must Die, leans hardest on purchases. "Top item" is the highest per-item price on the Play listing. "Offline" shows whether Google's own Offline tag, the developer's text, or both say it plays without internet. Sizes are approximate APK sizes and your download may differ.
| Game | Type | Rating | Top item | Offline | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway Surfers | Lane | 4.55 | $99.99 | Play tag | 223 MB |
| Subway Surfers City | Lane | 4.61 | $99.99 | Dev text | 244 MB |
| Temple Run 2 | Lane | 4.07 | $44.99 | Tag + text | 156 MB |
| Temple Run | Lane | 4.23 | $19.99 | Tag + text | 144 MB |
| Sonic Dash | Lane | 4.70 | $99.99 | Play tag | 241 MB |
| Minion Rush | Lane | 4.46 | $99.99 | Partly | n/a |
| Talking Tom Gold Run | Lane | 4.35 | $149.99 | Play tag | 193 MB |
| Banana Kong | Side | 4.68 | $30.99 | Play tag | 53 MB |
| Banana Kong 2 | Side | 4.68 | $109.99 | Tag + text | 170 MB |
| Jetpack Joyride | Side | 4.44 | $119.99 | Play tag | n/a |
| Zombie Tsunami | Side | 4.59 | $132.54 | Play tag | 89 MB |
| CookieRun: OvenBreak | Side | 4.17 | $99.99 | Not confirmed | 222 MB |
| Agent Dash | Side | 4.37 | $59.99 | Play tag | 152 MB |
| Alto's Odyssey | One-touch | 4.54 | $99.99 | Play tag | 157 MB |
| Alto's Adventure | One-touch | 4.33 | $99.99 | Play tag | 123 MB |
| Smash Hit | One-touch | 4.54 | $9.99 | Play tag | 90 MB |
| Crossy Road | One-touch | 4.45 | $29.99 | Tag + text | 157 MB |
| PAC-MAN 256 | One-touch | 4.19 | $4.99 | Play tag | 83 MB |
| Dino T-Rex | One-touch | 4.34 | $49.99 | Play tag | 6 MB |
| Vector | Action | 4.69 | $129.99 | Play tag | 224 MB |
| Blades of Brim | Action | 4.38 | $99.99 | Play tag | n/a |
| Lara Croft: Relic Run | Action | 4.42 | $49.99 | Play tag | 293 MB |
| MetroLand | Action | 4.22 | $99.99 | Tag + text | 144 MB |
| Ninja Dash Run | Action | 4.60 | $94.99 | Tag + text | n/a |
| Into the Dead 2 | Action | 4.55 | $99.99 | Tag + text | 1.68 GB |
| Ninja Must Die | Action | 4.38 | $99.99 | Not confirmed | 1.36 GB |
Short on space? Dino T-Rex, Banana Kong, PAC-MAN 256, Zombie Tsunami and Smash Hit are all under 100 MB. See our best Android games under 100MB for more.
How to play endless runners with no ads
Almost every free runner shows ads, but there are four ways around them. In rough order of cost:
- Buy the game's own ad removal. Some developers sell it as a one-time item. On the US App Store, Temple Run lists "Ad Removal" at $1.99, Banana Kong lists "Remove Ads" at $2.49 and Smash Hit's Premium upgrade is $1.99. SEGA says Sonic Dash sells ad-free play in-app, and Outfit7 says the same for Talking Tom Gold Run. Prices on Android can differ, so check inside the game.
- Google Play Pass (Android). Google says Play Pass gives you "over 1,000 games and apps, without ads or in-app purchases." On 3 October 2026, Play marked Alto's Odyssey, Alto's Adventure and Smash Hit as part of Play Pass. It is a paid subscription with a free trial, and the price shows in the Play Store app.
- Apple Arcade (iPhone, iPad). Apple charges $6.99 a month and promises "No ads. No in-app purchases." Runner editions on it include Subway Surfers+, Sonic Dash+, Crossy Road+, Jetpack Joyride 2 and the Remastered Alto's games. Temple Run: Legends is also on Arcade, but it is level-based rather than endless.
- Netflix Games (Android and iPhone). Netflix says its games have "No ads. No extra fees. No in-app purchases." Two runners are on it: Sonic Prime Dash (4.59 stars on Play) and Into the Dead 2: Unleashed (4.71 stars, Mature 17+). Both need a Netflix login.
Ad-free is not the same as purchase-free. Ninja Must Die has no ads label but sells a battle pass and subscriptions. For more ad-free options across genres, see our games with no ads guide.
Which endless runners work offline?
23 of the 26 are marked as playable offline. Google Play now tags games with an "Offline" label, and 22 picks carry it. Subway Surfers City has no tag, but its developer says "Play without wifi or internet connection." Eight listings say so in the developer's own words: Subway Surfers City, Temple Run 2, Temple Run, Banana Kong 2, Crossy Road, MetroLand, Ninja Dash Run and Into the Dead 2.
Three are not confirmed. Gameloft says "certain aspects" of Minion Rush need a connection, CookieRun: OvenBreak leans on online races, and Ninja Must Die makes no offline claim. Even in offline-friendly games, leaderboards, events and cloud saves still need data. Download and open the game once on Wi-Fi before a trip. For other genres, see our best offline games for Android.
Are endless runners safe for kids?
22 of the 26 are rated Everyone or Everyone 10+ on Google Play. Four are not: Into the Dead 2 (Mature 17+: blood and gore, strong language, violence), Agent Dash (Teen), Ninja Must Die (Teen) and Lara Croft: Relic Run (Teen).
The age rating does not cover ads or shops, and every pick here sells items. Do two things before you hand over a phone:
- Turn on purchase approval. Google explains how on its purchase verification help page.
- Set an age limit. Google's page on content restrictions on Google Play shows how. Games installed before you set the limit stay on the phone.
For a young child, Temple Run, Sonic Dash and Banana Kong are rated Everyone and are simple to control. An Apple Arcade or Play Pass edition removes both the ads and the shop.
Delisted, shut down or dated runners
Many older lists still recommend runners that are gone or have not been updated in years. Here is what the live store data showed for the names that come up most:
| Game | Status when checked |
|---|---|
| Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! | Gone. Its Google Play page returns "Not Found." |
| FOTONICA | Paid ($4.99) and last updated 1 August 2016. |
| Jet Run: City Defender | Last updated 30 June 2016. |
| Snail Ride | Last updated 25 March 2019. |
| Monster Dash | Last updated 31 July 2024. |
| Super Mario Run | Still live, but 3.88 stars on Play. Free to try, with the full game unlocked by one $9.99 purchase and no ads label. A good pick if you hate ads. |
| Sonic Prime Dash | Live, but for Netflix members only. Last updated October 2025. |
| Rodeo Stampede, Jumanji: Epic Run | Live, but rated under 4.0 (3.72 and 3.86). |
| Boson X, Summer Catchers | Live paid games ($2.99 and $3.99) with only a few thousand ratings. |
How we checked these games
Written by Aditya Singh for AndroidHire. Every fact comes from a public store or official page.
- We started with 57 runner and runner-like games, drawn from the pages that rank for this search and from Google Play search.
- We kept games that were live on US Google Play, updated since 1 April 2025, rated 4.0 or higher and with at least 10,000 ratings. 42 passed, and we kept 26 that play differently from each other.
- On 3 October 2026 we reloaded every pick's US Play listing. All 26 returned a live page, while a made-up package name returned "Not Found." From each listing we took the ads label, per-item price range, rating, age rating, update date, Play's genre tags (including Offline and Play Pass) and the developer's text.
- App Store prices for named items (such as "Remove Ads") come from each game's US App Store page. Apple Arcade and Netflix details come from Apple's and Netflix's own pages.
- Sizes are approximate APK sizes from a public APK index on 1 October 2026. Google Play does not show size on the web, and your download may differ.
- The Play ads label does not say how often ads appear, and no listing says when the first ad shows. We do not guess.
- We did not play these games for this page. We only report what we could check.
Last checked: 3 October 2026. Update log: 3 October 2026, rechecked every listing; added Play's Offline and Play Pass tags, ad-removal prices, Apple Arcade and Netflix ad-free editions, and a games-like-Subway-Surfers section; corrected Crossy Road's update date (24 September 2026), Dino T-Rex's shop (now sells items up to $49.99) and CookieRun: OvenBreak's top item ($99.99).
Bottom line
Install Subway Surfers first. If storage is tight, get Banana Kong. If you want something calm, play Alto's Odyssey, ideally through Play Pass so it has no ads. For a flight, Temple Run 2 is the safest offline pick. If ads ruin the genre for you, Subway Surfers+ on Apple Arcade or Sonic Prime Dash on Netflix remove them completely. Play any free runner for a few days before you spend money in it.
Want more? See our best free mobile games and best mobile games, or try our best action RPG games for mobile. On an older phone, check our best games for 4GB RAM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best endless runner game for mobile?
Subway Surfers is the best all-round pick: 4.55 stars from 41.5 million Google Play ratings, 1B+ downloads and updates every few weeks. Banana Kong (4.68) is the best small download, and Alto's Odyssey is the best calm runner. All three were live on Google Play when we checked on 3 October 2026.
What are some games like Subway Surfers?
Subway Surfers City, Sonic Dash and Temple Run 2 play most like it, with the same swipe-to-change-lanes controls. Blades of Brim comes from the same studio and adds sword fights, and MetroLand comes from Kiloo, Subway Surfers' co-creator. For younger players, Minion Rush and Talking Tom Gold Run are close matches.
Which endless runner games work offline?
23 of our 26 picks are marked as offline-playable by Google Play's Offline tag or the developer's text, including Subway Surfers, Temple Run 2, Banana Kong, Crossy Road and Into the Dead 2. Minion Rush, CookieRun: OvenBreak and Ninja Must Die are not confirmed. Leaderboards and events still need a connection.
Are there endless runner games without ads?
Yes, through subscriptions or one-time buys. Apple Arcade has Subway Surfers+, Sonic Dash+ and Crossy Road+ with no ads or purchases. Netflix members get Sonic Prime Dash. Google Play Pass covers Alto's Odyssey, Alto's Adventure and Smash Hit. Temple Run and Banana Kong also sell a remove-ads item on the App Store for $1.99 and $2.49.
Is Subway Surfers still updated in 2026?
Yes. Its Google Play listing was last updated on 24 September 2026, and SYBO keeps adding new World Tour locations through the year. SYBO also released Subway Surfers City, updated on 1 October 2026, and Subway Surfers+, an ad-free Apple Arcade edition for iPhone and iPad.
Is Temple Run 2 better than Subway Surfers?
It depends on what you need. Subway Surfers scores higher on Google Play (4.55 vs 4.07) and gets more frequent content. Temple Run 2 adds corner turns, mine carts and zip lines, and its listing says it needs no internet at all, which makes it the better pick for flights.
Are endless runner games safe for kids?
Most are. 22 of our 26 picks are rated Everyone or Everyone 10+. Into the Dead 2 is Mature 17+, and Agent Dash, Ninja Must Die and Lara Croft: Relic Run are Teen. Every pick sells in-app items, so turn on purchase approval in Google Play before a child plays.
Which old endless runners are no longer available?
Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! no longer has a Google Play page. FOTONICA and Jet Run: City Defender have not been updated since 2016, Snail Ride since 2019 and Monster Dash since July 2024. Sonic Prime Dash is still live but only for Netflix members.
