Free billiards games let you play 8-ball and other pool games on your phone, either against the computer or against real people online. Several games on this list say on Google Play that they play offline, which suits travel and quick breaks. Choose an offline game for solo practice and an online one when you want a real opponent.
Pool is a perfect phone game. A frame takes a few minutes, the rules are simple, and there's always one more shot you're sure you can make.
I read the Google Play listings of popular billiards games and noted the facts that matter: the developer, the installs, the ads and in-app purchase labels, and what each listing says about offline play. They're in no particular order.
Free billiards games at a glance
| Game | Developer | Google Play installs | Ads / in-app purchases | Offline wording on the listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Billiards offline | Andregal | 100M+ | Contains ads, no in-app purchases | The game's name itself says offline |
| 8 Ball Billiards Offline Pool | SNG Games | 10M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'Play the ultimate offline 8 Ball Billiards game' |
| Super Billiards Real 8 Ball | EWG STUDIO | 10M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Billiards City - 8 Ball Pool | Arbo Game | 5M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'Can also play offline' |
| 8 Ball Billiard Offline | Cosina Games | 1M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | Describes itself as an offline billiard game |
| Pool Trickshots Billiard | Miniclip.com | 1M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | Says you don't have to worry about Wi-Fi |
| Pool Strike Offline | Funiza Games | 500K+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | Lists pool billiards offline among its modes |
| 8 Ball Pool | Miniclip.com | 1B+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
The eight pool games, one by one
Pool Billiards offline
One of the most installed pool games on Google Play, with more than 100M installs. It shows ads but no in-app purchases label.
8 Ball Billiards Offline Pool
Built around offline play, with more than 10M installs. A good one for flights and train journeys.
Super Billiards Real 8 Ball
From EWG Studio, with more than 10M installs. Classic 8-ball on a clean table.
Billiards City - 8 Ball Pool
Level-based pool puzzles as well as normal games, with more than 5M installs.
8 Ball Billiard Offline
A modern-looking 8-ball game from Cosina Games, with more than 1M installs.
Pool Trickshots Billiard
Trick shot puzzles rather than full games, which suits short breaks.
Pool Strike Offline
Several pool modes in one app, with more than 500K installs.
8 Ball Pool
The giant of mobile pool, with more than 1B installs, built around playing real people online. Pick this one when you want human opponents.
Offline pool or online pool?
Offline pool games put you against the computer, so they work anywhere and you can practise at your own pace. Online games match you with real players, which is more exciting but needs a connection and usually leans on rankings and rewards.
If you want a calm game on a flight, choose one whose listing says it plays offline, then test it in airplane mode before you travel. Online pool is better saved for when you're home on Wi-Fi.
How to get better at pool games
- Play slowly at first and line up each shot.
- Use guidelines while you learn, if the game offers them.
- Practise putting spin on the cue ball.
- Plan your next shot, not just this one.
- Try trick shot puzzles to sharpen your angles.
What to check before you install
- Offline play: look for clear wording on the listing.
- Ads: check the Contains ads label.
- In-app purchases: some games sell cues and coins, so switch purchases off for kids.
- Game modes: 8-ball, 9-ball, snooker or trick shots.
- Controls: fine aiming matters on a small screen.
More two-player games
Pool is a classic two-player game, and there are plenty more. Here are some card games for two players for a change of pace, and some freeware offline games for Windows PCs if you'd rather play on a computer.
Why pool works so well on a phone
A frame of pool takes a few minutes, which makes it ideal for a coffee break or a wait at the station. The rules are simple enough that anyone can pick it up, but there's real skill in angles and spin, so you don't get bored after a week.
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Offline games are also a good way to practise without pressure. You can take your time over each shot, try something ambitious and not worry about losing a ranking. If you're new to pool, that's where I'd start. You'll learn the angles much faster when nobody's watching.
My take on billiards games
For travel, choose an offline game and check it in airplane mode at home. For a real contest, online pool is great fun, but keep an eye on the in-app purchases, especially if children are playing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play billiards offline?
Yes. Several games on this list say on Google Play that they play offline.
Which billiards game has the most installs?
Among these, the online 8-ball game shows more than 1B installs on Google Play.
Are billiards games free?
The games here are free to install, though many list in-app purchases.
Can I play pool with real people?
Yes. Online pool games match you with real opponents.
Do pool games have ads?
Most show the Contains ads label on Google Play.
What is a trick shot game?
It's a puzzle-style game where you solve one tricky shot at a time.
Is pool on a phone good practice for real pool?
It won't replace a real cue, but it's good for learning angles and thinking a shot ahead.
Which pool game is best for a flight?
Pick one whose listing says it plays offline, and test it in airplane mode before you leave home.
Can children play billiards games?
Most pool games here are rated Everyone, but switch off in-app purchases first because many sell cues and coins.
What's the difference between 8-ball and 9-ball?
In 8-ball you pot your group then the black. In 9-ball you hit the lowest ball first and the 9 wins it.
