Best Mahjong Scoring Apps 2026
Keeping score in mahjong can be a headache. Between calculating faan, tracking payments, and settling up at the end, it’s no wonder players have turned to apps for help. But with several options available, which mahjong scoring app is actually worth downloading in 2026?
We tested the most popular options so you don’t have to.
Why Use a Scoring App?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s talk about why you’d want one in the first place:
- Speed — No more pausing the game to count faan on your fingers
- Accuracy — Eliminates scoring disputes and calculation errors
- Payment tracking — Automatically calculates who owes what
- History — Keep a record of your games and winning streaks
The Contenders
We looked at the most popular mahjong scoring apps available on iOS in 2026. Here’s how they stack up.
1. TileBuddy (Our Top Pick)
Platform: iOS Price: Free Focus: Hong Kong Mahjong
TileBuddy is purpose-built for Hong Kong Mahjong and it shows. The app features an intuitive faan calculator, AI-powered tile scanning using the Gemini API, and a clean interface that doesn’t require a manual to figure out.
What sets it apart:
- AI tile scanning — just point your camera at your hand
- Supports Classic, New 6, and New 18 hand sets
- Built-in payment calculator with automatic settlement
- Session tracking across multiple rounds
- Completely free with no paywalls
Verdict: If you play Hong Kong Mahjong, TileBuddy is the clear winner. It’s focused, fast, and does exactly what you need without bloat.
2. Mahjong Score Calculator
Platform: iOS, Android Price: Free with ads Focus: Multiple variants
A general-purpose calculator that tries to cover several mahjong variants. It handles the basics but can feel clunky when switching between rule sets. The interface hasn’t been updated in a while and shows its age.
Pros:
- Supports multiple mahjong variants
- Available on both platforms
Cons:
- Ad-heavy experience
- Hong Kong scoring can be inaccurate for edge cases
- No tile scanning feature
- Outdated UI
3. MJ Scorer
Platform: iOS Price: $2.99 Focus: Hong Kong and Taiwanese Mahjong
A paid option that covers Hong Kong and Taiwanese rules. It’s functional but bare-bones. The scoring is generally accurate, though it lacks some of the newer hand sets.
Pros:
- No ads
- Decent accuracy for common hands
Cons:
- Paid upfront with no free tier
- No AI features
- Missing New 18 hand set
- Limited payment tracking
4. Generic Scorecard Apps
Some players use general scorecard or note-taking apps. While flexible, they require you to do all the faan counting and payment math yourself — which defeats the purpose.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TileBuddy | MJ Score Calc | MJ Scorer | Generic Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Mahjong | Yes | Partial | Yes | Manual |
| AI Tile Scanning | Yes | No | No | No |
| Classic Hands | Yes | Yes | Yes | Manual |
| New 6 Hands | Yes | Partial | No | Manual |
| New 18 Hands | Yes | No | No | Manual |
| Payment Calculator | Yes | Basic | Basic | No |
| Session Tracking | Yes | No | No | Manual |
| Price | Free | Free (ads) | $2.99 | Varies |
| Offline Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What to Look for in a Scoring App
When choosing a mahjong scoring app, consider these factors:
Accuracy
The app must correctly identify and score hands according to your house rules. This is non-negotiable. A scoring app that gets it wrong is worse than no app at all.
Speed
You shouldn’t spend more time fiddling with the app than you would counting faan manually. Look for apps with quick input methods — or better yet, AI scanning.
Rule Set Support
Make sure the app supports the hand sets your group plays with. If you play with New 18 hands, an app that only covers Classic is going to leave you short.
Payment Tracking
The whole point is to make end-of-game settlement painless. A good app should calculate who pays whom and how much, automatically.
Price and Ads
Nobody wants to watch an ad between every round. Look for apps that are either free without intrusive ads or worth a small upfront cost.
Our Recommendation
For Hong Kong Mahjong players, TileBuddy is the best scoring app in 2026. It’s the only app that combines AI tile scanning with comprehensive hand set coverage and automatic payment calculation — and it’s completely free.
The AI scanning feature alone is a game-changer. Instead of manually inputting each tile, you can simply snap a photo of your winning hand and let the app identify your tiles and calculate your faan instantly. It’s fast, accurate, and honestly kind of fun to use.
FAQ
Do I really need a scoring app for mahjong?
If you play casually once in a while and everyone at the table is comfortable with scoring, maybe not. But if you play regularly, have newer players at the table, or just want to avoid arguments about faan counts, a scoring app saves a ton of time and frustration.
Can scoring apps handle house rules?
It depends on the app. TileBuddy supports Classic, New 6, and New 18 hand sets, plus options like minimum faan requirements and chicken hand rules, which covers most house rule variations in Hong Kong Mahjong.
Is AI tile scanning actually accurate?
TileBuddy’s AI scanning, powered by the Gemini API, is highly accurate under normal lighting conditions. It works best when tiles are laid out clearly on a flat surface. You can always manually adjust if the AI misreads a tile.
Are these apps available on Android?
TileBuddy is currently iOS-only. Some of the other options are available on both platforms. If you’re on iOS, TileBuddy is the clear choice.
Ready to upgrade your mahjong game nights? Download TileBuddy for free on the App Store and see why it’s the top-rated Hong Kong Mahjong scoring companion.