Whether you want a screen-free way to keep the kids happy on holiday or something that will have your friends howling with laughter over drinks, the best card games can provide hours of entertainment, with very minimal effort.
Unlike board games, which require a bit of setup and space to play, card games are small enough to sling in your bag, simple enough to start playing quickly, and usually free from too many fiddly extra pieces or complicated rules.
Crucially, the best card games are the ones you want to play again straight away – whether it’s because they’re hilariously funny or ridiculously addictive. That was the main criteria I used when it came to whittling down the mammoth amount of card games available, to bring you my top ten below.
From word games to music quizzes, and from kid-friendly to adult options, I’ve tested some of the best options to help you discover the card games that you’ll soon be playing on repeat.
How I tested
I spent a month working my way through countless card games. To narrow them down, I looked at:
- Entertainment value: I looked for games that were engaging enough to play multiple times, without losing their appeal.
- Ease of learning: Each game was assessed on how simple it was to pick up and start playing, even for beginners.
- Portability: I considered how easy each game was to pack and take on trips, whether for holidays or family visits.
- Fun factor: Games that made me laugh or sparked lively conversation scored higher, though I also included a few more serious options for variety.
- Age range appeal: Extra points went to games that worked just as well for kids as they did for adults, keeping everyone entertained regardless of age.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Katie Gregory has been contributing to IndyBest since 2021. In that time she has covered all kinds of homeware and kids products, from the best kids’ beds to the best luggage for kids. She’s an expert in entertainment for all ages, having also tested the best family board games. Every product she tests is tried and reviewed in real-life situations, so she’ll only recommend the card games that she genuinely believes are worth your money.
The best card games for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Uno Show ‘em no Mercy: £6.50, Amazon.co.uk
- Best family game – Exploding Kittens: £19.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for adults – Cards Against Humanity: £29, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for teens – Social Ladder: £11.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for kids – Big Fish Little Fish: £10.99, Amazon.co.uk
