Best History Trivia Apps for iPhone (2026)
We compared the most popular history trivia apps on iOS. Each one does something different. Here's an honest breakdown to help you pick the right one.
Disclosure: We made Sorting History. We've tried to be fair to every app on this list, including pointing out where others are better than ours. We believe informed users make the best customers.
Quick Comparison
| App | Best For | Format | History Depth | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorting History | Deep history learning | Chronological sorting | 12 categories, 1,200+ events | Free / $1.99-$2.99/mo |
| Trivia Crack | General trivia with friends | Multiple choice | 1 of 6 categories | Free with in-app purchases |
| History: Quiz Game & Trivia | Quick history quizzes | Multiple choice | 600 questions, 4 eras | Free with ads |
| World History Trivia Quiz | Casual history quiz | Multiple choice | 150 questions | Free |
| Timeline (Board Game) | Tabletop timeline game | Physical card placement | 55-96 events per box | $13-20 per box |
1. Sorting History
Best for: History enthusiasts who want to actually learn timelines, not just answer A/B/C/D.
What makes it different
Sorting History is the only app on this list where you arrange events in chronological order instead of answering multiple choice questions. You see historical events, you drag them into the correct timeline. It's a fundamentally different game mechanic that tests (and teaches) your understanding of how history fits together.
Strengths
- Deep history content: 12 dedicated categories at launch (US History, World Wars, Ancient Civilizations, European History, Scientific Discoveries, and more). 100+ researched events per category. 1,200+ events total.
- You learn even when you're wrong: After each round, you see the full correct timeline with dates and context. Every game is a mini history lesson.
- No timer: Take your time. Think it through. History rewards knowledge, not speed.
- Two game modes: Sorting History (arrange events in order) and History Pinpoint (guess the exact year).
- Three difficulty levels: Friendly (no penalties), Competitive, Expert.
- Local multiplayer: Pass & Play (2-6 teams, one device) and Network Play (two devices, same WiFi).
- Works offline: Everything is stored locally. Play on a plane.
- 4 languages: English, German, Portuguese, Dutch.
- Community votes on new content: New categories planned monthly. You vote on what's next.
Limitations
- History only. If you want science, sports, or pop culture trivia, look elsewhere.
- No online matchmaking. Multiplayer is local only.
- 4 languages (not 20+ like Trivia Crack).
- New app. Smaller community than established games.
Price: Free (8 categories, 800+ events). Explorer: $1.99/mo or $9.99/yr. Historian: $2.99/mo or $14.99/yr. Lifetime options available.
2. Trivia Crack
Best for: Playing trivia against friends or strangers online across many topics.
Strengths
- Massive community: Hundreds of millions of downloads. Easy to find opponents.
- Topic variety: Science, Entertainment, Art, Geography, Sports, and History. Something for everyone.
- Online multiplayer: Challenge friends or random opponents worldwide.
- 20+ languages.
- User-created content: AI-powered quiz creator lets anyone add questions.
Limitations
- History is just one of six categories. You'll spend most of your time on other topics.
- Multiple choice format. Correct guesses don't reveal additional context.
- Timed answers. Favors quick recall over deliberate reasoning.
- Ads in the free tier. Subscription options from $4.99/mo.
- User-created content alongside AI-generated questions.
Price: Free with ads. Subscriptions from $4.99/mo, or in-app purchases ($0.99-$24.99).
3. History: Quiz Game & Trivia
Best for: Quick, casual history quizzes organized by era.
Strengths
- History-focused: 600 questions across 4 eras (Prehistory, Ancient, Medieval, Modern).
- Simple and clean. No complicated features. Just quiz questions.
- Free.
Limitations
- 600 questions — regular players will see repeats.
- Standard multiple choice. Same format as every other quiz app.
- 4 broad eras, not specific category topics.
- Fixed question pool with no new content added.
Price: Free with ads.
4. World History Trivia Quiz
Best for: A quick 15-minute history quiz session.
Strengths
- Completely free. No subscriptions, no paywalls.
- Simple. 150 questions, pick your answer, done.
Limitations
- 150 questions total. A fixed content set.
- No categories. General history only.
- No multiplayer.
- No new content added.
Price: Free.
5. Timeline (Board Game by Asmodee)
Best for: Screen-free game nights with a physical timeline mechanic.
Strengths
- Tactile experience. Physical cards feel good in your hands.
- No screens. Great for families who want a break from devices.
- Gift-worthy. A nicely packaged box beats an app download as a present.
- Same core mechanic as Sorting History: placing events in chronological order.
Limitations
- 55-96 events per box. Content runs out.
- New content means buying more boxes ($13-20 each).
- Cards wear out, bend, and show date imprints.
- Requires in-person play. No solo or remote option.
- No difficulty options.
Price: $13-20 per box.
Read full comparison: Sorting History vs Timeline Board Game
How to Choose
Want deep history content and learning?
Sorting History. 12 categories, 1,200+ events, chronological sorting, three difficulty levels, no timer. You'll actually learn timelines, not just memorize answers.
Want to play trivia with friends online?
Trivia Crack. Best online multiplayer trivia experience. History is one of six categories.
Want a quick, free history quiz?
History: Quiz Game & Trivia. 600 questions, four eras, no cost. Good for a quick session.
Want a physical game for the table?
Timeline. Same chronological mechanic as Sorting History, but with real cards. Great for screen-free game nights.
Want to play on a plane?
Sorting History. Full offline support. No internet needed.
Want family game night?
Sorting History (Pass & Play, 2-6 teams, Friendly mode) or Timeline (physical cards, no screens). Both work great for families.
Try Sorting History Free
8 categories, 800+ events, three difficulty levels, works offline. Launching April 2026.
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