We spend a lot of time testing poker software and apps here at PL, so we figured it was about time we gave you our definitive list of the best poker games on PC.
The best real-money and play-money poker apps have never been better. The graphic design has never been slicker, and neither have the features. Some are more geared toward online poker; others are more focused on helping you convert your chips to cash. Still, most try to do both but fall short.
best no deposit cash bonus casinoOn this page, you’ll find only the best of the best when it comes to representing their genre well and providing you with everything you need to enjoy playing virtual cards. So whether you're looking for , or just a fun game to pass the time, read on below for our rundown of the best poker games on PC right now. And don't forget to let us know in the comments which one is your favorite!
Best Real Money Poker Game
8.**** ** (& & )**
If you want to choose the best real money poker game available, you really can’t go wrong with either of ’s clients. Both the and the offer everything you could ever want from an online poker client. They look great, run great, and come packed with great tools to help you improve your game and make money. But they also have plenty of fun play money games too. So even if you aren’t willing to deposit, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained.
Thanks to the shared liquidity agreement between France and Portugal, there are more players on both sites now than ever before. This means bigger prizes in MTTs, juicier cash games, and a more vibrant community overall. Whether you’re into deepstack MTTs, hypers, or high stakes, you will find games here.
There’s also an amazing range of to keep you busy whenever you feel like a break from poker. These games are integrated nicely into the software, so you don’t have to close the client when you fancy a change of scene. When you’re ready to play poker for real money again, all your rewards and progression will be there as usual.
Another thing we love about PokerStars and the is the promotions. There are MTT and SNG freerolls for play money players, as well as tons of free and very cheap shot tournaments you can play for free if you deposit. There are leaderboards for SPINS and Zoom games too, not to mention the fact that new players get an instant DEPOSIT BONUS.
Redeeming your bonus is easy too. You just have to earn a certain number of reward points within 90 days of depositing. Doing this while clearing your bonus makes for excellent value and provides real incentive to stay in the game. Overall, PokerStars and the Stars Casino are an absolute no brainer if you’re looking for the .
Download PokerStars via PokerListings now and receive the following exclusive bonuses:
UK first-deposit bonus: £40. Bonus will be granted as tournament tickets gradually over 6 days once player has earned 2.5 redemption points. GGPoker:
7. GGPoker
If you’ve been following the industry over the past couple of years, you won’t be surprised to see GGPoker on this list. This upstart entered the industry a few years ago and disrupted the status quo. Offering innovative features, great promos, soft fields and a rewarding loyalty scheme, this site has fast become one of the most popular poker clients out there today.
What we love about GGPoker is the attention to detail. For example, the flip and fold feature lets you fold your hand and move straight to the next one without seeing the rest of the board. This is great for players who want to get lots of hands in without burning too much time. What’s more, the software remembers which hands you flipped and which hands you saw until the river. This means you can evaluate how your flip hands would have gone without wasting any time.
Other features we love include the all-in insurance, snap cam, rabbit hunting and card squeeze. All-in insurance ensures you get some value from an unsuccessful bluff (i.e., you get half the pot), Snap Cam shows a picture of you to your opponents (so you can see them too) during snap cam games, and rabbit hunting lets you see the turn and river cards even when you’ve folded. Finally, the card squeeze tells you if you’ve got a good flush draw by letting you “squeeze” your virtual cards to see some of the cards in the deck.
Because GGPoker is available in multiple regions, including Europe, it has plenty of juice and big guaranteed tournaments every day. Indeed, innovations like the Rathole (a soft playing area for low stakes games) and filter functions mean you’re sure to find a game and a level suitable for you. Add to this a great casino and sportsbook, and you may find yourself playing something other than poker from time to time.
Even if you don’t deposit, there are tons of promos to keep you occupied. Things like daily/weekly/monthly missions, leaderboards and game specific promos give you loads of chances to win free money and tickets to MTTs. If you do deposit, you’ll get one of the biggest welcome bonuses in the business. Plus, you’ll start earning Scratch Cards you can use to win prizes simply by playing.
6. JoyofKasino -- (Runners-up: TonyG Sportitude Series / Macau Palace)
This might surprise some of you because, up until a couple of months ago, Tiger Gaming didn’t really have a poker product worth talking about. It was functional and did the job but it wasn’t exactly pretty and it definitely didn’t have the best features. However, Tiger Gaming has recently revamped its poker platform and brought in some new poker variants, and that’s propelled it up the rankings in our estimation.
First off, the software looks amazing now. It’s clean, crisp and has all the features you’d expect from the best poker gaming software around today. Secondly, it now has Badugi, Lowball and Omaha 6/5 action, which gives players more options and makes the game more interesting.
We also love the fact Tiger Gaming is part of the much larger iPoker network. This means there’s always juice in the games regardless of the time of day or game type. It also means there are tons of lucrative MTTs you can play every single day.
Finally, the fact Tiger Gaming has a world-class sportsbook, forex trade, and casino means players are never short of things to do. Even if they decide to take a break from poker. And, just in case that isn’t enough, Tiger Gaming sometimes offers instant fiat deposits and withdrawals. A rarity these days.
As mentioned above, Tiger Gaming’s JoyofKasino poker platform isn’t necessarily our top choice. That’s because we also tested the and the Macau Palace. During our tests, both of these platforms performed exceptionally well and looked awesome. Moreover, they came bundled with great casinos and sportsbooks. Therefore, whichever way you slice it, Tiger Gaming’s family of poker platforms are some of the .
5. Parthian -- ClubGG (Play-and-Earn) / Open Beta (Q3 2023)
Strategic, free-to-play, play-and-earn, NFT-powered and built on the Solana blockchain, Parthian is a little different from most of the entries on this list.
Developed by X21 Digital, Parthian is a turn-based strategy card game where players build armies and clash for glory across the Persia region. Fighting for control of tax routes under the order of Darius the Great, each battle sees you and your opponent deploy tactical units across a grid-like battlefield.
Each unit has unique stats and abilities, and the winner is determined by who occupies the majority of the central hexagon at the end of the battle. Matches typically consist of three rounds, with the first player to two wins claiming victory. Battles are quick, too -- taking no longer than a couple of minutes per round.
It’s a simple yet effective system that doesn’t take long to pick up, and battles are boosted by an engaging animation at the end of each round. Victors are rewarded handsomely, too, with regular deployments of cards and resources.
In true play-and-earn fashion, players can purchase card packs using solsol (Solana’s native token) or SOL, keeping the meta competitive without paying gatekeepers to win. Cards can be traded on the Raydium DEX or used to win glorious battles.
horseshoe casino blackjackWith a rich singleplayer campaign, ranked mode, custom games, and clubs offering regular tourneys and events, there’s plenty to keep you coming back. New content drops are planned regularly, too, with mercenary cards and new factions promised in the near future. An incredibly solid foundation and a ton of fun to boot, Parthian should be on the radar of anyone who loves strategy card games.
4. PokerBros
Chinese app PokerBros has taken the industry by storm since it entered the market a couple of years ago. Although it’s not available in the US and some European countries, it has a massive following in Asia where it offers some of the wildest games you’ll find anywhere.
Obviously UIGEA meant PokerBros couldn’t offer real-money games to American players when it launched. However, the app is so popular it inspired a play-money version called PokerBros USA. This app has the exact same layout and game selection as the real-money app and is basically a demo version so you can learn how to play.
Although it doesn’t offer any prizes (you can’t redeem chips for cash or prizes), this app is fantastic if you want to familiarize yourself with and . You can play anything from NLHE to Short Deck, POW, and Fox and Owl. You can also join club games or play in open games and take part in discussions via the live stream chat function. Basically, this is an awesome way to experience what the is like without spending any money. Not many companies do this, so PokerBros deserves credit for promoting the growth of the game in this way.
3. Chicago Poker
When you think of the best poker games for PC, video poker and poker simulators probably spring to mind before you think of Velocity Micro’s Chicago Poker. However, this underrated gem is arguably one of the .
Released in 2004, Chicago Poker was one of the first poker titles to feature lifelike graphics and a fully realised environment. Taking place in a seedy Windy City poker den, the aim of the game is to climb the ranks and take down the city’s most dangerous gangsters.
Chicago Poker offers a variety of game types, ranging from Texas Hold’em and Omaha to Seven Card Stud and Three Card Brag. Each offers a full tutorial to help novices grasp the basics and a “casual” setting to help players master their skills.
As you progress through the game, you unlock new venues, new challenges, and new characters. This includes mini-games such as poker golf and shuffleboard as well as an array of new suits, hats, jackets and glasses to dress up your in-game character.
Although it doesn’t look quite as good as Full Decent’s John Daly’s Gold League or PGA Tour 2K23, Chicago Poker captures the essence of what it feels like to walk into a smoky poker room and pit your wits against unsavoury characters. Available on Steam, Chicago Poker is a must-have for any poker fan with $14.99 to spare.
2. 888poker
From strength to strength over the last five years or so. What was once a simple, functional poker platform is now one of the best-looking, most advanced pieces of online poker software around.
One of the best things 888poker did was acquire and integrate the Delaware-based qualifier for the WSOP. This instantly gave the site more juice and more players. It also gave casual players a reason to sign up and deposit because everyone wants to go to Vegas and play in the biggest tournament of the year.
Since then, 888poker has focused on improving its software and adding new features to help players enjoy the action even more. Features such as lightning fast multi-tabling, themed avatars, and fun animations add to the excitement.
The snappy table hosts are nice touch and bounty hunter games and night vision tables provide something different. The lobby is easy to navigate and everything you need is just a couple of clicks away.
Probably the best thing about 888poker, however, is the number of promotions available to new and existing players. From free tickets when you make a deposit to leaderboard competitions and weekly challenges, there are plenty of ways to get something back when you play real money poker on this site.
Add to this a stellar reward scheme and one of the best poker mobile apps we’ve ever tested, and it’s easy to see why 888poker is one of our top picks for best real money poker game.
1. RunnersUP -- (#1 Poker App)
Years ago, when we wanted to tell someone not to worry, we’d say “don’t be a dot com.” Well, these days, we say “don’t be Rene Nezhada.” Why? Because the guy founded Runners Up Poker - the best PC poker app in 2023.
Although the concept of giving a prize worth more than the entry fee to runners up seems ludicrous, Nezhada knew it would generate interest. And it did. Now, thousands of players enter RU series events knowing they’re going to get a huge prize if they bubble. This has turned the RU brand into a force to be reckoned with.
Nezhda later sold his company to Phil Hellmuth and Joe Sebok’s Revolution Gaming and it became a poker app. Needless to say, the poker platform has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it’s now one of the best ones out there.
For starters, it’s smooth and runs perfectly regardless of your operating system or device specification. The software also has some cool features, such as hot keys, straddle blinds, and timers you can see from across the room. Best of all, however, are the low-middle stakes which are among the juiciest on the internet. Add to this decent guarantees on MTTs and a thriving community, and it’s easy to see why more and more pros are choosing to play on this site.
Throw in an impressive VIP program and a great sportsbook/racetrack/casino combination, and you may find yourself playing something other than poker from time to time. (Which is a good thing because RU hasn’t yet introduced any play money variant). Overall, if you’re looking for the best poker game on PC, there’s only one place to play.
Best Free Poker Game
Zynga Poker
Just like our list of the , our list of the best poker games on PC isn’t complete without a reference to Zynga Poker. Yes, it’s been around forever. Yes, some people consider it a little stale. And yes, the games aren’t especially juicy these days. However, no one does quite like Zynga.
Launched in July 2007, Zynga Poker quickly became the most popular FREE poker game on Facebook and myriad of other platforms. Indeed, at one point, more than 37 million people played Zynga Poker every month and 350,000 played it concurrently each day. Although these numbers are nowhere near as impressive today, it remains one of the most popular free to play social games in history.
Part of its success is down to its simplicity. Everything happens quickly and there are no difficult decisions to confuse novices. You can also use tokens won from daily goals and friends to keep playing without spending money. In fact, you can literally never run out of chips unless you close your account.
no deposit codes online casinosAnother reason Zynga Poker is so successful is it allows you to interact with friends. You can invite pals to play, send gifts, and generally have some fun without having to take the game too seriously.
Overall, if you want to play the best free poker game on PC, Zynga Poker is a great option. It looks good, runs smoothly, and does exactly what it says on the tin. Oh, and when you’re ready to take the next step, Zynga has its own real-money poker site too.
More Great Options:
- Hold'em Manager 3
How We Choose Winners for Best Poker Games List
Choosing the best poker games on PC wasn’t an easy task. There are a ton of great games out there and every member of the PLP had slightly different ideas about what makes the perfect online poker client. That being said, there were a few key criteria we used to narrow down the field and rank the best in order.
Real Money Poker Game
It goes without saying that the best real money poker game should be a quality play money game as well. Most of the sites in the top ten accept players from the US, but the number one real money poker site sadly doesn’t.
Features
All the best poker platforms on PC have excellent features. Whether it’s ultra-fast multitasking, handy filters, or pop-up note pads, these features help you improve your game and have more fun.
Promotions
The best free PC poker game gives you hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of free chips every day. In addition, it has plenty of free tournaments for play money players. The number one real money poker site also aces it in terms of deals because it gives you lots of value for your money.
Juice and Games
What’s the point in learning and honing your strategic skills if there aren’t any fish to test them on? Fortunately, the best poker game for PC attracts lots of weak players and offers a variety of games and formats.
Software and Graphics
Our top picks all look and sound great. As well as sharp graphics and smart features, they’re stable and run smoothly regardless of your operating system and device specification.
Community and Support
Good customer support shouldn’t be underestimated. Nor should a strong community. Our top choices have both in abundance.
Tips for Choosing Your Favorite Online PC Poker Games
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Look for Weak Opponents – What’s the point in practicing strategies you’ve learned online if there aren’t any weak players to test them on? Therefore, you should always look for poker games where the standard of play is low. Newbie games and games with HUDs tend to be the easiest.
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Assess the Variety of Games – Will you mostly be playing NLHE or do you want plenty of alternative poker variants such as Omaha, 2-7 Triple Draw, and Razz? Furthermore, what about non-Texas Hold’em games such as Stud, MUG, Pineapple, and Badugi?
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Check the Traffic Levels – No point signing up for a poker site or downloadable PC poker game if there aren’t any games at your preferred limit and stake. Check the traffic hours to ensure the site has plenty of action at the times you plan to play.
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Consider Payment Methods – Some people prefer to use ewallets, while others like the convenience of debit cards. Some players like the anonymity afforded by prepaid cards or cryptocurrency. Whatever your preference, make sure the app accepts it.
FAQs
What is the best poker software for PC?
- PokerStars - Best for overall performance and features.
- GGPoker - Innovative features, soft fields and a rewarding loyalty scheme.
- Tiger Gaming - Revamped software with improved features and new variants.
- Parchian - Strategic, free-to-play, play-and-earn, NFT-powered and built on the Solana blockchain.
What is the most popular poker software?
Statistically speaking, the most popular poker software is . However, in terms of the most popular poker game, that would be No-Limit Texas Hold’em.
What is the best free poker game software?
Without doubt, that would be Zynga Poker. This groundbreaking game has been entertaining millions of players around the world since 2007 and it shows no signs of slowing down.
What is the best poker simulator software?
- John Daly’s Golf - One of the most realistic golf games out there and a great teacher.
- Chicago Poker - Captures the essence of playing poker in a dodgy windy city den.
- PGA Tour 2K23 - Official PGA Tour license and a wealth of modes and courses.
What is the best poker tracker software?
- Hold'em Manager 3
- PokerTracker 4
Which is the best poker Android/iOS/mobile software?
- PokerStars
- 888poker
- GGPoker
More Poker Learning Resources:
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Is there a way to play poker on PC without spending money?
Yes, there are several play money poker games and free to play poker apps you can download for PC. Some of our recommendations include PokerStars, 888poker, GGPoker, Tiger Gaming, and Zynga Poker.
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Are there any good poker games for Windows?
Absolutely. All the major online operators, including PokerStars, GGPoker, 888poker, partypoker, and Unibet have dedicated Windows apps.
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Can I play poker on iPad using PLP recommended software?
Yes, almost all the top poker platforms are available for iOS devices such as the iPad. In fact, many of them have optimised their software specifically for iPhone and iPad users so you get all the functionality and graphics whatever size screen you’re playing on.
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Does PLP recommend any poker simulation games for PC?
Yes, our favouite poker simulation game is Full Decumented's John Daly's Gold League. This accessible gem puts you on some of the world’s most famous fairways against a host of colourful characters.
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What should I look for when choosing PC poker software?
First, decide what you want to achieve. Are you primarily interested in free play money games? Or are you keen to flex your bankroll as far as it will go? Maybe you want a poker game that looks good and runs smoothly on your PC. Alternatively, you may be interested in a particular variant such as Seven Card Stud or Short Deck. By defining your objectives, you increase your chances of finding the right fit.
