Poker Software

While we rank all sites by overall score in the poker rooms section if you are mostly interested in the quality of the poker software and graphics then this is the page for you.

This might be especially useful if you don't intend to atleast start out by playing for money and are just interested in getting an as good play money experience as possible.





The poker professionals at Full Tilt Poker have certainly played an important role in shaping the software that we see today at FullTiltPoker.com. In mid 2009, the software received a major overhaul which, arguably, turned it into the best-looking and most feature-rich software in the whole industry.

There are two types of table views; a round, classic version and a racetrack version. Both tables can be heavily configured to hide and show avatars, backgrounds, bet slider options, detachable chat windows, card designs and extremely good multi table functionality. Other obvious features include player notes, muting players and chat settings.

Add to that a lobby with the richest filter functionality we have ever seen. You can even resize it vertically to view more table listings at the same time.

In short, this is the best software we have seen to date. Not only is it good-looking; it's slick, easy to use, highly functional, stable and extremely fast.

As of January 2009, Full Tilt Poker offers a new, exclusive game mode called Rush Poker. It is an exciting version of regular poker games, but speeded up in a unique way that lets you view your next hand before you have actually folded. In reality, this can let you see a new hand every second.

The Full Tilt Poker download weighs in at 38 MB and is updated every month.





Once you've downloaded the 12 MB installation file, you will notice that PowerPoker is uncharacteristically slick with an interface that is easy on the eye and graphics that put most poker rooms to shame. The software is based on the Cake Network, but looks nothing like it with a rounded table, a slightly tilted view and slick buttons. It's also speedy and reliable, and as far as we know, it has not caused any havoc during tournaments. The only downside of the software is the somewhat messy options panel, but the functionality is still there. You have the option to sit down at a predefined position, select graphics performance, sound options, card colors, hand history settings, auto post blinds, auto muck, wait for big blind options and much more. The table also comes with a very good player notes system which lets you colorize your opponents. This lets you get accustomed with the players in no time.






Titan Poker does not offer state of the art software although it is far better than the average. The graphical interface and the game cards are very bright and sharp. As for built-in functions, there is great functionality available. You have the standard options and items like player notes, buddy lists and whatnot. You can also add buddies to a list and join the same tables. In-game features include a hand history with graphical poker cards. Unfortunately, there is no way to sort low stakes, mid stakes and high stakes separately.





In our previous Ultimate Bet reviews, we spent much time criticizing the poor lobby software. The complaints have been heard and the necessary improvements have been made. Ultimate Bet has gone from being an average poker room, now blossoming as state of the art software. Sadly, there are no proper lobby filters available, which is setback since Ultimate Bet accommodates quite a few players. The poker table is where the real fun begins. This is one of the best table we have seen. It sports a 3D perspective and captures the true feeling you get when you play real life poker. We adore the mini table function - which is not unique in any way - but so simple and so much better than what is offered at other sites. There's also a buddy function, very good statistics and a plethora of options. The only real miss here is in the full table which lacks a numeric pot size counter.





The software of Poker Stars belongs to the absolute top of poker clients. To start with, the lobby is superb and very easy to navigate. Some players complain about the graphical theme, but there's definitely a good feeling to it and we're not complaining. Stability and speed has always been a high priority and this is a definitely a success as well. The table software is like a mixture of Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean and poker. In other words, exotic. It's fast, smooth and very clear. Software features include player notes, avatars, hand histories and good player statistics. We would like to see more settings in this package, though.





The software of Cake Poker is as realistic as it can get without taking the whole 3D feeling too far. The first thing you will notice at the table is that every character is actually a photographed model. The graphics resemble what we're used to at PokerRoom, but with greater variation; you can choose between several avatars and let them sit at any chair. Other table features include the usual, such as player notes and visual customizations. As far as the lobby goes, things have improved significantly since the launch. At first glance, we disliked the looks and the functionality, but we have given the software some time to mature - and it has.





PlayTech develop the Noble Poker software. This is - in general - a well above the average piece of work. First of all, there is a good amount of very useful options, such as sounds, music, all-in button disabler, hand strength checker and alike. As for the functionality, Noble Poker has a very clear and easy-to-use client with great overview. Stability has improved in 2006 and today there's only a low number of hickups. As for the visuals, you're better off deciding on your own here. Some people love it, others don't. We believe the colors are a tad too saturated, and this is one of the few reasons this software gets a less than perfect score. We would also like to see a visually improved table.





Carbon Poker is using the perfected software of the Poker.com network and is also the second to do so. It is fairly unknown to the average poker player, but regardless of its lack of its status, this room is indeed based on the highest quality software you can think of. It is based fully on a Flash module, meaning that aside from being a low-weighting program, it is also resizable with no image quality loss as a direct result. Aside from just looking good, Carbon Poker offers everything from player notes to custom chat icons to excellent lobby filters. Features are dwelling here, although the table isn't as customizable as some other sites, but still good. All in all, there is little to complain about.





CD Poker offer a software package which is regarded to be one of the best in the industry. The graphics are appealing, bright and very clear. In fact, it could very well be the most good-looking graphical 2D table and lobby of all online rooms. But there’s more under the shell. A lot of functionality is built in and you can change the visuals and miscellaneous settings to make your client act like you want it to. Player notes are supported, buddy lists as well, but first and foremost, a very nice hand history playback feature. The only disability would be the way you sort rooms in terms of stakes, but taking that aside, this is a solid package.





The software was originally developed at Mansion Poker, but very low traffic volumes forced Mansion to switch to a popular network. The choice was fairly easy as Mansion is focusing its resources on the European market. Players familiar with Ongame, its new software, will notice the resemblance which can be seen in rooms such as PokerRoom. In all fairness, the new software elevates Mansion Poker to a new position. The graphics are better-looking, the software is extremely stable and years and years of operation with hundreds of thousands of members is a clear indication of how well it works. As far as functionality goes, most of the thinkable features are there. Player notes, lobby filters and configurable tables help make the poker experience better.





The latest move to the Cake Poker Network has boosted Doyles Room greatly in the software department. The poker client is fast, stable and runs smooth. All of the vital stats are available in the lobby, like average pot size, viewed pot percentage and hands played per hour. Personal stats are displayed at the tables. The hand history function is excellent, even saving the chat for each session to build player-reading skills.

Other features include player tags and note taking, though notes are a bit more complicated to work with. Multi-tabling allows up to 10 tables at once with smooth game play, but offers no mini-view option.

The graphics reveal that traditional, elegant casino feel, with deep red felt and oval tables. A large selection of realistic avatars are available to choose from.





At first, we had a few raised eyebrows about the software of Everest Poker. It is not the typical kind you'll find with a table seen straight from above. Instead, it is presented from a 3D perspective with realistically looking characters. We particularly like the fact that you can switch the observer viewpoint of this table. Everest Poker also features a superb lobby, which kind of reminds us of the old Bridge software we had a few years ago. Nevertheless, this lobby has all the filters you will ever need to find the table of your needs.





Fat Bet Poker is powered by Chartwell technology and also the largest of all sites in that network. The software is surprisingly simplistic, but lacks some features like resizable tables. The theme is very dark and lacks colors, but this is nonetheless an interesting choice and separation from most poker rooms. As for the lobby, there is little to complain about here; you can separate tables with stake filters and hide full tables. In 2008, Fat Bet Poker introduced a flash client which opens up gaming for Linux and Mac owners.





GNUF is connected to the Prima Poker network, which means that it is also using the same software package as the rest of that network. Developed by Microgaming, this package features most of the options a poker player can think of. Player notes are there, mini sized tables as well, but most importantly, you have a lobby with great filtering functionality. Unfortunately, GNUF falls short on graphics. There is virtually no poker feeling to it, but vanity is far from everything that completes online poker anyway. Microgaming has been around since the dawn of poker, so the software is essentially free from bugs and other annoyances.





You are looking at the software of the most popular poker rooms on the Internet. Unfortunately, the software isn’t of the top notch class you would expect it to be. The interface is stiff and the poker tables are a bit pale. Despite this, Party Poker has a sturdy solution, not for its graphics, but for the very fast-loaded and simple software. We like the very extensive menu system where you can access virtually all the information you need, except for hand statistics. The software allows you to play at four tables, which is fully acceptable. In short, it’s very functional, fast and reliable, but not very extensive.





The Paradise Poker software is superb in almost every way. The graphics consist of animations, pleasant colors and that very exotic feeling. There are a couple of huge misses, however. For example, you cannot see the pot size and bets in numbers. It is not a big deal in slow games, but more of a constant itch. In turbo games, the itch turns into illness. We are also quite unsure about the dark contrasts in the poker room, but that's all about individual taste. Sound effects are adequate and table animations are smooth. The player notes and extensive hand statistics come as a big plus. We have not experienced any problems with the software. In fact, it's more advanced than most of its competitors, but so well-tweaked that any potential slow-down is neglectable.





Empire Poker has leased the skin of PartyGaming's software. In other words, you should expect a lot from this application. The lobby is very user-friendly and built so that you can choose from different limits and games and set the game stakes apart. The top menus provide for a great amount of functionality, too. The table is very clean and simple, but lacks the high quality graphics we're used to these days. But nevermind that, it's still above the average. Multi table play is supported.





Most people agree that Absolute Poker has no poker feeling to the software. The rendered graphics provide a cheezy look and the textures don't look particularly good. The software is still good, despite this huge miss. It is fast, easily navigated and logical. Unfortunately, the table animations are sluggish and the sound effects are a bit annoying at times. Feature-wise, Absolute Poker has done nothing to the software to stand out of the masses. There are basic hand statistics and alike, but in general, it's just plain simple and non-pokerish.





Bodog Poker offers adequate software, somewhat above the average. Its lobby interface is very solid and one of the most simplistic, yet functional. You can easily sort between game types, game modes and stakes. The table uses the same concept, although not quite successfully. The layout is superb and very simple, however, the graphics are about as dull as your granny's outdoor clothes. For example, there is no bevel effect on the table whatsoever. As for functionality and options, there's nothing to it that will make you cheer (except for the avatars). Standard statistics and very basic settings provide for a regular table. All in all, not bad but could be a lot better with just a little re-work.





Sun Poker uses licensed software from WaterLogic. It is powerful and mature after years and years of operation, but lacks behind in what the industry leaders of today provide. The lobby is of average type with little or close to no features at all. You have the regular menu, but you cannot sort between different stakes and limit types. The table offers more functionality but falls behind on features like player notes. It is fairly customizable but nothing out of the ordinary. This software is by all means not poor, but if good visuals and lots of functionality is your beef, look elsewhere.





Pretty graphical interfaces has never been on Betfred’s agenda. The website feels a bit like 1999 and the software is adequately looking. Fortunately, it is still very crisp graphics and you will not have to browse a jungle of unnecessary applications options. Besides the obvious functions, they have buddy lists, player notes and more. We particularly like the hand playback feature, which basically consists of an interface with your hand history, what happened and so on. The only real setback, except for the visuals, would be the disability to choose between different limits. There is currently no way to select No Limit games and separate them from Fixed Limit and Pot Limit, which can get a bit messy sometimes.





Euro Poker offer a very solid software package for its poker clients. It is definitely one of the best in the industry due to its highly sophisticated graphical interface. Some may dislike the 3D:ish feeling, but as with all other clients, it’s just a matter of time before you get used to it. As for functionality, this is the good part as you can switch many options on and off. Additionally, you can view your statistics and characterize your opponents with color tags and alike, to help you keep track of who they are and how they play. The only downside of the client is the speed during game play. We dislike the long wait times between bets, folds, wins and so on, which only results in meaningless delays. On the other hand, such delays may prove helpful if you play at multiple tables. We also want to add that there is a Black Jack client included, which is a great addition to anyone who wants to beat the bank.





Pacific Poker has been known for its utterly incomplete, unstable and ugly-looking software. Things improved in 2005 with a late update that added improvements to these setbacks. Nowadays, the settings are a lot more customizable and you can even choose the looks of the rug mat below the table. We find the lobby to be quite functional, in fact, very simple and logical. Hopefully stability will improve as well. All in all, most of the old issues are solved by now, but it's still an embarassment to a large poker room like Pacific Poker. They also have a no-download version which is one of the few places that currently offers Mac online poker.





The software used for Hollywood Poker packs some of the best in-game software seen to date. The tables feature 3D rendered models and offer quite realistic environments. The audio is what you would expect from an online poker room. Not top-notch, but decent. The lobby is not as good as the table software, but very functional. Additional hand statistics is bundled with the software, which is a great plus.





The software of 24hPoker did not pass our liking at all. First of all, there are some very serious stability issues which should not be neglected. The application does not handle large loads very well, and during our review, we even noticed that there are flaws with dual monitor support. The graphics are acceptable, but the way the lobby is built is simply unacceptable. For starters, there's a lot of blank space for no apparent reason. We also dislike the tournament table, which opens up in a separate window. For some reason, the information is displayed in the worst thinkable manner. Despite this, 24hPoker managed to produce a great piece of software, except for its major flaws. Many functions are unique, such as automatic pot increases, auto check/raise functions which randomise the time before act, simply making it more random. Unfortunately, the big downsides help to bring down the score a lot, but solving these issues will make this software climb up quite a bit.


If you want to get started playing quickly the poker downloads section has a list of poker rooms where you can download the poker software without having to sign up or even leave EveryPoker.com.