Best online poker sites 2023 - top poker apps & rooms

Playing online poker is one of the most entertaining and rewarding pastimes in the world. With our guide to the best online poker sites, you’ll be able to find a safe place to play, enjoy tons of free bonuses, and get stuck into some of the greatest games on the planet.

We have spent years testing every element of these top poker rooms. From sign-up offers and bonuses to their mobile apps and tournament options. You can trust that our recommendations are fair, accurate, and up-to-date to ensure you always have access to the best possible poker experience online.

Our team of experts has more than 100 years of combined experience in the industry. We know what makes the best poker site for one player might not be ideal for someone else. That’s why we’ve created an extensive list of recommended card rooms so everyone can find somewhere they love to play.

Every entry in our poker rankings has been carefully assessed based on six key criteria. Our scores out of five take into consideration bonuses, tournaments, software, gaming variety, and more. This enables you to compare like with like and choose the right room for your needs.

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Top 10 Poker Sites Ranked and Reviewed

As part of our research to write this online poker sites review, we conducted extensive tests on dozens of poker platforms. Each site was scored across eight key criteria using a system designed to highlight every aspect of what makes the best poker game and overall experience.

With so many operators offering a ton of different games, it can be difficult to pick out the very best. So, here’s a handy list of our top 10 poker sites based on our reviews.

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For high (1-2c/2p-$20/$40) cash games at medium to fast speeds, 888poker are the kings of sm smashing. Their players are far more concerned with making correct decisions than trying to bluff anyone out of a pot. Alongside a healthy mix of regs and recreational players, this creates the perfect environment for profitable grinding sessions.

Combine that with excellent tournament organizational skills — namely their renowned Sunday Challenge — and a generous welcome bonus, and 888poker is an easy recommendation if this is the type of game you’re looking for.

If you’re thinking about playing NO-LIMIT HOLD’EM or Pot-Limit Omaha at the higher stakes, you won’t find any softer fields than at partypoker. The site is currently enjoying a renaissance under the leadership of former PokerStars live events manager, Roberto Romanello. Partypoker is running plenty of innovative promotions while continually adding new features to its already slick software.

The games are loose, the rewards are plentiful and there are plenty of guaranteed prize pool tournaments to sink your teeth into. Thanks to its strong brand, partypoker lures in loads of fresh players, keeping the action juicy for long may after day, seven days a week.

GGPoker launched in 2014 but didn’t really make waves until 2019. Since then, they’ve quickly become one of the biggest names in the business thanks to an array of astoundingly soft players, innovative games, and features. Add to this mix an ever-growging stable of high-profile ambassadors, including Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Fedor Holz, and Vanessa Kade.

You get all the usual stuff like cash games, MTTs, and SNGs, as well as less common offerings such as all-in or fold style games like Rush & Cash and Spin & Gold. There’s also a burgeoning poker tournament schedule with guarantees topping $100 million. GGPoker isn’t just one of the top real money poker apps in the world today, it’s arguable the best option for players around the globe.

In the early days of the internet, PokerStars revolutionized online cash games by introducing rakeback, which attracted legions of new players to their felt. Today, almost two decades later, they still lead the way when it comes to traffic, software, and the healthiness of their games. Even at the lowest stakes, every opponent you come up against will understand the true meaning of the term “value town.” As such, you’ll need to work hard to grind out an profit but there’s little doubt this is the best place to try.

On top of that, PokerStars runs the most prestigious online tournament series anywhere in the world, the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP). Every year, they put up millions of dollars in guaranteeds across a series of events that attract the best players from around the world. If you want to test yourself against the best, and maybe even walk away with a chunk of a huge seven-figure prize pool, this is the place to do it.

Thanks to its status as the top poker app in the US, tsukiously tight player pools. However, if you cut your poker teeth online or regularly visit the lower micro stakes, you’ll effortlessly glide through the majority of games at these tables. If you’re patient and disciplined, you should be able to rack up a nice profit despite the lack of fish.

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Outside of its cash games, BSPOKER also offers a solid selection of low buy-in and guaranteed prize pool tournaments. While these aren’t quite as polished as other entries within our poker ranking, they are reliable and secure. They also provide ample opportunities to win big prizes without having to invest too much time or effort.

When casual players think of poker, they picture the iconic scene from Rounders and head to Global Poker League for a shot at living the dream. Okay, so that movie had limited accuracy but you get the idea. Despite only being founded in 2016, there are few sites on the net with the same amount of history and prestige as WPT.

From humble beginnings, the World Poker Tour has grown into a global phenomenon. It isn’t just online no limit holdem tournaments the site offers either. You can also download the software and get in on the action via cash games and other tournament formats. Basically, if you’ve seen a poker game played out on the TV and loved it, you can probably play that game on WPT’s site.

If you’re sick of tight American cash games, head to Unibet and enjoy some Norwegian mayhem. Scandinavians have a reputation for being loose and aggressive for a reason. Although Unibet provides cash games and tournaments via networks in both Italy and France, the best action by far comes via their . NOR and SWED players like to play fast and loose, allowing you to chalk up lots of pots even if you only have basic skills.

Alongside the great games, Unibet also offers lucrative bonuses, reliable software, and a fully integrated sportsbook and casino. Indeed, you can go from betting on the outcome of a football match to playing in a private poker game between professional football players, to sitting down with a spin of the Mega Wheel on the background, in a matter of seconds. Few other operators can match Unibet’s unique blend of gaming options.

Based in San Jose, Costa Rica, True Poker has been operating since 2001. Although it wasn’t aggressive enough in updating its software over the years, the site has built a loyal following thanks to its slightly alternative approach to things. For example, whereas other sites ban players using optimal strategy on their tables, True Poker welcomes it. Indeed, the site used to be home to the notorious bitBash bot, who defeated countless human opponents thanks to his ability to play perfectly.

Today, the site continues to fly the flag for unlimited table selection and card deadening. Alongside its unique features, True Poker offers decent cash games, a solid selection of standard and progressive , plus some interesting freerolls and added money events. It might not be the best site on earth but, if you’ve tried everything else and still can’t find the right action, it’s got to be worth giving True Poker a try, right?

Looking for a new online poker site can feel a lot like going speed dating. You sit across from person after person, hoping each one will be Mr or Mrs Right, but most are nothing more than a brief fling. Well, our score system ensures we get a much better idea of how serious the relationship between you and a particular site could be. By weighing various factors in a careful and considered manner, we’re able to give you a clear understanding of exactly how each site works and, hopefully, help you find something deeper than a fleeting romance.

Bonuses -- Welcome bonuses, loyalty schemes, and special features are explained and rated.

Software -- Information on downloadable and mobile software, plus details on how easy it is to navigate the client, start games, and handle cash.

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Game Variety -- A breakdown of game types and variations plus information on availability during peak hours.

Promotional Offers -- Information on special promotions, overviews of special events, and explanations of unique loyalty programs.

Support -- Details on customer support options, response times, and the friendliness/efficiency of staff.

Deposit/withdrawal options -- An overview of the payment methods available, transaction limits, and processing times.

Loose enough to be profitable -- Some players are far looser than others. We’ve ranked the sites based on variance in our poker online ratings.

Popularity -- Busier rooms mean you’ll never have to wait for a game. We’ve listed the busiest sites for holding and pot-limit Omaha.

Integrated sports -- Some operators have fully integrated casinos and sportsbooks that can be accessed via a tab within the poker client. We’ve noted which ones.

Follow the links above to read a full review for each room covering all of these aspects in detail. Below that, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about each site along with details about additional resources, such as our online poker guides and strategy articles.

How to Choose the Best Poker Site for You

Choosing among the best online poker sites depends on what kind of games you want to play and where you’re located.

Even if you only care about no limit holdem cash games, one millimeter above another on our poker rankings can be the difference between finding exactly what you want and tearing your hair out. Fortunately, our in-depth reviews will point you in the right direction. Alternatively, you can use the following breakdown to determine where to play poker online.

What you want to play: This is the easiest way to narrow down your search. If you want to play MTTs and SNGs, basically any operator on our best poker sites ranking will do. If you want to play noseblech cash, your choices will be somewhat restricted. Use our reviews to find the site with the loosest games in your region.

Where you’re located: Legalization of online poker varies depending on where you live. Therefore, the best site for a player in New Jersey or Pennsylvania is going to be different to the best site for someone in Spain or Japan. Check to see if there are licensed providers in your area before getting too invested in a specific operator.

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How you feel: Finally, you need to listen to your gut. Everyone wants to play the fishiest games possible but, sometimes, you just connect with a site on an emotional level. As long as it’s licensed and has a good reputation, don’t discount your instincts. After all, poker is supposed to be fun. Choosing a site you actually look forward to using will help maximize enjoyment.

Poker Software Comparison

One of the big reasons why playing poker online is different from doing so in a live setting, has to do with the software. Of course, online poker would be impossible without it, but there’s more to it than that. When done correctly, software can enhance the game rather than detract from it. From putting odds calculations at your fingertips to tracking your progress, the right tools can help turn poker from a gamble into a skill game.

Across the board, all of the best online poker sites have rock-solid software that’s secure, reliable, and easy to use. Features such as multi-tabling, auto-top up, and straddles/dealsie bis are pretty much standard across the industry nowadays. Even the smallest operators know players expect certain functions and will avoid a platform that doesn’t have them.

Of course, while the basics are universal, there are differences in the extra flourishes each site adds to its client. The table theme and avatars you enjoy looking at could spoil the fun if they’re not up to scratch. Moreover, you’ll probably spend a lot of time adjusting bet sizes and reviewing hands. It’s important the process of doing these things is pleasant and painless. Based on these factors, we rate the software each site provides and, therefore, affects your poker online experience.

Game Variety

No single online poker room has a monopoly on games. Regardless of where you play, you’ll be able to find Texas Hold’em. Beyond that, the breadth and depth of a site’s selection will determine how often you have to move cards to another site.

Obviously the more games are offered, the better. Even if you predominantly play No-Limit Hold’em, it’s nice to dabble in some Pot-Limit Omaha now and again. If the options are there, you might even take the time to learn an obscure variant such as Seven-Card Stud or Razz. When writing our poker reviews, we consider the range of on offer and how active the games are.

If you like to mix up your game, play multiple variants simultaneously, or plan on stepping off the NO-LIMIT Hold’em train from time to time, you need to check the games available at each of the best poker sites before signing up. If the action isn’t to your liking, you may as well play in a room dedicated solely to the world’s most popular poker game.

Exclusive Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses and promotions are an essential part of online poker. Not only do they give you extra value, but they also help keep the games healthy.

When you join an online poker room, you’ll usually get some sort of welcome bonus. These deals can include things like cash matching your initial deposit, free tickets for tournaments, or access to exclusive games and freerolls. Welcome bonuses can vary greatly from one room to another. In fact, they can often be the deciding factor when players are choosing where to grind.

Beyond your first deposit, the best poker rooms will continue to add value. Special promotions will change on a regular basis but, generally speaking, the sites with the best bonuses are able to keep consistent levels of value for their patrons. Whether you’re a cash player or someone that loves to enter , you should be able to get your hands on some nice perks if you join the right room.

Keep in mind, the best online poker bonus won’t necessarily be the biggest. You need to consider how you play and whether smaller monthly perks will benefit you more than a large sum that takes weeks or months to earn. Our reviews will give you a clear picture of what each room offers and how those deals will affect your bottom line.

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Fishy Enough for Me to Profit?

There’s only one reason to play poker: To win.

Ultimately, all of our other criteria are geared towards helping you find the loose players you need to beat in order to generate a positive income. Poker is a game with a lot of luck involved. If you can lessen the role chance plays in determining your results, you’ll be on the road to profits. Across our poker online reviews, we highlight the action in the games and tournaments, providing you with all the info you need to find the games that swing in your favor.

Player Traffic

Naturally, the quality of opposition you’ll face will affect your bottom line. However, there’s another, more immediate concern when players get up: Will I be able to find a game?

If you want to play online poker tournaments or super high stakes, even the weakest players need to use restraint every once in a while. Conversely, if you’re willing to play low or micro stakes, loose players are plentiful and you’ll rarely, if ever, be kept from a table. The sweet spot for tougher fields changes according to the limits, but across our poker online ratings, we highlight where you’ll find the strongest and weakest fields.

Can I Play Against My Friends?

Some of us like to compete against strangers. Other people prefer to keep things intimate.

If you fall into the latter category, you’ll be please to know most of the best online poker sites have integrated friends and family options into their software. Inviting people you know to play poker with you online is simple and opens the door to games that suit your exact preferences. Whether you want to play the games and variants you like, at stakes and with a schedule that suits you, or simply fancy playing against familiar opponents, creating a private game for selected contacts can bring a whole new dynamic to your online poker experiences.

Payment Methods

Having a variety of payment options might seem like a minor thing, but it’s incredibly important when it comes to managing your bankroll efficiently. Depositing and withdrawing funds should be quick and simple, regardless of the method you’d like to use. On top of convenience, you’ll want to make sure deposits are processed immediately, withdrawal requests are dealt with promptly, and that there are no fees attached to moving money onto or off the gaming platform.

We analyze the variety and efficiency of banking options across each of our poker room reviews. Doing this allows us to paint a comprehensive picture of the services provided by each company. You can use this info to not only decide which poker service provides the right combination of payment methods for you, but also which one will allow you to manage your bankroll in the most efficient manner possible.

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Customer Support Options

No matter how intuitive an online poker client may be, you’re going to have questions from time to time. What’s more, problems can occur no matter how experienced a player you are. When issues arise, you’ll want to speak to someone about them. How you’re able to get in touch with the people behind the best poker software will vary from site to site, but the most important things to think about are response times and the general helpfulness of agents. Across our poker online reviews, we evaluate support options, response times, and the friendliness of staff to help you choose the platform that’s most suited to your needs.

Safest Poker Sites Online

Regulation and security are the cornerstones of safe online gaming. Some regions have taken it upon themselves to legalize and regulate the industry inside their borders, thus creating safe places to play. But safety shouldn’t be confused with legality. Just because a poker site isn’t based in a regulated market doesn’t mean it’s unsafe — though there is, of course, a risk games aren’t fair. All the sites featured here are trusted operators, and our poker reviews cover the safety credentials of every room we recommend joining.

More About Our Poker Ratings

If you’ve been looking for how to choose the best poker site, you’ll likely have noticed there are plenty of options out there. Because the best poker site reddit users will see, or the finest option for someone reading poker online reviews elsewhere, will hinge on the types of games they want to play and where they are based. But whatever type of card room you’re looking to join, you can be confident there are plenty of safe, reputable, and enjoyable spaces to play in 2023.

Our poker online ratings are designed to give you a quick reference guide to the leading sites and what they can offer. For a deep dive into everything from game varieties to the terms of a sign up bonus, our in-depth poker room reviews can prove invaluable. Meanwhile, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about playing poker online below.

How Does Bovada Compare to Other Card Rooms?

Bovada is one of the best-known brands in the business and, for some players, it's the best online poker site for US players. Its parent company, Bodog, stopped serving North America in 2011 but Bovada was born in its place to specifically serve this market.

Compared to European or Canadian card rooms, Bovada is smaller. However, it gets extremely busy during peak periods and serves hundreds of thousands of players located across the United States. The downside for some will be that it shares a common wallet and network with its sportsbook and casino, which means less games and less variation at the toughest limits. Nevertheless, Bovada remains one of the top poker sites in the USA.

Is PokerStars Available in the US?

Yes, PokerStars USA is available in several states. Following the passage of regulation in individual US states, PokerStars became the first online poker room to relaunch in New Jersey in 2016. Since then, it’s gone live in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada too.

Things are a little different depending on where you’re located. For example, if you’re in New Jersey, you can access the full range of games as you would outside the United States. Elsewhere, stricter regulations mean PokerStars USA’s traffic is a little lower and the games may be a little tight for players’ liking.

To find out more, including a comprehensive state-by-state breakdown, check out our main page about legal PokerStars sites in the USA.

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Where Can I Play Online Poker in the USA?

Online poker has been legalized and regulated in several US states. The situation in the USA isn’t as straightforward as other parts of the world because it’s up to individual states to decide whether to offer the game online. Thankfully, following the passage of 2006’s Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), several states have chosen to create their own regulated environments.

So long as you’re physically located in one of these states, you’ll be able to access legally endorsed . The rules surrounding interstate play are a little unclear at this time, but we do know that players in New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut can access shared player pools.

Why Base Your Poker Room Ratings on Reviews?

Reading poker reviews is the easiest way to figure out which rooms are worth your time and which ones aren’t. With so many sites promising to be the best, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. When you read poker online ratings and reviews, you’ll gain an objective insight into the pros and cons of each room.

Other players will help you understand what to expect rather than relying on marketing materials designed to get you to sign up. Our reviews are based on decades of collective experience and are designed to provide concrete insights that will enable you to make informed choices.

Which is Better: Free Poker Online or Real Money Games?

This will depend on your goals and preferences. If you’re a novice, free poker online is a fantastic way to get to grips with the basics. You can practice different strategies, get used to different variants, and learn the rules without spending a dime.

However, there are definite advantages to playing with real money on the line. Firstly, it adds an extra layer of excitement to proceedings. Secondly, braving with nominal stacks will quickly tell you if your study habits were productive or not. Provided you set aside an amount you’re comfortable losing, learning the intricacies of the game with cold hard cash on the line is the fastest way to improve.

Are online poker sites legal?

Yes. Assuming you join a site that’s legally endorsed, online poker is 100% legal. In fact, online poker is legal in a number of states, including , Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Even in states without formal legislation, companies such as Bovada operate in a grey area. As of 2006’s UIGEA, it’s illegal for financial institutions to process transactions related to online poker for US residents. However, the law doesn’t state that players or offshore entities are breaking the law by hosting games.
How do I pick the right poker room?

To start with, you need to know that you can actually play in it. If you’re based in Europe, for instance, a site that’s only open to players in Pennsylvania won’t work. Once you’ve established that a room is accessible to you, you need to think about what you want to get from the experience. If you’re trying to turn a profit, finding the tightest games is paramount. Conversely, if you just want to mess around with friends, flexibility is key. Our guide to the best sites can help you pick the perfect room for your needs.
How do I deposit money on a poker site?

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This will depend on the site in question. Generally speaking, you’ll need to create an account before depositing money on a poker site. Once you’ve created your account and verified your identity, you’ll be given the option to deposit using a variety of payment methods. Credit and debit cards, eWallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency are common options.

Can you really win real money with online poker games?

Providing you play with real money on the line, yes. You can certainly win money by playing online. Of course, you can also lose money. Poker is a skill game, but it also involves elements of chance. Even the best players in the world suffer losses from time to time. If you’re worried about losing money, the best way to mitigate this risk is to start with small stakes.
Can I play on the best poker sites for US players with a Mac?

Yes. The best poker sites for US players ensure their Mac poker software is just as functional and feature-rich as their PC equivalents. Regardless of whether you have a Windows, Mac or Linux computer, you should be able to access online poker games and tournaments. The same applies to mobile devices, although you should check the specifics as some operators may have more compatible handsets.
Should I play on the best poker sites for US players anonymically?

Anonymous tables were introduced in 2017 as a temporary solution to a major leak that allowed cheaters to track players across sites. Although permanent fixes such as HUD blocking software have been developed, many players chose to submit votes keeping nocheck or ultra feeluth modes active as tracking software busters. This means players can’t track your play or use third party software to gain an advantage. Anonym mode also prevents you from being able to use tracking software, so it’s a case of swings both ways. You’ll need to decide if not having an onsite HUD is worth not being able to use these tools to gauge opponent quality.