PokerStars vs 888poker: Comprehensive Comparison for Online Poker Players
Choosing Between PokerStars and 888poker
Deciding where to play online poker is an important step, whether you’re just starting out or already consider yourself a seasoned player. With PokerStars and 888poker ranking among the top international poker operators, understanding what sets them apart will help you select the environment that best matches your goals and playing style. This side-by-side guide will detail their history, software, game variety, player traffic, bonuses, payment options, and more to give you an informed perspective.
Background and Evolution of PokerStars and 888poker
Let’s explore how both poker rooms built their reputations and market share over the years, as their histories continue to influence their current offerings.
PokerStars: Industry Innovator and Leader
PokerStars is widely regarded as the most recognized name in online poker. Since its debut in September 2001, it has pioneered the way modern online poker operates. Its rise to dominance accelerated in 2006 when PartyPoker exited the US market after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), allowing PokerStars to claim the largest player pool.
Over the years, PokerStars has not only maintained but solidified its place at the top due to its robust marketing, unrivaled software, and high-profile tournaments. The brand was acquired by Amaya (now The Stars Group Inc.) in 2014 in a multi-billion-dollar deal, leading to significant changes, but its core draw for poker players remains strong.
888poker: Growth Through Consistency and Partnerships
Launching as Pacific Poker in 2002 before adopting the 888poker name, this room has steadily remained among the top online poker destinations. Like many sites, 888poker exited the US in 2006 after UIGEA. Despite this, it continued to grow, especially after securing its role as the official sponsor of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2014. This partnership, along with increased live events, lifted 888poker’s profile and player numbers in recent years.
Software Experience: User Interface and Customization
The quality of a poker room’s software can make or break your playing experience. Here’s how PokerStars and 888poker compare in usability and features.
PokerStars: Advanced and Highly Customizable Platform
PokerStars’ software is robust, versatile, and among the most stable in the industry. Its client is intuitively organized, letting players easily access various types of games including Tournaments, Sit & Go’s, Cash Games, Zoom, Spin & Go, and more.
- Extensive filtering options (game variants, buy-in, table size, tournament structure)
- High degree of table/customization (themes, preferred seat, language, auto-rebuy settings)
- Supports efficient multi-tabling and configuration for power users
While setup can be intricate for beginners, the flexibility pays off, especially for serious or multi-table players.
888poker: Simpler, Rapid Improvements, and Modern Feel
888poker’s platform has evolved considerably, now offering a sleek lobby and quick access to major game types. The game filters aren’t quite as deep as those on PokerStars, but typical filters for buy-in and table size are present, covering most needs of recreational players.
- Quick navigation to tournaments, cash games, and specialty formats
- Sufficient customization (table settings, auto-rebuys, etc.)
While there’s room for further improvements and advanced filters, most users will find the software reliable and easy to use.
Game Selection and Exclusive Formats
The variety and uniqueness of games can be decisive, depending on your tastes—from classic variants to special tournament formats.
PokerStars: The Most Comprehensive Game Library
PokerStars boasts the broadest selection of poker games online, continually introducing and retaining less-common variants for niche appeal.
- Texas Hold’em (No Limit, Limit, Pot Limit)
- Omaha (PL, NL, Limit), Omaha Hi-Lo, 5 Card Omaha
- Seven Card Stud, Razz, 2-7 Single & Triple Draw
- 5 Card Draw, Badugi, 6+ Hold’em, 8-Game Mix
Game availability spans all stake levels for both tournaments and cash tables. There’s a wealth of high-traffic options for every player profile.
Tournament Scene at PokerStars
PokerStars is the global epicenter for tournament enthusiasts, featuring:
- Daily, weekly, and signature events like the Sunday Million
- Special series including SCOOP, WCOOP, Micro Millions
- Diverse formats: deepstack, hyper-turbo, knockouts, satellites, and mix games
Innovative Poker Formats: PokerStars’ Lead
- Zoom Poker: Instantly moved to a new table every time you fold for non-stop action—hugely popular for both casual and volume grinders.
- Spin & Go: Sit-and-go tournaments with random prizes up to 10,000x the buy-in, creating enticing “lottery” excitement for a wide range of players.
888poker: Core Poker Varieties and Original Formats
While 888poker doesn’t match PokerStars’ sheer variety, it covers player favorites with options like:
- Texas Hold’em
- Omaha
- 7 Card Stud & 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo
Cash games run at stakes from $0.01/$0.02 to $25/$50 (full-ring tables up to NL200), and tournament options are robust, making 888poker particularly attractive to MTT-fans and players seeking manageable field sizes.
Tournaments and Special Game Types at 888poker
- Signature events like the $100,000 Sunday Mega Deep and $25,000 Sunday Challenge
- Regular satellites to live World Series of Poker (WSOP) events
- Smaller, more navigable tournament fields ideal for new and time-constrained players
Unique formats include:
- SWAP: 888poker’s equivalent to Zoom Poker, with quick fold and instant reseating
- BLAST: Similar to Spin & Go, these 3-handed sit-and-go’s have a randomized prize pool and a timed structure where play becomes all-in after the time expires
Player Population and Activity Levels
The size and distribution of a room’s player base will influence your game selection, tournament experience, and overall convenience.
PokerStars: Reliable Action Any Time
PokerStars has unmatched player traffic, regularly hosting 10,000+ players daily, as tracked by industry aggregators. This ensures:
- Easy access to full tables and tournaments at all stakes, twenty-four hours a day
- Non-stop action for niche games as well as more common variants
No matter your schedule or preferred game, you’ll never have trouble finding a spot at the tables with PokerStars.
888poker: Smaller but Growing User Base
888poker averages around 1,300 players concurrently. While lower than PokerStars, this number supports good action across standard games, particularly during European peak hours. High stakes or obscure games may have fewer tables available outside of busiest times.
Player Skill Levels and Table Softness
The skill makeup of players shapes your experience and, for many, profitability. Here’s how both sites compare in average opponent difficulty:
- PokerStars: Generally attracts a higher concentration of skilled regulars and professionals, especially at mid-to-high stakes and in signature tournaments. Finding “soft” games is easier at micro-stakes due to sheer volume, but tougher as stakes rise.
- 888poker: Has a higher share of recreational and casual players in mid- to high-stakes games and tournaments. Tables generally offer more “softer” opponents, making it attractive to those seeking less challenging competition.
If your main aim is playing against weaker fields, 888poker often delivers a more favorable environment outside of the smallest stakes, where PokerStars still features lots of beginners.
Bonuses, Loyalty Rewards, and Promotions
Both rooms provide attractive welcome bonuses and loyalty programs, but each takes a different approach to player incentives.
Welcome Offers at a Glance
| Site | Welcome Bonus | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|
| PokerStars | Choose between: – 100% up to $600 deposit bonus – 100% up to $30 + Daily Rewards (Spin & Go tickets, extra cash) |
Variety of Spin & Go and tournament ticket bundles |
| 888poker | 100% up to $400 deposit bonus | 10 x tournament tickets issued with any minimum deposit |
At PokerStars, the maximum cash bonus is higher—ideal for those depositing more funds to play frequently. 888poker’s ticket-focused rewards are available to all depositors, regardless of the initial deposit size, favoring tournament participants.
Loyalty and Rewards Programs Compared
- PokerStars: Features the Stars Rewards program, where you accumulate points and unlock “chests” filled with personalized prizes. Although this adds excitement, actual value for grinders is relatively low compared to old-school rakeback systems.
- 888poker: Utilizes the 888poker Club, where players complete challenges and collect Golden Tokens, which can be redeemed in the club shop for tournament tickets or bonus cash. This setup offers users more control over their rewards.
Neither site offers the lucrative rakeback structures of years past, but 888poker provides slightly more flexibility on how to use your earned rewards.
Ongoing Promotions and Special Offers
- PokerStars: Frequently launches fun, theme-based promotions, including leaderboard races and special missions for both real and play money players.
- 888poker: Runs unique promos like “Hand of the Day” and “Galactic Freerolls,” awarding prizes for achieving certain hand combinations or completing simple daily tasks.
Banking Options: Deposits and Withdrawals
Banking flexibility is essential for online poker. Both sites excel in offering broad selection and efficient transactions.
Payment Methods Overview
| Site | Deposit & Withdrawal Methods |
|---|---|
| PokerStars | Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, MasterCard, Visa, EcoPayz, AstroPay, Paysafecard, MuchBetter, Wire Transfer |
| 888poker | Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, iDebit, ecoPayz, QIWI, Sofort, Nordea, iWallet, PayPal, Yandex, Apple Pay, AstroPay, Paysafecard, Wire Transfer |
Both sites support quick, secure transfers and a player-to-player transfer feature. Withdrawals are typically prompt once account verification is complete, ensuring reliable access to your funds.
Customer Support Capabilities
Reliable customer service is an important asset for any online poker site. PokerStars and 888poker both provide detailed online help centers and email-based support. While neither currently offers live chat, their knowledge bases are extensive and response times for support emails are generally fast, offering timely assistance for most inquiries.
Final Thoughts: Which Poker Room Is Right for You?
Ultimately, selecting the ideal poker room depends on your play style, preferences, and objectives:
- Tournament Players: PokerStars stands out for its unrivaled volume of tournaments, larger guarantees, and innovative formats.
- MTT Novices or Players Preferring Smaller Fields: 888poker’s more manageable tournament player pools and softer competition make it a smart starting point for newcomers or those looking to avoid marathon sessions.
- Mid-to-High Stakes Cash Game Seekers: 888poker often offers gentler games compared to PokerStars’ fields of regulars and grinders.
- Bonuses and Loyalty: Both sites provide solid welcome packages, but 888poker allows for more reward flexibility, while PokerStars sets the bar higher for maximum bonus value.
- Payment and Support: You’ll find streamlined banking and helpful support at both destinations.
Both PokerStars and 888poker earn their place among the top online poker providers. The best room is the one where you feel most at home, can find the games you seek, and maximize both enjoyment and your edge. Don’t hesitate to try both—sometimes the only way to decide for sure is by playing yourself.
