Which Mobile Poker Apps Are the Best?

With the introduction of online casinos, poker quickly claimed its spot as one of the most-played online games, and its popularity has only amplified since then. The developments in mobile gambling have played a huge part, delivering us ever-evolving and increasingly sophisticated entertainment for the newest portable device systems. This is precisely why many major operators have set up a solid standing on the market with their easy-to-use and state-of-art mobile apps for poker.

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If you’d like to know more about playing on the go and jumping into a game of poker on your mobile phone or tablet with the best option available, check out our summary of operators offering your favourite apps out there.

The Criteria for Good Mobile Solutions

There are nearly as many poker apps as there are online operators, and that means the choice can be overwhelming, especially when performance details come into play. Nevertheless, there are several factors all good mobile apps have in common that could guide you in finding one that is right for you.

Your chances of finding a suitable solution for poker are higher with well-established and reputable online gambling operators, as these tend to have not only a well-developed game base, but are therefore also more likely to put an emphasis on providing an advanced mobile gaming experience, in addition to hosting reliable security features and proper licensing. So once you’ve rounded up your operator shortlist, look out for an app that offers a wide variety of poker games that allow varied (and especially lower) table limits, better suited for playing on the go. Not only does this give you more choice in your wagering power, but it’s a safer solution for gambling when you’re out and about and might be at risk for a subpar internet connection.

Criteria for good mobile poker apps

As with many other online games, real money poker apps will be even more satisfying when you manage to snatch a bonus or two. So keep an eye out for registration bonuses, app download bonuses or deposit reload cashbacks! Most major operators offer some sort of a newbie reward, in addition to various loyalty schemes and VIP club extras which typically count in mobile play as well. To save you some time, check out our poker bonus guide and do not miss out on the opportunity to get the most out of your membership!

Last, but most definitely not least, playing poker on a mobile device should be as enjoyable to you as possible. This is why the right app should provide an optimised player experience with a user-friendly layout which won’t tire you out design-wise. Many apps appease this element by simplifying their app layouts, decluttering your screen and providing optimised table views. Customisable settings for increased player control might be another plus, and the app should feature an easy way to navigate between games and tables and provide a good overview of the action at all times.

Top-Rated Apps to Put on Your Radar

Due to a number of restrictive rules in the dissemination of apps, many online poker operators have been forced to bypass the Google Play Store or the App Store in lieu of an ‘in-house’ solution. As a result, the best way to get many of the mobile solutions nowadays is to download them directly from the operator’s websites, where they ought to be clearly visible and easy to obtain with just a few clicks or with a convenient QR code. That being said, iOS users need not slightly less in this regard – although website downloads tend to be the norm, some operators are still able to offer their mobile apps in the iOS App Store, so just check for the familiar icon and download away if this applies to you!

On the other hand, you can save yourself the trouble and get quick access to some of our top-rated mobile apps right here! With the previously-mentioned selection criteria still in mind, here are some of our top picks that will surely give you the real money gaming experience you are looking for.

888 Poker – The Mobile Poker Champ 888 Poker makes playing on the go a true breeze with their fantastic mobile app, easily downloadable on the website. There is a myriad of games to choose from, including tournaments, as well as the possibility to play Snap Poker – the operator’s own fast fold variation. You can also take advantage of final table deals by splitting prizes with opponents, and join the app chat to connect with other players around the world. Other casino games are also available through this app, giving you an even greater variety in entertainment no matter where you go!

Try Your Hand with PokerStars! Another gaming giant, PokerStars offers excellent portable solutions available for both Android (downloadable on the website) and iOS (available in the App Store). Ring games, tournaments, and Sit & Go’s are available, in addition to Quick Seating – which will enable you to join any table with incredible ease. Chat rooms and multi-tabling are also on the menu, and a sleek interface will enhance your experience to the max. Getting the most out of your play experience could not be any more convenient!

Playing Socially – Play Money Poker Apps

Real money play has plenty of advantages that stay largely unchanged once you take your gaming to a portable device – intriguing rewards, increased choice in games, best of the best in graphics and animation, and more. Nevertheless, those who aren’t yet so deep in the world of poker might seek out a lower level of commitment in order to get more comfortable or simply enjoy a friendly no-risk round for fun. If you are one of these players, you don’t need to worry one bit – there are several apps that offer free money play where you can enjoy this crowd favourite with no financial commitment or risk and explore the game table the same way as you would when playing for real money.

One of the big providers of poker for play money happens to be one of our real money recommendations – PokerStars! This operator – already a household name for many avid for-money players – set up the free play experience on the social media behemoth Facebook in 2013. By establishing a host of fun options and features, PokerStars Play has brought the play money poker experience closer to millions of people. Its rival Zynga, however, had by then already got the headstart in the race with their own app product, offering casual or tournament play, free chips, a top-notch interface and an expanded availability.

Keeping these solutions in mind, we must point out that social poker might actually miss the mark with regard to one of the main reasons why people choose it – learning the ropes and getting better at playing. The lack of real money play means, of course, fewer risks and commitment, but also fewer serious players who are truly in it to learn. This may result in messy tactics, leading to a potentially unproductive learning experience and thus a low-benefit outcome for aspiring players.

Compatibility: Download vs HTML5

On the technical side, the two most common mobile app system variations – iOS and Android – are highly likely to keep plenty of players more than happy, considering these systems are widely used worldwide. Apps are generally available through download and typically install software customized for that type of device, with operating specifications designed for that particular system and version. Naturally, the more commonplace the operating systems are (current day giants being Android and iOS), the better and more comprehensive the support is. On the downside, alternative OS app sources such as BlackBerry World or the Microsoft Store (Windows Phone) are left with fewer solutions.

html 5 logoAnd that’s when HTML5 format comes in handy! This native solution allows the player to avoid having to download an app and instead provides an experience with less hassle – the access to mobile play is simply done through a web app that adjusts the browser-based interface to any type of device. Furthermore, many providers opt to increase the ease of play by implementing an optimised in-game view and convenient navigation shortcuts. On the other hand, however, users of HTML5-based mobile apps do run a slight risk of having to sacrifice some of the customisations that typically comes with a system-specific download, potentially taking a toll on the overall app performance. For instance, games might not be supported for all formats and technical requirements, which may cause lagging or reduced graphic quality.

Payment Methods for App Solutions

payment method phoneHaving a mobile app makes playing easier, and, what’s more, available payment methods typically go unchanged between the traditional and portable format and no extraordinary steps are needed for you to deposit funds into your account. There are of course differences between operators in terms of which payment option is possible – so it’s essential that you choose one that offers a payment method that is not only completely secure and reliable but also one that fits your personal deposit preferences and prerequisites.

As regards mobile transactions, major online providers have made payments hassle-free with the introduction of handy tools that allow you to move money with just a few taps on the device of your choice. Operators like 888 Poker and PokerStars offer secure web cashier systems that are adjusted for use on the go with a simplified payment process and thus let you deposit and withdraw easily through your preferred method, whether debit, PayPal payment, or other. Other services such as Skrill 1-Tap, give Skrill users a simplified method that automates the input of payment data and thus avoids all the hassle. Be sure to read the fine print, though, and examine the list of available payment methods – for both deposits only as well as for deposits and withdrawals – before you commit.