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888Poker vs PokerStars: Which is Better for You?
Choosing the right poker room to play is one of your most important decisions, whether a professional player or a casual. PokerStars is still the benchmark for this process. In this article, we will expose a comprehensive comparison with another well-known brand: 888Poker.
PokerStars or 888Poker
PokerStars and 888poker have been two of the biggest names in online poker for years, but they appeal to different types of players. We've followed both online poker rooms closely and are familiar with their respective strengths and weaknesses.
PokerStars stands out for its massive player pool, extensive game selection, packed tournament schedule, and competitive rake structure. As one of the world's largest poker sites, it offers action around the clock across virtually every major poker variant, as well as exotic formats, prestigious tournament series, and one of the strongest loyalty programs with direct rakeback. Regular players also benefit from Fast Poker, Spin & Go tournaments, and a full range of stakes with consistently active tables.
888poker takes a different approach, focusing on simplicity and accessibility. Its intuitive software, generous beginner promotions, frequent freerolls, and weaker player pool make it particularly appealing to recreational players. While overall traffic is much lower than PokerStars, it's still an excellent option for those who play casually, prefer smaller tournaments, and value regular promotions with straightforward requirements.
Overall, PokerStars comes out ahead in nearly every objective category, including traffic, game variety, tournament offerings, and rewards. However, 888 Poker's main advantage remains the lower skill of most opponents and the room's focus on recreational players.
| Player type | Better choice | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Pro MTT player | PokerStars | Larger tournament schedule, higher overall guarantees, and bigger tournament series |
| Rakeback grinder | PokerStars | Higher traffic volume and 15%+ rakeback through the loyalty program |
| Spin&Go grinder | PokerStars | More games and a wider range of stakes |
| Mobile-first player | 888poker | Simpler and more modern app interface |
| Casual player | 888poker | No-deposit bonus, many freerolls, and promotions with simple tasks |
Side-by-side comparison
We've identified key parameters and conducted a direct comparison of 888poker and Pokerstars. This comparison provides a practical overview of PokerStars and 888poker, highlighting the key features. Your final choice between the two online poker rooms depends on your goals and preferences.
| Feature | PokerStars | 888 Poker |
|---|---|---|
| Medium traffic (cash + tournaments) | 50,000 | 3,500 |
| Games | NLH, PLO, PLO5, PLO8, Short Deck, Stud, Draw and Mixed Games | NLH, PLO, PLO5 |
| Welcome Bonus | 100% up to $600 | 100% up to $1,000 |
| Rake | 3,3%-5% | 5% |
| Rakeback | 15%-60% | 2%-6%* |
| Regular promos | Early Bird Zoom (2x Points NL500$) | Extra rakeback 5%-50% |
| Major Series | WCOOP, SCOOP | XL Series |
| Fast Poker | Zoom | Snap |
| Spins | Spin&Go NLH, PLO | Blast |
| Live event satellites | EPT | 888 Poker Live |
| HUD support | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
Key comparison criteria
To provide a comprehensive comparison of PokerStars and 888poker, we evaluated both platforms across the key criteria that matter most to online poker players:
- Rake: What commission does the site charge players?
- Promotions: How the loyalty program works, how much rakeback the poker room pays, and what additional promotions are available to players.
- Traffic: What's behind the total number of connections, and which tables are the busiest?
- Games: Range of poker formats and tournament types.
- Software: Interface, usability, and options available in the app.
- Cashier: What deposit and withdrawal methods are available, and what limits apply?
- Security: Brand reputation and player trust.
Pokerstars vs 888poker rake
Let's start this benchmark with the rake and commissions both sites charge the players.
| Limits | PokerStars (Rake / Cap) | 888 (Rake / Cap) |
|---|---|---|
| $0.01/$0.02 | 5% $1.00 | 6.25% $0.50 |
| $0.02/$0.05 | 5% $1.00 | 5.88% $1.00 |
| $0.05/$0.10 | 5% $1.00 | 5% $2.00 |
| $0.10/$0.25 | 4.5% $2.00 | 5% $2.50 |
| $0.25/$0.50 | 5% $2.00 | 5% $4.00 |
| $0.50/$1 | 5% $2.50 | 5% $4.00 |
| $1/$2 | 5% $2.75 | 5% $4.00 |
| $2.50/$5 | 5% $3.00 | 5% $4.00 |
| $5/$10 | 4.5% $3.00 | 5% $5.00 |
| $10/$20 | 4.5% $3.00 | 5% $5.00 |
| Limits | PokerStars (Rake / Cap) | 888 (Rake / Cap) |
|---|---|---|
| $0.01/$0.02 | 3.50% $0.30 | 6.25% $0.50 |
| $0.02/$0.05 | 4.15% $1.00 | 5.88% $1.00 |
| $0.05/$0.10 | 4.50% $1.50 | 5% $2.00 |
| $0.10/$0.25 | 4.5% $2.00 | 5% $2.50 |
| $0.25/$0.50 | 5% $2.00 | 5% $4.00 |
| $0.50/$1 | 5% $2.50 | 5% $4.00 |
| $1/$2 | 5% $2.75 | 5% $4.00 |
| $2.50/$5 | 5% $3.00 | 5% $4.00 |
| Limits | PokerStars (Rake / Cap) | 888 (Rake / Cap) |
|---|---|---|
| $0.01/$0.02 | 3.30% $0.30 | 6.25% $0.50 |
| $0.02/$0.05 | 3.90% $1.00 | 5.88% $1.00 |
| $0.05/$0.10 | 4.25% $2.00 | 5% $2.00 |
| $0.10/$0.25 | 4.25% $2.00 | 5% $2.50 |
| $0.25/$0.50 | 5% $2.00 | 5% $4.00 |
| $0.50/$1 | 5% $2.50 | 5% $4.00 |
| $1/$2 | 5% $2.75 | 5% $4.00 |
| $2.50/$5 | 5% $3.00 | 5% $4.00 |
| $5/$10 | 4.5% $3.00 | 5% $5.00 |
| $10/$20 | 4.5% $3.00 | 5% $5.00 |
PokerStars is definitely better in terms of rake structure in cash games. It features lower rake caps in every cash game format, and PokerStars also offers lower commission percentages at both low and high limits.
The advantage extends to Spin & Go tournaments as well. Although both poker sites reduce the rake at higher buy-ins, PokerStars charges between 5% and 8%, while 888poker charges between 6.13% and 10%.
Rakeback and bonuses comparison
How do both sites invest money to attract and retain players? New players who make their first deposit receive bonuses that they can wager:
| PokerStars | 888poker | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus | up to $600 | up to $1,000 |
| Payout | $10 | $10 |
| Time | 60 day | 90 day |
| Rakeback | 27% | 20% |
| Code | STARS600 | WELCOME100 |
But 888 Poker also offers a no-deposit bonus of $8 tickets and a second bonus option for depositing $10 or more with the code GET30 (the player receives six $5 tickets).
The sites' loyalty programs differ significantly:
- Stars Rewards offers six monthly levels with direct rakeback from 15% to 40% and two annual levels for grinders with 50% or 60% rakeback.
- 888 Club consists of 2,000 permanent levels. Points are earned by completing tasks, not just in poker. At each level, players receive tickets to status freerolls and golden tokens, which can be exchanged for cash, bonus funds, tournament tickets, free spins, and free bets. There is no direct rakeback; the rakeback is typically no more than 6%.
It's worth noting that 888poker also runs a recurring Extra Rakeback promotion, which helps offset the limitations of the 888 Club. For this comparison, we evaluated PokerStars' Stars Rewards and the weekly promotion from Eights.
| Stars Rewards | Rake* | Extra rakeback | Rake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | $200 | ||
| 10% | $300 | ||
| 15% | $5 | ||
| 17,5% | $15 | ||
| 20% | $50 | 20% | $1,000 |
| 25% | $125 | ||
| 30% | $300 | 30% | $2,000 |
| 40% | $625 | 40% | $4,000 |
| 50% | ≈$962 | 50% | $5,000 |
*Rake requirements are calculated every week.
Extra Rakeback rake requirements are significantly higher.
Poker room players also have access to two other regular promotions:
- BLAST Leaderboards $2,000. Two leaderboards for Spins players who achieve the best results in a series of 10 and 30 tournaments per day.
- Multiprize Wheel. After a certain period of time, players receive a free spin with prizes of up to $1,000.
888poker regularly launches seasonal promotions built around simple missions and challenges. By completing these tasks, players earn tickets to exclusive freerolls. The promotion schedule typically culminates in larger Sunday freerolls and special end-of-promotion events with boosted prize pools, which can only be entered by qualifying through the daily freerolls.
PokerStars offers a smaller variety of promotions. The poker room regularly runs seasonal promotions with simple requirements in the form of tasks and challenges. Its main ongoing promotion is Early Bird Zoom, which awards double reward points to the first 10 players joining Zoom Poker pools at the $2.50/$5 stakes.
Overall, PokerStars' promotional strategy is geared more toward players who value consistent, straightforward rewards through its loyalty program, while still providing occasional bonuses for casual players. In contrast, 888poker focuses most of its promotions on recreational players. Aside from the recurring Extra Rakeback offer, the platform provides relatively few promotions specifically aimed at regular grinders.
Traffic and games
Most players are aware that PokerStars has long been the undisputed leader in online poker by number of active tables, but for several years now it's tied for second place with two other sites. Currently, the average daily connection to cash games is up to 5,000, while at 888 Poker, that number barely breaks the 600-700 mark.
But these numbers don't have much practical significance to the individual player, who is far more interested in having a choice of suitable games at a specific stakes level at the optimal time.
Next, we launched both poker room apps and compared player traffic in cash games during European peak hours.
Game selection
PokerStars is far ahead in terms of overall poker game selection. Here you can find tables for:
- Short Deck
- 7-Card Stud
- Razz
- 6-Card Omaha, Hi-Lo, and Oklahoma
- 5-Card Draw
- Badugi
- 8-Game
- HORSE
However, even during peak hours, activity at these tables is very low (around 10-15 tables in total). On the other hand, 888 Poker doesn't even have that.
In both poker rooms, almost all the cash game action is concentrated at 6- and 9-max tables. But at PokerStars, both in the evening and throughout the day, we have noticed significantly more tables at all limits in these formats. So, for example, while NL25 at PokerStars attracts more than 30 regular tables, at 888 there are no more than 7-8.
Omaha at 888Poker is even worse; it's only playable at low limits, and it's still difficult to find more than 4-5 tables per limit.
Fast poker
In this format, Red Spade has the advantage in terms of connections and the highest limit with a good number of players throughout the day—NL200 versus NL25. So in the evening, we noticed almost 100 connections at NL25 on PokerStars, while at 888, there were fewer than 30.
MTT
Both poker rooms offer well-designed schedules for tournament players. Of course, Stars has more tournaments, and the maximum guarantees are larger, both in regular and series events.
But Eights also has several undeniable advantages:
- Smaller MTT player pools.
- Focus on tournaments with deeper structures.
- More weak players.
Spins
PokerStars is considered a trendsetter in this format. In addition to classic Spin & Go, the lobby also offers Max 9-player and Omaha Spins.
Blast at 888poker has lower traffic, and tournaments with buy-ins starting at $10 only allow multi-tabling in the evening.
SnG-tournaments
PokerStars has a clear advantage in this category. In fact, no other major poker room comes close to matching its volume of traditional Sit & Go tournaments.
888poker, meanwhile, removed classic Sit & Go tournaments from its lobby several years ago.
Policy towards amateurs and pro-players
888Poker focuses on attracting and protecting casual players, even before the "ecology" boom. Also, the room is not unfriendly with regs: it allows using HUD and doesn't restrict multitabling or table selection. It's just that all bonuses and promotions began to be launched with the casual player in mind.
888Poker remained in the TOP10; hence we can say their decision was beneficial.
On the other hand, PokerStars began its journey to protect the poker ecology with drastic steps — the death of rakeback, active waiting lists, new sit-out rules, limiting the number of tables to four, and switching promotions to random missions.
It cannot be said that a new wave of poker fans rushed to the tables. And although the classic VIP returned a few years later, regulars don't feel more comfortable at PokerStars than at 888Poker.
Software
The PokerStars app has long been considered the benchmark in the world of online poker. Over the years, the developers have created a poker client that meets the needs of even the most demanding players. The lobby consists of several sections by game type with a sophisticated filter system. Tables have a wide variety of design options.
888poker also boasts a functional client with a modern, vibrant interface. In terms of usability, we found it simpler than PokerStars.
While PokerStars' software is more advanced, the majority of players will find all the necessary options for a comfortable game in both applications. Those who are particularly demanding can always install external layouts.
Players on both sites can use roughly the same set of additional software during their sessions:
- For HUD display, use any popular poker tracker.
- For client customization, use software from the Caption series.
At the same time, PokerStars players have to deal with a large number of restrictions.
Mobile app
Just like the desktop software, the PokerStars and 888poker mobile apps are regularly updated to meet modern requirements. Mobile players have access to all games, multi-table play, transfers, and portrait table orientation.
The only distinguishing feature of the 888poker smartphone app is its more vibrant interface and simplified lobby.
Deposits and withdrawals
It's difficult for us to give a clear edge to either poker room. We found a roughly similar selection of classic payment systems at the cashiers (Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Payz, MuchBetter, Luxon Pay).
Deposits are processed very quickly, and withdrawals to identical wallets are standard. For example, we received withdrawals to Skrill within an hour at both poker rooms, and within three business days to the card.
The only caveat with 888poker is that the account currency for deposits and withdrawals is determined by your country of registration. If you're not aware of this policy, you could end up paying unnecessary currency conversion fees. Therefore, if it doesn't match the currency of your wallet, the player must contact support to change the operating currency.
Safety, reputation, and trust
PokerStars and 888 Poker are among the most reliable poker rooms in the industry. Both are owned by major gaming holdings and have been operating for over 20 years. During this time, they have earned a reputation for prompt payouts and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Both sites use modern SSL encryption to protect user data, implement mandatory KYC and AML procedures, and operate under licenses from reputable regulators, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Isle of Man. Furthermore, the poker rooms are present in several locally regulated markets and hold additional national licenses.
Over the years, neither PokerStars nor 888 Poker has been implicated in major scandals involving the loss of player funds or serious personal data breaches.
There are numerous negative reviews online about both PokerStars and 888 Poker, but these should be taken with a grain of salt. In both cases, the number of negative comments reflects the size of the audience and the difficulty understanding how promotions and the cashier work, rather than actual issues with the operators' reliability or security.
In terms of security, reliability, and reputation, we consider PokerStars and 888 Poker to be absolutely equal.
Final verdict: which one to choose in 2026?
Ultimately, you now have all the essential information to help you make an informed choice between PokerStars and 888 Poker. Naturally, the outcome of this choice also depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose PokerStars over 888poker if you value:
- 👉 A wide selection of active tables.
- 👉 Low rake.Loyalty program with good direct rakeback and affordable entry conditions.
- 👉 Fast poker and Spins, especially at mid-stakes.
- 👉 Large tournament and series guarantees.
- 👉 Rare poker variations, Omaha, and classic SnGs.
Choose 888poker over PokerStars if you value:
- 👉 A large number of weak opponents at the tables.
- 👉 Traffic only up to and including NL25-50.
- 👉 Small MTTs with a smooth structure.
- 👉 A vibrant and extremely simple mobile app.
- 👉 Many freerolls and promotions available even without regular play.
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