Online poker software includes trackers, solvers, HUDs and other poker tools, each with a different purpose but all designed to make you a better player. By analyzing your playing history and in-game decisions, the best poker software will help fix your pre-flop and post-flop leaks, improve your game plan, and increase your overall win rate at the tables.
There are many different types of poker software, aimed at beginners, pros, cash games players, tournament players and so on. Find out what each type of poker software does, what types of poker training is available, how and where it’s legal to use these tools, and more.
Best Online Poker Software
#GTOStrategy
Powerful GTO Poker Solver & Trainer for Serious Study
10
Study ChipEV and ICM spots with preflop and postflop solutions
Access 5M+ flop solutions plus live turn & river solving
Train MTT scenarios across multiple game modes with ease
We’ve analyzed the best poker software around, factoring in price, game types, accessibility, user experience, and which types of players they’re aimed at.
Here are the best online poker software options currently available:
Best Poker Software for GTO Study: GTO Wizard
Overall score: 9/10
Level: Intermediate to advanced players
Games: Hold’em and Omaha
GTO Wizard is a collection of powerful tools that can help to improve your understanding of Game Theory Optimal (GTO) poker. It was first launched in 2020 and has firmly cemented its position as a leading study tool.
With over 10 million pre-solved scenarios, including cash games, multi-table tournaments, and heads-up SNGs, everyone can learn from GTO Wizard. Also, complete beginners that haven’t yet grasped GTO will probably struggle to get the most out of it.
GTO Wizard is similar to PokerSnowie in many ways. Both allow you to play against an AI mentor that offers real-time feedback. But GTO Wizard is probably better for analyzing post-flop play than PokerSnowie.
In March 2026, GTO Wizard simplified its payment plan, dividing it into ‘Cash’ and ‘Tournament’ packages. It’s the same price whichever of the two you pick, with discounts available if you choose to pay annually. There are five tiers: Free, Starter, Premium, Elite, and Ultra. The more you pay, the more access you get to solvers, reports, and exclusive communities, like their Ultra-only Telegram group.
If you don’t want to pay for GTO Wizard, you can still register and to unlock a daily bundle of 100 preflop solutions, one postflop solution, and 10 hands in practice mode.
Who Is GTO Wizard For?
GTO Wizard is a favorite for pros, and is arguably the most famous piece of poker software in the world. When you listen to poker commentary, you’ll often hear them talking about GTO-optimal plays. With GTO Wizard, you can learn how to make decisions like the pros.
If you use GTO Wizard, you can expect to start making more calculated decisions. It helps you take the emotion out of poker and make calm choices based on math.
Pros
Detailed AI insights and analysis
Highly customizable study sessions
Implements game theory used by top pros
One free solution every day
Cons
Can’t be used during poker games
Not the cheapest poker software
GTO Wizard 2026 Pricing
Type of Plan
Cost (before discount)
Cost (including discount)
Contract Length
Free
$0
$0
N/A
Starter
$39
$35.10
Monthly
Premium
$79
$62.10
Monthly
Elite
$139
$125.10
Monthly
Ultra
$229
$206.10
Monthly
10% Discount
Enjoy a 10% discount when you get GTO Wizard using our link.
Best Poker Game Software for Serious MTT Players: Pairrd
Overall score: 8/10
Level: Advanced players
Games: Hold’em
If you want to take down the biggest Hold’em MTTs, and you don’t mind paying a lot to learn from the best, check out Pairrd.
The courses here come from some of the biggest online poker experts around. That includes Benjamin Rolle (known as bencb at the tables), who’s won multiple SCOOP and WCOOP titles and amassed over $4 million in profit through online poker.
You can choose between two tiers: Crusher and Champion. Crusher gets you access to Tournament Masterclass Apprentice and Pairrd Pro, while Champion comes with all that plus special courses on bounty tournaments, 6-max tables, hypers, and more. Champions subscribers can also join an exclusive Discord channel to talk poker with like-minded MTT grinders.
If the high cost is putting you off, it’s worth noting that Pairrd offers a 14-day money back guarantee. If you sign up but don’t find the content valuable, you can get a no-fuss refund as long as you let them know within two weeks.
Who Is Pairrd For?
You should go for Pairrd if you love tournaments and want some professional coaching to take your game to the next level and see improved results.
It’s not cheap, which will put most players off. But that’s not the target audience. Pairrd is for serious tournament grinders, where even a slight improvement in finishes can compound into better long-term ROI.
Pros
Led by SCOOP and WCOOP winners
Teaches alternatives to simple GTO methods
Scenarios and videos to help you train
14-day refund guarantee
Cons
More expensive than other options
Focus on Hold’em only
Pairrd 2026 Pricing
Type of Plan
Cost
Contract Length
Crusher
$79
Monthly
Champion
$175.00
Monthly
9.3
High-impact daily drills to master the fundamentals of poker
Founded by Jonathan Little, PokerCoaching is one of the best options for online poker software that teaches you to fix your leaks and adjust your game to increase your poker ROI.
The main PokerCoaching software is a cocktail of masterclasses, courses, quizzes, and live coaching. It’s not cheap, but the quality is well above average, both in terms of production and the actual players you’re getting advice from.
There’s also a secondary tool called PeakGTO, which can be bought separately or as a bundle with PokerCoaching. The idea with PeakGTO is to study millions of GTO spots over and over, drilling yourself into a state where pre-flop decisions in major tournaments just come naturally to you.
It’s not all about MTTs, though. There’s also a Cash Game Masterclass which spans more than 32 hours and 150+ lessons. Again, it’s taught by founder Jonathan Little.
Who Is PokerCoaching For?
This is for serious players who appreciate the impact of being taught by one of the best to do it. There are a few names in poker training where you just know you’re getting value for money, and Jonathan Little is one of them.
Because PokerCoaching has such a multifaceted approach, you can expect your overall game to improve significantly, rather than just one or two aspects.
Best Online Poker Software for Real-Time Assistance: Holdem Manager 3
Overall score: 9/10
Level: Beginner to advanced players
Games: Hold’em and Omaha
Holdem Manager 3 has been helping players to improve their poker strategy knowledge since 2007. Everyone can benefit from Holdem Manager 3, whether you’re completely new to the game or a seasoned veteran.
Although most people use it primarily for hand tracking, Holdem Manager 3 also provides one of the most powerful poker HUDs. It’s highly customizable, with several pre-configured layouts to choose from, all of which are also overlaid whenever you use the hand replay software.
Next to the HUD, you’ll receive detailed post-game analysis, with a wide range of highly customizable reports and charts. Not to mention the automatic tracking of hands and integration with other tools, including TableNinja II and Notecaddy.
In terms of pricing, you’ll pay a fixed fee for a lifetime subscription, with an optional annual ‘HM3 Support and Maintenance’ add-on. This ensures your software gets the latest updates and keeps running smoothly. There are two models available – four options for Hold’em and four for Omaha – both at the same price points.
Before using a HUD, make sure you read the terms and conditions of your chosen poker room, as not every site permits the use of such tools.
Who Is Holdem Manager 3 For?
If you want the go-to in poker hand tracking, Holdem Manager 3 is the right choice. It has a simple layout that everyone will be familiar with and there isn’t much poker software out there which gives you so much control over the HUD.
Using Holdem Manager will give you a way better idea about how your opponents play, which helps you exploit certain players.
Pros
HUD can be customized to your preferences
Live Play dashboard for easy analysis
Compatible with many popular poker tools
Situational breakdowns improve your game
Cons
Not compatible with Mac computers
Fewer features than other trackers
Holdem Manager 3 2026 Pricing
Type of Plan
Cost
Contract Length
Low Stakes (Hold’em OR Omaha)
$65
One-time purchase
Low Stakes (Hold’em AND Omaha)
$100
One-time purchase
All Stakes (Hold’em only)
$100
One-time purchase
All Stakes (Hold’em AND Omaha)
$160
One-time purchase
9.9
Choose from a pre-configured HUD or build your own
ICMIZER is an affordable piece of poker software which will help you become a pro with pre-flop decisions.
The best part of ICMIZER is its automated hand analysis, breaking down pre-flop ranges into automatic folds, calls and raises, leaving little room for ambiguity. The software considers important factors like ICM in addition to ChipEV and FCS models, turning complex decisions into easily readable charts.
Nearly all tournament formats are covered, including Spin & Gos, regular bounties, and progressive KOs, in addition to your usual MTTs and Sit & Gos. Plus, you can factor in ICM way before reaching the final table, helping you gain an edge on that important run-up to the big money.
The Basic package just includes ICMIZER, while the Pro package comes with two extra tools: MTT Coach and Replayer. If you pay annually, you can also knock off up to 55% of the price.
Who Is ICMIZER For?
ICMIZER is an affordable option for tournament players who want to play a wide range of tournament types, including MTTs, Sit & Gos and Spin & Gos.
By following the straightforward charts, you can expect to make much better pre-flop decisions without expending too many hours studying.
Pros
Easy-to-understand charts
Annual discounts of up to 55%
Can be used on most tournament formats
Seven-day free trial available
Cons
Not very useful for cash game players
Lacks the personal connection of some poker coaching software
ICMIZER 2026 Pricing
Type of Plan
Cost
Contract Length
Basic
$17.99
Monthly
Pro
$32.99
Monthly
9.0
Optimizing your preflop Push/Fold playing strategy
Primarily marketed at experienced players, Hand2Note delivers poker tracking software that aims to simplify poker data to make it easy to read, and easy for you to improve your game.
Hand2Note can be used for both Hold’em and Omaha, including rarer variants such as 6+. It works on over 50 sites, including all the big hitters such as GGPoker, CoinPoker, PokerStars, Winamax and more.
Filters are one of the most important features when using Hand2Note. There are tons to choose from: Raise 1st, open 4-bet, squeeze 2 players, call continuation flop bet, and so on. You can use these to find specific information on sessions.
But what’s even better is that the software uses this to learn what interests you, and delivers what it calls Smart Reports. For example, if you’re using the ‘Raise continuation bet’ filter, it’ll automatically push out the less relevant stats and bring VPIP, PFR and total hands played to the forefront.
Other features of Hand2Note allow you to split players into separate pools and analyze their tendencies, clog leaks in your game, drop specific hand notes onto a player for future reference, and create custom HUDs.
Who Is Hand2Note For?
You should consider using Hand2Note if you already put in a lot of hours at the tables and play across multiple sites, but want one simple piece of poker software to track all of your play.
If you follow the advice in your Smart Reports, you should be able to spot holes in your game and put an end to them.
Pros
Free trial available
Works on 50+ apps and poker rooms
Customisable filters and HUDs
In-depth reports
Cons
Learning curve to use Hand2Note
Best subscription isn’t cheap
Hand2Note 2026 Pricing
Type of Plan
Cost
Contract Length
Free Trial
$0
N/a
Hand2Note Learner
$15.99 p/m, paid yearly
Annual
Hand2Note Pro
$39 p/m, paid yearly
Annual
9.9
More than 500 stats on your table
Fully-integrated PokerMaster HUD with Short Deck Hold 'em
Compatible with all of the best online poker sites, PokerTracker 4 is the most comprehensive hand tracking software around. As its logging your hand histories automatically, it’s also possible to run a manual import.
PokerTracker 4 is so much more than just a hand tracking device. It offers a bunch of extra tools that you’d need to pay for with a competitor like Holdem Manager 3, for instance. These include an ICM calculator and NoteTracker, a note taking tool.
The original PokerTracker was released in 2001, making this one of the oldest and most trustworthy poker tools. And there are several versions of its latest iteration, depending on your specific needs.
Small stakes Hold’em and Omaha players can pay $64.99 for their required version, or $99.99 for both. And, the high-stakes software costs either $99.99 each, or $159.99 for both Hold’em and Omaha. Or try the 14-day free trial.
It’s also worth noting that you can sign up for the Ignition Hand Grabber, which has been designed to work perfectly with Ignition, Bovada and Ozoon. It’s $24.99 per year for cash game stakes up to $0.25/$0.50 and tournaments up to $22, or $39.99 per year for all stakes.
Who Is PokerTracker 4 For?
If you only want to buy one piece of poker software and get a bit of everything in return, PokerTracker 4 is a smart choice.
With a hand tracker, calculator, note-taking tools, and more, PokerTracker 4 will help organize your play and develop you from a beginner to an intermediate or advanced player.
Pros
The license fee is a one-time payment
Informative HUD with real-time stats
Compatible with all online poker rooms
Highly customizable reporting suite
Cons
Requires a high-spec computer
Importing hands can be slow
PokerTracker 4 2026 Pricing
Type of Plan
Cost
Contract Length
Low Stakes (Hold’em OR Omaha)
$64.99
One-time purchase
Low Stakes (Hold’em AND Omaha)
$100
One-time purchase
All Stakes (Hold’em OR Omaha)
$100
One-time purchase
All Stakes (Hold’em AND Omaha)
$160
One-time purchase
9.8
Interactive reports, graphs & filters
Equity & ICM Calculator w/ICM Quiz
Download warehouse for custom stats, reports and more
There’s no ‘best’ poker tool, as everyone has different needs – which is why we’ve compiled the key information into one table. Use this to quickly compare different poker software tools and pick the one that’s right for you.
Poker Software
Software Type
Price
Key Feature
Best for
GTO Wizard
Multiple
$0-$229 p/m
Game theory-optimal learning
All rounder
Pairrd
Training
$79-$175 p/m
Video explanations
MTTs
PokerCoaching
Training
$79-$169 p/m
Interactive quizzes
High-level training
Jurojin
Tracker
$0-$300 p/year
Free software
Micros
Holdem Manager 3
Tracker
$65-$160
Custom HUD
Real-time help
ICMIZER
Tracker
$17.99-$32.99 p/m
ICM knowledge
Hand analysis
Hand2Note
Tracker
$0-$39 p/m
Adaptable HUD
Personalized reports
What is Poker Software?
Poker software is any tool which can help you improve your game at the best real money poker sites by analyzing your hand history, sharing hand charts, developing a more advanced understanding of positional play, finding ways to exploit weaker opponents, and more.
There are many different types of poker software, most notably the actual client used to play online. But when we use the term, we’re referring to tools that will improve your game.
Some of these poker software tools can be used as you play. For example, you can use a hand calculator to check your odds of winning a hand based on what you think your opponent might have.
Other are intended for use away from the poker table. Like solvers, where you go back and study specific spots, run it millions of times, and find out what you should have done.
The average player doesn’t use any poker software, because it often costs money, requires extra study time, and usually means going off to a third-party site in search of it.
If you’re thinking about using poker software tools, you’re already ahead of the pack.
Is Poker Software Legal?
In general, most poker game software is legal, but there are some important caveats. Calculators and trackers are usually legal, solvers can’t be used during a game, and HUDs lie somewhere in the middle. They were originally legal, then banned, and now operate on a case-by-case basis, with some online poker sites offering built-in HUDs.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how and when you can legally use online poker software:
Real-Time Assistance
If you’re using software away from the tables, before or after a session, there’s never going to be an issue. It goes without saying that, if you want to be a winning poker player, you need to study. Poker analysis software is common and will help to improve your game.
Also, when you’re working with online poker tools that provide help in real time, that’s when things become problematic.
It’s perfectly fine to use multi-tabling software, for example, as this kind of tool doesn’t give you any sort of advantage. But if the poker program you’re using provides access to information that other players don’t have, it’s likely to be considered cheating.
Gaining an Edge
If you’re firing up a poker solver online mid-game to help you decide what to do, you’re almost certainly breaking the rules. This gives you too much of an unfair advantage.
But what about a HUD or a poker hand tracker? These tools can also be used to assist players in the middle of a game and gain an edge. But is it really “cheating” to use them?
At the moment, the industry is trending towards tighter restrictions, blocking the use of such software. Some sites have developed their own HUDs which are much more limited. These are obviously permitted, but the use of third-party software is not allowed.
Terms of Use
Basically, it all comes down to the discretion of the individual poker room. And the only way to know if what you want to do is allowed is to read the site’s rules. Everything you need to know will be detailed in the terms and conditions.
If you have any doubt at all, speak to the customer support team for clarification. Don’t guess and take risks, otherwise you could be punished.
Penalties
What happens if you’re caught using poker software that’s not allowed?
The exact punishment may vary on a case by case basis, but it will almost certainly involve a ban. Also, it’s highly likely that any funds in your account will be seized pending an investigation. They probably won’t be returned.
Is it actually illegal to use online poker software, as in breaking the law? Well, you’re unlikely to face criminal charges of any kind.
One of the most famous cases of real-time assistance in online poker involved the Austrian player Fedor Kruse. In 2020, his “Dream Machine” resulted in a ban and the confiscation of around $250,000. Despite all of this, no criminal charges were brought.
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Types of Software Poker Tools
From trackers to calculators, there are many different types of poker software, and each one has a different purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the main version of poker software and what each one can be used for:
Poker Solvers
The best poker software is usually a solver that teaches you GTO poker strategy. GTO stands for game theory optimum, and it teaches you an unexploitable strategy both as an aggressor and defender.
These powerful tools crunch various data – including hand ranges, board textures and bet sizes – to reveal the most balanced action. The output displays the optimal betting, calling, raising and folding frequencies in any given spot.
By simulating many different scenarios, and learning the correct plays, you’re gaining experience that will serve you well in a real game. This makes poker solvers a must-use online poker analysis software for any wanna be poker pro.
If you’re playing in the best online poker tournaments, you can bet your opponents are running solvers after they finish their session.
Who is it for?
Advanced players
Why use it?
To analyze one specific spot
Is it legal?
Yes, but not while playing
Poker Trackers
Another top poker software option is poker trackers. It gathers data from your live play and helps you analyze own game or your opponents at or away the tables.
In order to study the way you play and spot any potential weaknesses, you need to build a comprehensive hand history database.
There are other perks to doing this, too, such as building up a similar knowledge base about the opponents you face most frequently.
The best way to achieve this – particularly when you play at multiple different sites – is to use automatic hand tracking software.
This concept is almost as old as online poker itself. PokerTracker – one of the earliest poker tracking software tools – has been around since 2001. That particular software is now on its fourth iteration, and is widely regarded as one of the most trusted poker pro tools around.
Who is it for?
Intermediate and advanced players
Why use it?
To keep track of your played hands
Is it legal?
Yes
Poker HUDs
HUD stands for heads-up display. A proper HUD is considered an essential part of the best poker software.
In a poker context, the idea is pretty much the same. A HUD shows useful information about your current session on screen. It offers real-time insight into your opponents’ play, including things like how frequently they raise pre-flop.
The best HUDs can be configured any way you like, allowing you to pick and choose the information you’d like to see.
HUDs were a hot topic for some time, with some players seeing it as cheating. But, these days, many online poker sites have them built in. For example, as you can see in our CoinPoker review, they released a major software update in March 2026 which included a feature called PokerIntel, which has useful stats on both your play and that of your opponents.
These built-in solutions are usually more limited than some of the specialist HUDs, but it’s a solid indicator that there’s a place for them in online poker – as long as it’s permitted by the poker site.
Who is it for?
All players
Why use it?
To get real-time info on you and your opponents’ behavior
Is it legal?
Site-specific rules apply
Poker Odds Calculators
One of the oldest and simplest poker tools, a poker odds calculator helps you understand your chances of winning in a certain spot. They are considered important poker training software for your studying routine.
Simply enter your hand, as well as that of your opponent, and find out how the two compare. You can also enter flop, turn or river cards to see how the probabilities change.
Odds calculators are perfect for hands where you already possess all of the relevant information. They can’t be used to simulate bigger picture scenarios with multiple variables – only very specific situations.
They’re often used to work out exactly how bad of a beat a player just suffered, for example.
Who is it for?
All players
Why use it?
To see how likely you were to win a certain pot
Is it legal?
Yes
Poker Equity Calculators
An equity calculator is a poker hand analysis tool that’s similar to an odds calculator, but it’s just a little bit more powerful.
They still analyze hand matchups, but equity calculators can also factor in the incomplete information. For example, the likelihood of your opponent simply folding to a bet. A basic odds calculator can’t account for such an eventuality.
In short, odds calculators tell you the basic probability of something happening, while equity calculators reveal your hand’s value in relation to the pot. This makes equity calculator a better poker software alternative for your improvement off the tables.
Who is it for?
Intermediate and advanced players
Why use it?
To get more insight that a standard poker calculator
Is it legal?
Yes
Multi-Tabling Software
Playing more than one table at the same time can be confusing. But it’s essential if you want to increase the volume of hands played and maximize your edge. That’s where multi-tabling software comes into play.
Programs like StackAndTile, or Jurojin Poker, manage your tables for you. They automatically bring the most important ones into focus and keep the rest out of the way.
This is a more efficient way to play and it can help you to be more productive.
Some of these programs come with other features, too. Jurojin, for instance, has a built-in HUD that displays useful information like Stack-to-Pot Ratio and pot odds. Simply put, if you are serious about your grind volume, the best poker software will remove that stress and make grinding smooth for you.
Who is it for?
Grinders who play multiple tables at once
Why use it?
To arrange tables efficiently on your screen
Is it legal?
Yes
How We Reviewed Each Poker Software
We carefully analyze each piece of poker software, factoring in everything from features and cost to usability.
Here’s what we look for in the best poker software tools:
Features & Functionality
Solvers, trackers, calculators and other poker software tools have broadly different functions, but then there’s also a huge difference in their features. For example, some hand calculators are only for Hold’em, while others cover Omaha, Stud and more.
The best poker software has useful features aimed at the right audience, without being cluttered.
Ease of Setup & Compatibility
There’s inevitably going to be a learning curve when you’re setting up a new piece of poker software, but the best options walk you through this in a step-by-step format.
Sadly, even some of the most well-known poker software tools are still only functional on either Windows or Mac, which seems like a big oversight in 2026.
Performance & Accuracy
Any of you who are looking for the best poker software already understand the importance of precision. Every decision you make in poker has a knock-on effect, so there’s no room (or excuse) for mistakes with software.
Every poker tool we recommend has been tested extensively and proven to deliver consistently accurate data.
User Experience
You could have the most advanced piece of poker software in the world, but – without the right interface – it would be impossible to use. That’s why the user experience is so important.
Specifically, we’re looking for a simple onboarding experience, no glitches, user-intuitive menus, and basically nothing that makes the software more complicated than it needs to be.
Pricing & Value
A lot of the best online poker software tools will give you a free trial, but this usually runs out in a month or less. After that, you need to decide if it’s worth the price tag.
We love poker software tools where you pay once and get a lifetime subscription, but that’s not always possible. Most require a monthly payment, ranging from a few bucks to a few hundred.
Updates & Developer Support
The best poker software will receive regular improvements, bug fixes, and updated features. And have an active community, where users can make suggestions to the developers.
This is particularly important with any poker software where you pay once and get it for life. If a poker tool isn’t maintained regularly, it’s probably not worth your time.
Advantages of Online Poker Tools
Poker tools such as hand trackers, solvers, calculators and coaching can train you to understand poker decisions on a deeper level. This could be by looking at hand charts and memorizing which hands you should call, fold or raise with. Or it could be more personalized, with hand reviews and reports catching repeated mistakes in your games that you can fix quite easily.
Here are the main benefits of using online poker software:
Get a Deeper Understanding of Poker
Whichever poker software tools you use, they’re going to help develop your understanding of the game.
If you’re a decent player, you’ll intuitively learn to tighten up around the bubble, or the end stages of a satellite. But using poker tools and learning about ICM pressure helps you figure out the math and logic behind it all.
Stop Making Mistakes
One of the main aims of the best poker software is to plug holes in your game.
Most poker players make the same mistakes repeatedly. If you knew what they were, you would’ve stopped by now. By reviewing and analyzing thousands of hands, poker software tools can detect patterns in your play which you can cut out.
Go Into Auto-Pilot
Hand charts in particular are one of the best poker training tools if you want to just know the best decision right off the bat.
Some poker software lets you run drills over and over, choosing whether to fold, call or raise. Eventually, this becomes second nature – which opens the door to multi-tabling without the stress.
Join the Poker Community
Many poker software tools have active Telegram and Discord communities, where you can make new friedns and discuss poker stratgies.
While the social element is cool and helps keep you engaged, it’s also really useful. Other players can let you know about upcoming tournaments, sell their action, tip you off on overlays and the best poker bonuses – the list of benefits is endless.
Poker Training Software vs Classic Poker Training
Poker training software focuses on understanding the math behind poker, while classic poker training is about the bigger picture. If you’re serious about improving as a player, you should consider both of these options. But they serve different purposes.
Poker Training Software
Poker training software should really be viewed as a study aid. Think of it like using a calculator.
Ultimately, this is a tool that helps you to solve mathematical problems much more quickly than doing it in your head. But if you don’t understand the concepts of addition and subtraction first, no calculator in the world is going to help you.
Software like GTO solvers, for instance, help you to simulate different situations so that you’re prepared to face them in real games. But, you need to be taught the basics of GTO before you can get any benefit out of such a tool.
This means that poker training software is for players who either have a solid understanding of online poker or are willing to put in the hours and research it themselves.
Classic Poker Training
Meanwhile, classic poker training courses improve your thinking behind the game. Not only will these properly structured classes help you to learn at your own pace, but they also come with access to experienced mentors who can offer insight and personally tailored advice.
By working with an experienced poker adviser first, you can get to grips with the fundamentals more easily. It will then become much more natural to use software for solo study.
There are poker training courses for beginners, intermediate players, and experts. You’re never too experienced to keep learning.
Unlike poker training software, you can be a complete newbie and start classic poker training (assuming you choose a beginners’ course). You’ll be walked through every step of the process by a verified poker expert. It’s like having a personal trainer at the gym who’s been there, done that, and is here to help.
Free vs Paid Poker Software
Paid poker software almost always offers more in-depth, rich data, but some poker software providers also offer free tools which are well worth a look.
Here's how free poker software compares to paid poker software:
Free Poker Software
Paid Poker Software
Tool Types
Hand Calculators, basic HUDs
Advanced HUDs, trackers solvers, coaching
Price
Free
From $7 to $200+ per month. Mixture of monthly subscriptions and one-off lifetime payments
Stakes
Micros only
Micro, medium and high stakes
Daily Limits
Often limited to a 1-5 solutions per day
No daily limit on highest-paid plans
Game Types
Mainly Hold'em
Hold'em, Omaha, Stud, Short Deck
Best For
Beginners
Advanced players
One of the simplest free tools is the CardPlayer calculator, which lets you run any specific hand and find out the percentage odds of each player winning. It only takes a few seconds to input the information, and it's totally intuitive.
A lot of poker software providers will offer a free trial of an otherwise-paid tool, sometimes for a week or perhaps 30 days. And others make their product free, but with limitations. For example, Jurojin is free for microstakes players, but requires paid membership for higher stakes.
All of the most advanced poker tools are paid. This will either be as a monthly or annual fee, or a one-time price that unlocks the product for a lifetime. Solvers and sophisticated hand trackers are almost exclusively paid products.
Paid poker game software is the only option if you want to play at medium or high stakes, and if you want access to professional insight at the highest level. Free online poker software has its place, but will only get you so far at the microstakes.
How to Choose the Right Poker Game Software
Different poker tools are targeted at different types of players, so you need to carefully choose between a HUD, calculator, hand tracker, solver or coaching before you buy any software.
To help you make the right choice, ask yourself these questions:
Are you a beginner, intermediate, or pro? If you’re new to online poker software, don’t take on too much too fast. Start with a calculator or hand tracker. If you’re more advanced, consider coaching and solvers.
What is your budget? Prices vary wildly, from a relatively small one-time payment to hundreds of dollars per month. Assess your monthly poker budget and only invest in software that makes practical sense. There’s no point paying a $100+ monthly subscription if you’re one-tabling a $0.01/$0.02 game.
How much time do you want to spend studying? Some programs like HUDs run automatically and require very little effort. Advance coaching requires hours of reading, watching video content, and analyzing your own hands. Before you buy anything, take an honest assessment of how much time you can commit to it.
Tips For Using Poker Software
There are a few tips you can follow to avoid making some common mistakes that first-time poker software users often make. Here's what we suggest:
Start with a free trial. Most poker software tools give you a free trial, so take advantage of this to figure out whether you like it or not.
Make sure it fits your game. Check whether it’s right for your stakes and format, whether that’s cash games, MTTs, Sit & Gos or something else.
Study for realistic timeframes. Don’t tell yourself you’ll study three hours per day, every day if that’s not realistic. Set small goals which you can achieve in the long term.
Our Verdict
There are many different types of poker software available, all of which can help you to improve your game. Here’s an overview of the key points to remember.
Some software is against the terms of use – If you use certain tools in the middle of a poker game, you could be breaking the site’s rules. Always read the terms and conditions before sitting down to play, or risk punishment.
CoinPoker is fairly software-friendly – At the start of 2025, CoinPoker announced the decision to allow players to use certain real-time assistance tools, including hand trackers with Heads-Up Displays.
There are tools for all budgets – Naturally, the most powerful tools are more expensive. But, whatever type of poker software you’re looking for, there are usually cheaper alternatives that are similarly effective.
FAQs
Which poker tracker is best?
PokerTracker 4 is often cited as the best poker tracking software. Our expert team rates it highly, though other tools – like Holdem Manager 3 – can also do the job well. PokerTracker 4 offers Omaha tracking, as well as Texas Hold’em software, and both can be trialed for 14 days before making a purchase.
Are poker solvers allowed?
You can use a GTO solver away from the tables whenever you like. There’s never been a problem with studying and trying to improve your game before or after a session. But you cannot use solvers in the middle of a game, at any online poker site.
What is the best poker solver?
Our expert team likes PokerSnowie, but GTO Wizard is also an excellent solver. It very much depends on your own personal situation, including your current skill level and budget. PokerSnowie is perhaps the better choice for less experienced players.
What is the best poker software?
GTO Wizard and Holdem Manager 3 are two of the most widely used and popular pieces of online poker software currently available. But poker tools aren't a one-size-fits-all model, and you might prefer PokerTracker 4, PokerCoaching, ICMIZER or any number of tools. It strongly depends on your skill level and which aspect of your game you want to improve the most
What is the purpose of poker tools?
Poker tools exist to improve your game. Two of the main ways to do this are by reviewing your previous play and having the best poker software analyze your weak spots, or by keeping track of in-game stats using a HUD. This essentially allows you to "switch off", but still figure out which players are aggressive or passive.
Do poker pros use software?
Yes, the majority of poker professionals use poker software tools to improve their game. One of the most famous instances of this was when Jonathan Tamayo used a solver on the rail at the WSOP Main Event final table in 2024, eventually winning $10 million and the bracelet.
Do professional poker players use software tools?
Yes, nearly all poker pros use at least some online poker tools. Phil Ivey is a notable exception, but he's an anomaly. For most poker pros, analyzing past sessions and studying to improve is an obvious step towards becoming a better player.
Where can you use poker tools?
You can use poker tools in two ways: while you're playing, or as a post-session study guide. If you want to use poker tools in real time, you need to make sure it's legal to do so. If you want to use a poker solver or other tool once you've finished playing, that's totally legal.
What is the best poker tool for beginners?
If you're an absolute beginner to poker tools, start off with a poker calculator. You simply enter your cards and those of your opponent to see the winning odds. From there, the next step would be to purchase a hand tracker or simple HUD so you can begin to analyze entire sessions rather than individual hands.