The best poker software and tools to help you to become a better player
Using good quality poker software and tools is an important part of being a successful online player. Many professionals, or those who want to become one, use poker tools to analyze and improve their game. There is a variety of tools available, with a host of elements that players can use to enhance their game. Some analyze the hands and play of opponents in real time, providing useful statistics that help in the decision-making process. Others are simply intended as a study aid to help players better understand different situations and probabilities.
Poker tools and tutorials are always helpful, of course, and will continue to be of great importance in the future. On other hand, those poker tools that provide real-time analysis will probably be less influential as online poker rooms and networks gradually ban such programs in an effort to level the virtual playing field. The use of real-time HUD software is being accepted by fewer and fewer providers and, across the board, such changes are now typical, and the trend will no doubt continue.
This article concentrates on the best poker software for Windows and Mac that will definitely help casual players, professionals or those who simply want to improve.
Why should you use poker tools?
Of course, you don’t have to run off and get all of the programs listed here. Depending on what type of game you play, your goals regarding online poker, how much time you set aside for the game and so on, there may well be little to justify spending time and money on something that might ultimately not make too much difference to either your enjoyment or your results. Furthermore, to get the most out of this kind of software it helps to have a certain level of poker experience or learning. Having said that, even if you’re only recently starting out on your poker quest, the following should nevertheless make interesting reading as it gives an insight to what elements of the game are considered sufficiently important to create software tools for.
The fact is, however, that unless you play online poker purely for fun, such poker tools can be very useful indeed in contributing to your understanding and subsequent improvement. In terms of the mathematical and strategic aspects of the game, finding and then ironing out mistakes (leaks), these aids are particularly useful.
Poker tools are not all set up and presented in the same way, and some you will like better and find easier to use than others. Moreover, they can be quite complicated. For this reason we recommend that you take advantage of trial versions in order to find your way around something before making a commitment or purchase.
Whichever poker tool you choose, it will improve your understanding of the game and ultimately make you a better player!
The best poker software in 2023
Poker software providers are different in the way they produce and offer up their creations, with some inviting potential customers to try out a test version before buying. This is highly recommended when such an opportunity is offered without any obligation, allowing you to test the whole thing without stress and see whether you feel comfortable using it before deciding whether to take out a subscription or buy a license.
Holdem Manager
Holdem Manager is one of the veterans of the poker software sector, and is available for both Texas Hold’em and Omaha versions. Holdem Manager 2 offers game analysis, real-time statistics, multi-table support, notes, player analysis, reports and records and much more.
There are different pricing models depending on the limit you play, and a welcome free trial.
Summary
- Price: up to $159
- Available for Windows only
- Omaha version
- 30 Day Free Trial
Poker Tracker
Poker Tracker is essentially the same poker tool as Holdem Manager, with a few differences in stats, graphics, and various extra tools. A big advantage of Poker Tracker is that, in addition to the Windows version, there is also one for the Mac.
Here, too, there is a test version.
Summary
- Price: up to $159
- Windows and Mac version available
- Omaha version
- Free trial
PokerSnowie
PokerSnowie is a poker tool suitable for both cash game and tournament players. Improve your own game with useful tips on how to react in certain situations, perform hand range analysis, simulate situations and so on.
Summary
- $99-$229 per year
- Windows version
- Mobile version
- 10 Day Trial version
Flopzilla
As the (brilliant) name suggests, this software revolves around helping players with their pre- and post-flop game. Hand ranges and their implications, comparing scenarios, investigating probabilities … this is an incredibly useful poker tool that will improve your understanding of Flop-related play. Note that the free HoldEq Equity Calculator comes with Flopzilla!
Summary
- Price: $25
- Windows version
- Trial version
ICMIZER
The clue is in the name. In fact, if you play Sit & Go and Multi-table tournaments and don’t know what it’s about from seeing the name, you probably need it more than those who do! This poker software uses the ICM (Independent Chip Model) and FGS (Future Game Simulations) calculations to assist in all-in/fold related situations in tournaments. This is particularly important in the late stages, when such decisions can be critical. A ‘coach’ and a replayer are provided to analyze hands.
Short Summary
- Price: $14.99 or $29.99 per month
- Windows and Mac version
- Trial version
Power Equilab
Power Equilab is an equity calculator that focuses on hands and ranges and their probabilities. Being able to simulate and analyse all possible scenarios will enable you to get a deep understanding of this crucial aspect of the game.
Summary
- Price: $41 per year
- Windows
- Free version available (not all functions included)
Sharkscope
Sharkscope is a very useful tool for tournament players. You can check each of your fellow players at the table to see how much profit/loss someone has made during their online tournament career – very useful for weighing up opponents and to see who is a shark and who could be a fish!
Sharkscope also provides its own HUD as well as a few other features.
Summary
- Prices from $6 up to $99 for a monthly subscription
- 5 free searches per day
- All tournament results from all online poker providers worldwide