888poker vs PokerStars: Which Site is Better for Players?
5 minutes
Last Updated: April 18, 2024
Two of the longest-standing competitors in the online poker space, 888poker and PokerStars have both been around for over two decades and navigated all the twists and turns with exceptional success.
While PokerStars has gone way further in terms of sheer size and player volume, 888poker remains in competition as one of the online poker sites players like to play at for a variety of reasons.
If you are looking for a new site to play poker and want to find out how 888poker and PokerStars stack up these days, you have come to the right place.
We have compared the two gaming giants in various areas, looking to find out which site will offer a better experience to different types of poker players. Here is what we came up with.
Poker Bonuses at 888poker and PokerStars
| 888poker | PokerStars | |
| Welcome Bonus | 100% up to $1,000 | 100% up to $600 |
| Extra | $8 No Deposit Bonus | N/A |
| Clearance Rate | 20% | 33% |
| Bonus Period | 90 Days | 90 Days |
The welcome bonus is the first thing many poker players consider when choosing a poker site to play at, as it gives them a boost to kick things off in the right way.
At 888poker, all players who create an account can expect a free $8 no deposit bonus. To get this $8 you won’t need to make any deposits, but simply create an account and start playing.
Players who do decide to make a deposit will receive a 100% deposit match worth up to $1,000, which is released into the player’s account in increments of $10.
To release the bonus cash, you will need to accumulate 10 Bonus Points for every $1 in cash, and the Bonus Points are earned at a rate of 2 Points per $1 paid in rake or tournament fees.
On the other hand, the PokerStars welcome bonus is worth 100% up to $600, but is released at a rate of $5 for every $15 paid in tournament fees or rake.
Verdict: The PokerStars welcome bonus is somewhat smaller but clears at a significantly higher rate. Players must decide if they want to go for sheer bonus size or a faster release rate when picking between these two.
Player Rewards Programs – 888poker vs PokerStars
Both 888poker and PokerStars have changed their player rewards schemes on multiple occasions over the years.
Today, 888poker offers cash game players flat-rate rakeback paid every week based on sheer volume and the amount of rake paid at the tables.
Players who pay between $200 and $999 in rake in a week get 20% rakeback, those who pay between $1,000 and $1,999 get 35%, and those who pay over $2,000 in rake get 50% in weekly rakeback.
PokerStars, on the other hand, pays players through the Stars Rewards program, with different VIP levels receiving between 15% and 40% depending on their volume.
Even the highest raking players at PokerStars cannot get the 50% offered by 888poker, and the volume required for the 40% level is higher than that required to get 50% at 888poker.
Verdict: 888poker offers a higher return to all but the lowest raking players, with flat-rate weekly rakeback paid into player’s accounts. Stars Rewards program is better for micro stakes players who get some return even if raking just $1 per week.
Game Selection: Can 888poker Compare with PokerStars?
When it comes to game selection, PokerStars has the clear advantage in terms of volume and size, with a great deal more players playing on the platform than 888poker.
Tournament guarantees at PokerStars, especially for major tournament series and weekend events, are significantly bigger, making PokerStars the better choice for tournament players looking for big events.
When it comes to cash games, you will also find a deeper player pool and more different game types offered at PokerStars.
However, there is something to be said for the quality of the games as well. 888poker games are traditionally considered softer than those at PokerStars, as a great number of casual players play at 888poker.
With 888 being a major casino and sports betting brand, many players who play online poker on the platform are not as experienced or versed at the game as those at PokerStars.
| 888poker | PokerStars | |
| Cash Games | NLH $0.01/$0.02 to $10/$20, PLO $0.01/$0.02 to $5/$10 | NLH $0.01/$0.02 to $200/$400, PLO $0.01/$0.02 to $200/$400 |
| MTTs | Re-Entry, PKO, Mystery Bounty, PLO, and More | Re-Entry, PKO, Mystery Bounty, PLO, and More |
| SNGs | N/A | $0.25 to $1,000 |
| Jackpot SNGs | Blast | Spin & Go |
| Fast Fold Poker | Snap | Zoom Poker |
| Mixed Games | N/A | Cash Games and Tournaments |
| Special Game Formats | Beginner Games | Kick Off, Power Path |
Verdict: PokerStars offers significantly more games and a deeper player pool, but 888poker games are softer and easier to beat for an average player than those at PokerStars.
Software & Mobile Support on 888poker and PokerStars
When it comes to software, few online poker operators can come close to PokerStars, but 888poker does stack up rather nicely.
Looking at the desktop clients, both operators offer a very high quality of play, although the PokerStars platform looks just a bit more professional and offers slightly better features.
Looking at the respective mobile poker apps, both operators offer support for Android and iOS devices, with the 888poker app lacking a few features and not allowing access to certain tournaments through mobile devices.
Verdict: While both operators have high-quality platforms, the PokerStars client performs just a little bit better on both desktop and mobile devices.
Final Vedrict
888poker and PokerStars are quite a bit different, and although both are high-end online poker platforms, they look to cater to different types of players.
- PokerStars offers a better welcome bonus, more cash game volume, and bigger guarantees in tournaments, making it ideal for professional poker players who rely on volume and promotions for profit.
- 888poker is ideal for amateurs, recreational players, and pros looking for soft games who don’t necessarily need a dozen tables running at the same time.
While PokerStars is easily the winner in terms of volume and size, the games on 888poker are some of the best you will find in today’s online poker climate.
Unlike PokerStars, the 888poker games are not infested by regulars looking to play every hand perfectly, and you will find plenty of players splashing around and having a good time.
That said, if you are a tournament player, you will find the same at PokerStars, as large field PKO or Mystery Bounty tournaments tend to attract hundreds of fish just looking to have a good time on either platform.
The final decision will be yours, and will come down to what your main goal in poker is and what types of poker games you prefer to play in, but both platforms will deliver in their own way.
