No Download Online Poker Sites I Trust
by Josh H, Owner and Editor-in-Chief
Once upon a time - as in when I first started playing online poker more than a decade ago - no download poker sites for real money were a pipe dream. The few intrepid poker room developers to try no download play crafted buggy half-baked Flash experiences.
Fast-forward to today and online poker players have grown up as the rest of the world has. Patience for downloads and installations? Gone. Who wants to load a 5-minute update when you just want to instantly play poker?
The difference these days? Poker sites without downloads actually know what they're doing.
You actually can:
- Play at no download real money poker sites instantly without downloading anything
- Use any OS or mobile device without downloads
- Have everything work smoothly and be browser-based
- Play both cash games and tournaments with instant play
- Enjoy a mostly bug-free experience that rivals the standalone software
Of course, that's if you avoid the fatal mistake of listening to outdated poker sites and affiliates. still trying to sell you on no download messes seemingly slapped together by toddlers with safety scissors and glue sticks.
I've actually played at and tested every no download online poker site listed here extensively.
Let's dive into the results.
888 Poker No Download
The market leader for no download poker sites is probably 888 Poker. I had success with every computer, phone, and tablet I tried there.
Essentially, the no download software is the exact same one players download on Windows or Mac. All tournaments and cash games work in-browser.
Why it's probably the best no download poker site:
- It just works from every device and every browser. I've tested the 888 Poker no download client from a Windows 10 PC, a Mac, an iPhone 6 Plus, a 3rd Generation iPad, an Android phone, and a cheap Android tablet. It all transferred and loaded each lobby and real money table within 3-5 seconds. Chrome, Safari, Edge, and even (gasp in horror) IE. It all just worked. There's really no download required to get the full playing experience.
- No Flash is used. Flash is, like, so 2005. Buggy, unresponsive, and finicky about your browser are what I think of when I see Flash. Although some poker sites are still using outdated Flash-based options to make no download instant play work, it looks like 888 is using lightweight Javascript coding. This allows player actions to be uploaded quicker and each action to transfer smoothly. You can play for real money or work your way up from the free poker games.
- Each table opens in a separate instant play window. This allows you to multi-table when done from a desktop. Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Stud are all available for real money from the no download software.
- No download poker play feels just like the desktop software and mobile app. If you log in to the poker site using your phone or tablet, you'll see lobbies and tables identical to the mobile app. If you use a Windows, Mac, or even something counterculture like Linux you'll see lobbies, tables, and options that look just like what you've downloaded. It looks like 888 Poker has perfectly coded their traditional software to work in a no download browser window.
- The complete cashier is available. You don't need to download anything to make deposits or withdrawals using any method.
Needed improvements for 888 Poker instant play:
- It's tough to peg down anything that 888 Poker really got wrong with this one. It's my favorite no download poker site and one of the few that I don't try out for the heck of it and then think, "Okay, now just let me download the real thing."
No Download Player Bonus:
100% up to €400
plus
€88 free instantly
Tested and Working on:
The download-free instant play version of 888 Poker looks and works almost identically to the standalone download.
4.75/5 Stars
Unibet Poker Instant Play
Unibet Poker flies under the radar a bit, but they have one of the best no download poker sites that's identical to the full download.
Essentially, the no download software plays exactly like the one players download on Windows or Mac. All tournaments and cash games load in-browser.
What's best about their no download poker:
- No download is literally identical to the desktop software. I played on both the no download version and the download client immediately after each other. The only minute difference was that the no download Unibet Poker tables don't blur the avatars when they aren't involved in a hand.
- I really like the graphical style. Unibet has simple and straightforward software with an emphasis on bold graphics. Tons of table styles and goofy avatar choices.
- I haven't encountered any issues. I've read about complaints from players about disconnects and slow loads. I didn't have a single one with the no download version. No antiquated Flash instant poker here.
- All games are available. You can either play a tournament or any cash game on the Unibet site with no download required. Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and even the obscure Banzai can be played for real money from any browser.
What needs to be improved in-browser:
- No multi-table play. There is only a single window that opens for the no download site so you're forced to choose the one instant play game you want to play most.
No Download Bonus:
100% up to €200
plus
€20 free instantly
Tested and Working on:
Unibet Poker instant play looks identical to the "full" software.
4.5/5 Stars
PKR Poker (closed)
Although the 3D PKR Poker download software is incredible, you're going to need a fairly powerful computer to run it.
The alternative? The excellent new no download site version. It isn't anything special to look at, but it works very well on browsers from every device.
What I liked about playing without downloading:
- Very nice alternative to the big 3D software when you're away from your desktop. Sure, I've loved the 3D desktop client since this poker room first launched it in 2006, but it just isn't an option when you're on a computer away from home or too lazy to get up off the sofa. With the no-download site you can still use your PKR account online from a mobile or on a guest computer.
- All games available. You'll be able to play the same cash games, including the staples Texas Hold'em and Omaha, and tournaments as on the downloadable software.
- Smooth and responsive. The no-download PKR client site worked very well in my tests, with some basic animations and quick loads of each table.
- Multiple tables supported. Each table opens in a separate window, allowing you to tile them on big monitors.
No download version improvements:
- Chrome browser isn't supported. This seems like a boneheaded and very specific shortcoming, but as of my last test it was still true. One of the most popular browsers in the world (and my personal browser choice) won't work at the PKR no-download site.
No Download Bonus:
200%
up to
€400
Tested and Working on:
It's totally different than the 3D download version, but PKR's no download browser poker is excellent.
4.75/5 Stars
Titan Poker No Download
Titan Poker is a little behind the times because they have neither a Mac download nor a mobile app, but they do have a no download poker version.
It seems to be based on Flash and have more hiccups than other poker sites, but it's still another viable option for instant play games.
Why you check their no download poker version:
- Another no download option poker. It isn't my first choice, but it's another no download poker site to add to the arsenal if you like Titan Poker.
- Works from most browsers. It isn't incredibly responsive, but it has worked for real money everywhere I've tested it.
- Desktops, phones, and tablets can all play browser based. Strangely, Titan Poker doesn't even offer a downloadable app or a native Mac poker download. Instead, they direct those users to the instant play version.
What needs to be improved:
- Lower compatibility than other instant no download poker sites. It seems based on Flash, which some devices refuse to run well.
- Noticeably worse than downloadable software. The goal of no download online poker sites is to mimic the full software as much as possible. This one is noticeably worse.
- Playing multiple tables is difficult. Although up to 4 poker tables is supported via browser, it seems to require too many system resources to run very well.
No Download Bonus:
200% up to €1,500
plus
unlimited 20% rakeback
Tested and Working on:
Titan Poker does offer in-browser play and that's actually all you can use on Mac or mobile.
3.5/5 Stars
My Pick for for No Download Poker Play
For my time, it's the only no download poker site I've actually mostly allowed replace my traditional desktop poker software. It's worked for me consistently, loads instantly, doesn't hog a lot of resources or use Flash, and has every poker game, including Texas Hold'em, you'd find in a download.
winner
Compatible with all browsers on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
No Download Bonus: 100% up to $400, $88 free, and 10 private freerolls
No Download Poker Sites
| Rank | Poker Site | USA | Download Required | Cash Games | Instant Tournaments | Link to Play In-Browser |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 888 Poker | No | No | Yes | Yes | Launch in Browser |
| 2. | Unibet | No | No | Yes | Yes | Launch in Browser |
| 3. | BetOnline | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Launch in Browser |
| 4. | PKR | No | No | Yes | Yes | Launch in Browser |
| 5. | Ignition Poker | Yes | No | Yes | No | Launch in Browser |
| 6. | Titan Poker | No | No | Yes | Yes | Launch in Browser |
Do poker sites offer games without downloading software?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, most online poker sites have gotten away from forcing players to download their software. You can play at a number of real-money poker sites on any desktop or mobile simply by logging in to your account on your browser. My current recommendation is Global Poker, which works entirely in your browser and even supports multiple tables.
Which poker site has the best instant play?
For me, it's between Global Poker for American players and 888 Poker for those in the rest of the world. Both of them have instant play on mobile without an app. You'll also play on the same cash tables and tournaments as software players.
Can you play online poker on mobile without downloading an app?
Yes, the better online poker sites now work on mobile browsers, eliminating the need for an app. Just log in to your poker account and you can play games instantly, without waiting for anything to download.
Do Mac browsers work with no-download poker software?
Safari, both on mobile or a desktop Mac, loads no-download poker software just fine. Mac poker software has also come a long way, with the largest poker sites like Bovada Poker now offering a native download version if you prefer to play outside of your browser.
More Examples of No-Download Poker
The BetOnline Poker no download lobby in browser mode. On mobile it will look identical.
Proof of the Ignition Poker instant play client on a desktop.
The only drawback of Ignition Poker's no download software is the lack of tournaments or multiple tables.
The simplistic Quick Seat function at Unibet instant play.
An example of a full-featured cashier that you'll find at no download poker sites. This one is from PKR.
The complete poker lobby is available on almost every site that offers instant play without a download.
Online Poker Without a Download FAQs
Do any sites offer no download poker play for real money?
Yes, every poker site listed allows real money play on their browser based software with no download required. Most allow both cash game and tournament play for Texas Hold'em and Omaha.
Are there any USA poker options without download?
Yes, and you'll find details on both poker sites above. Ignition Poker is of the smoothest no download options overall for USA players. Americans can make deposits, withdrawals, and play either cash games or fast-fold cash games on the no download poker client.
The other option is BetOnline Poker, which also accepts all US players for real money. The client is actually much better with multi-table play functionality and tournaments, but you'll have to type in the no download URL directly.
Do no download poker sites work from mobile phones and tablets?
Yes, every site I've tested on this page also played from my iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. In fact, no download poker was largely developed to target players on mobile who were averse to downloading a new app. Only outdated poker rooms running Flash won't on mobile.
How secure are the no download poker clients?
Poker sites with instant play use at least the same encryption as their downloadable software. Both gameplay data and banking will be covered. If an online poker room has a valid license it also covers their no download software.
Is there a free no download option?
Yes, absolutely. There is no payment or deposit necessary to try out no download poker or to launch the client. Every one of them offers play money free games in addition to real-money games so you can sample how the games actually run on your device before risking anything.
Are no download tournaments supported?
Yes. Most no download poker sites allow for tournament play at every event found in their standard poker software. Specialty tournaments like Sit and Go's or Snap are also supported. There are occasional exceptions, such as Ignition Poker, who only supports cash games from in-browser.
Can deposits and withdrawals be made from the browser?
Yes, and, in fact, most poker site software-based cashiers actually launch a separate browser window for banking anyway. You'll find a cashier link in just about every no download window.
Does Party Poker no download play exist?
Instant play Party Poker did used to exist for several years and was actually one of the better offerings out there. I believe they used Java, which was more stable than some of the awful old sites based on Flash.
Unfortunately, it seems that Party Poker (who teamed up with bwin) transitioned to a two-headed monster now: the very good mobile app and the traditional download for Windows or Mac play. No links on their site to the no download version work. It doesn't exist anymore.
Any poker site that still references it is just regurgitating outdated information.
Do any sites offer instant no download video poker?
Of course, video poker is a casino house game as opposed to the player vs. player poker rooms that the rest of this page is about. However, there are several online casinos that offer video poker without no download of any software. My top choices would be 888 Casino or Ignition Casino for US players.
