Comparison
Free Equilab Alternative — Browser-Based, Modern, Multi-Variant
Equilab is the legendary free poker equity calculator from PokerStrategy.com. Hundreds of thousands of players have used it. It works — but it's Windows-only, requires download and install, and the UI hasn't substantially changed since ~2010. PokerPro is the modern browser-based alternative. Honest side-by-side.
Equilab is free, accurate, and trusted by serious players — but it requires a Windows download and install, doesn't work on Mac/Linux/mobile, and has a dated UI. PokerPro runs in any modern browser, supports Hold'em + Pineapple + Omaha PLO, includes an AI Hand Reviewer, and adds 18 other free tools. For most players in 2026, PokerPro is the better starting point.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | PokerPro | Equilab |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Hold'em equity | ||
| Omaha (PLO) equity | ||
| 3-Card Hold'em / Pineapple | ||
| Range vs range calculator | ||
| AI Hand Reviewer (LLM-powered) | ||
| Strategy cheatsheets (TAG/LAG/NIT/GTO) | ||
| Hand history file analyzer | ||
| Browser-based (no install) | ||
| Works on Mac | ||
| Works on Linux | ||
| Works on mobile | ||
| Equity graphs / spread visualization | ||
| Modern UI (2020s design) | ||
| Free |
Where Equilab wins
Honest take — Equilab is genuinely better for these use cases:
- →Equity graphs — visualize how equity shifts across many runouts (we don't have this in our calculator yet)
- →Established in the European poker community since the late 2000s — backed by PokerStrategy.com
- →Active offline — works without internet once installed
- →Supports drag-and-drop range manipulation that some users prefer to clicking grid cells
Where PokerPro wins
- Browser-based — works on Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iPad, mobile. Equilab is Windows-only.
- No download or install — open the URL, start using it. Equilab requires a download, install, and account.
- 3-Card Hold'em / Pineapple support — Equilab is Hold'em + Omaha only. We added Pineapple in May 2026.
- AI Hand Reviewer — Claude-powered hand analysis. Equilab has no AI features.
- 18 other free tools — pot odds, ICM, push/fold, variance simulator, GTO trainer, hand replayer, range library, etc. Equilab is calculator-only.
- Modern responsive design — clean dark UI built in 2026. Equilab UI hasn't substantially changed in 15+ years.
- 4 strategy cheatsheets + 28 Q&A articles + 5-lesson Poker 101 course — Equilab is a calculator only, no learning content.
Why browser-based wins for most users
Equilab's biggest pain point is platform lock-in. If you're on a Mac, you need to run Windows through Bootcamp, Parallels, or a virtual machine — none of which are quick. If you use Linux, you need Wine. If you're traveling or want to study on your phone, you can't. PokerPro works on every platform with a modern browser: Mac, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, Android. Open the URL, start studying. The math is the same; the access is dramatically better.
Equity calculation accuracy
Both tools use Monte Carlo simulation. Equilab runs at a slightly higher iteration count (typically 100,000+) vs our 80,000 — but the practical accuracy difference is negligible. Both are sub-1% accurate, well within decision-quality margins. Both are used by professional players. Don't choose between them based on accuracy.
What you give up moving from Equilab to PokerPro
We're honest — there are real things Equilab does that we don't:
- •Equity graphs across runouts: Equilab can show you how equity changes as the board runs out (a curve over time). We show point equity but not the distribution — yet. On our roadmap.
- •Offline mode: Equilab works without internet. PokerPro requires a connection (browser-based). For travel without WiFi, Equilab wins.
- •Drag-and-drop range manipulation: Equilab has more advanced range editing for power users. Our 13×13 grid is simpler — easier for beginners, less granular for pros.
What you gain moving to PokerPro
Beyond just being browser-based:
- •Multi-variant calculator with Pineapple support (Equilab doesn't support 3-card Hold'em)
- •AI Hand Reviewer — paste a hand, Claude analyzes it (no equivalent in Equilab)
- •Complete training platform — calculators, cheatsheets, articles, glossary, lessons in one place
- •Free without account — no Equilab signup required to access most features
- •Modern UI with mobile-responsive design
The honest verdict
- You're on Mac, Linux, or mobile (Equilab won't work natively)
- You want AI-powered hand analysis
- You want a complete training platform, not just a calculator
- You're starting your poker study and want a modern, intuitive interface
- You play 3-card Hold'em / Pineapple variants
- You're on Windows and already have Equilab installed
- You need offline access (no internet at the table or while studying)
- You specifically need equity graphs across runouts
- You're a Hold'em or Omaha purist (Equilab supports both)
- You want a battle-tested 15-year-old tool with millions of users
No signup, no download, runs in your browser.
Frequently asked
Is Equilab still free?
Yes. Equilab has been free since launch and remains free as of 2026. PokerPro is also free for the core toolkit (19 tools, no signup). Both tools have no per-use cost.
Why doesn't Equilab work on Mac?
Equilab is built as a Windows desktop application using technologies that don't run natively on macOS. Workarounds exist (Parallels, Wine, Bootcamp) but each adds complexity. PokerPro avoids this entirely by being a browser app — same URL works on every platform.
Can I run Equilab on iPad or iPhone?
No — Equilab has no mobile version. PokerPro works on iOS and Android browsers since it's a web app. You can do equity calculations on the train, in bed, anywhere.
Does PokerPro have everything Equilab has?
Almost — but not quite. We don't have equity graphs across runouts (Equilab does), and our range editor is grid-based rather than drag-select. For most use cases (single-spot equity, range vs range, pot odds), PokerPro is functionally equivalent. For deep study with equity-distribution graphs, Equilab still wins.
Will switching from Equilab feel familiar?
The 13×13 hand class grid is the same standard both tools use. Card selection, range building, and equity displays follow similar conventions. Most Equilab users find PokerPro intuitive within 5 minutes — the main adjustment is browser-based vs desktop.
See also our full alternatives index, all 19 free tools, and the free Poker 101 course.