PokerTracker 4 Review

Overview

PokerTracker 4 (PT4) is the veteran all‑rounder in poker tracking. It’s built for grinders who want both an in‑game HUD and deep post‑session analysis. PT4 runs on Windows and macOS, offers a 14‑day free trial, and continues to ship regular updates that add site compatibility and fix edge‑case import/HUD issues.

What PT4 does best

• Serious analysis toolkit. The reporting and filtering engine is still one of the most flexible available. You can drill into positions, stack depths, board textures, and player tendencies without fighting the UI. PT4’s “Custom Stats/HUD/Reports” ecosystem remains huge.
• Cross‑platform reliability. PT4 maintains active macOS builds (with mac‑specific HUD fixes noted in recent release notes), which is rare among trackers.
• Stable database backbone. PT4 uses PostgreSQL for storage. It’s more setup than an embedded DB, but you gain scalability and performance once tuned. (PT4 documents performance tuning and currently supports PostgreSQL up to v16.)

Setup & everyday use

You’ll install PT4, then PostgreSQL (if you don’t have it), point PT4 at your poker site’s hand‑history folder, and start auto‑import. Once the HUD attaches, you can refine HUD profiles and pop‑ups. If your database grows, PT4’s guides on PostgreSQL tuning and maintenance are worth following.

HUD & study workflow

PT4’s HUD editor allows multi‑line stat groups, color ranges, and detailed pop‑ups. After sessions, the filter builder and graphing let you answer questions like “How are BTN vs BB 3‑bet pots going on low paired boards?” without exporting to spreadsheets. The community’s custom profiles and stats extend this a ton.

Performance & stability

Speed is tied mostly to drive performance (SSD helps) and how optimized your PostgreSQL is. With large databases, consider regular vacuum/maintenance and archiving old hands to keep queries snappy.

Compatibility & policy notes

PT4’s release notes routinely add/repair support for popular rooms (PokerStars, WPN, iPoker, etc.), including macOS‑specific HUD tweaks. Always check room policies on HUDs/hand histories before playing.

Who should choose PT4?

Players who value maximum control over reports and HUD logic—and who don’t mind managing a real database—will feel at home. If you’re on Mac and want a flagship tracker, PT4 is on the very short list with solid native support.