Canasta needs four players, two partnerships and a good while, and getting everyone round the same table isn’t always easy. Online, there’s always a game waiting. You can practise against the computer at midnight, join players from around the world, or keep your weekly game going with friends who’ve moved away.
This page brings together everything we’ve tested: the best websites, the best apps, and an honest review of each one.
Ways to play Canasta online
Against the computer.
The best way to learn, or to try a new strategy without letting your partner down. Tableza has three levels, with hints on easy in Canasta. LITE Games’ app lets you set how strong your computer partner and opponents are.
Against live players.
World of Card Games deals you into a game with no signup, and Canasta Junction runs live tables (by subscription) and daily tournaments for Modern American Canasta players.
With friends and family.
Tableza, World of Card Games and Canasta Junction all have private tables. On World of Card Games, bots fill empty seats, so two of you can still play a four-player game.
On your phone.
All of these sites work in a phone browser. If you’d rather have an app, see our Top 3 Best Canasta Apps.
Which game?
Make sure you pick a platform that plays your version:
- Classic Canasta: Tableza, World of Card Games, LITE Games app
- Hand and Foot: Tableza, World of Card Games, Extreme Hand and Foot app
- Modern American Canasta: Canasta Junction
Play Canasta & Hand and Foot on Tableza
Practise against the computer or invite your partner and friends to a private table, on desktop or mobile.
Play free on Tableza →Free to play · No download
Our guides and reviews
Top 3 Best Online Canasta Sites
Tableza, World of Card Games and Canasta Junction, compared.
Top 3 Best Canasta Apps
The best Canasta and Hand and Foot apps for iPhone and Android.
Tableza Review
Free Canasta and Hand and Foot, with hints for beginners.
World of Card Games Review
Full games to 5,000 points, with no signup.
Canasta Junction Review
Modern American Canasta, live play and tournaments.
LITE Games Canasta Review
A free Classic Canasta app for iPhone and Android.
Extreme Hand and Foot Review
A one-time-purchase Hand and Foot app for iPhone and iPad.
How to start playing Canasta online
- Know your version. Check whether you play Classic Canasta, Hand and Foot or Modern American Canasta, and pick a platform that plays it. Our Canasta rules and Hand and Foot rules explain the differences.
- Start against the computer. A few games on an easy level let you learn the buttons before you’re playing with a real partner.
- Check the house rules. Online platforms each pick one set of rules, so look at the meld minimums, the target score and the going-out rules before your first game.
- Invite your group. When you’re comfortable, set up a private table and send the link to your partner and friends.
What to look for in a Canasta site or app
- The right rules. The most important point. A Modern American player will be frustrated by a classic game, and the other way round.
- A good computer opponent. Adjustable levels help you learn, then keep you challenged.
- Private tables. Essential if you want to keep playing with your own group.
- Partnership play. Canasta and Hand and Foot are partnership games, so check that you can play four-handed with a partner.
- Fair pricing. Know what’s free, what’s paid, and whether there are ads, before you get attached.
The bottom line
For most players, Tableza is the place to start: Canasta and Hand and Foot, a computer at three levels and private tables for friends, all free. World of Card Games is great for full games to 5,000 without signing up, and Canasta Junction is the home of Modern American Canasta. On your phone, pick the app that plays your game.
FAQ
Can I play Canasta online for free?
Yes. Tableza and World of Card Games are free in your browser, and the LITE Games app is free on iPhone and Android, with ads.
Can I play Canasta online with friends?
Yes. Tableza, World of Card Games and Canasta Junction all let you set up a private table and invite friends.
Can I play Canasta against the computer?
Yes. Every site and app on this page has a computer opponent. Tableza has three levels and hints for beginners.
Where can I play Hand and Foot online?
On Tableza or World of Card Games in your browser, or with the Extreme Hand and Foot app on iPhone and iPad.
Where can I play Modern American Canasta online?
On Canasta Junction, the official partner of the Canasta League of America.
What is the best Canasta app?
It depends on your game: LITE Games for Classic Canasta, Extreme Hand and Foot for Hand and Foot, and Canasta Junction for Modern American Canasta. See our Top 3 Best Canasta Apps.