Few rivalries in the casino world spark as much chatter as NetEnt versus Microgaming. It’s like Coke vs Pepsi, or Nike vs Adidas—you ask five players who’s better, and you’ll probably get five strong opinions, each with a personal story behind it. I’ve had nights where I’ve sworn I’d never touch a Microgaming title again, only to get sucked back in by a jackpot tease the very next day. And then there are those times when NetEnt’s sleek graphics make you feel like you’re playing something far more glamorous than a slot machine.
Let’s break down how the two giants measure up, but fair warning: some of this comes with personal bias and those small “oh yeah, I remember when…” kind of moments.
Company Background and Reputation
NetEnt came out of Sweden in the late ’90s and brought with it a very Nordic sense of design—clean lines, smooth animations, and an almost minimalist attention to detail. It’s like that friend who always shows up looking effortlessly stylish. Microgaming, on the other hand, is the old-school pioneer. They launched way back in 1994, when most people still thought “online casino” meant a clunky Flash game you’d rather not admit you played.
Players tend to see Microgaming as the reliable workhorse—the “I’ve seen it all” uncle at the party—while NetEnt is the younger cousin who always has the latest gadget and isn’t afraid to show it off.
Comparing the Game Libraries
Microgaming’s portfolio is sprawling. It feels a bit like walking into a supermarket where every aisle is crammed with options. NetEnt’s collection is smaller, closer to a carefully curated boutique. You don’t get overwhelmed, but you also don’t stumble on as many odd little experiments.
I once spent a week testing nothing but Microgaming’s back catalog—some titles felt like they hadn’t been touched since the mid-2000s, and others genuinely surprised me with depth. With NetEnt, you rarely hit a dud, but you also don’t get the same sheer randomness.
Iconic Games
There are a few names you can’t avoid mentioning:
- NetEnt: Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Hall of Gods, Jackpot 6000
- Microgaming: Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II, Immortal Romance, Dark Knight
Ask anyone who’s played for more than a month, and they’ll have a Starburst story—usually about chasing those expanding wilds way longer than they should have. And Mega Moolah? That’s the slot people whisper about, the one that “turned a guy from my town into a millionaire overnight.” (Never verified, of course, but those stories never die.)
Graphics, Sound, and Innovation
NetEnt has long been the darling when it comes to visuals. Gonzo’s Quest with its tumbling avalanche reels felt groundbreaking when it dropped, and honestly, it still holds up. Their slots tend to play like small video games, with smooth animations and attention to detail that feels deliberate.
Microgaming… well, let’s be honest. For years, some of their games looked dated, and a few still do. But when they go big, they go big. Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones were experiences, not just slots. I remember sitting with a friend and laughing at how into the bonus round soundtrack we got—it felt closer to binging a TV series than spinning reels.
Innovation looks different between the two. NetEnt tinkers with mechanics. Microgaming bets on scale and partnerships. Both approaches have their charm.
RTP, Volatility, and Jackpots
If you’re the type who watches RTP percentages like a hawk, NetEnt usually comes out on top. Their average is often around 96–97%, which gives you that sense of steady returns. Microgaming plays a bit more loose here—sometimes lower, sometimes competitive, depending on the title.
Volatility is where Microgaming really flexes. Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck II can feel like deserts—long stretches without much happening—but then you hit that oasis of a giant win and suddenly forgive everything. NetEnt, on the other hand, gives more balance. Starburst is the definition of “little and often.”
And then jackpots—let’s not even pretend. Microgaming’s Mega Moolah is the king of kings. The jackpots that slot has paid out are absurd, Guinness World Records absurd. NetEnt’s Hall of Gods is solid, sure, but Microgaming has the bragging rights here.
Bonus Features and Player Experience
NetEnt knows how to make bonuses feel exciting, even if they don’t always pay much. The free falls in Gonzo’s Quest or sticky wilds in Dead or Alive are crowd-pleasers for a reason. They’re not just about winning; they’re about the little dopamine hit you get when they trigger.
Microgaming tends to layer their bonuses, sometimes to the point of confusion. A friend of mine once tried to explain the multiple stages of Immortal Romance’s Chamber of Spins and gave up halfway through, laughing. “Just play it—you’ll see.” When you’re in the mood for complexity, it’s fun. When you’re tired, it’s exhausting.
Overall, NetEnt feels smoother, friendlier to casual players, while Microgaming is more like a rollercoaster you need to strap in for.
Mobile Play and Platform Integration
Both adapted well to mobile, but in different ways. NetEnt’s “NetEnt Touch” titles actually feel like they were designed for phones and tablets first. Swiping through Starburst on an iPhone feels natural, like it belongs there.
Microgaming’s Quickfire platform, meanwhile, is everywhere. That’s their strength: ubiquity. If a casino has games, it probably has Quickfire, and that means access to their entire catalog no matter where you play. I’ve had nights where NetEnt wasn’t available, but Microgaming was always lurking in the lobby.
Security, Licensing, and Fairness
Both providers are squeaky clean when it comes to compliance. NetEnt is licensed in Malta and the UK, while Microgaming also submits to eCOGRA for fairness checks. You don’t need to lose sleep over trustworthiness here—though I’ll admit, the sheer age of Microgaming sometimes makes me chuckle. They’ve been around so long it’s almost hard to imagine them doing anything shady without the entire industry collapsing.
Which Provider Fits Different Player Types?
It really comes down to personality.
If you’re the kind of player who likes steady wins, gorgeous visuals, and games that feel like they’ve been polished within an inch of their life, you’ll probably lean toward NetEnt. If you’re chasing jackpots, love branded blockbusters, or just want a dizzying amount of choice, Microgaming will feel more like home.
Personally, I bounce between them. When I want a relaxed session, it’s Starburst or Gonzo’s Quest. When I’m in the mood to gamble hard and maybe—just maybe—walk away with a story worth bragging about, I’ll fire up Mega Moolah.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, neither company can really claim to be “the best.” They’re different flavors of the same dish. NetEnt brings elegance, Microgaming brings muscle. And as players, we’re lucky—we get to enjoy both without having to pick sides. Their rivalry keeps them sharp, and that means every year, the games get better.
FAQs: NetEnt vs Microgaming
Which has better RTP, NetEnt or Microgaming?
NetEnt, on average. Most of their slots hover around 96–97%, while Microgaming varies more.
Who makes the biggest progressive jackpots?
Microgaming. Mega Moolah has made more instant millionaires than any other slot out there.
Are NetEnt and Microgaming games fair?
Yes. Both are heavily licensed and audited for fairness.
Which provider has better graphics?
NetEnt usually takes the win here, though Microgaming’s branded games like Jurassic Park hold their ground.
If I only try one game from each, which should it be?
NetEnt: Gonzo’s Quest for its avalanche reels.
Microgaming: Immortal Romance or Mega Moolah for the drama and jackpot potential.
