Adrian Dimakis
If you are a ping pong game die-hard, you can remember the good old days when people used to drive all the way to local clubs to enjoy playing the game. As love and enthusiasm for the game grew, many manufacturers saw the need to bring these tables straight to our houses. And here we are! The sheer joy of owning a ping pong table is unmatched. You can buy one and enjoy the game with your little munchkins, family, or even invite friends over for a challenge.
But, folks, because of the many options out there, it can be difficult finding the best ping pong tables that match your needs. Some are bigger; others come with more than 1-inch thickness; others can cost a premium, and much more!
With our help, though — you don’t need to worry about spending hours sifting through all these. We have researched on your behalf, finding you some of the best Ping Pong tables in the market and some helpful tips in our buying guide to help you make a wise purchasing decision
Top 10 Ping Pong Tables of 2020 Reviewed
1. Joola Midsize Table Tennis Table
- Lightweight and takes less space
- Can be used for other purposes
- Sturdy and durable
- Relatively small
- Can be affected by adverse weather
- A bit pricey for its size
Best Ping Pong Table for SMall Spaces
When considering a strong and multipurpose table, think of the Joola Midsize Table Tennis Table. The table has earned its respect over the years having been launched in the 1950s by Joola who have perfected the art of making tables. With a tabletop length of 72 inches and a width of 30 inches and a regulation height of 30 inches, this table is ideal for both kids and adults.
The table is ideal for small spaces, as evidenced by its size. The tabletop has a thickness of 16mm and weighs a stunning 28kgs only. It comes 100% assembled, and you only need to join the 2 tables, position the net, and start enjoying your game. For the safety of your children and yourself, the table has bumpers on the corners that would otherwise inflict injuries on players.
Made from quality wood, the table is usable on a variety of other games including cards, board games and even enjoying meals after a game! After playing the game, just fold the table’s legs and place them on top of each other.
2. haxTON Popular Ping Pong Table Midsize Table Tennis Table
- Multipurpose flexible table
- Comes with a playing net
- 100% pre-assembled
- Relatively pricey for its size
- The flat top is not that strong for heavy objects
- Net provided is a bit flimsy
Best Ping Pong Table for Outdoor Use
This table tennis top brags of its compactness and ease of use. Measuring 72 X 36 X 30 inches, you can be assured that it will not in any way take up your space in the house. The compact size is also manifested by the space it needs for storage; only 36 X 36 inches, be it under the bed, in a closet and simply hanging it in your garage.
With haxTON Ping Pong Tables, you get to enjoy playing table tennis anywhere- the legs come with adjustable levelers that can be placed on uneven grounds that keep you enjoying your game even when on a picnic in the outdoors. Each half of the table can stand on its own, and this lets you play other games on the table or even use the two tables as foldable tables when you or your kids are doing their homework
haxTON Table Tennis Table is designed for hassle-free usage and set up. To enjoy a game of ping pong on the table, just unfold the legs of each half, affix the net and get your bat and a ball, and get playing.
3. STIGA Advantage Competition-Ready Indoor Table Tennis Table
- Excellent bouncing ability
- Has a playback option for a single player
- Best for beginners and experienced players
- Quite large and bulky
- Expensive
- The playing area is less than an inch in thickness
Best Indoor Ping Pong Table
STIGA Advantage is the modern type of a table that you need if innovation and creativity. Designed with caster beams on the two tables that are joined to make one table tennis top, this table has apron support feature that has a steel tube design that is welded to advance level bouncing on the whole play area.
The portability and setup of the table is one that will make you love it. With the quick play option, you can have this large table set up and ready to play in less than ten minutes. It comes with locking casters and wheels for easy transport and storage.
The table comes with cotton blended net measuring 72 inches and posts. You could easily adjust the net and remove it effortlessly for storage. A safety latch under the table makes sure that the table will not open up unexpectedly.
4. Sunnydaze Compact Table Tennis Table
- Pocket-friendly
- Sturdy and durable material
- Comes with a one year warranty from the manufacturer
- Quite petite compared to standard
- Legs are visibly not that strong
Best Ping Pong Table for Board Games
At times you want to enjoy a game of ping pong, but your pocket and space will not allow it. The Sunnydaze Compact Table Tennis Table is your ultimate solution- its price will shock you. The table is 2/3 the size of the regular table tennis tables.
With PVC laminated MDF of high quality, this table features recycled composite parts from wood fibers and resin, this table is known to be very strong and will not warp easily. The materials will also endure humidity and regular heat conditions.
For assured player experience, the table offers amazing bouncing abilities. To assemble, simply pull the table from the box, move up the fixed legs, and put the two tables together. Affix the posts and net, and then get hitting the ball. To store, fold back the legs and hang or place under the bed!
5. Harvil Outsider Table Tennis Table
- Elegant and quality weatherproof design
- Has a folding playback mode for serving practices
- Easy to handle and setup
- The playing surface is quite thin
- Net tends to sag with time
- The aluminum frame gets dented easily
Best Ping Pong Table for Large Spaces
Imagine having a table that you could use both indoors and outdoors, and comes with a set of four rackets, a net, and 8 balls when you buy it. Well, with the Harvil Outsider Table Tennis Table, you don’t have to imagine as it’s exactly that! All these are at a very reasonable price compared to tables of the same caliber.
With a folding frame mounted on lockable wheels, the ease of use for this table is one that you must experience. And if you want to practice or enjoy a game alone, the table has a mode for exactly that- The Folding Playback, where you get to perfect your serving skills alone.
The steel frame is powder-coated and a weatherproof coating on the table makes the table endure most weather conditions. The ping pong table is most suitable for recreational rooms, your backyard space, or even for the patio. To store, simply wheel the tabletop to a wall and boom! The table is all set until the next game.
6. AceLife Ping Pong Table Midsize Compact Table Tennis
- Very pocket-friendly
- Comes with complimentary paddles and balls
- Lightweight and very portable
- Quite small for advanced and expert players
- The thin surface may not offer good bounce back for the ball
- Paddles given are of low quality
- Quite heavy to move around
Best Mid-Size Ping Pong Table
Are you planning to get your kids a table tennis table that will not involve you being there all the time for you to set up? Then the ultimate response is the AceLife Ping Pong Table. This table is 4 inches smaller than the 2/3 standard table, compact and lightweight for it to be placed anywhere.
Coming into equal square tables, the two halves can stand individually, allowing the tables to be used for alternative purposes. To set up, unfold the legs and place the side of the table by the side, screw the net and enjoy your game. Once done, just unscrew the net, fold back the legs and store the table away. It’s important to note that the table takes up minimum space during storage.
You may think that the small size will result in dismal performance- shock will be unto you as the tabletop will decently let you enjoy the game without having to worry about its quality. When you purchase the table, two complementary paddles and3 balls are provided by the seller.
7. JOOLA Rally TL – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Quality MDF surface for perfect bouncing
- Additional features of balls storage and abacus tallying
- Poor customer service and after-sales
- Quite pricey compared to peers
- Not ideal for advanced and expert players
Best Indoor Ping Pong Table for Experts
Made of a 15mm thick MDF, the JOOLA Rally TL – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis is one piece of sporting equipment you will love to have in your sports gadgets. The table is a standard playing table measuring 60 x 108 inches. This table has a polyurethane paint that ensures perfect ball resistance and minimum scratches when storing or playing.
By making the legs from high-quality steel tubes and an apron running around the edges of the table, this table will not only endure rough handling but also serve you for many days.
The table corners act as ball storage areas, where you could slide in 3 balls on each and keep the balls organized and safe. It also features an abacus system of scoring where you don’t have to keep writing down the scores. Additionally, the table has lockable cast wheels which make transportation and storage very easy.
8. MD Sports Table Tennis Set, Regulation Ping Pong Table
- A laminated tabletop that is not affected by liquids
- Comes 100% pre-setup
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Paddles and balls are low quality
- The 4 piece takes a long to assemble
- Not for advanced players
Best Durable Ping Pong Table
Standing at an incredible 30 inches in height, the 114.6 lbs, this table is another MD sports utility you may want to add to your sports collection. With 4 medium density fiberboards, this table is not like the regular bulky single or double board as it is easier to ship and store.
The surface features 15mm that allows decent bouncing all bundled and reinforced by a 1 1/8 inch apron all around the table. The versatility and portability of the game allows you to enjoy it in both indoors and outdoors environments. To set it up, just unfold and position the net at the center, grab your paddles, and get hit.
The game comes as an 8 piece set; it includes a tabletop, one removable net, 2 paddles, 2 posts, and 2 ping pong balls. Both sides of the table are PVC laminated, which ensures that the table is not damaged by water and liquid elements.
9. Cornilleau Sport 500 Indoor Table Tennis Table
- Cool and sleek luxurious design
- Comes with a retractable net
- Easy and safe to fold for playback and storage
- The 7mm tabletop does not give a good bounce back
- Pricey
- Bulky to carry around
Best Ping Pong Table with Luxurious Design
Cornilleau Sport 500 Indoor Table Tennis Table is designed for those of us who love cool and trendy equipment. Cornilleau has been in the business of making tabletops for over 40 years in France. With a range of blue and green colors, the tabletops are for both the in and outdoors players. The tables are made specifically for the luxurious home market but for a very reasonable price.
Now, you may be wondering what makes this table a cool one. The DSI technology that was developed exclusively by Cornilleau features a solid undercarriage that locks itself when playing. When you want to move the table, simply press the central release lever and watch it fold away.
The table has a coated solid steel frame that is 60mm high, mounted on 4 lockable solid wheels that allow moving the table easily. This table weighs 158 pounds and comes with a ball and bat storage section for their safety.
10. ping pong Premier Table Tennis Table
- Great tabletop finish for smooth playing
- Paint coated and UV cured for
- Easy and quick set up
- Quite heavy to carry around
- Does not come with accessories unlike its peers of the same price
- Not ideal for small spaces
Best Ping Pong Table for Intermediate Players
When it comes to reliability and trust built over 100 years, think of the original ping pong Premier. With this equipment, stand assured that a modern infusion of creativity and innovation. The table is standard competition size and can be used by both learners and experienced players.
Measuring 108 x 60 x 30, the table incorporates QuickPlay engineering that allows a 10 minutes setup. Upon purchase, ping pong Premier comes 95% pre-assembled for you to save precious time that you could have used to play your game. With the independent chassis design, you could convert the table from a table tennis top to playback table to other entertainment purposes at home.
Made with high-density MDF, the tabletop is cured with UV and is coated on both faces with paint that ensures exceptional durability and playability. Additionally, silkscreen on the top of the playfield, which ensures smooth and amazing bouncing back ability.
How to Choose the Best Ping Pong Table – The Ultimate Buying Guide
Buying a ping pong table is never an easy task. Not especially if it is your first time and you are looking for something to practice on as you better your game. Usually as is the case, the manufacturers will always recommend their product highly all to sell themselves. That aside, unless you are in the big gamers league, state or national level, it is unlikely that you will need an expensive ping pong table.
Should it be your first table for the family, going cheap would be the best idea? This is because your family members will need to do lots of practice, at least until they are confident enough they can afford a match. When the table wears out, then you can always go for a much better one. With this, you will not have spent much but achieve your goals.
Portability: How well can you move it around?
How do you want to set up the ping pong table? Do you want it set up permanently on a corner where you and your family will be playing from or do you prefer setting up and packing after you are done? Each of these options is a great way to start with your table tennis. However, if you prefer constantly setting up and pulling down the set up after you are done with your game, then you might have to to consider the ease of set up of the table. Am I something you can set up quickly and short-handed or will it require an insurmountable amount of effort and time? How about the roller ping pong tables? Yes, they can move easily, but they also come with breaks with which when applied renders the table immobile. This way you can enjoy your game at your convenient location and move it after you are done.
Does the Thickness matter?
It is debatable when it comes to the thickness of the pin pong table. While some experts will strongly recommend the 1-inch thick table because of it’s nice and even bounce, a 0.75 inch will also do a pretty clean job. For expert gamers, acquiring a 1inch thick table is a priority primarily so that they can have something reminiscent of what they usually use while at the tournament. So, if you are starting, don’t be afraid to try out the lesser, after all with the time you can always settle for something better when your mind is solid.
How much will it cost you?
Cheap Pingpong tables go for around $125. Now, no need to get excited. Tables costing this much will normally come with very thin tops and often very poor quality. The more reason they are very cheap.
Medium thickness tables, around 16mm – 19mm go for $250-$375. This should set the standard amount you should spend for a pretty decent table. With this rate, you will get a quite clean bounce and enjoy your game for quite some years.
Should you be willing to spend on a competition quality table, then 22mm-25mm will send you chopping a clean $437-$1250 onwards. Of course, these tables are on the higher end of the price, but they do last longer and also serve pretty well compared to the rest down the scale.
Nice Legs
While this may seem somehow funny or awkward, a good ping pong table has great sturdy legs and also support. This is because the ping pong table takes a lot of weight and if it comes with week legs, then you can imagine how fast it will be rendered useless. Should you be setting up the table on unlevelled ground or floor, then levelers will come in handy. Remember, if the table is not level, then you are most like not going to enjoy the game. That means that the ball will keep rolling to one side. You have the option of also using the levelers which come with threads. They can be screwed in and out hence keeping the table at the recommended height of around 3o inched above the ground or floor.
Leveling is important too!
Not all tables come perfectly leveled. Some may come with dents or even warping. You should pay keen attention to make sure that whatever you pay for is what you are getting. How do you know whether the table is leveled? Sometimes you may not be able to see the difference while standing and staring at the table from your eye level. Squint a little so that your eye level matches the table surface, look at the surface of the table from all four sides and see whether you can notice any anomalies. If not, then your table is perfectly leveled. If you identify any anomalies, oh boy! Return that table and go for something more leveled.
Is the Net Important?
While at it, be sure to look for a net whose clamps are padded with either rubber or something to cushion the table from the metal. If you get a net whose clamps are not padded, then you are at risk of scratching the table, increasing the wear and tear. If already purchased and cant return the same to the manufacturer, then applying sticky felt on the clamps will do some wonders.
While it is very easy to focus on the upper surface and forget the underside of the table, be sure that the clamp screws don’t dig into the table. With time this may be detrimental to your ping pong table. Also make sure that as you undo the net, you don’t drag the clamps along the surface of the table as this will cause some damage on the surface.
Outdoor ping pong table
Should you decide to take the game outside, then exterior ping pong table which has been crafted to stand to the elements will do. These tables come with a variety of features as well as materials to make them more durable, much like the interior ones. Exterior ping pong tables feature either a metallic surface, wooden surface or synthetic laminate. The wooden ones are, of course, treated with a waterproof coating to keep them from succumbing to the moisture while the metallic ones are treated to alleviate the effects of rusting. As is always the case, for a more quality table that will stand the test of time, the more you will have to dig deeper into your pockets.
For recreational players, the most significant aspect is whether this marvel can stand up to elements such as water and wind when left outside. To be sure of this, you probably will need to spend quite a few more bucks for that level of quality. However, for professionals, it all goes down to the bounce. If the outdoor table will give off the same level of bounce as the indoor ping pong table, then it is good to go. A good idea to prevent the table from succumbing to the effects of the weather is to find a plastic, probably opaque wrapper that will prevent it from warping or getting moist.
Dimensions of the Ping pong table
Much as it may seem like a negligent aspect, ping pong tables come in a variety of sizes depending on the purpose. Of course, the purpose is to play ping pong, but here we mean where the table will be used. First, if the table will be used in a school or a club, then a large size will do. But if you are buying one for use at home, the standard size will work best for you. Again, you also need to put into consideration the size of the space you are placing the table in. A standard size ping pong table should measure 9’x 5’x 2’6” while the net should also measure 6’x 6”.
Minimum room requirements
If you plan to take the game home, then having a glimpse of the minimum room requirements is key for enjoying your game. Luckily, unlike many other sports, ping pong does not require a lot of space to make things work. The space required is relatively minimal. Have a look below at the minimal play area requirements for various game modes.
- International events: 46×23 feet
- National tournaments: 40×20 feet
- National league or representative matches: 33×16.6 feet
- Local league/tournaments: 30×16.6 feet
- Recreational/coaching: 28×13 feet
Should you be playing from home, any space that fits the table is a go. But you have to keep in mind that any space below the recommended dimensions of 28feet x 13feet will render you restricted to either the kind of style you use or the strokes which can have a big impact on the results of the game. At the end of it all, be sure to have fun and adapt to the style that will suit you best.
Things to be Super Attentive to
- The thickness of the table: The thicker the table, the better the bounce and of course don’t forget, the higher the cost. Remember that if it is for home use, 16mm-19mm will do just fine.
- Leveling: Remember to check whether the table surface is dented or warped. If so, then look for one with a crispy level surface for best results while gaming.
- Ease of assembly: If the table needs to be moved to and fro, then it should be easy to move as well as assemble.
Conclusion
Buying a ping pong table does not have to be a problematic experience, and that’s why we have put down the necessary information to guide you through this experience. We have delved deep, dug up a wealth of information that we think will be of help, so don’t hesitate to keep in mind all the points we have covered in this piece. Remember you are spending quite a fortune whether it is for a recreational purpose or professional one. At the end of it all, make your dime count by getting something that will be worth your while.
Remember to pay attention to the thickness, minimum room requirements, interior or exterior and also leveling. All these factors will guide you into acquiring a good investment. Remember to enjoy yourself!
