We found the best foosball table for people looking to compete or those just looking to spruce up their man cave.
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Top-Rated Foosball Table Brands for Your Home Game Room
Updated Aug. 27, 2024
Sprucing up your basement or family game room? You’ve probably scoured the market for the best ping pong tables and best pool tables, but don’t discount the fun the best foosball tables can bring.
We’re willing to bet you’ll love the addition of a foosball table, and you may even have core memories of the popular game. We can relate—many of us had similar flashbacks to hotly contested matches in the family game room while researching and testing these foosball tables.
Here’s the good news: Your search for a foosball table to create new memories with ends here. We have picks for people looking for a multi-use game table, tabletop foosball and budget-friendly option, so you can have a lifetime of fun with this beautiful game.
BEST OVERALL FOOSBALL TABLE
Best Choice Competition-Sized Foosball Table
Pros:
- Competition-sized table
- Affordable
- Easy assembly
- Has two cup holders
Cons:
- Made with inexpensive materials
There’s a lot to love about this competition-sized foosball table from Best Choice, but the fact that it meets the requirements of an official foosball table has to be at the top of the list. We also love the simple assembly, budget-friendly price and realistic game pieces. Last but not least, it has cup holders, so you can rehydrate when games get intense.
More than 2,200 five-star Amazon ratings say it’s a solid addition to a man cave, family room or other shared living space. It uses some cheaper materials, but it should last many years with some regular maintenance. Plus, the affordable price it tough to beat.
BEST BUDGET FOOSBALL TABLE
Joola Sport Squad Tabletop Foosball Table
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Compact and weighs just 15.4 pounds
- Rubber pads to protect tabletops
- Simple assembly
Cons:
- Rods are tiny
Don’t have the space or budget for a standard foosball table? This tabletop model is here to rescue your game room. This affordable mini foosball table is ideal for keeping children entertained on long car rides, and is a unique gift for new homeowners who love a good game night.
It’s fun for all ages and the rubber pads protect whatever surface you play on. Keep in mind that those with larger hands may find playing on this smaller table a bit challenging.
BEST MULTI-GAME FOOSBALL TABLE
Best Choice 10-in-One Combo Game Table Set
Pros:
- 10 games in one table
- Great value
- Easy to switch games
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Made with inexpensive materials
We would all love a game room with multiple tables, but not everyone has the space (or budget) for it. Luckily, there’s the 10-in-one game table from Best Choice, which allows you to play foosball, pool, ping pong, checkers, chess and more. Switching games is super easy and makes your playroom the ultimate destination for game night.
We love the affordable price, too, but it does come with the trade-off of cheaper materials for all the games. Think of it as a jack of all trades, master of none.
BEST FOLDABLE FOOSBALL TABLE
Kick Monarch Folding Foosball Table
Pros:
- Foldable
- Has wheels
- Counterbalanced players
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- On the pricier side
We’re big fans of foldable furniture to help maximize floor space, and this 48-inch folding foosball table is the top of the line for foldable options. It’s big enough for people of most heights and doesn’t take up too much space. At 60 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for most people to lift when it’s time to fold it back up.
We love the realistic game pieces that are counterbalanced—meaning you can leave them in a horizontal position without having to hold the rod. This prevents your own players from getting in the way of a shot (and we all know there’s nothing worse than that).
Types of Foosball Tables
Some foosball tables are competition foosball tables, which are 56 inches long, 30 inches wide and 36 inches high (without poles). The second most common type is tabletop foosball tables, also called mini foosball tables, which are lightweight and portable. The only downside to these is the rods are tiny, so people with larger hands may struggle using them. Also, they’re often made with cheaper materials.
What to Consider When Buying a Foosball Table
The first thing to consider when buying a foosball table is the level of quality you are looking for. If you’re searching for something durable that can be used in a bar or common area, choose a more expensive table crafted from strong materials. If you’re shopping for a family game room, look for a mid-range foosball table suitable for people of all ages. And for those who live in an apartment or want a portable option, a tabletop foosball table, sometimes called a mini foosball table, is a smart pick.
Table Size and Dimensions
- Standard Size: The industry standard for a foosball table is 56 inches long and 30 inches wide.
- Compact or Mini Tables: These smaller foosball tables typically measure between 20 to 40 inches in length for compact and mini tables and between 12 to 20 inches in width.
- Room Size: Foosball tables need a room at least five feet by nine feet so players can move around comfortably.
Construction Quality and Weight
The materials used in the construction of the foosball table directly affect its durability and performance.
- Solid Wood is one of the most commonly used materials for foosball tables and is also the most durable.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is not as durable as solid wood but makes for a sturdy foosball table. It also lowers the price.
- Particle Board is engineered wood constructed from wood chips, sawdust and resin. While particle board makes foosball tables lightweight and easy to move, it’s one of the least durable materials.
- Weight: The heavier a foosball table, the more durable it tends to be, offering a longer lifespan. In contrast, lightweight tables are often constructed from cheaper materials, yielding a shorter lifespan.
Playfield
- Surface Material: Laminate designs are best for foosball tables. Laminate allows the ball to travel faster while playing. Stick options are also available, but they wear faster and can obstruct the ball on the playfield.
- Field Markings: Lines and markings help players locate zones and boundaries during the game.
- Surface Thickness: Foosball tables should be at least one inch thick.
Rods and Handles
Rods:
- Hollow Steel Rods are lighter and allow players to make quick shots.
- Solid Steel Rods are heavier and require more effort to turn.
- Telescopic Rods retract into the table, where some poke through.
Handles:
- Grip and Comfort:Â Certain tables feature rubber grips on the rods, providing a more comfortable and secure hold.
- Shape: Foosball table handle shapes are curved in an oval shape, which gives players an ergonomic grip.
Players
- Material: The players on a foosball table are made of plastic, metal, wood and/or carbon fiber.
- Counterbalanced Players are colored differently than the players on the table and act as a defense on the field. The carbon-fiber figures are positioned on the horizontal metal bars.
- Foot Design: A foosball table has various foot designs. Each foot should include cross-hatching, which improves hitting the ball across the table.
Legs and Stability
- Sturdy Legs: Look for legs made of steel, aluminum and wood that can accurately support the table’s weight.
- Cross Support: The cross support of the foosball includes rides that look like teeth at the bottom of the foot, which helps to improve ball support.
Ball Return and Entry
- Ball Return System: There is a special place on the table (usually the bottom at the sides) where the balls are returned to their location once they reach the goals. This makes it easier to collect them during the game.
- Ball Entry refers to the cup where the ball is dropped to start the game.
Scorekeeping
- Manual Scoring: Players can manually tally the points on a paper or chalkboard to keep score.
- Electronic Scoring: Some tables track points via an LED and LDR board in each scoring tray.
Price and Budget
- Budget Tables are typically under $30.
- Mid-Range Tables range anywhere between $300 and $800.
- High-end tables ring in over $800 and can cost upwards of $2,300.
Assembly
- Ease of Assembly: The appeal of foosball tables is how simple they are to install. It takes an average of 25 minutes to put the table together, but it can take longer, depending on the intricacy of its features.
- Instructions: Foosball table intuition is a breeze to follow and includes detailed photos of each piece. Be careful not to mix any parts together while following each step.
Additional Features
- Table Cover: The best table covers are made of soft plastic materials and fabrics to keep your foosball table clean and safe.
- Cup Holders: Plastic or metal cup holders rest on the sides of the foosball table, holding drinks during game time.
- LED Lighting: It’s simple to install LED lights on a foosball table if they’re omitted.
Why You Should Trust Us
Anthony O’Reilly poured his first cubic yard of cement at the tender age of 12. He was a maintenance worker for suburban condos, residential and commercial high-rise buildings in New York City and his own apartments and homes before becoming an award-winning journalist and photographer. He changed career paths again in 2019 to become an expert product tester and reviewer as a commerce editor for Garage Gym Reviews. O’Reilly has tested many foosball tables in his day.
How We Found the Best Foosball Tables
We’re so serious about finding the best foosball table that we spent hours reading through the International Table Soccer Federation‘s foosball rules. But we also know what pro foosball players like, which are counterbalanced game pieces. These game pieces have a weight on the head and foot that allows you to keep them horizontal without holding the rod, preventing your players from blocking a shot. Beyond that, we’re homeowners and apartment owners who grew up with foosball tables and are looking for nostalgia. We considered various factors, including table size and dimensions, construction quality, weight, playfield, rods and handles, players, legs and stability, ball return and entry, scorekeeping, assembly and budget.
FAQ
What is the best size for a foosball table?/Can adults play on a 48-inch foosball table?
Adults and people of all ages can play on a 48-inch foosball table, though taller adults may have to crouch and may struggle with the smaller rods and handles.
What foosball table is used in tournaments?
The most popular table used for tournaments in the United States is the Tornado Tournament 3000. The foosball table is used in the below official tournaments:
- World Cup
- World Championships
- European Champions League
- World Championship Series
- International
- Master Series
- Pro Tour
How many balls should a foosball table have?
Standard foosball tables include nine balls. You can purchase replacements when you need them.
How much room do you need around a foosball table?
The best spacing rule is to place your foosball table in a room at least five feet by nine feet. There should also be three to four feet of clearance room so players can move around.
Originally Published: August 22, 2023
