With these must-have tables, you can play ping pong just about anywhere.
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The 8 Best Ping Pong Tables for Your Home Game Room
Updated Sep. 30, 2024
Is it even a party without a game of ping pong?
If there’s one activity that gets the crowd going no matter the occasion (family game night, tailgating, camping or otherwise), it’s table tennis—otherwise known as ping pong. We’ve been on the hunt for the best ping pong tables for every type of space, from your finished basement to your backyard, and we’ve found options that are portable, stylish, pocket-sized and more.
Without further ado, here are the are the best ping pong tables on the market.
Best Overall Ping Pong Table
Stiga XTR Series Tennis Table
Pros:
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Durable, all-weather design
- Quick and easy set up
- Folds for compact storage
- Playback mode
Cons:
- Heavy
This pro ping pong table from Stiga is our top choice because it’s made for both indoor and outdoor use, so it’s an easy choice for those looking to bring some game-time fun to any outdoor patio set.
This table’s aluminum composite top offers playability alongside all-weather performance. It’s foldable and has wheels, so it’s easy to transport and store. Plus, if you want to brush up on your ping pong skills alone, this table has playback mode, which allows you to volley back and forth with yourself so you can beat your friends and family when they come over.
Best Value Ping Pong Table
Joola Rally Professional Indoor Table Tennis
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Quick and easy set up
- Breaks down for compact storage
- Playback mode
- Premium locking wheels
Cons:
- Indoor use only
While this professional-grade tennis table is made for indoor use only, it’s comparable to the Stiga and available at a significantly lower price. This Joola ping pong table brings tournament-quality playing to your home or office space. It also has playback mode and separate halves for compact storage. In addition to the sleek black top, the table features four ball holders and two magnetic abacus scorers, making it a smart choice for those serious about ping pong.
Best Budget Ping Pong Table
GoSport Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set
Pros:
- Affordable
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Includes accessory kit
- Comes in red and blue
- Folds for compact storage
Cons:
- Doesn’t meet regulation size requirements
- No wheels
This mid-size table is great for those wanting an indoor and outdoor tennis table experience without the hefty price tag. Its medium size makes it an ideal choice for small patio and backyard spaces, and because of its foldability, it works for on-the-go use, too. Plus, it features a heavy-duty aluminum frame and a smooth playing surface for the ideal bounce and hours of seamless rallies, whether you’re playing poolside or next to the basement bar.
Best Ping Pong Table for Design
Pottery Barn Mid-Century Modern Table Tennis
Pros:
- Stylish, sophisticated design
- Crafted with American walnut
- Hand painted
- Includes accessory kit
- Financing is available
Cons:
- Expensive, thanks to the high quality
- Very heavy
- No wheels
We absolutely love the look of this mid-century ping pong table crafted from American walnut. It has the ultimate timeless appearance no matter where you place it in your home.
This design-forward table sports a sleek black and white surface, and its rich wood body features a hand-painted finish. If you have a large game room, this ping pong table looks excellent next to Pottery Barn’s other mid-century gaming tables, including their air hockey and pool tables. For other aesthetic basement items, check out these kids’ playhouses.
Best Portable Ping Pong Table
Stiga Volt Portable Ping Pong Table
Pros:
- Portable
- Folds for compact storage
- Built-in wheels and carry handles
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Affordable
Cons:
- Balls and paddles not included
- Some reviews report discrepancies in quality
Both recreational and competitive players will get plenty of use out of this portable ping pong table. It’s durable and meets regulation size requirements, yet is foldable and simple to store. This table can fit inside most SUVs, so you can pack it up for parties and tailgates and be the real MVP.
Best Ping Pong Table for Small Spaces
Joola Midsize Compact Table Tennis
Pros:
- Compact size
- Quick and easy set up
- Breaks down for simple storage
- Useable for a variety of activities
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some buyers note damages to parts out of the box
This compact table from Joola, a top choice among ping pong table brands, is a compact option that’s great for small spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. You can even halve it to use for crafts, poker nights, board games and more. Plus, it has a typical table tennis height, but with a smaller surface space, which also makes it a great option for kids.
Best Pocket Ping Pong Table
Franklin Sports Table Tennis To Go
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Works virtually anywhere
- Lightweight and convenient to store
Cons:
- Some users note difficulty retracting the net
Looking for an instant way to play ping pong no matter where you find yourself? This portable, retractable net stretches and clamps to any table. The pocket net comes with a mesh carrying bag, two paddles and two balls. This kit is a great solution if you’re looking to pack a game in a small vehicle or even a bag. We think this one makes a great stocking stuffer for the ping ponger in your life, too.
Best Conversion Top Ping Pong Table
Joola Tetra Table Top Set
Pros:
- Converts your existing furniture
- Easy to store
- No assembly required
- Includes net
Cons:
- Price is comparable to some full ping pong tables
If you already have a pool table in your game room but don’t have the space for an additional ping pong table, this is a great solution. The foldable foam pad fits over most pool tables, converting what you already have into the ideal ping pong set up.
No assembly required for this one—simply unfold the board, set up the net and play.
What to Consider When Choosing a Ping Pong Table
- Size: The regulation size of a professional ping pong table is 9 feet long, 5 feet wide and 2 1/2 feet high. However, if storage space is a concern, opt for smaller models or consider tables that are foldable or ones that have wheels for easy transport.
- Thickness: The surface of a ping pong table should ideally be at least three-fourths of an inch thick or about 20 millimeters. Tables typically range from half an inch to a full inch in thickness. A thicker table provides more bounce, but it also tends to be more expensive.
- Where You’ll Play:Â Certain ping pong tables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while others are specifically designed for either environment. When selecting a table, it’s important to consider its construction and ability to withstand outdoor conditions if you plan to use it outdoors.
- Portability: If you’re looking for a ping pong table you can take with you no matter where you go, you should consider portable and pocket options.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a national award-winning writer and journalist specializing in outdoor trends, interior design, home decor and gardening. As a shopping editor and writer at Family Handyman, I’m well-versed in researching products and recommending winning options to suit various needs.
In fact, I’ve personally tested more than 100 products, from outdoor gear and DIY gadgets to mattresses and vacuums. For this article, I drew upon my knowledge of ping pong tables and home decor accessories to select the best models on the market.
How We Chose the Best Ping Pong Tables
We started with the research and reporting basics—what the tables were made of, what their intended use was and how much they cost—to ensure that we were only recommending the buys that were worth your time and money. Then, we examined the features that spoke to the product’s quality, such as the materials, durability and ease of use. Finally, we did the work of combing through user reviews to see how real players interacted with each ping pong table to determine if it was a winning product.
FAQ
Does ping pong table thickness matter?
The thickness of a ping pong table dictates the quality of the bounce. The thicker the table, the better bounce you’ll get. So, in this case, the thicker the better. As we mentioned earlier, your ping pong table should be at least three-fourths of an inch or about 20 millimeters thick.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor ping pong tables?
The main differences between indoor and outdoor ping pong tables are their durability and construction materials. Outdoor tables are designed to withstand the elements, including rain, while indoor tables are not. Additionally, outdoor tables may have heavier frames.
Because of variations in materials, particularly on the playing surface, the ball may bounce differently on an outdoor table compared to an indoor one. It’s important to read product specifications and reviews before purchasing to ensure you get the table that best suits your needs.
Originally Published: January 03, 2023
