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From casual beginner play to intense back-and-forth competition, table tennis is a well-loved activity that nearly anyone can play. If you have the space at home for a full- or mid-size ping pong table, it’s worth investing in one for countless hours of fun and entertainment. To find the best ping pong table for your living space, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the available models on Amazon and boiled down our findings to the five in this article. Keep reading to learn about our recommendations.
Compare Top Ping Pong Tables
| Product | Material | Weight | Dimensions | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOOLA Outdoor Table Tennis Table | Plastic, aluminum, and alloy steel | 173 pounds | 108 x 60 x 30 inches | 1 year |
| MD Sports Table Tennis Set | Plastic and alloy steel | 115 pounds | 108 x 60 x 30 inches | 90 days |
| GoSports Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set | Wood and aluminum | 35 pounds | 72 x 36 x 30 inches | 30 days |
| JOOLA Table Tennis Conversion Top | Engineered wood | 75 pounds | 108 x 60 x 30 inches | 1 year |
| Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table | Wood and alloy steel | 75 pounds | 81 x 45 x 30 inches | 3 years |
| Product | Material | Weight | Dimensions | Warranty |
Top 5 Ping Pong Tables
- Best Outdoor Table: JOOLA Outdoor Table Tennis Table
- Best Basic Full-Size Table: MD Sports Table Tennis Set
- Most Compact: GoSports Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set
- Best Conversion Top: JOOLA Table Tennis Conversion Top
- Best for Training: Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table
Best Outdoor Table: JOOLA Outdoor Table Tennis Table
JOOLA Outdoor Table Tennis Table
- $549.99
- $599.95
- 9% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
With an all-weather surface and a waterproof net, this full-size ping pong table gives you the option for competitive gameplay indoors or outdoors. It folds partially if you want to practice by yourself and the rest of the way when you’re ready to roll it to storage.
Key Features
- Made of plastic, aluminum, and alloy steel
- 173 pounds
- 108 by 60 by 30 inches
- Foldable with wheels
- One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers appreciated the stress-free assembly of this outdoor ping pong table. They also praised its high-quality materials and rolling wheels. Unhappy customers found that the table was vulnerable to scratching and water damage, despite being advertised for outdoor use.
Best Basic Full-Size Table: MD Sports Table Tennis Set
MD Sports Table Tennis Set
- $196.56
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This no-frills ping pong table measures 108 inches long for regulation play. For an affordable price, you also get two paddles and two balls. The manufacturer provides 3D instructions online if you’re struggling to put it together for the first time or set it up or break it down later on.
Key Features
- Made of plastic and alloy steel
- 114.6 pounds
- 108 by 60 by 30 inches
- Foldable with wheels
- 90-day warranty
- Two balls and two paddles included
What Customers Are Saying
Overall, customers had mixed experiences with this table. The majority of users stated that it performed to their expectations given the price. While assembly was a pain point for some users, others found the table to be easy to construct and fold.
Most Compact: GoSports Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set
GoSports Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set
- $149.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This ping pong table is lightweight, small, and foldable for on-the-go use. Although it isn’t regulation-sized and won’t lend itself to competitive gameplay, it’s an ideal option for casual users who want a dedicated surface to play relaxed ping pong no matter where they are.
Key Features
- Made of wood and aluminum
- 34.9 pounds
- 72 by 36 by 30 inches
- Foldable with handles
- 30-day warranty
- Four balls, two paddles, and a case included
What Customers Are Saying
Positively, customers who purchased this mid-size ping pong table liked how lightweight and portable it was. They also praised it for how sturdy it felt during gameplay despite its small size. Some users even took it camping to use it as a surface for eating meals and playing ping pong and board games. Negatively, some customers had complaints about its durability, as its surface chipped and cracked after a few uses.
Best Conversion Top: JOOLA Table Tennis Conversion Top
JOOLA Table Tennis Conversion Top
- $299
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This regulation-sized, foldable board sits on your pool, air hockey, or dining table to convert it into a ping pong table. The compact design works well if you don’t have the space for a full ping pong table. The 12-millimeter-thick engineered wood surface offers suitable bounce and durability.
Key Features
- Made of engineered wood
- 74 9ounds
- 108 by 60 by 0.5 inches
- Foldable
- One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers had a positive experience using this conversion top to cover their pool table or dining table. Although the table surface was thin and the slight gap in the center hindered gameplay, most users found this tabletop to be sturdy, easy to set up, and easy to store.
Best For Training: Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table
Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table
- $282.94
- $399.99
- 30% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This table is larger than a half-sized table but smaller than a regulation-sized table. If you’re new to ping pong, this is the option for you because it provides more surface area to learn how to play without taking up too much space. The halves also detach for easy storage.
Key Features
- Made of wood and alloy steel
- 75 pounds
- 81 by 45 by 30 inches
- Detachable with wheels
- Three-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Some customers with limited space thought that this table supported intense gameplay without a lot of area to work with. Although the table threw off those who were used to a full-size one, it felt sturdy and provided plenty of bounce. Some users did have complaints about the table not folding or arriving cracked.
Buyer’s Guide
Having access to your own ping pong table at home serves as a valuable source of exercise and entertainment. Whether you are hosting an at-home table tennis tournament or want to sharpen your skills, here’s what to look for in a ping pong table.
Size
A regulation ping pong table is 108 inches long and 60 inches wide. You can also find tables that are half or three-quarters of this size.
Besides price, size is a primary consideration when it comes to finding the right ping pong table for your home. Measure the available space you have for a table, and make sure there’s extra room to play around it. While a full-size table lends itself to more competitive and spirited gameplay, a compact table functions in a smaller area.
Material
Most ping pong tables are made with engineered wood, aluminum, and alloy steel. These durable materials are designed to withstand accidental slams from ping pong paddles without chipping or denting. Entry-level tables may use plastic to cut corners on costs, which also leads to a lighter build.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
While indoor-only tables aren’t designed for outdoor use, you can use outdoor tables indoors. Many homeowners tend to have more space on their lawn, which makes outdoor ping pong tables popular alongside other yard games. However, wind, sun, and precipitation can affect gameplay as well as longevity.
Playing Surface
Expensive ping pong tables have a hard surface that produces a greater bounce. If you’re a serious table tennis player, give the quality of the playing surface some thought. The more the ping pong ball bounces, the more intense and dynamic the gameplay.
Accessories
It’s common for ping pong tables to come with everything you need to get started, including a net, paddles, and balls. Other ping pong table accessories may include a cover for the table, a case for the balls and paddles, or a cleaning solution for the playing surface.
Portability and Storage
Typically, ping pong tables have a folding design to maximize storage space. Particularly heavy tables may have wheels to roll to storage. Mid-size tables sometimes have carrying handles instead of rolling casters.
Beginner-Friendly Table Tennis Tips
Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or returning after a long hiatus, here are our tips on how to become a skilled ping pong player:
- Keep your shots low—just above the net—to avoid giving your partner the chance to spike the ball back to your half.
- Use your entire body for a forehand shot. Keep your feet planted and your body centered. Rotate your shoulders to increase the power of your shot.
- Practice using both forehand and backhand techniques.
- Even if your ping pong table comes with a set of paddles and balls, it’s worth investing in nicer accessories as your skills improve.
- Don’t bother keeping score if you’re practicing or playing for fun. The lack of pressure to win will help you focus on your form.
- When you’re cleaning the playing surface of your ping pong table, be wary of traditional spray cleaners. Their chemicals can warp or otherwise damage your table. Instead, look for a cleaner that’s specifically designed for ping pong tables, or use a 5:1 mixture of water to distilled white vinegar.
- If you’re purchasing an outdoor ping pong table, consider also getting a cover to keep the surface free from debris and sun and water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between ping pong and table tennis?
Generally, no. The two names refer to the same game. However, ping pong is sometimes used to refer to a casual game. Conversely, table tennis may involve more competitive, intense, and structured play.
Can I play ping pong on a combination gaming table?
Many multifunctional tables include air hockey, foosball, table tennis, and other games in one unit. While you can play a miniature version of ping pong using a surface like this, a full-size, dedicated ping pong table allows for better gameplay.
Can I use an outdoor ping pong table inside?
Yes. However, don’t use an indoor-only ping pong table outdoors, as the materials aren’t built to withstand exposure to water and sunlight.
Why is there a line running through my ping pong table?
This line is designed to separate the table into four equal parts. Each side of the table has two parts in case you want to play doubles table tennis. For competitive singles table tennis, many players prefer for the server to serve the ball diagonally across the table, using the line as a boundary.
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