After playing on and testing all the ping pong tables out there, we found the Stiga Advantage the best ping pong table in 2023.
Here’s why that matters:
Ever have those ping pong matches that just didn’t go so well… where you were completely befuddled by how off your game you were? Did you walk away thinking, “Wow, I was horrible” or “Wow, he was really good”. Maybe it wasn’t you. And, maybe it wasn’t him.
Maybe it was the ping pong table. Just like a tired, nicked up bowling ball and worn down lane will turn a decent bowler into a horrible one; a warped, thin, unlevel ping pong table will flip your ping pong confidence on its head.
If you’re the occasional table tennis enthusiast, a bad game now and then won’t bother you much. But if you don’t want that lame experience repeated over and over again, and want to get really good instead, you may want to look at what kind of ping pong table you’re playing on. And if you start looking into the details, you’ll see just how specific they can get.
Take one look online and it may be hard to figure what features to take notice of, and what features are just fluff.
So let’s take a look at the differences between good ping pong tables and great ones. As we do, we’ll offer our recommendations for the best indoor and outdoor ping pong tables on the market today for the least amount of money.
Top Ping Pong Tables on the Market
In A Rush? Here’s our top pick!
- Quick and easy assembly (2-3 minutes)
- Solid construction, reasonably priced table
- Easy to maneuver
- Excellent playing surface
- Perfect for the whole family
11 Best Ping Pong Table Reviews
1. STIGA Advantage Competition-Ready Indoor Tennis Table
Best Table Under $500
The STIGA Advantage Competition-Ready Indoor Tennis Table certainly is ready to go straight out of the box.
That’s because it comes 95% assembled already through the door. You’ll be set up to play in no time. Just make sure you don’t have overblown expectations for your game.
The STIGA Advantage is a well-made, easy to store table perfect for beginners or those looking for recreational play. At just shy of 16mm (⅝ in.) the thickness of the table top falls short of what is typically seen in a high-quality competition table (19 to 25mm).
Other than that, STIGA has put high quality in all of the right places with its STIGA Advantage.
The table separates into two independent table halves so that they can nest into each other for slimline storage. A 72-inch tournament grade net and post mean nearly a lifetime of play free from “saggy net” syndrome.
STIGA’s safety latch system ensures it stays securely locked in upright position, which is a particularly attractive feature for those households with children.
And, the three-inch black casters with locks means you’ll be able to glide your table into position easily in the room.
2. STIGA XTR Outdoor Table Tennis Table
If you’re looking for an outdoor table that’s super easy on setup, you’ll be happy to know the STIGA XTR Outdoor Table Tennis Table is ready for play within ten minutes out of the box.
The STIGA XTR has all the components of a sturdy, long lasting outdoor table. It features 1.25” steel legs with levelers to compensate for uneven surfaces that are so commonly found outdoors. These legs automatically open or fold shut when preparing the table for storage or expanding it for play.
Independent table halves mean this table can be tucked out of the way (as discreetly as a ping pong table can be) for those outdoor spaces that are tighter on room. Or, fold up one side into playback position to get hours of practice time in.
This STIGA outdoor ping pong table is designed to put up with the elements of nature for some time. And, for the most part it doesn’t disappoint. The table top surface is composed from 6mm of aluminum/composite table top to avoid any warping.
While the table itself is made with galvanized steel covered in a powder coating to combat exposure to moisture or rain. While this is not a great competition table, it is a wonderful choice for recreational play on a budget.
3. JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table
RELIABLE RECREATIONAL TABLE
While JOOLA is the official table brand of the US Open and US Nationals Championships, it hasn’t left all of us recreational players out in the cold. For those looking to purchase an economical table that can provide a consistent playing surface, the JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table will deliver.
If you’re looking for a tournament grade indoor table, however, this table is not for you. At 15 mm, the playing surface thickness falls short of what’s seen in entry grade tournament tables. That being said, it’s a sturdy, reliable table that will deliver in providing a lifetime of quality recreational play.
Other features include quick set up, thanks to it being 95% preassembled. It has thick steel legs with height adjusters for a level playing surface. And, this ping pong table separates into two halves for more slimline storage or easy playback mode.
4. Cornilleau 510M Outdoor Stationary Table Tennis Table
GREAT OUTDOOR TABLE
If you’re in the market for some heavy duty outdoor play, then you’ll want to look for outdoor tables that provide the most in stability. The wonderful thing about playing outdoors is that space is usually not an issue. So, the idea of putting a table in the backyard or patio and keeping it there for some time, is not as much of a problem as it can be for indoor tables.
Now, if you are short on space outdoors too, you may want to look at a table that can go either outdoors or in, with the ability to handle a bit of weather. But our pick for now, on the best outdoor table, stays firmly with an outdoor champ.
The Cornilleau 510M Outdoor Stationary Table Tennis Table offers an exceptional level of stability and durability for constant outdoor use. It’s a stationary table, so there’s no storing this thing. But there’s also no destroying it either. It’s meant for heavy duty playing, so start planning on the next family reunion tournament being at your house.
The Cornilleau 510M is built with a 7mm laminate top, a patented anti-glare MATTOP finish, and its supported by a 2 ¼” galvanized steel frame. Even the net is steel. This table is heavy too. At 169lbs, it won’t be blown away easily in the next storm. But just in case, it does come with a ten year warranty.
5. Butterfly Centerfold 25 Table Tennis Table
ENTRY LEVEL TOURNAMENT TABLE
Tournament tables can get pretty expensive. But, if you’re just getting into the market and looking for a quality table that will provide a consistent experience from home to court for your Olympian-in-training, we suggest looking at The Butterfly Centerfold 25 Table Tennis Table.
This table takes quality one step further than the best recreational tables, with added thickness, large wheels, and sturdier framing.
Approaching the $2,000 mark, this table is an unnecessary purchase for anyone looking for a high quality recreational table only. And, although this table is foldable, it really won’t fold as nicely for stowing as some of the smaller recreational tables do.
Highlights of this table are the 25mm top, one of the thickest you can get at this price point, an upgraded net set, and a five year warranty.
The butterfly will be a table that will last as long as you need it to. It’s a heavy one too, so once you decide where it’s going, you may not want to move it for a while.
6. JOOLA Tour 1800 Indoor Table Tennis Table
STARTER RECREATIONAL TABLE
Starter recreational tables are ideal for people with a little more room. Fold up and storage should still be easy with these tables, since you may not always want the ping pong table out on display.
But the majority of the focus for this type of table shifts from storability to tabletop quality. While prices remain low with starter tables, quality manufacturers will construct their recreational tables with powder coated metal frames, and fairly thick table tops.
Our pick for best economy table is The JOOLA Tour 1800 Indoor Table Tennis Table. Joola is a well known company and sponsor of international table tennis tournaments. The JOOLA Tour 1800 has an 18mm thick table top, which is a decent entry level thickness for indoor ping pong tables.
The adjustable height, 40mm black powder-coated metal frame separates for easy nesting storage, and has dual safety anti-tilting devices for extra security. This is an especially good feature to have for homes with little ones.
The JOOLA can be set in playback position if just one person needs some practice time. At below $600, this economy table is a great pic for any household who wants a reliable, long lasting, and affordable indoor recreational table.
7. JOOLA Rally TL Professional Grade Table Tennis Table
Right out of the gate JOOLA is getting it right with the JOOLA Rally TL Professional Grade Table Tennis Table. This ping pong table comes with two options for table thickness.
If you’re on a tighter budget and are fine with strictly recreational play, choose the 15mm top. If you’re looking for a more competitive playing surface, choose the 18mm option.
Though neither option is thick enough to be considered ready for a serious athletic competition (19 to 25mm thickness is recommended for that), the table will still provide hours of friendly competitive play for you and your family or friends.
And, of course, the JOOLA Rally TL comes with other features you’d expect out of a good quality indoor table, such as 95% preassembly, locking casters, separate halves for playback mode and nesting storage, anti-tilting locks for safety, and a clamp-on net.
Bonus features include corner ball holders and two magnetic abacus scorers.
8. JOOLA NOVA Outdoor Table Tennis Table
WEATHER RESISTANT OUTDOOR TABLE
Joola’s answer to a basic outdoor ping pong table is the JOOLA NOVA Outdoor Table Tennis Table. While it is not a tournament level table, most people looking to play ping pong in their backyard, aren’t really looking for that anyway. The JOOLA NOVA is a good option for an outdoor table if you’re looking for an affordability table made strictly for recreational use.
Other than level of play, the next most important feature to look for in an outdoor table is weather resistanceand leveling features. JOOLA delivers in both departments.
Outdoor tables need to be able to stand up to a variety of weather conditions such as rain or wind whether they’re set up under a covered patio, in the backyard, or safely in a sunroom. The JOOLA addresses this need with its 6mm aluminum plastic composite surface, and rust-resistant, powder-coated undercarriage. The net is also weatherproof.
That certainly doesn’t mean you need to neglect your table. Proper storage and placement of your table will ensure it lives a long life, providing years of recreational play. But, JOOLA certainly does its part to help prepare this table for the elements.
Other features include 95% preassembly, three-inch wheels, separating halves, playback mode, and anti-tilting locks for safety.
9. Butterfly Compact Table Tennis Table
COMPACT TABLE
A compact table is best for individuals or families who are short on space, but still want a quality product they can use to enjoy recreational ping pong. Compact tables are great for apartments, crowded rec rooms, or small homes. Although they tend to be the lowest on price, you can still find a compact table with quality construction and middle grade thickness to ensure quality of bounce.
The Butterfly Compact Table Tennis Table made by a well known ping pong table manufacturer, Butterfly, is a great choice when space needs to be economized as much as the table does. The Butterfly Compact may be small and fold up for closet storage, but still features a 16mm thick top and steel rails with corner pads… not too shabby for a modular surface.
Fully folded, this table only takes up three inches of depth. And, you can wheel it along the floor into your closet, avoiding potential back muscle injuries trying to lug it around. Best thing about it, despite its compact storage, is the table is still regulation size.
10. Viper Portable Table Tennis Top
PING PONG TOPPER
If you just can’t live without ping pong, but you have absolutely no space to spare – not even in the closet – don’t fear. Just buy the top without the frame. The added bonus in buying a topper is that you can take it with you.
For instance, say you want to play ping pong at a friend’s house. But, they don’t have a table. What do you do? Just pack yours up and go!
For this reason we like The Viper Portable Table Tennis Top. It’s a trifold, meaning it folds up like no other ping pong table can. You can set it up on any traditional table with a big enough top… dining room tables, kitchen tables, and of course, pool tables. It comes with a net, paddles, and balls.
It also features a case for storage and travel, and a checker/chess board and backgammon grid on the reverse side. And at just over $100 it’s a steal of a deal. Of course, you won’t be able to take a round of ping pong seriously on this table. But, you’ll have a whole lot of fun.
11. Cornilleau 500 Indoor Tennis Table
DELUXE RECREATIONAL TABLE
Deluxe recreational tables give you the best quality materials available within the recreational use price range.
Differences beyond this level are so subtle, only tournament level athletes would benefit from the upgrades found in a tournament level table. Look for thick surfaces, broad, strong support, and smooth movement with these tables.
If ping pong runs in the family… if it’s just a part of your blood, you’ll want to invest wisely in a quality table that will last decades. You’ll be less concerned about storage and more concerned about the playing surface.
If this sounds like you, take a look at The Cornilleau 500 Indoor Tennis Table. The Cornilleau’s standard features include playback mode, patented anti-tilt safeties, and classic blue coloring.
The Cornilleau 500 also features a galvanized steel frame, 6” double wheels for easy moving, and 22mm thickness. At the top of the recreational level range, this table will cost a bit more. But, it’s made by a company renowned for quality.
Our Top Choice
Now that you know what to expect at each level of the playing field, the search for a new ping pong table should be much simpler. We’ve given you our favorites in each category. And to give you a roundup, here’s our shortlist:
STIGA Advantage
What to Look for in a Ping Pong Table
Ping pong tables are usually classified by either outdoor or indoor use. The type of construction, weather resistance, and dimensional details are different for each type.
There are crossover tables available too. But depending on your needs, you may want to look for one that specializes in one environment or the other.
Varying levels of playing surface quality are available in ping pong tables, which makes purchase options almost limitless, and a tad bit overwhelming. As a general rule of thumb though, the lightest, thinnest, most compact, and most storable tables provide the lowest level of playability.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, as playability is highly dependent on the viewpoint of the player. Someone who plays ping pong only occasionally, like when friends come over to take part in ping pong festivities, will do well to purchase a less expensive, decent quality recreational table.
Those who play more often, maybe a couple beer and barbecue weekends every month, or as a way to spend a rainy Saturday with the kids, may want to put a little more money into a mid-grade recreational table.
Then there are those who eat, sleep, and breathe ping pong. For those absolute ping pong die-hards, finding an upgraded model fit for tournaments are the only way to go. Certain table top thicknesses are best intended for the tournament player.
Paying good money for these kinds of tables, only to be used recreationally, means less money in your pocket.
What to consider in finding the right table tennis table
Outdoor Ping Pong
Outdoor tables are typically constructed with a tabletop thickness between 10mm to 18mm. The best will have the thickest tops with a 6 to 7mm coating of melamine, (a durable type of plastic used in laminate coatings). The undersurface will either be wood or plywood depending on the quality of the table.
The strength of the frame is dictated by the material used. The thicker the frame, the better the stability: which means a more even and consistent playing surface. Frames that are durable and weather resistant are especially valuable if the table is going to be stored outdoors.
Additional features to look for in outdoor tables are easy net adjustment, tension adjustment, net height variability, corner protectors, racket and ball holders, ball dispenser, wheel brakes, and a storage cover.
Indoor Ping Pong
With indoor ping pong tables, the requirements change just a bit.
By indoor we mean truly indoors… in a space where temperature and humidity fluctuations won’t be an issue, such as a garage or covered patio. If you’re looking to set your table up in one of these “not so indoor” spaces, then an outdoor or a crossover is your best bet.
The best indoor tables have an even thicker surface than outdoor models, ranging between 19mm thickness for economy models and 25mm thick for the best indoor tables. The thicker surface means a more even playing surface, and less variation no matter what point on the table the ball bounces.
Although stability is not as much a defining issue as it is for outdoor tables, (due to more variation outdoors in playing surfaces such as grass, or uneven ground), stability is still important. This is especially true for tournament grade ping pong tables. Tables with the thickest frames and more points of contact on the ground will give the playing surface the most stability.
Storage is a big factor in determining which table to purchase. Most quality ping pong tables fold-up for storage. But, some really nice ones separate and nest into each other, taking up as little space as possible in the corner of your rec room.
The Purpose of the Purchase
The amount of money you’ll spend on a ping pong table will largely be dictated by your needs and intentions.
If you’re one of those families who love to gather around a good game of table tennis, where things may get a wee competitive between the type A’s in the family, you’ll want to look for the highest recreation level table for either outdoor or indoor use, based on where you intend to have the family play.
If, however, you’re going to be adding it to a recreation room or backyard to have available when the mood strikes from time to time, you may get away with purchasing a more economy model and be just as pleased, while keeping ample cash in your pocket. Needs for level surfaces and premium bounce won’t be as important to you in this case.
Now, if you have a rising ping pong star living in your house, maybe your son or daughter, you may want to invest in a tournament grade table. You’ll be paying the most of course, but there will be no adjustment between what your future Olympian plays on at home and what they’ll play on during a tournament.
Of course, you can always try to keep it simple with these DIY ping pong table ideas.
We understand that there are players that also play other table sports as well. If that sounds like someone such as yourself, feel free to check out our Best Budget Table Tennis Paddle, and Table Tennis Robot Reviews too!
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