Best Ping Pong Table

Originating in England in the 1880s as an after-dinner amusement for upper-class Victorians, ping-pong, also known as table tennis or and whiff-whaff, is a sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The game is played for both leisure and competitively and consists of two or four players hitting a lightweight ball, known as the ping-pong ball, using small paddles or rackets.

The game takes place on a hard table divided by a net with the object brought to hit the ball so that it goes over the net and bounces on the opponent’s half of the table in such a way that the opponent cannot reach it or return it correctly.

Due to huge popularity, the game has been an Olympic sport which includes four events, namely men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s teams, and women’s teams, and is extremely popular all over the world.

The game is played for both leisure and competitively. 

How to Choose the Best Ping Pong Table  

Ping-pong/table tennis is played on a table measuring nine by five feet and which is 30 inches high off the ground. This allows the game to be played anywhere with enough space from recreation halls to homes, making it accessible for everyone.

The game centers around the table, and as with most sports equipment, some are better quality than others. Here are some features to look for when buying a table tennis table:

1. Playing Surface

One of the most important things to look for in a ping-pong table is the thickness of the top of the playing surface. The thickness of the playing surface determines whether the ball will have a consistent bounce, which is essential. Tops can range in thickness from a half to full inch, however, ideally, you want a table at least 3/4 inches (19mm) thick. Anything less and the tabletop can warp easily, resulting in an inconsistent bounce.

Look for a medium density board with a higher percentage of resin in the actual as this will provide better bounce and warp resistance. Ping-pong tables with screened lines are preferable to those with taped lines, as they are smoother and do not interfere with the bounce of the ball during a game.

Screened lines are preferable to those with taped lines, as they are smoother and do not interfere with the bounce of the ball during a game. 

2. Type of Top / Playing Surface 

The majority of ping pong tables have a wooden playing surface, which is good for indoor use but cannot be used excessively outdoors as the wood tends to warp. The latest type of playing surface to hit the market is that of weatherproof aluminum surfaces, which consist of a wood core sealed inside an aluminum shell. These tabletops are designed to resist warping and are weatherproofed for outdoor use.

3. Frame, Chassis or Under-Carriage

The durability of the table relies on the frame under the playing surface and if you want your ping-pong table to last, be sure that the table has a solid center transport frame and steel tubing legs. Budget and lower-end table tennis tables tend to use aluminum or galvanized tubing for the frame, which can be shaky and collapse.

High-end and better-quality tables have oval or square legs that provide excellent stability and strength and tend to have numerous cross beams used and connection points to the playing surface for added stability.

A good quality table should have a solid center transport frame and steel tubing legs. 

4. Storage Capabilities

If you are limited on space or plan on traveling with the table, a ping-pong table that folds up easily and stores compactly is your best bet. Some tables fold inwards by retracting into the central transport frame and are very easy to fold and store. Also, check the wheels – big or multiple wheels offer better support for the table and lockable wheels will allow the table to be stored without rolling away.

5. Net and Post Systems

Good quality table tennis tables come with a net system and boast an integrated post system attached to the frame of the table. This allows the net to always be deployed whether folded or not. Make sure there is an easy method of adjusting the net to keep it taut.

Good quality table tennis tables come with a net system and boast an integrated post system attached to the frame of the table. 

Best Ping Pong Table

We grabbed our paddles and tested a variety of ping-pong tables to make a list of the best on the market, and here’s what we came up with.

Best Ping-Pong Tables for Beginners

Kettler Stockholm GT Institutional/Tournament Indoor Table Tennis Table

The Kettler Stockholm GT Institutional/Tournament Indoor Table Tennis Table is an excellent product all around. Made from high-quality materials, the table has a 3/4″ wooden top with a medium density rating, providing unmatched quality and performance.

The outer edges of the table are protected and supported by a one-inch aluminum apron, which also cradles the tabletop and helps to prevent the table from warping. Durable resin posts hold the net in place during play and when folded for storage, a patented Safety-Fold with Dual Lock Safety prevents the table from opening or closing unintentionally.

The Kettler Stockholm GT Institutional/Tournament Indoor Table Tennis Table features space saver technology for compact storage and low center of gravity, making it easy to transport.  The table comes with a limited three-year warranty.

Pros

•         High-quality materials
•         Patented Safety-Fold with Dual Lock Safety
•         Space saver technology for easy storage

 Cons

•         Expensive

Joola Inside 15mm Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table

Joola is a well-known table tennis brand that has been around for years, producing high-quality ping-pong tables and equipment for all levels from beginners to Olympians. This entry-level ping-pong table has a 15mm competition-grade surface that offers excellent bounce and the regulation-size indoor ping-pong table is perfect for playing anywhere.

Quick and easy to assemble, this top-performing table tennis table features a tournament-grade regulation size 72″ ping pong net with a clamp system for quickly attaching and removing from the table.

The Joola Inside 15mm Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table is foldable and has three-inch lockable wheels and casters, making it easy to move around. It can be used outdoors in good weather but avoid playing or leaving in the rain or near any moisture as this could cause warping and water damage.

Pros

•         World-renowned brand
•         Tournament-grade playing surface
•         Foldable and easy to transport

Cons

•         Does not come with paddles

Joola Inside 25mm Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table

The Joola Inside 25mm Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table is the higher-grade version of the ping-pong table above. The 25mm surface provides a better bounce and the regulation-size indoor ping pong table is perfect for playing anywhere.

Quick and easy to assemble, this top-performing table tennis table features a tournament-grade regulation size 72″ ping pong net with a clamp system for quickly attaching and removing from the table.

The Joola Inside 25mm Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table is foldable and has three-inch lockable wheels and casters, making it easy to move around. It can be used outdoors in good weather but avoid playing or leaving in the rain or near any moisture as this could cause warping and water damage.

Pros

•         World-renowned brand
•         Tournament-grade playing surface
•         Foldable and easy to transport

Cons

•         Does not come with paddles

Best Mid-Range Ping-Pong Tables

Donic Waldner Classic 25 Table

The Donic Waldner Classic 25 Table is a professional-grade ITTF-approved table tennis table with a 25mm playing surface that provides superb bounce and consistency. The foldable table is easy to store and transport and durable resin posts hold the net in place during play. A Dual Lock Safety system prevents the table from opening or closing unintentionally during play.

Pros

•         ITTF-approved table
•         Tournament-grade playing surface
•         Foldable and easy to transport
•         Dual Lock Safety system to prevent movement
•         Four lockable wheels

 Cons

•         Fairly expensive

Butterfly Space Saver 22 Table Tennis Table

The Butterfly Space Saver 22 Table Tennis Table has a slim folding design with a 7/8″ (22mm) anti-skid and anti-scratch Perfect Grip top playing surface. The ITTF-approved table has a durable and sturdy frame with 1 1/8″ square steel legs and three-inch rubber heavy-duty wheels with a safety locking mechanism. The playing top is protected by a two-inch steel rim and hard PVC band and the table features a tournament-grade regulation size 72″ ping pong net with a clamp system for quickly attaching and removing from the table.

Pros

•         ITTF-approved table
•         Tournament-grade playing surface
•         Foldable and easy to transport
•         Rubber heavy-duty wheels with safety locking system

Cons

•         Fairly expensive

Donic Waldner Premium 30 Table

The Donic Waldner Premium 30 Table is a thick and sturdy table with superb bounce quality. The ITTF-approved table has a professional-grade playing surface that meets the highest requirements in competition table tennis. A locking system prevents the table from opening or closing unintentionally during play and it has a regulation size 72″ ping pong net with a clamp system for quickly attaching and removing from the table.

Pros

•         ITTF-approved table
•         Tournament-grade playing surface
•         Foldable and easy to transport
•         Rubber heavy-duty wheels with safety locking system

Cons

•         Fairly expensive
•         Not suitable for small spaces

 

Best Professional-Quality Ping-Pong Tables

Stiga Optimum 30 Table Tennis Table

The Stiga Optimum 30 Table Tennis Table offers great value for money for a high-quality, professional-grade ping-pong table. Produced by world-renowned brand, Stiga, this ITTF-approved table has Optimum Bounce Technology with a 30mm thick top and playing surface providing excellent bounce and consistency.

The table has four-inch machine-grade casters and leg levelers, and extra-thick strong legs and trimming under the table surface for stability. A STIGA VM net and post system is included, featuring a regulation size 72″ ping pong net with a clamp system for quickly attaching and removing from the table.

Pros

•         ITTF-approved table
•         Tournament-grade playing surface
•         Dual Lock Safety system to prevent movement
•         Four lockable wheels
•         STIGA VM net and post system included

 Cons

•         Not suitable for small spaces

Joola 3000 SC Professional Table Tennis Table

Joola is a well-known table tennis brand that has been around for years, producing high-quality ping-pong tables and equipment for all levels from beginners to Olympians. The Joola 3000 SC Professional Table Tennis Table is a top-tier, high-quality center-fold table approved by the ITTF for competitive table tennis.

The table has a powder-coated metal undercarriage with a 50mm metal frame supported by legs with adjustable, solid rubber levelers and four heavy-duty durable wheels (two of which have brake systems). It features a 22mm Olympic-quality, fast playing surface that is coated with especially processed polyester.

Pros

•         ITTF-approved table
•         An Olympic-quality polyester-coated playing surface
•         Heavy-duty wheels with a braking system

Cons

•         Expensive
•         Not suitable for small spaces

Butterfly Centrefold 25 Table Tennis Table

The Butterfly Centrefold 25 Table Tennis Table is an ITTF-approved table that has a professional-grade playing surface that meets the highest requirements in competition table tennis.

A locking system prevents the table from opening or closing unintentionally during play and it has a regulation size 72″ ping pong net with a clamp system for quickly attaching and removing from the table. The foldable table is easy to store and transport and durable resin posts hold the net in place during play and the table comes with a five-year warranty.

Pros

•         ITTF-approved table
•         Tournament-grade playing surface
•         Foldable and easy to transport
•         Five-year warranty

Cons

•         Expensive

Best Outdoor Ping-Pong Tables

Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor Table Tennis Table

If you are looking for an outdoor ping-pong table to use recreationally at events and communal activities, then the Butterfly Playback Rollaway Outdoor Table Tennis Table is a good choice. This high-quality all-weather ping pong table has a regulation-size synthetic laminate top with a rust-proof frame.

The table is set on rotating, lockable wheels and boasts a simple design that can be folded and stored easily. It has a ball and paddle holder on each side of the table and includes a Butterfly weatherproof ping pong table net set that is easy to assemble and does not need to be removed when the table is folded. The table comes with a 10-year warranty on the top and playing surface and a three-year warranty on the frame.

Pros

•         All-weather resistant
•         Synthetic laminate top
•         Foldable and easy to transport
•         Ten-year warranty
•         Includes a Butterfly weatherproof ping pong table net set

 Cons

•         May warp if left outdoors

Joola Nova Pro Plus Outdoor Table

The Joola Nova Pro Plus Outdoor Table is a competition-grade regulation size ping pong table for outdoor use and combines JOOLA’s indoor ping pong table quality with superb weather resistance and outdoor durability. It features a 40mm rust-resistant, powder-coated undercarriage with six-inch wheels and a durable 6mm thick aluminum plastic composite surface that is resistant to chipping and warping.

The foldable ping pong table separates into two independent halves using automatic anti-tilting locks, allowing the table to be folded, stored, and transported easily.

Pros

•         All-weather resistant
•         Synthetic laminate top
•         Rust-resistant, powder-coated undercarriage
•         Automatic anti-tilting locks for folding and storing

 Cons

•         May warp if left outdoors

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an indoor or outdoor ping-pong table?

Indoor ping pong tables aren’t resistant to weather conditions but provide a great bounce quality at an affordable price. It is important though not to store them in humid places or locations subject to temperature changes that would cause cracks on the top panels. Prolonged stay under the sun (or even brief) can also cause the table to bend. Outdoor tables are much more resistant to impact and can stay outside all year long therefore, they are much more durable.

How do I assemble my ping-pong table?

Tables are delivered in kits with many pre-assembled pieces and an instruction manual. You can also check out the YouTube assembly video dedicated to your table before you start. Assembly usually takes between 1.5 to two hours with two people.

What are the main differences between budget-friendly and expensive table tennis tables?

Generally, the better quality tables are more expensive and provide a better bounce quality due to having thicker panels, better playing surfaces, more robust legs and frame, bigger wheels, top-quality net systems, and adjustable features.

Can I play alone on all kinds of ping-pong tables?

All tables with wheels can be used to train alone. You need to fold one side of the table to create a perpendicular wall that you can play against. Only fixed tables (Pro 510 and Competition 610) don’t suit this purpose.

What are the most common brands of table tennis products?

• Stiga – a German-based sports brand for table tennis
• Butterfly
• Joola – a newcomer that sells budget-friendly tables, balls, and rackets.
• Mizuno
• Revolution
• Avalox – a German-based sports brand for table tennis

What other equipment is needed to play ping pong?

A ping-pong ball and a rubber-padded paddle or racket.

What is the official size of a ping-pong table for table tennis?

Official tables are nine feet, 108 inches (2.74 meters) long; five feet, 60 inches (1.525 meters) wide, and 30 inches (76cm) above the ground.

What are the health benefits of playing table tennis both as a sport and as a hobby?

Table tennis offers surprisingly great health benefits. Not only is it a fun way to spend time with family and friends, but it also offers great mind-body stimulation, aerobic exercise, and social interaction.  Unlike many sports, the overall risk for injury with table tennis is quite low.

Some of the many health benefits of table tennis include:

• Improving hand-eye coordination. An intense game of table tennis stimulates mental alertness and concentration and develops mental acuity.
• Improving reflexes. Due to the fast-paced, short-distance nature of the sport, both gross and fine muscle movements are improved.
• It’s easy on the joints. Table tennis is the perfect choice for people who had knee surgery, history of back problems, or simply those who are tired of twisting their ankles while playing some other sports.
• It burns calories. Hate going to the gym? Try table tennis instead. It’s a fun & easy way to burn calories.
• It’s a social sport. Social interaction is very important for mental health. In a world so connected through technology, people are feeling more and more disconnected from each other. Table tennis offers you a chance to #UnPlugNPlay, step away from the screen, and bond with the person on the other side of the ping pong table.
• It keeps your brain sharp. Renowned physician, psychiatrist, and brain imaging expert, Dr. Daniel Amen, calls table tennis “the world’s best brain sport” because it is highly aerobic, uses both the upper and lower body, and is great for eye-hand coordination and reflexes. Table tennis also utilizes many different areas of the brain simultaneously as you are tracking the ball, planning shoots, and strategies, and figuring out spins.
• Table tennis is used as a treatment for dementia. Five years ago, the Sport and Art Educational Foundation started a table tennis therapy program, which was designed for seniors with early-stage Alzheimer’s and various forms of dementia. Because table tennis activates various areas of the brain simultaneously, players can stimulate their overall state of awareness.
• It improves balance. Staying balanced and being able to quickly change direction is key to being a good table tennis player. The more you play, the more you can improve your sense of balance.
• Table tennis helps you build strength, speed, and agility without risking serious injury.

What are the basic rules of ping-pong?

The aim of the game is to hit the ball over the net onto your opponent’s side. A point is won by you if your opponent is unable to return the ball to your side of the table – if they miss the ball, they hit the ball, but it misses your side of the table, or the ball hits the net; or if they hit the ball before it bounces on their side of the table.