The Best Ping Pong Tables: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Looking to buy a ping pong table but not sure which one is best? We are not surprised. Deciding on features like table thickness, and wheel size are challenging. Let alone which brands are quality and which are not.

But don’t worry, as we are here to help. No longer shall you have to play table tennis on your dining table. We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about buying a table tennis table. We’ll also go over what we think are the best ping pong tables for 2023 so that you can make an educated decision about which one is right for your needs.

Featured Ping Pong Tables

Why You Should Trust Us

We are not any old product review website, we are table tennis experts, and as such, that’s what we exclusively write about. Having played on hundreds of tables over the years, we know exactly what to look for when picking out a table to buy. 

The Best Ping Pong Tables for 2023

Below we have selected 11 of the top ping pong tables. For each, we have provided a brief ping pong table review.

#1. JOOLA Tour 2500 Ping Pong Table — Best Overall

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Indoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 1″ (25mm) thickness with 5/8″ and 3/4″ also available
  • Assembly time: 10 minutes

Pros

  • 25 mm thick playing surface
  • Excellent value
  • 4″ wheels
  • Nests for compact storage
  • Quick assembly
  • 1-year warranty period

Cons

  • None

For us, the best indoor ping pong table is the JOOLA Tour 2500. It folds, locks, and stores with ease. The table is incredibly simple to assemble and only takes 10 minutes to set up. All you have to do is attach the legs and you are good to go!

The table surface is made from medium-density fiberboard and it has an eye-catching blue surface. The rolling trolley system has anti-tilting and locking devices to allow you to roll and store it without it falling or moving out of place, while the safety spring-loaded latch also keeps it in the folded position securely.

One great feature of the Tour 2500 is the solo playback mode. This enables you to erect one side to play by yourself in the absence of company. Therefore it’s a great home choice to be able to practice at any time of day.

JOOLA is one of the table tennis manufacturers that supplied their top-quality ping pong equipment for the Olympic games. Also, the company happens to be the endorsed sponsor of the US Nationals and US Open.

If you’re interested in reading a more in-depth Tour 2500 ping pong table review, check out this post by Ping Pong Ruler.

#2. STIGA Advantage Pro Ping Pong Table

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Indoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 3/4″ (18mm) thickness with 5/8″ and 1/2″ also available
  • Assembly time: 10 minutes

Pros:

  • 19 mm thick playing surface
  • Excellent value
  • 4″ wheels
  • Nests for compact storage
  • Quick assembly
  • Satisfaction guaranteed

Cons:

  • 90-day warranty period

The STIGA Advantage Pro is one of the best home ping pong tables. At 18 mm thick, it doesn’t have the best bounce, but it’s pretty respectable and will suffice for most people. This full-size model assembles quickly in about 10 minutes and is 95% complete upon arrival. 

It has 4″ lockable caster wheels to easily store and move the table. Additionally, you also get a quality net with the table, so there is no need to go out and buy one separately.

This particular model also has separate halves for playback mode when you want to practice alone. This is an ideal selection for someone looking for a great table to put in a recreation room. Like many STIGA tables, it stores easily and has a safety latch to keep it folded in place securely. 

#3. JOOLA Inside Ping Pong Table

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Indoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 1″ (25 mm) thickness with 5/8″, 3/4″, and 1/2″ also available
  • Assembly time: 10 minutes

Pros:

  • 25 mm thick playing surface
  • Excellent value
  • 4″ wheels
  • Nests for compact storage
  • Quick assembly
  • 1-year warranty period

Cons:

  • None

The JOOLA Inside 25 is one of our favorite models whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player. This is because it is remarkably cheaper than many tables on the market, yet it has a 25 mm playing surface which is tournament-level. As such, if you’re not particularly skilled right now but are dedicated to improving, the JOOLA Inside 25 is the perfect table to pick up.

It shares a similar form to the Tour 2500 which is made by the same company. It’s a 2-piece model, so you can compactly nest the halves together for storage. Furthermore, it takes just 10 minutes to assemble, features 4″ locking casters, and comes with a year of warranty. There’s no doubt in our mind that it’s one of the best table tennis tables right now.

#4. Cornilleau 700X Outdoor Ping Pong Table — Best Outdoor Model

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Outdoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 8 mm
  • Assembly time: 2 hours+

Pros

  • Thick playing surface for an outdoor model
  • Anti-glare finish
  • 10-year warranty
  • 16-point locking mechanism
  • Abacus scorers
  • Cup holders
  • Large 8″ double wheels
  • Bat and ball storage

Cons

  • Long assembly time 
  • Expensive

The first of our outdoor ping pong tables is the Cornilleau 700X Outdoor. It ticks almost all of the boxes from its performance to its warranty. The playing surface is 8 mm thick which is on the high end for outdoor models, and it also has a MATTOP anti-glare coating which enables you to play on the sunniest of days. The warranty is industry-leading at 10 years, but to add to this, the table is also guaranteed to be repairable for 20 years. So in terms of longevity and coverage, you really won’t be able to find a superior model.

Another awesome feature of the 700X outdoor is the DSI locking system. With 16 locking points, closing and opening the table is ultra easy and safe making it a good choice for families. Transporting the table is also a breeze. With large 8″ double wheels you can wheel the table across any terrain without issue.

Beyond these top core features the 700X also has some nice extras. From the abacus scorers to keep track of your games, to the cup holders to keep drinks within arm’s reach, this ping pong table is simply a delight to use. Of course, with such excellence, naturally, you should expect a hefty price tag — it’s one of the most expensive models on this list. It also has a lengthy assembly time of around 2 hours. Yet these two drawbacks are certainly worthwhile for getting one of the coolest ping pong tables out there.   

#5. JOOLA Nova Pro Plus Outdoor Ping Pong Table

Features

  • Type: Outdoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 6 mm
  • Assembly time: 10 minutes

Pros

  • Good value
  • Large 6″ double wheels
  • Thick 40 mm undercarriage
  • Quick assembly

Cons

  • Bounce is poor compared to indoor tables

The JOOLA Nova Pro Plus is an excellent table for outdoor use with friends or for inside individual practice. It’s made of an all-weather material and has a waterproof net set for use outdoors.

This outdoor model can go just about anywhere and stores easily when not in use. The large 6″ caster wheels allow you to take it across rough terrain and areas with grass or uneven surfaces. This table comes assembled, and the legs are attachable in 10 minutes. All you need to do is install eight bolts, and it’s ready for action. The aluminum-plastic composite table top resists water, rust, and wear and it’s also very durable and lightweight.

Furthermore,  the safety latch system keeps it firmly folded in place, and the anti-tilting locks ensure a stable surface while the adjustable leg levelers allow you to play on uneven surfaces. This model only comes in a 6 mm table thickness. 

This is a good general selection for those who do not want to compromise on versatility or durability. It offers plenty of value for the money and can last through most conditions and heavy use. This model is heavy, however, so it may require additional hands for assembly and moving.

#6. STIGA XTR Pro Outdoor Table Tennis Table

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Outdoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 6 mm
  • Assembly time: 15 minutes

Pros

  • Large 6″ double wheels
  • Quick assembly

Cons

  • Bounce is poor compared to indoor tables
  • 30-day warranty period

The STIGA XTR Pro is a quality ping pong table for outdoor use. This model is designed to withstand the elements and goes perfectly outdoors on a patio or in a garage. 

It has an aluminum composite top that measures 6 mm in thickness. Not the thickest, but by no means thin for an outdoor table. The XTR Pro comes 90% assembled and takes approximately 15 minutes to put together. With self-opening legs that lock into place, it’s easy to maneuver and store. 

Shoppers looking for an outdoor ping pong table will be happy with the durability and all-weather features this option provides.

#7. JOOLA Motion 18 Ping Pong Table (JOOLA Rally TL)

best ping pong table

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Features

  • Type: Indoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 1″ (3/4″ and 5/8″ also available)
  • Assembly time: 15 minutes

Pros:

  • 25 mm thick playing surface
  • Excellent value for money
  • Nests for compact storage
  • Quick assembly
  • Abacus scorers
  • Ball dispensers
  • 1-year warranty period

Cons:

  • Small 3″ wheels

Indoor ping pong enthusiasts will love the JOOLA Motion 25 – or as it’s also known, the JOOLA Rally TL – it is durable and light with plenty of little extras the other tables don’t provide. 

It has all the basics you would expect from a standard competition-size ping pong table, but it also features four built-in ball holders that hold three balls in each, as well as a net.

The surface is a 25 mm sleek charcoal-painted MDF that goes with most interior color schemes and an abacus-style scoreboard. The table features four locking caster wheels as well which makes it easy to store and move. The folding legs have rubber feet to reduce scratches, supported by a double anti-tilt device for stability. 

This model is quickly assembled. It takes just 15 minutes to attach the legs which is pretty tough to beat. All things considered, we feel it’s up there as a contender for the best indoor ping pong table.

#8. Butterfly Centrefold 25 Ping Pong Table— Premium Pick

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Indoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 1″ (25 mm)
  • Assembly time: 0 minutes (Comes pre-assembled)

Pros:

  • 25 mm thick playing surface
  • No assembly
  • ITTF-approved
  • Used for national competitions
  • 5-year warranty period

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • No solo playback mode
  • Heavy

The Butterfly Centrefold 25 is a professional ping pong table used for international and national competitions. It features a regulation form for paraplegic tournaments and is the only wheelchair-friendly option on this list.

The table comes with a five-year warranty and plenty of great features. Its table top is made from scratch-resistant wood and comes in either blue or green, and you can choose either white or silver legs. 

The top also has a 25 mm surface to provide ideal bounce and spin. But so do many of the other models we have looked at, so let us instead present one feature that the other models do not. The Centrefold 25 arrives fully pre-assembled. Simply put on the pro ping pong net provided, and you’re ready to play. 

If you’re in the market for a high-end regulation-size table that will last for years, this is the ideal choice. The only significant drawback is the price. 

#9. Kettler Outdoor 6 Ping Pong Table

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Outdoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 6 mm
  • Assembly time: 30 minutes 

Pros

  • One-handed locking mechanism
  • Safety-Fold Technology
  • 6 mm anti-glare top
  • 10-year top warranty and 3-year frame warranty
  • 5.5″ double wheels
  • Ball dispensers
  • Bat and ball storage
  • Includes 4x rackets, 12x 3-star balls, and a cover

Cons

  • Expensive

The Kettler Outdoor 6 is a cracking one-piece table tennis table that’s fun to use and easy to operate. It features Safety-Fold Technology with a low center of gravity. This makes it easier to maneuver without the risk of it falling to one side. The one-handed locking mechanism introduces further safety measures, giving you a hand free should an accident unexpectedly occur. 

In terms of the playing surface, it uses a 6 mm KETT-TEC 6 top. This features true bounce performance, is scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and most importantly, anti-glare. So you shouldn’t have much trouble with visibility during particularly sunny days.   

One of the most compelling reasons to pick this model up ahead of the others is its outstanding warranty. The top, which is the area that requires the most protection, has 10 years of coverage. This gives you peace of mind when purchasing.

The only clear downside is the expensive price tag. However, given the range of features, I’d say this table is worth the money. You also get a few extra to sweeten the deal. These include 4x rackets, 12x 3-star balls, and a cover for protection. 

#10. STIGA Advantage Lite Ping Pong Table — Budget Option

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Indoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 1/2″ (12 mm)
  • Assembly time: 10 minutes

Pros:

  • Excellent value for money
  • Nests for compact storage
  • Quick assembly
  • Satisfaction guaranteed

Cons:

  • 12 mm table top 
  • Small 2″ wheels
  • 90-day warranty period

The STIGA Advantage Lite is a lightweight table that’s the younger sibling of the Advantage Pro. While its 12 mm table thickness leaves a lot to be desired, we still feel that is among the best ping pong tables for the home for the right buyer. And that buyer is someone who is purchasing for players who are at a beginner level and solely playing for fun. This isn’t a model for skilled players.

The obvious benefit of having a thinner table is a reduced price tag. The Advantage Lite is $170 cheaper than the Advantage Pro which is quite the saving. It also shares similar features such as nest storage and quick assembly. So if budget is your primary concern in your quest to buy a table tennis table, this could very well be the model for you.

#11. Cornilleau 540M Crossover Outdoor Ping Pong Table

best ping pong table

Features

  • Type: Outdoor
  • Dimensions: 9′ x 5′
  • Surface thickness: 7 mm
  • Assembly time: 30 minutes+

Pros:

  • 7 mm thick playing surface
  • Super strong
  • DSI locking mechanism
  • 8″ double wheels
  • 10-year warranty 

Cons:

  • 2-hour assembly
  • Metal net
  • Expensive

The Cornilleau 540M is an outdoor ping pong table. It is foldable for easy storage and has a solid foundation and a 7 mm resin laminated top. This weatherproof model can stand up to the elements quite well.

The lines stay visible and resist fading, while the 16 locking points provide excellent safety. This table is a sound investment for people interested in an outdoor table that will last for many years. Assembly time for this model is at least 2 hours and may require special tools and glue. 

This ping pong table is a good investment for someone interested in an outdoor table that doesn’t need storing inside during certain seasons. Besides the high cost and lengthy assembly time, you should also know that the table tennis net is made of metal. This will cause the ball bounce to be irregular, unlike a conventional cloth net. 

How To Choose a Ping Pong Table: A Buyer’s Guide

Table Sizes and Material

Before getting a ping pong table, you should learn about its size and the required space to accommodate the table.

A standard-size table will have a dimension of 2.74 meters long, 1.525 meters wide, and 76 centimeters high. We have a post on the dimensions of a table tennis table and the ideal room size for various table sizes for your convenience.

Besides the table, other accessories like the balls, net, and post are also needed for playing table tennis. Many tables come with a pair of table tennis paddles and balls, as well as the net and post, so you can play right after you assemble it.

On the subject of table tennis table assembly, most tables are easily assembled, moved, and stored. The majority have wheels and fold in two, so they don’t take up too much space. However, this can vary from table to table and the larger tournament-quality tables may be too heavy for one person to handle on their own.

best ping pong table

 

Playing Surface Material

Indoor tables have the best bounce quality as these are made of wood — more specifically, the top models use MDF. On the other hand, outdoor tables can be made of a range of materials. These include aluminum composite, plastic composite, and melamine. 

Compact, Mini, and Midsize Tables

There are also many non-standard size table tennis tables available that cater to amateur and recreational play. These tables are smaller in size and are meant for families, children, and very casual games. They are easy to fold and only require a small amount of room to play the game.

best ping pong table

Some tables are compact and portable enough for you to take with you when you travel. You can check out our mini table guide to learn more about these tables. There are currently a number of cute mini-sized table tennis tables on the market for you to enjoy playing anywhere you want.

Here are some of the different models that are available:

Floating Ping Pong Table

Let’s be clear: floating ping pong tables are only meant as a fun summertime activity. They are nowhere near the quality of a regular table tennis table, however. they are a tonne of fun to use in a swimming pool.

Should You Buy an Indoor or Outdoor Table Tennis Table?

Playing table tennis outdoors can be fun, but table tennis is traditionally played indoors due to sub-optimal playing conditions outside. Despite this, you still may want to play out in the sunshine. Just bear in mind that playing outdoors requires taking some extra factors into account.

You’ll need sufficient sunshine to play outside, and more importantly, you need good, dry weather. Outdoor tables are weather-resistant, but you can’t exactly play outside when it’s windy or raining. You’ll also need an outdoor table with levelers so that you can place it on uneven surfaces. 

With indoor table tennis tables, on the other hand, you can happily play even while a storm is passing by your town! Indoor table tennis tables have better playing surfaces, as outdoor table tennis tables are typically thinner and made of less bouncy materials.

indoor ping pong table vs outdoor ping pong table

What to Consider Before Buying an Indoor Table Tennis Table

There are a few things to keep in mind before buying an indoor table tennis table, as select factors could prevent you from being able to play properly.

Firstly, it is important to pick a model from one of the best ping pong table brands. These often come with extended warranty periods which will make your life easier should something happen. Butterfly and STIGA are two of the best brands for ping pong tables. 

Next, consider the size of the room where you will place the table. In most cases, it is advisable to have a table whose size is proportional to your room’s dimensions. Just know that most of the top-rated ping pong tables are full-size as these are the most enjoyable to play on. 

You could also buy a foldable table tennis table — most models are these days.  Foldable tables are easy to maneuver and store.

FAQs

What Ping Pong Tables Do Professionals Use?

Professionals primarily play on tournament-grade table tennis tables. These are models that are 25 mm thick. However, they sometimes play on slightly thinner 22 mm tables. You are unlikely to see professionals using tables that are 18 mm in thickness or thinner as they have a noticeably poorer bounce quality. They’ll also stick with proven top ping pong table brands.

What Type of Ping Pong Table Is Best for a Beginner?

Beginners don’t need a top-level table because of their limited ability. Therefore it makes sense to purchase an affordable model. We recommend picking up an 18 mm thick table as these have decent bounce quality and give you room to grow. A 15 mm model may be fine initially, but as you improve it may become unenjoyable to play on.

Now You Know How to Choose a Table Tennis Table

That about wraps up our guide to buying a ping pong table, we hope you found it helpful. Just remember to buy the thickest surface table you can afford and (generally speaking) don’t use an indoor table outside.

If you’re still on the fence about which one to go for, we’d recommend opting for an indoor ping pong table. And in our opinion, the best ping pong table is the JOOLA Tour 2500. It’s the perfect match of affordability and playability. It’s also available in a variety of thicknesses, so if you can’t quite afford the 2500 model, you can always purchase a thinner version.

However, if you’re thinking you instead want to play outside, then the best outdoor table is the Cornilleau 700X Outdoor. It’s loaded with nifty features such as abacus scorers and cup holders. However, more importantly, it gets the core features spot on. With a thick playing surface, 8″ double wheels, and 10 years of warranty, it’s well worth the elevated price tag on other models.

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Alex Horscroft

Freelance writer. Table tennis enthusiast. Lover of all things online. When I’m not working on my loop game I’m probably binge-watching some fantasy show.

1 thought on “The Best Ping Pong Tables: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide”

  1. Butterfly Centerfold 25 Rollaway Table is Really AWESOME. I’m not a professional player, but love to play and this table looks great, sounds great, and has perfect bounce. Assembly was ridiculously easy, basically all you’re doing is attaching the wheels to the four posts and that’s it. The two halves are completely independent and are easy to move around, even on carpet. When putting them together, the net clamps actually bring both halves level with each other and hold the table in place. For the price, nothing comes close to this. Thanks for your table tennis table review.

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