If you are looking for the best ping pong table and are full of all available options, you have come to the right place. Though it has only recently become a professional sport (by professional league standards) ping pong has been a leisure sport enjoyed by people for over eight decades now.

With lower standards of physical fitness required to play but still providing a great workout, ping pong offers excellent middle ground for those who are looking for a sport they can play at home.

Best Ping Pong Table

That is why we have put together a list of the 5 best ping pong tables, highlighting what each product is best for (READ MORE: Step-by-Step Guide for Choosing the Right Ping Pong Paddle). Then we provide a thorough buyer’s guide so you know what features are must-have and which are merely nice extras. By the end, you will be able to find the best table tennis table to suit your needs.

STIGA Advantage – Best All-Around Value Ping Pong Table

STIGA is one of the venerable makers of ping pong equipment, having been founded in Sweden in 1944. Also making various other indoor sports equipment, the brand is still recognized primarily for its ping pong equipment.

While the brand’s tables are not quite as well noted in the professional arena, they are one of the first and few brands to offer a model that is 30 mm in thickness.

That being said, the Advantage is not made nor marketed as a professional-grade table tennis table. Though, in fairness, it is unlikely that you are a professional ping pong player or truly have the need for that type of product. Not to mention the much higher price tag associated with it.

Instead, the STIGA Advantage is a top-tier consumer grade ping pong table with a price tag that is roughly $100 or more less than its next closest competitor. That is why we have ranked it our best all-around value ping pong table.

It should be noted that this model itself is not especially impressive when compared to the “objective” standards of the market. This is because a consumer-grade ping pong table will simply not stand up to a professional grade. As such, the 15 mm thick STIGA is considered a touch thin. Though it is actually the thickest model in the consumer-grade. Even one more millimeter of thickness would actually qualify the STIGA as an institutional-grade ping pong table.

Still, there are a number of advantages to the STIGA, some of which are not even found on all of the professional models we saw. For instance, this is the only table on our list that features corner caps that are rounded. Considering how even a hard plastic corner with a sharp angle can cause injury or pain, this seems like an odd thing for only one table to have figured out. Even the other STIGA on our list does not feature this.

Though, one thing that all STIGAs do right is their folded locking mechanism. While it is not the only brand on our list to feature one. The STIGA locking mechanism to keep the folded table halves from accidentally falling is still a nice touch and noted for its quality. Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said for every aspect of the STIGA when folded. Specifically, this product features the largest storage profile out of any that we saw at 28”. This makes this the overall largest model in storage that we saw.

But it is still pretty darn good. The legs are made out of 1 ½” steel and are square for better stability. They also feature the more durable screw-type leveler that can provide up to 1 ¼” of difference. The wheels are 3” and feature a ball bearing system that provides for smooth, effortless transport. Of course, the 190-pound weight may make that a bit difficult, but it is only 10 pounds heavier than average.

Pros A reasonably priced

A reasonably priced Features a tournament style and grade net

Features a tournament style and grade net Features a folding playback arrangement

Features a folding playback arrangement Comes with the STIGA locking mechanism

Comes with the STIGA locking mechanism PVC edges are curved for safety

PVC edges are curved for safety Provides adjustable and decent 1 ½” square, steel legs

Provides adjustable and decent 1 ½” square, steel legs Provides decent 3” wheels with locking mechanism

Provides decent 3” wheels with locking mechanism Features a 1 ½” welded steel tube style apron Cons A 15 mm table thickness is a touch thin

A 15 mm table thickness is a touch thin Features the largest storage profile reviewed

Features the largest storage profile reviewed A relatively heavy table at 190 pounds

JOOLA Inside 15mm – Best Indoor Ping Pong Table

Outside of STIGA, JOOLA is the other ping pong brand that has developed a reputation stretching back to the early days of the sport. Though they may not have the longest history, JOOLA is still often used for professional play.

And has been used for professional competition at numerous Olympics as well as for various professional organizations like the ITTF, NATT, and USATT.

The JOOLA Inside 15 should be understood within its intended market. However, as this is not a professional grade ping pong table. Instead, this is a top-tier recreational grade table which can be denoted most notably by its actual model.

At 15 mm thick, the JOOLA may not impress those who are used to mid-tier institutional grade or top-tier professional grade ping pong tables. But it should be more than sufficient for the average leisure player which is why we named it our best indoor product.

This model was not only rated for recreational use, but it was also clearly made for it as well. For instance, this is the only product on our list that features a clamp style of the net. Rather than having to screw and unscrew the net to properly fold and store the JOOLA, you can simply unclamp it. This is also part of the reason that the JOOLA features one of the smallest storage profiles we saw for a full-sized table tennis table as well. At 21”, the JOOLA’s storage profile is only 2” larger than its next closest full-sized competitor.

Like other top-tier recreational models, the JOOLA features a solid frame system that provides plenty of stability. The legs are made out 1 ½” steel and square shaped for maximum stability, while the wheels are 3” and feature an excellent locking mechanism. The frame further provides additional safety when folded for storage with a safety latch that is on par with other top brands.

With only 8 bolts necessary to complete the installation, the JOOLA comes 95 percent pre-assembled and can go from boxed to ready for play in under 10 minutes. If you do not have a partner to play with, the JOOLA has you covered here as well offering a half-folded playback arrangement which can help you practice and develop the quick-twitch reflexes necessary to excel at ping pong.

One thing that is a bit disappointing about the JOOLA is that they seem to ride a bit higher on their name and are a bit more expensive than other top-tier recreational grade tables. Also, despite the fact that this is one of the smaller tables in a storage arrangement, it is still fairly heavy at 189 pounds and it will be difficult to transport up or downstairs.

The JOOLA Inside table tennis table is one of the best in the sport. This table is made with a durable composite engineered material and is at the standard height for consistent play. In addition to the 5/8 inch composite top. The table sits on one and a half inch diameter powder-coated steel legs. That fold up automatically for ease of storage and eight wheels for easy mobility. It also includes a regulation height net and post set that is quick and easy to install.

As well as an optional two standard paddles with two white balls in one orange ball. Everything you need to get your game going it. It also features dual safety locking devices keeping it from folding unexpectedly and also keeps it locked in place. Plus you can fold one side up and use it as a practice table or separate to use as two freestanding multi-use tables. The Yola USA inside table tennis table is from one of the best companies in the sport and will be a welcome addition to the game room in your home.

Table assembly instructions

Unlatch the anti-tilting device and unfold the automatic legs then lock the angle brace. Attach brackets to legs with the bolt, two washers, and nut, leaving slack to slide T-bar in. Slide T-bar into brackets and place a bolt and washer through the holes. Add another washer and nut then tighten making sure not to over-tighten. With another person, carefully flip the table house right-side up.

Then roll each half flush to attach the net post. unscrew the tube from the post frame. twist off the cap and take out the threading cylinder. Thread the cylinder into the net and slide into the to push cap back on and slide the tube. Push cap back on and slide the tube into the post-frame while adjusting the height leveler into the bottom of the tube. Attach net set to the table and enjoy it!

Pros Features a folding playback arrangement

Features a folding playback arrangement Provides a clamping net for easy attachment

Provides a clamping net for easy attachment Comes 95 percent pre-assembled

Comes 95 percent pre-assembled Provides adjustable and decent 1 ½” square, steel legs

Provides adjustable and decent 1 ½” square, steel legs Provides decent 3” wheels with locking mechanism

Provides decent 3” wheels with locking mechanism A small storage imprint of 21”

A small storage imprint of 21” Features a safety latch for secure storage Cons Is a slightly expensive ping pong table

Is a slightly expensive ping pong table A 15 mm table thickness is a touch thin

A 15 mm table thickness is a touch thin A bit heavier than most at 189 pounds

Butterfly Centrefold 25 Rollaway – Best Professional Ping Pong Table

If money is no issue and you simply want one of the best ping pong tables on the market, the Butterfly Centrefold 25 Rollaway should easily be one of the top tables on your list. Pretty much everything about this model screams “professional,” and it should: this is the table that was used at the 2004 and 2005 U.S. Open ITTF Pro Tour Championships.

That being said, this product does have some limitations when it comes to versatility. But is pretty much the only area where you are liable to find any limitations.

To start with, this is the only model we reviewed that features a model that is truly a professional grade. Made out of composite wood that is a full 25 mm thick, you will not find a product on this list that provides a better bounce than the Butterfly. Even better, the painted-on lines ensure that the ball bounces and spins true without any potential effect that can occur with tables that use tape.

As is expected from a professional model, the Butterfly measures the competition regulated 9’ x 5’ x 30”. But it is the table’s storage profile that is truly remarkable. At only 19” deep, not only is this the only table approved by the ITTF. It also provides the smallest storage profile out of any other product on our list. Though it does come at the expense of not being able to be used in a one-player playback arrangement.

A look under the hood yields just as impressive results as the body, legs, and wheels all boast the best ratings that we saw. The wheels are 5” and made out of solid rubber with a metal locking mechanism. This will make moving the table when stored much easier while also providing a more stable base when unfolded. Adding to that stability, the legs are made out of 2” steel. The square legs also end in screw-type height adjusters to ensure a level playing surface.

When looking for downsides, you will generally have to nitpick at things that technically have little to nothing to do with quality of the table’s playability. For instance, these model are technically used. They were used for the aforementioned championships. While they have been rigorously tested and only used for a few hours, they still may have marks where the professional players hit the table with the ball or paddle.

Perhaps the biggest issue of these models is their size. At 280 pounds, these are by far the largest products on our list and will present moving challenges even for two people due to a ping pong table’s naturally bulky design. If you need to move the table up or down one or more flights of stairs, you may want to pay someone else to do it. Also, the corners are made out of hard PVC. This is not so much of an issue, but the fact that the corners are still sharp-angled instead of rounded can cause injury if hit or run into.

Pros Has a competition regulation 25 mm thick table

Has a competition regulation 25 mm thick table Provides one the smallest storage imprints we saw

Provides one the smallest storage imprints we saw Is certified for competition play by the ITTF

Is certified for competition play by the ITTF Provides large 5” wheels with locking mechanisms

Provides large 5” wheels with locking mechanisms Features a tournament style and grade net

Features a tournament style and grade net Provides adjustable and sturdy 2” square, steel legs

Provides adjustable and sturdy 2” square, steel legs Comes fully assembled Cons Is an exceptionally expensive ping pong table

Is an exceptionally expensive ping pong table The corners, while PVC, are still sharp-edged

The corners, while PVC, are still sharp-edged Does not offer a playback arrangement

Does not offer a playback arrangement At 280 pounds, is by far the heaviest table reviewed

STIGA XTR Outdoor – Best Outdoor Ping Pong Table

STIGA makes another appearance on our list, but this time it is for an outdoor model. That said, this is actually the only outdoor model of ping pong table we reviewed.

Still, this is an all-around decent option if you need an outdoor type and despite the fact that it is one of the pricier products on our list, it is actually still reasonably priced for an outdoor table which is generally more expensive than indoor models anyway.

When it comes to the actual table, this is a bit of a hit-or-miss feature. The good news is that this product is one of the most durable that we saw. The material is made out of water and temperature resistant melamine and is covered with an aluminum alloy top. This will allow you to leave the table outdoors year-round in even extreme weather without worry of it warping or cracking.

That said, this product is only 6 mm thick, which is thin even for an outdoor type, and is barely thick enough to qualify for the bare minimum of what you should expect from a quality outdoor model. On top of that, the aluminum surface will generate an odd metallic sound as the ball bounces on it. A thicker table would still generate a somewhat metallic sound, but it would not resonate as much and be a bit more muffled.

Pros Features an excellent outdoor net

Features an excellent outdoor net Comes with the STIGA locking mechanism

Comes with the STIGA locking mechanism Provides decent 3” wheels with locking mechanism

Provides decent 3” wheels with locking mechanism Comes 95 percent pre-assembled

Comes 95 percent pre-assembled Provides adjustable and decent 1 ¼” square, steel legs

Provides adjustable and decent 1 ¼” square, steel legs Features a folding playback arrangement

Features a folding playback arrangement A bit lighter than others at 178 ½ pounds Cons Is a somewhat expensive

Is a somewhat expensive One of the larger storage profiles reviewed

One of the larger storage profiles reviewed The 6 mm thick table is a bit thin even for an outdoor table

The 6 mm thick table is a bit thin even for an outdoor table The corners, while PVC, are still sharp-edged

JOOLA Midsize – Best Compact Ping Pong Table

Our last product comes from JOOLA which is a brand far more well-known for their professional-grade of ping pong tables.

This one, on the other hand, is clearly situated for those of you that do not have as much room to spare as a professional (or even recreational) model would demand. Still, it does provide some nice features which are why we ranked it our best compact table tennis table.

First, this model is only 12 mm thick which is actually a good thickness for an outdoor table but is a bit thin for an indoor. In fact, this is actually the thinnest indoor table that we reviewed. This means the ball will not bounce as well, though its smaller size means that it does not necessarily need to bounce as high or hard as it would with a full-sized table.

One of the best things about this product is its construction. It comes fully assembled and features a surprisingly good quality net for a compact model. It is also by far the lightest table on our list at only 62 pounds. These qualities combine to make this one of the easiest and smallest models when stored as well. Which is a big deal if you are short on space and need a compact table tennis table in the first place.

Pros Is a fairly inexpensive

Is a fairly inexpensive Folds up into a smaller storage size than most

Folds up into a smaller storage size than most One of the lighter able available

One of the lighter able available Can be used as small tables when not in play

Can be used as small tables when not in play Comes completely pre-assembled

Comes completely pre-assembled Can play in smaller spaces than most Cons Is not tournament size

Is not tournament size Does not feature rolling wheels

Does not feature rolling wheels The table is a thin 12 mm thick

The table is a thin 12 mm thick Does not provide thick steel supports

Does not provide thick steel supports Does not provide a playback arrangement

Best Ping Pong Table – Buyer’s Guide

For years table tennis has been bringing people together. Whether it’s a competitive game amongst friends or a casual one with family nothing is better than a game of ping pong. However, ping pong tables are far more varied than one might think and have a number of features that can differentiate them from one another. For instance, the thickness of the actual model is arguably the most important factor. But even that will depend on your skill level and setting.

The material of your ping pong table will differ mostly depending on where you intend to use it. Indoor models will generally have less variation in the materials used than outdoor.

This type will be made almost exclusively from some type of plywood. Outdoor tables, on the other hand, can come in a few different varieties of material in order to safeguard against the wear and tear of the environment.

Material

Plywood – this is the most common type of material used for table tennis tables and will be used for both indoor and outdoor models. That said, it is far more common for use with indoor products as plywood can warp over time when exposed to moisture or humidity and varying changes in temperature. Outdoor models made from plywood will have other protective materials to ensure that it can withstand the environmental changes and stressors.

Melamine – is a material that is used exclusively for outdoor tables. Rather than being made from organic pressed wood materials, melamine is actually mixed with a resin to form a hard surface. This allows the table to be thinner while still retaining an adequate bounce rebound. Often, though not always, melamine products will also be coated with other materials to provide additional protection from the elements.

Aluminum – is used exclusively for outdoor models and is not intended to be the exclusive material of the table. Instead, aluminum is meant to provide a weatherproof protective sheet for either plywood or melamine tables. The naturally rust-resistant aluminum can form an effective barrier from changes in the weather for plywood. Or melamine and ensure that the product does not warp or rot, though this depends on the quality of the seal.

Thickness

The thickness of the table will depend primarily on two qualities. Where you intend to use the product and for what purposes you intend to use it. An outdoor model is generally significantly thinner than an indoor. Similarly, a table meant for professional or tournament use will be much thicker than a table meant simply for recreational use.

Indoor v Outdoor– Because outdoor models are not used for professional or tournament settings as there is not a professional outdoor association. They tend to be significantly thinner than indoor products and vary in thickness for less.

An outdoor type will generally be between 3.5 mm to 12 mm thick.

Obviously, the thicker the table, the better rebound the ball will produce. But the minimum acceptable thickness for an outdoor model only needs to be about 5 mm thick.

Recreational – The requirements for a recreational ping pong table are determined strictly by the level of quality that you demand. However, a consumer-grade ping pong table that has no potential use for heavy or tournament use can have a thickness of 12 mm to 15 mm. It is important to note that these thinner models are far less expensive but they are also less durable and provide a poor bounce rebound.

Institutional – Institutional grade ping pong tables do not need to be professional or tournament quality, but they do need to be able to withstand the abuse of continuous play. This type is liable to be found in a rec center, a school, or a church.

Pretty much anywhere people might play ping pong for hours at a time. In an effort to strike the best balance between cost and quality, institutional products should be between 16mm to 19mm thick. Again, the thicker the table the more durable and better bounce rebound it will provide.

International – This is the highest grade of the ping pong table and is suited for both professional and tournament play. Unlike the prior two grades, an international model does not have the luxury of determining its thickness based on personal preferences.

Instead, the product must meet certain requirements as outlined by the governing competition body and rule system used. In this range, you should expect the table to be no thinner than 22mm with a thickness up to 25 mm. Keep in mind, the professional-grade of the ping pong table will demand a 25 mm thickness model to meet the regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation.

Legs

The legs of a ping pong table are important mostly because there is a good chance that at some point in time you or another player will eventually lean on the table. Whether during play or out of the game. In this instance, you will want to make sure that the legs are sturdy enough not only to support the table but additional weight as well.

Material – Thankfully, most products follow a fairly standard formula when it comes to the legs which are to make them out of steel.

This can be potentially problematic if you intend to move your table frequently. But it is a far better alternative than having the model collapse under your weight.

Aluminum is an alternative but does not offer the same structural support as steel, while concrete is occasionally used for permanent institutional products.

Design – In terms of design, legs are either made of a circular or square shape. Square legs are ultimately more sturdy than circular ones. But so long as the legs are made from a reasonably thick gauge of steel. It should not matter too terribly much either way. If the table folds up, which many of them do, having some sort of locking mechanism at the base of the legs will help prevent the table from moving during play.

Leveling – Another quality about the legs that can be important is the ability to provide some degree of leveling. The importance of this quality will be wholly dependent on where you intend to use the ping pong table. If the ground where the product will be set up is already flat, then there is no real need to make sure the table offers the best leveling functions. Of course, if the ground where the table has some inherent degree of grading, then you will want to make sure that the table can account for this slope. Even if it is minor.

The two most common types of leveling features include legs with springs inserted into the legs at the feet and feet which use a screw design to raise or lower the model at one of the four corners. The spring option provides the simplest solution that requires no additional effort on your part, but the springs will eventually give out over time. Screw feet may be a bit more time consuming and require assistance to use. But they are far more stable and long-lasting. And you will likely have another player to help you anyway.

Size

The size of the product can be measured in one of two ways: playing size and storage size. If the table will be a permanent fixture, then obviously the storage size becomes fairly irrelevant. The playing size will be more or less important depending on the size of the space where you will play and whether or not you play in any kind of regulated competition.

Playing – The standard playing size for a regulation competition ping pong table is 9’ long by 5’ wide. The model should also be 30” tall or 2 ½’’. Keep in mind that the net brackets will generally hang off the side of it and can add up to as much as 6” on either side. Though it is more common for the net to only add about 1” to 3” on either side.

It is also important that the product has at least 3’ of clearance around all four sides of the table to provide the player’s room to move around during play. If the space you intend to set the model up is limited, consider using a table that is smaller than regulation size.

A “midsize” table is generally 6’ long by 3’ wide but still 2 ½’ tall. Though there some midsize products which are actually smaller than that as well as a few which are slightly larger.

Storage – If the ping pong table is intended to be used in a multi-purpose space or you simply do not wish to constantly occupy 45 sq ft with an occasional leisure item, the size of the table when stored will be important. While you can do very little to reduce the width of the table, many mid-tier and top-end models can be folded or split in half for easier, more compact storage.

In this regard, the two most important measurements of the folded product become the height and depth. The height of the folded model can differ depending on the hinge mechanism used to collapse the table. Though you should expect the height to be at least about 5’. The depth can vary far more greatly than the height or width and can range from anywhere to under 2’ to more than 4’ for the highest-end tables.

Conclusion

For most people who are not professional players, the balance between budget and quality should draw them to the STIGA Advantage. With a table that is the thickest recreational grade, a sturdy frame, and wheelbase. And a price that less than its next closest market competitor, this is a hard value to beat.

Of course, if you are a professional ping pong player or simply want a professional-grade ping pong table, the Butterfly Centrefold 25 Rollaway is easily the best performing model on our list. With the thickest product at 25 mm as well as the most durable and sturdy frame. Not to mention the smallest storage profile, this table beats all the others at just about every metric.

If you need a specialized best ping pong table, the STIGA XTR provides a decent outdoor option. While the table could be a bit thicker, a price more in line with indoor models rather than the more expensive outdoor type is hard to pass up. If space is limited, the JOOLA midsize provides a solid, if unimpressive, option.