Guide to Best Ping Pong Tables and TOP 9 Tables Reviewed

We discuss what needs to be considered before choosing a ping pong table. Then we take a look at 9 of the best indoor, outdoor and best cheap ping pong tables and give you our recommendations.

There are scores of ping pong tables in the marketplace today, but getting the right one for you does not have to be a mind-numbing task.

Let’s break it down and go over the primary considerations to prepare you to choose the best ping pong table for your needs.

JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table with Net Set

Picture	Table Tennis Table	Type	Available
	Kettler #WoodPong Table Tennis Table	Outdoor
	JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table	Indoor
	Stiga Table Tennis Table – Vapor	Outdoor
	Kettler Table Tennis Table	Indoor
	Harvil Table Tennis Table	Outdoor

1st Consideration: Your Play Style and Reason for Play

Your Level of Play

Are you a recreational, amateur, enthusiast or pro? If you want to play a few times a month you may not want to invest a lot, but if you play regularly, competitively, or need a table for the office, your criteria are going to be different.

Location, Location, Location

Keep in mind a full regulation size table is 5 feet by 9 feet. You will need a minimum of 3’ on the sides and 5’ behind each player, and even that will be cramped and does not leave room for spectators. A bit larger space will be more comfortable.

ITTF Certified?

Do you need an ITTF Certified table? Recreational players probably won’t but those who are training, in competitions, or play regularly at clubs, or even those who are competitive and want to use what the pros use to up their game, will want ITTF certified or at minimum regulation size.

Dedicated players will need a table with a 25mm (1”)  top, regulation size, high quality table, or similar. Recreational players don’t necessarily need those specs, but should still be on the lookout for the highest quality at a budget price.

The recreational player should look for something that will stand up to a little abuse, and some tables out there simply offer more for your dollar. A lower end table with a 75” top can be a good table with consistent bounce, it just depends on the table you choose.

Consideration 2: Indoor or Outdoor?

Will you be playing indoor or outside?

If you plan to play outside, you need a table that is up to the task. Some experts recommend concrete with a polymer layer on top to play outdoors, but the budget on these can be high and they are not always practical.

If you need an outdoor table you can move, store and play on outside, look for one with an aluminum frame and aluminum composite top, so it will not rust.

It will need a UV topcoat to protect against the sun as well. A savvy buyer of an outdoor ping pong tables reviews these specs to make sure they meet their needs.

Keep in mind, outdoor tables tend to have lower quality bounce and less uniform surface, although some manufactures are far better than others in this respect. Just because a table is weather proof, does not make it the best outdoor ping pong table.

It also needs to play well, have a uniform surface and good bounce, just like an indoor table.

Considerations for an indoor table:

An indoor table needs to be stored in a temperature controlled place, free from humidity, or the surface can warp and crack.

If you plan to place it in a garage, be mindful of humidity and temperature changes. If these are a concern opt for an outdoor table. If you can keep it in a home, office or club, where temp and humidity are consistent and minimal, then an indoor table is the best choice.

The best indoor ping pong tables have a smooth surface, good consistent bounce and are often made from plywood or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), and most have a coating of some sort.

As we mentioned earlier, you also need to take into account the size of the area you will play in, to insure you have enough space to play, and where the table will be stored, so you can select a table that will fold and know the folded dimensions before you purchase.

Consideration 3: Assembly

There are two styles most prevalent in the market today.

Another assembly consideration is initial assembly time, when you first purchase the ping pong table. The best ping pong tables are easy to assemble the first time and easy to store away.

20 min to an hour is a good amount of time for initial assembly.

The table should include clear assembly instructions as well, or else the table may be assembled incorrectly, affecting performance.

Consideration 4: Table Features

Levelers

Most tables have leg levels to even the playing surface because you can not count on the floor being perfectly level. Some tables go a step further and have elliptical shape legs with levels which offer leg width for stability and are narrow, to allow for compact folding.

The standard height for a ping pong table is 30 inches, so check the height before deciding.

Table Surface

Arguably the most important feature of the table is the playing surface. It should be smooth and even, and the bounce should be the same no matter where the ball is dropped.

It should have a solid feel and the ball should not lose too much momentum from bouncing.

As a rule of thumb a ping pong ball dropped from 30cm should bounce 23 cm high in all places on the playing surface.

Reviews: The TOP 9 Best Ping Pong Table Reviews

So, now that you are familiar with all the basic things to keep in mind, you’re probably wondering – what are the top rated ping pong tables?

3 Best Outdoor Ping Pong Table Reviews

We looked at what the market had to offer and we present to you our choice of best outdoor ping pong table reviews top 3 picks.

3 Best Indoor Ping Pong Table Reviews

We give you our top thee picks for the best indoor ping pong table.

3 Best Ping Pong Tables for the Money

We scouted high and low to bring you our recommendations for best cheap ping pong tables.

We hope you have gained some insight on choosing the best ping pong table for your situation. We wish you the best. Happy Paddling!