Best Ping Pong Robots Review

It certainly sucks to be on the losing side of a ping pong game all the time. Sure, it’s not the end of the world, but there’s something about winning. With the right ping pong robot, you don’t have to go through this. Even better, if you’re worried about picking the wrong one, dial it back because, with this comprehensive review, we’ll take you through the best ones on the market.

With that out of the way, let us now take an in-depth look at each of the five best ping pong robots and the many features that make them a must-have.

Best Ping Pong Robots 2020  – Best 5 Reviews

  1.   CHAOFAN 36 Spins Ping Pong Ball Machine with Automatic Table Tennis Machine for Training Review

As a tennis player, you need to be on your toes continually and portray some quick reflexes if you are going to win games. To do this you need an excellent partner that will keep you sharp and read. In that vein, it is with great confidence that we recommend the CHAOFAN 36 machine. This innovative training partner helps you to improve your game as you practice various techniques and patterns.

Furthermore, the 110-ball capacity makes it a machine that is convenient to use, and with the ability to adjust both speed and frequency, you’ll be a pro in no time. Not only that but with its handy remote control, you can tell the machine exactly where you want the ball.

On top of this, there are various other factors that you can control with the machine, including the arc and drop of the ball. With a plethora of ways to use it, this machine grants you the match sharpness and variety you need to take your game up a notch.

Features

1. Remote control enabled
2. Useful for intense training sessions
3. Over 100-ball capacity
4. Built to last
5. Easy to store

So, if you are on the lookout for a machine that will provide you with a good time and workout, this is the one for you. It offers an impressive ball capacity and has been built to last.

  2.   ZXMOTO Table Tennis Robot Ping Pong Robot Machine Review

Another great table tennis robot you can purchase is the ZXMOTO machine, which is a decent partner to spar with. This machine is designed with very few frills, but it gets the job done, and that is why it is one of the best ping pong robots on the market.

One of its many impressive features is the variety of balls it can serve to you while you practice. Apart from topspin and backspin, you can calibrate the machine to fire the balls in various other styles to give yourself the challenge you need.

On top of that, you can also adjust the speed and frequency with which the balls come at you with the help of a handy remote control. Also of note is how easy this machine is to set up, and it doesn’t require any complicated steps to get it fired up.

Features

1. Straightforward to set up
2. Fully adjustable speed
3. Large ball capacity
4. Automatic rotating base
5. User-friendly design

This excellent machine provides you with the variety you need to train yourself and grow steadily It is suitable for various types of spins and comes with a powerful AC adapter.

  3.   iPong Original Table Tennis Trainer Robot Review

The iPong is a peerless machine that has all the fantastic features you need to transform your game. First off, it comes with up to five different settings, including topspin, backspin, adjustable frequency, and so on, which all provide an endless set of combinations to train with.

Also, it is fitted with a memory button that remembers the combinations you’ve used, saving you the hassle of regularly reprogramming it to fit your schedule. More impressive still is the amount of time it takes to set up– which is negligent at best. As such, you can get down to business as soon as possible.

How about when you’re done? With the iPong ball pickup net, you can save yourself a lot in terms of clean up time. Even better, the machine comes with 80 excellent 40mm tennis balls which save you money and ensure you can start using the trainer immediately.

Features

1. Complete with various accessories
2. Saves you time with iPong ball pickup net
3. Memory button saves all your pre-programmed combinations
4. Comes with 80 tennis balls
5. Excellent companion for training

For beginners who want to learn the basics of the game and improve dramatically, this machine is perfect. Its memory button saves all your pre-programmed combinations.

  4.   LYNICESHOP Ping Pong Machine Robot Table Tennis Review

The LYNICESHOP ping pong machine robot is a fantastic product that makes use of impressive tech to deliver a fulfilling table tennis experience. This ping pong machine can serve in various styles, including topspin, sidespin, and so on.

Additionally, you can set it up to serve balls at random angles just to train your reflexes and you’ll also like that the speed is fully adjustable, making this an ideal machine for both newbies and veterans who want to train themselves to be better players.

Then there’s the fact that the machine itself is impeccably crafted using high-quality components that add to its durability. Just like the other machines on this list, the robot is pretty easy to install and doesn’t take much time.

Features

1. Comes with a one-year warranty
2. 30-day money-back guarantee
3. Useful for both newbies and pros
4. Adjustable angles
5. Adjustable speeds and frequency

This is a risk-free purchase that leaves you with peace of mind and a pretty decent robot. What’s more, the robot is pretty easy to install and doesn’t take much time.

  5.   S6-PRO Ping Pong Table Tennis Robots Ball Machine Review

Like many of the products on this list, the S6-PRO ping pong robot machine serves some mean balls. Not limited to the ordinary, this machine can serve right spin, left spin, topspin, and other varieties at adjustable speeds. All these go a long way to keep you keen and focused.

Beyond that, it can also serve balls at various angles, and thanks to the ball net that accompanies it, cleaning up after practice is less of a hassle. Additionally, the ergonomic design is easy to use and doesn’t require any special instruction to enjoy.

Useful for both kids and adults, the S6 is the ideal training partner as you put yourself through the paces. Altogether, the machine is easy to clean, which makes its maintenance convenient and in turn, adds to its longevity.

Features

1. Serves different types of balls
2. It can be configured to serve balls from different angles
3. Ergonomically designed
4. Easy to clean and maintain
5. Easy to install

For a versatile machine that is useful for both young and old, newbies and pros, look no further than this amazing trainer. It can be configured to serve balls from different angles and is easy to install.

Best Ping Pong Robots – Buyers’ Guide

So you have finally decided to take a chance on one of these amazing ping pong robots and invest some of your hard-earned money, what next? To help you with the decision that stands before you, we have a fair few things you should consider before pulling the trigger.

Features to look for when buying a ping pong robot?

Frequency settings

Simply put, this is the number of balls the machine can spit out at you every minute, and every robot has a different limit. To make this decision, you need to consider the expertise level of the player as a beginner won’t be able to handle a machine that chucks 80 balls a minute at them.

Thankfully, many of the machines on this list allow you to adjust the number of balls ejected per minute. For example, the CHAOFAN machine can be adjusted to chuck between 40 and 70 balls per minute, which makes it a suitable machine for a wide range of players. So, it is advised that you go for a machine that can change frequency when necessary.

Price

Like with every other product, price is always a consideration before making a purchase. Similarly, with ping pong robots, you need to think long and hard about how much you have to spend. One one hand, most robots are cheaper than getting a coach, but with their limited capabilities, they can’t offer everything a coach can.

Additionally, you need to consider your expertise level before shelling out large sums for a robot. For instance, if you are a beginner, it might not be reasonable to spend over $1000 on a ping pong robot. With some machines as cheap as $100, other suitable alternatives will serve you better. However, as a pro, investing in a high-level machine that costs a tiny fortune is quite apt.

Does it have a random play?

The random function isn’t found on just any ping pong robot and is a lot more common with high-end machines. So, your basic, $100 machine is unlikely to have it, but is it important?

Well, that depends. For instance, a beginner who is still learning the basics of the game and coming to grips with how everything works won’t derive much joy from a machine that sports a random play feature.

This is because this feature randomizes a slew of things, including the spin, height, speed, and so on. You best believe a beginner will be unable to keep up. However, a pro player is much more likely to need this feature as it is the closest thing you can have to an unpredictable sparring partner. Therefore, consider your expertise level before buying a robot with the random play feature.

Adjustable positions

A lot of the features on this list boil down to the ability of the player. Likewise, the number of positions that your robots can work with is an important factor to consider before buying a robot.

To this end, several robots have a tilting head that can be positioned to spew out balls at the server end first before coming to your end. Therefore, you have another challenge to consider, and it helps to vary your training.

Some basic machines do not have this feature, which makes them just fine for beginners but probably unsuitable for advanced players. So, check out the specifications of your machine and whether it can be adjusted before picking it up.

Quality of Materials

The quality of the components that come together to make the machine is usually the difference between a decent ping pong robot and a great one. Besides, most robots are made with a combination of plastic and metal, and it is the quality of these components that decide whether you have a machine that will last for years or months.

Also, the quality of the materials is closely tied to price, and high-end machines are obviously made with high-quality materials. Since getting an expensive machine might not be the budget-friendly option, you could go for a mid-tier machine, which isn’t too expensive and is made with decent materials that can last for a while. At the end of the day, the decision is yours, and you need to consider all the relevant factors carefully.

Powering Mode

Simply put, this is the usual battery-powered vs AC powered robot argument. While both work excellently, they have different advantages. For example, AC powered robots are a lot faster and make for a more all-round workout session. On the other hand, battery-powered robots are quite versatile, and portable meaning you can carry it around and use it anywhere.

Also, battery-powered robots are more suited to outdoor play as they don’t need to be plugged into anything, unlike the AC powered ones. Therefore, you need to consider what type of environment you’ll be using the machine before making a choice.

Spin Variation

Some machines will provide you with a wide array of spins, which is better if you want to place yourself in a game state. So, before getting a machine, make sure you know the type of ball spin it provides as this lets you know how smart it is to invest.

For instance, a machine that can provide you with backspin, topspin, sidespin, and so on is the best product to go for. Consequently, once you’ve trained with these machines substantially, you should be able to handle any level of spin that comes at you in a real game.

Preset Training Drills

One of the most significant drawbacks of some ping pong machines is that they do not provide a significant challenge for advanced players. For the most part, that’s why high-end robots are popular with pro players, as they come with training drills.

Additionally, during these drills, balls are ejected at various speeds, angles, and spins. Even better, some machines can randomize this, which is more suited to the level advanced players are used to.

So, if you are an advanced player, it is advisable to get a robot with several training drills as this helps you improve faster and better.

Does it have a recycling feature?

This feature takes away the hassle of cleaning up after using the machine as it recycles all the balls used and rearranges them in the machine ready to use again. This is another feature that does not come with basic ping pong machines. As such, once you’re done with training, you’ll have a ton of balls lying around that you’ll need to collect and feed back into the machine.

Based on this, machines that have a catch net and recycling feature are highly coveted. However, as expected, they are more expensive than other robots on the market, and this could discourage you. But, if you can afford it, it is a handy feature that saves you time, which can be further invested in practice and training.

Size

Ping pong robots vary in size from the portable ones to the super large ones. As a result, you should consider how much space you have to accommodate one as well as how much it weighs.

While most machines are designed to be portable, there are others that are practically immovable. Nevertheless, they offer a lot of other features. With that in mind, a heavier machine is more reasonable if you have a dedicated space for your ping pong machine.

However, if space is a concern in your home or gym, it is better to opt for a smaller machine.

Installation Process

It can get pretty frustrating when you unpack your machine and have no idea how to set it up. It’s even worse if it has a manual in a whole other language or none at all.

So, before buying a new ping pong robot, you need to check out how easy it is to set up. Thankfully, most of the machines on this list are pretty easy to set up and it can even be done without instructions. This is great because it means you spend less time setting up and more time training to get better.

Advantages of having a robot

As with any product on the market, ping pong robots have their advantages and a few drawbacks. So, let’s keep things positive and look at some of the reasons why getting a table tennis robot is a good idea.

Fun Practise Partner

Ping pong robots make fun practice partners, that’s a universal fact. They further combine this with health benefits that provide you with the perfect experience.

For instance, a high-speed game of table tennis can burn off as much as 270 calories, and because it is such a fun activity, you won’t even notice the exertion. Also of importance is how well they engage everyone, and how they can be entertaining to both adults and children.

In a nutshell, it is a handy tool to have around for the family and a great way to introduce someone into the world of table tennis.

Availability

All human beings have a schedule they work with, and this can make it challenging to work out together. For example, if you have a tennis buddy, getting game time with them could get challenging if they have work or other commitments to deal with.

But, this is a problem you’ll ever face with a ping pong robot as it is available at any time of the day. So, as long as you have free time, the machine is ready to play with you, which might not be the case with a human partner.

Additionally, the machine doesn’t tire, which means that as long as you can keep going, the machine will keep pace with you, which isn’t a luxury you can get with human players.

Cheaper than a coach

For the best results, it is advised that on top of a ping pong machine, you should also invest in a tennis coach. This is because both methods of training (via machine ad coach) have their advantages and drawbacks.

On the one hand, using a machine is awesome, less expensive than a coach, and availability is never a problem. But, there are also a lot of things that a coach can teach you that you can’t get from a ping pong machine.

On top of that, coaches could cost as much as $50 per hour, which is pretty steep for some people. With that said, the best solution is a hybrid of coach and machine, which improves you immensely and is also a lot cheaper than simply getting a coach.

Builds Speed and Stamina

As mentioned earlier, ping pong robots don’t tire, meaning that they can engage you at any time. A by-product of this is that they also help you increase your stamina and endurance.

This is because the more time you spend playing against the robot and honing your skills, the more you are able to endure. Conversely, humans can get tired or aren’t always available, meaning that they cannot provide you with this advantage.

Also, due to the various settings available on the machine, you can get faster and faster with playing with a machine. Even more, your coordination and reflexes also get a significant upgrade when you use robots.

Improves Consistency

Doing the same thing over and over leads to improvement in that area, and this is the reason ping pong robots are such a useful training tool. The robots can send balls to certain angles or spin the ball in the same way over and over, which helps you improve that aspect of your game.

This is especially useful if you have a specific weakness in your game. With consistent practice, the robot can spur great improvement in that area.

Great for all players

One of the greatest advantages of ping pong robots is their universality. That means that they can be used by all players regardless of age or expertise level.

Therefore, it is the best kind of machine to buy for someone who is new to the game, and even when that person has grown and developed, the machine still retains its use as it can be programmed to go faster and harder.

Easy to Programme

Learning how to play ping pong takes skill, dedication, and, most importantly, patience. For this reason, ping pong robots are quite helpful as they can be programmed to match your pace.

So, if you are a beginner, the machine can be programmed to eject balls softly and at a suitable speed for your skill level. On the other hand, if you are advanced, the machine can also take it up a notch to train you better. Additionally, some machines have practice drills that are pretty effective and really help you out as you try to hone your game.

What are the different types of table tennis robots?

Entry Level Robots

These are the robots that are ideally suited to players who are just learning the basics of the game and aren’t well versed in some of its rougher aspects. Entry-level robots are basic and don’t cost too much, so they are easy to pick up. Also of note are the features it comes with, and while they aren’t as advanced as some other expensive robots, they are perfect for those who are learning the game.

So, basic stuff, like practising strokes, is the bread and butter of this machine. On top of that, they are often small and portable, making them convenient to transport and very straightforward to set up.

Mid-Range Robots

These are more expensive than the basic ones but make up for it with additional features you won’t find on cheaper machines. These robots are great as they serve a wide range of players from beginners to advanced players. As such, they are better suited to be used by more than one player. That said, some of the added features that come with these robots are things like ball speed and placement.

For instance, most mid-range machines have adjustable speeds that help you improve your reflex and handle more advanced players. Not only that, but a lot of these robots let you adjust the frequency of the balls, with many having the option to pick between 40-70 balls per minute.

On top of that, some of these machines are equipped with preset training drills, which help you hone your game even more as you try to take it to the next level. Even more impressive is the recycling system, which saves you a lot of time when you’re cleaning up.

Furthermore, the recycling system collects the balls automatically and cues them up in the machine ready to be used again. As mentioned above, they cost a lot more than normal machines. But they are a smart investment as they last longer thanks to their impeccable construction.

High-end robots

These machines cost a pretty penny, but if you are a pro who needs to be kept honest and sharp, then this is the best category of machine. Not only do they have most of the excellent attributes you’ll find with basic and mid-range machines, but they also have even more features that cater to the elite of the sport.

For instance, many high-end machines are equipped with random play, which enables the machine to come at you like a human being with unpredictable serves, shots, and so on. Obviously, this is great if you are looking to improve your skills, reflexes, and other aspects of your game.

Even more, they are built with the best materials available, so you are sure to get a bang for your buck. Most importantly, the machine can release balls with different spins in a single sequence, which really enhances the playing experience and gives you a workout that a lot of the other robots can’t provide.

On the flip side, aside from their cost, some of these robots are huge and can’t be easily stored or moved. But, you don’t have to worry as a majority of them are just as portable as basic or mid-range machines.

FAQs

How do ping pong robots work?

Ping pong robots are machines that fire balls from one end of the room to the other. They are generally made up of a mechanism that loads up the balls and ejects them, along with a control box that programs how the balls are fired.

Lastly, some machines come with a catch net that collects the ball, and in some cases, recycles them so they can be used again. With that said, using it is pretty straightforward as they are typically placed at the other end of the table with the firing mechanism facing the player. Once this is done, the balls are fed into the firing mechanism, which then ejects the balls towards the player.

How much does a good robot cost?

There are a lot of good table tennis robots on the market, and they cost from $100 to over $1000. However, getting the best one is a combination of price, usefulness, and availability. While basic robots are the cheapest and cost between $100 and $150, they lack a couple of features that might make them unsuitable for more advanced players.

On the other hand, machines that cost over $1000 have a lot of great features, but their price puts them beyond a lot of players, especially if you factor in coaching fees (if you get a personal coach.) Thus, it is safe to say that like Goldilocks, the best machine to get is one that lies somewhere in the middle and doesn’t cost too much while delivering on quality. With those criteria, mid-range machines come out on top, and decent ones cost anywhere between $200 and $500.

Are table tennis robots worth it?

This really depends on your needs as a player. As highlighted above, table tennis machines have numerous advantages, including availability and programmable drills. Therefore, a beginner learning the ropes and looking to get better can benefit a lot from a machine as it helps to improve consistency and accuracy. That’s not all; even veteran players benefit from machines as it provides an excellent workout and helps to improve stamina and endurance. Hence, with these numerous advantages, the usefulness of robots cannot be overstated, and they are worth it.

What’s the best table tennis robot to buy for a beginner?

Beginner ping pong machines are a great way to have some fun and work up a sweat. To that end, they have large capacities and can eject balls with some spin. But which is the best one for you? If you are a beginner, the iPong original is an excellent product as it possesses some great features, and with its portable design, it is convenient to carry about anywhere you go. Besides, it is not too expensive and is friendly to your pocket. That said, if you would like to try out some other machines, the CHAOFAN 36 is also a great machine to try your hands on.

What’s the best table tennis robot to buy for a professional player?

For pro players, the best machine would be a high-end one, which has a lot of features that cater to their abilities and test them in a way they can appreciate. While these high-end machines cost quite a bit of money, they provide value in equal measure and go a long way in helping out advanced players seeking to raise their game.

What features do advanced robots have?

Advanced robots are not cheap; therefore, to justify their expense, they come with quite a few nifty features that will appeal to hardcore players. One such feature is the random function, which enables the machine to act like a human opponent, and it sends balls your way with the unpredictability you’ll face in a real game. Also, high-end machines can operate at dizzying speeds, and some even eject as many as 170 balls per minute. Also of importance is their capacity as they can handle well over 100 balls while also able to eject them with a variety of spins from a backspin to topspin. That’s not all; advanced machines are also programmable, meaning that they have pre-programmed drills that keep you on your toes and help you better your game.

How do you operate a ping pong robot?

By their nature, ping pong robots are very easy to operate, and all you need to do is set it up and program it to your desired settings. This entails setting up the ball frequency and speed and turning it on. Once that’s sorted out, the robot does the rest. Additionally, some machines have remote controls that make them more convenient to use and more comfortable to set up.

How do I maintain the robot?

For most robots, their biggest problem is getting stuck, and this is caused by the gradual build-up of dirt in the machine. So, when you pick up balls from dirty floors and put them back in the machine, the dirt is left inside the robot.

Subsequently, when the ball is ejected from the machine, it is propelled without the dirt which stays inside the machine and gradually builds up. This goes on until it affects the discharge wheel and friction block.

Fortunately, cleaning these parts of the robot isn’t difficult, and, in some circumstances, it will even require disassembly. Just get a damp cloth and clean those parts of the machine, and you should be fine.

Do robots help improve table tennis skills?

Yes. This is because machines can be programmed to dispense balls at a certain speed and angle over and over again. In the long run, this helps you improve your consistency. Furthermore, regular interaction with the robot also allows you to enhance your stamina and endurance.

What’s the best brand of ping pong robots?

The answer is not so simple as it depends on the player’s level. For instance, a machine like the iPong motion, while incredible, might not serve advanced players well. This is because it lacks some of the features that they need to up their game.

Conversely, getting a ZXMOTO Table Tennis Robot might be too much for a newbie. Therefore, the most important thing to know is your skill level, and this should guide your ultimate choice.

What are the best balls to use for a robot?

This, of course, depends on the brand, but in terms of size, the best are 40mm balls. For the most part, these are the standard size used for most machines. This is important because using larger balls means the robot will not operate correctly.

Final Verdict

So, we’ve looked at some of the best ping pong robots on the market and given you a rundown of all the things you need to consider before getting yourself one. Armed with this information, you should have no problem going out into the market to get your brand new machine. But, if you are still conflicted, we recommend our top choice, the iPong Original Table Tennis Trainer Robot. It isn’t only affordable but is chock-full of amazing features that will appeal to all players.