Best Indoor Ping Pong Tables Review

I think it’s safe to say that ping pong is one of the most popular games around the world. Regardless of whether you play the game professionally or leisurely, a good ping pong table is needed for a great game, so come along with us as we show you the best ping pong tables on the market.

Now that we’ve had a quick look at our very best ping pong tables, let’s dive into the exciting details reviews of our top five in the market.

Best 5 Indoor Ping Pong Tables Review

  1.   JOOLA Inside – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table

The Joola brand is one that has been trusted for over 60 years to consistently deliver great quality table tennis equipment, and they sure didn’t miss it with this indoor ping pong table. This table features a convenient two-halve design that can be completely separated and used for solo practice and play or secured together for multiplayer use.

It also comes with a sturdy undercarriage that includes 1.5-inch steel legs with rubber leg levels that enable scratch free movement of the table. What’s more, the thickness of the board is 15mm which allows for good ball bounce and spin which is suitable for ping pong players of different levels.

It’s further equipped with 3-inch locking caster wheels for an easy gliding motion when you want to store it and can also be safely locked for additional security during playtime.

Features

1. Comes with locking wheels for stability
2. Space-saving table can be nested in halves
3. Can be easily set up in 10 minutes
4. Clamp-style inside net for easy attachment
5. Steel legs come with scratch-free rubber levelers

If you are after a table that accommodates players of all skill levels, then this lockable, easy to set up ping pong table offers all you need in one durable construction.

  2.   STIGA Advantage Competition-Ready Indoor Table Tennis Table

You’ll never be disappointed when engaging a high-paced game using this Stiga Advantage indoor table tennis table. This ping pong table incorporates a 15mm board that offers amazing playability regardless of what skill level you are at. What’s more, the tabletop has been UV cured, so as to deliver a smooth and consistent playing surface.

In addition to this, the table comes with a unique independent halve-design which means that it can be separated for multi-use entertainment. You can also set it in the playback position for solo practice and spread out flat for two-player mode. Coming with easy to understand instructions, this table can be set up in 10 minutes so that you can go from box to playtime quickly.

Features

1. Quick assembly in less than 10 minutes
2. Nested table halves that allow for compact storage
3. Clamp-style net for convenient and fast on and off
4. Locking wheels that ensure stability during game
5. Independent halves for multi-use entertainment

Comes with a safety latch system, caster wheels for easy movement, as well as an overall easy setup, this Stiga Advantage playing table is all you need for an all-round efficient game.

  3.   JOOLA Rally TL – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table

The quality of this Joola Rally table is incomparable, trust us. This table gives you everything you need with its 25mm tabletop that delivers premium bounce and spin of the ball; enhancing your playing performance in ways you’ve never quite seen. It features a clamp-style net addition that can be attached in seconds for your convenience. In addition, this ping pong table comes with a corner ball holder that can hold up to 3 40mm Joola table tennis balls, while its abacus scorer lets you keep an eye on the scores of the game.

Complete with separate table halves that can be split apart for multiple functions, set in playback position for single play or assembled for two-player mode. No doubt, this ping pong table is sure to be your best table tennis investment.

Features

• Comes with a corner ball holder
• Incorporates an abacus scorer
• Features a 25mm charcoal tabletop
• 3-inch locking casters for easy gliding and stability
• Features scratch-free rubber leg levelers

Offering premium bounce while you play, in addition to an abacus scorer to keep count, you can rest assured there are a lot of more features that come to play with this durably constructed ping pong table from JOOLA.

  4.   STIGA Advantage Pro Tournament-Quality Indoor Table Tennis Table 98% Preassembled Out of the Box

Experience hours of competition with this Stiga Advantage Pro table tennis table. This table features a 19mm playing board that delivers great playability thanks to its great bounce and spin performance. What’s more, the tabletop is finished with a double sided coated paint and has then been UV cured as well as PVC edge-banded for a smooth finish; the likes of which you’ve never seen before.

Additionally, this highly durable top allows the table to be ideal for professional-level playing and the dimensions are in line with the ITTF. Complete with nesting table halves for single-player mode, multiplayer mode, and foldable storage, this ping pong table is the real deal.

Features

• Specially designed for professional-level play
• Has been pre assembled up to 95% for your convenience
• Easy storage with nested independent table halves
• Easy on and off clamp-style net
• 19mm board thickness for exceptional playability

Perfect for professional playing, choose this ping pong table if you’re looking to play as a serious sport. It can be assembled in less than 10 minutes and comes constructed with lockable wheels for perfect stability.

  5.   Butterfly Centerfold 25 Table Tennis Table

The Butterfly Centerfold ping pong table is a pretty impressive piece of equipment, and let us tell you why. This table comes with a top with a thickness of 25mm, which is one of the best thickness ranges a ping pong table can have. With a top this thick, the durability of the table is practically guaranteed.

What’s more, it offers a consistent and reliable bounce as you play, which is why it is considered ideal for professional players. On top of this, it features a fold and roll design system, which means the table can be simply folded up and rolled away for easy storage; which is also thanks to the 5-inch scratch-resistant rubber wheels.

Furthermore, the rubber wheels are also lockable so as to provide stability and security as you play, and with tournament grade net included with the table, this ping pong table is the total package.

Features

1. Features a 1-inch/25mm tabletop
2. Comes with a safety latch to hold the table in position
3. Comes with height adjusters on outer legs
4. 5-inch locking wheels for transportation and security
5. Is delivered fully assembled

If you’re after an ITTF approved table, then the Butterfly Centerfold table does the job just fine. In addition to the many other features, the inclusion of rubber wheels means it’s a perfect table for easy transportation.

Indoor Ping Pong Tables – Buyers’ Guide

Is there a difference between table tennis and ping pong?

Some people are of the belief that there is a difference between table tennis and ping pong. This is fairly understandable as they have different names, but the fact is that there is no difference. You see – during the earlier days of sports competitions, the terms ‘table tennis’ and ‘ping pong’ were often used interchangeably. However, this changed as a result of the fear of undergoing trademark disputes over the name ‘ping pong’. So when the International Table Tennis Federation started writing up the set and standardized rules of the game, they made use of the name ‘table tennis’, which has gone on to remain the formal name of the game.

Now, in more recent times, table tennis is regarded as a serious sport, and players of the game tend to dislike their game being referred to as ‘ping pong’, as they think this gives a wrong impression of their sport, since it’s a childish sounding name. On the other side of things, ping pong players- that is, people that play table tennis but not professionally or as a serious game- are happy to embrace the term ‘ping pong’ as well as accept being called table tennis.

These kinds of players are not particularly focused on the competitive side of the game, but rather play for the more social and fun appeal side. Ping pong players are also more inclined to play looser versions of the game and can even disregard some of the stricter rules of the game as their focus is not as serious. To sum up, table tennis and ping pong are the same, and the only real difference between the two is how you perceive them.

Features to look out for in an indoor table tennis table

Play surface:

The play surface is the most important feature to look at when buying indoor table tennis set up. The play surface of the table should be at least ¾ inches thick – as any table less thick than this will be unable to give you a bounce rate that is consistent. Even more, select a table that has a medium-density board which gives it better warp resistance.

Wood vs aluminum:

Most table tennis tables are made with a wooden play surface and this is especially ideal for indoor playing purposes seeing as the wood is not exposed to excess moisture. On the other hand, weatherproof aluminum playing surfaces are becoming more popular as they can be used both indoors and outdoors; so select one that best suits your playing purpose.

Folding and storage:

When you are done playing, it is important to fold and store away your playing table. So, when shopping for an indoor table tennis, look for one that is able to both easily fold up and be stored in a compact and convenient manner. Ideally, you should have your eyes out for tables that can retract into the center frame as they are easier to fold.

Net and post:

Every good quality table tennis set up comes with a net system. Better yet, the best kinds of tables are those that come with a post system that has been incorporated into the very frame of the table. This means that the net is always in place, so you do not need to set it up every time you unfold the table.

Assembly:

A good percentage of ping pong tables require some form of assembly before you can actually play the sport. Before purchasing, be sure to check how much assembly work goes into setting up as some are more complicated than others. Also, select a table with assembly instructions that are easy to understand and follow in order to save yourself the stress.

Pros of having an indoor table

Improves reflexes:

Your overall speed and reflexes are improved with a game of indoor ping pong. This is because fast reflexes are required to play and the short distance of the table allows you to exercise some very fine muscle movements. Recovery and handwork are improved with table tennis, allowing you to develop fast-twitch muscles.

Enhances mental accuracy:

It has been recorded that ping pong players perform better at other games (such as puzzles), than regular people. This is because table tennis prepares their minds and helps them develop very useful cognitive skills. The game helps the mind grow and even allows players to develop a much-needed mental balance.

Relaxed on the joints:

In the game of indoor table tennis, there is no age limit to who can play. Where most other sports require players to be fast and flexible, table tennis allows you to play even when you are old or are not as flexible. In fact, in the process of playing consistently, this game can even help improve your core strength as well as your arm and legs strength, and it does not put that much pressure on your joints.

Heightens hand-eye coordination:

Concentration and attentiveness are essential in the game of indoor ping pong. This game is able to stimulate your mental alertness, and because you have to hit the ball at specific moments, this allows your brain to be in sync with your hand by sending it signals. The more you play, the more they become in sync, allowing you to hit and strike at the perfect time as you play.

Burns calories:

Playing indoor table tennis is a whole lot of fun, but did you know that it is also a form of exercise? Playing indoor ping pong is a good way to burn up some of those calories, especially if the game is being played on a regular basis and with steady intensity. It has even been noted that playing up to one hour of ping pong can enable you to lose up to 272 calories in that time. So how about that? Killing two birds with one stone.

FAQs

What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor ping pong table?

Table tennis is more commonly played indoors due to the fact that outdoor playing requires favorable weather, which is not always readily available. Though it is the same sport, both indoor and outdoor table tennis require different types of tables.

Indoor tables are constructed with better playing surfaces than outdoor tables. Even more important to note is that if you play table tennis competitively, most playing venues make use of indoor tables so it would be much better to play on a table that you are more familiar with. More so, some indoor tables can also be used outdoors, but only for a short period of time to prevent the table warping.

Also, with indoor tables, the most common material used to construct it is wood, but sometimes, other materials such as plastic or metal are also used.

Additionally, indoor tables inclusively incorporate a particle-board, fiberglass, plastic or metal and it comes with a thickness that falls between 12mm and 30mm. On the other hand, with outdoor ping pong tables, the materials used should be 100 percent resistance to weather. So, most times, aluminum, concrete, stainless steel or plastic are used in its construction. Additionally, an outdoor table also ranges in a thickness of 4 to 22mm.

The most principal difference between indoor and outdoor ping pong tables is that indoor tables produce a bounce that cannot be replicated by an outdoor table. As such, indoor tables are the only choice for professional players.

How much is a good indoor table tennis table?

You’ve come to the decision to buy a ping pong table, but you don’t know how much to spend. Well, regardless of whether you’re a professional player looking for a table to practice with, or just a social player, there’s a ping pong table just for you. The fact is, you can easily find a table for less than 100 dollars.

On the other hand, there are also tables that cost upwards of 3000 dollars, which may seem like a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a ping pong table but most buyers believe that it’s worth it. One good thing about buying a ping pong table is that you are sure to find a good quality table that falls within your desired price range. There are even good ones that lean more towards the lower range.

Also, you might not want to opt for simply picking out the cheapest table you can find. While this saves quite a bit of money, the cheapest tables are typically not very thick and average at about 12mm. For an indoor table that is practically the thinnest option, you can get. And because the board isn’t thick, this means that when you play, your ball won’t be able to bounce properly.

So, If you are after a good quality table, the least you should be looking to spend is between 200 and 300 dollars, as tables around this price usually have a medium thickness and provide a good bounce. As an added bonus, they can last you for a good number of years.

Are Stiga ping pong tables good?

If you’re on the market for a good table tennis table, then you might have come across the Stiga ping pong table brand. This brand is quite popular and their products are not unreasonably priced, so it’s sure to catch quite a bit of interest. The question though remains, is the Stiga table a good ping pong table to purchase? Let’s find out by taking a look at its features.

Thickness: If you’ve read our buying guide, then you know that the thickness of a table is one of the most important features to look out for. You see,  the thicker the table, the better the bounce of the ball. The Stiga Advantage comes in three different models which all vary in thickness. They have one that offers 16mm thickness, which is quite low for a ping pong table and so the bounce rate is not very consistent. Even more, the delivery is quite slow in comparison to other tables.

Furthermore, the Stiga Advantage Pro has a thickness of 19mm which delivers a much better bounce and is recommended for an average player. Then there’s the Stiga Advantage Lite which has a 12-13mm thickness and is not recommended as the bounce is not that great.

Frame: The Stiga brand has provided a strong and durable frame for their tables. These tables come with 30mm sturdy legs that are constructed from steel and coated in premium matte powder. even more, the Pro model features slightly thicker legs to support the extra weight of the table. More so, each table comes with height adjusters on each end of the legs to raise or lower the table. This goes a long way to ensure that it is flat when you play.

Additional features: Other features that come with the Stiga tables are the playback position which allows the table to split into two so that you can practice on your own. Then the quick set up ensures that it can be easily assembled; in less than 10 minutes while the convenient portability and storage allows the table to be easily folded up and stored.

All in all, Stiga offers good ping pong tables. Sure, there are a few cons, but the pros completely outweigh them.

Which is better, Stiga or Joola?

In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate as to which ping pong table under 400 dollars is a better purchase; Stiga or Joola? Both these brands are known for having high-quality equipment and are designed to give you your money’s worth. But again, which is better? Well, let’s compare.

Tabletop: The Joola table incorporates a 15mm MDF playing surface that is able to deliver a consistent bounce. Nevertheless, it plays a lot slower than tables with thicker boards (between 22 to 25m). As for the Stiga table, it also comes with a 15mm MDF surface that gives a consistent bounce but not quite as good as tables with thicker surfaces. Both tables perform similarly on this front which results in a tie.

Net: The Joola Inside table comes with a  quick assemble net system that is patented, by the way. This system allows for easy folding and storage as well as assembly. Furthermore, this tournament-grade net is of better quality than most table tennis tables out there. No doubt, this feature is sure to keep professional and social players happy.

The Stiga Advantage net, on the other hand, is very similar and also makes use of a clamp-on net system that offers high-quality performance. It is difficult to spot the difference between both nets, and so on this round, it’s a tie too.

Durability: The Joola and Stiga tables both come with MDF tops that are solely suited for indoor use as they cannot withstand moisture or temperature changes. Both tables can last for years and require sufficient indoor space to be played.

Undercarriage: With both tables coming with 1.5-inch powder-coated steel legs, the similarity is evident. They are both able to split into two halves which allows for easy storage. More so, with both tables, the net is used to connect the two halves during playtime. Furthermore, they both offer playback features for solo players and come with 3-inch locking caster wheels to hold them in place. This all translates to the fact that they cater to all types of players. Once you add the fact that they can be set up in less than 10 minutes, it brings us to yet another tie.

Price: The Joola inside costs 349.99 dollars while the Stiga advantage costs 399.99 dollars, and if price is the deciding factor for you, the Joola wins. However, both tables are quite similar and so whichever one you go for will be a good purchase.

How do I clean my ping pong table?

The proper cleaning and maintenance of your ping pong table are essential. Why? Because you don’t want to play on a dirty table. Believe it or not, a dirty tabletop feels different and does not allow the ball to bounce and spin as it is supposed to.  So, do not dial back on that cleaning. If you are a regular table tennis player then you’ll already know that the state of the playing board greatly affects your performance. This is why brand-new playing surfaces deliver the best bounce and better balls grip than a constantly used table.

In order to clean your ping pong table, you’ll need to, first of all, remove the net. For regular cleaning which is applicable for dust removal and light stains, all you’ll need is a sponge or cotton cloth and water. Simply use the sponge/cloth to gently rub the surface in order to remove dust and dirt, then soak the cloth in some water and squeeze out the excess. Proceed to wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth for optimum results.

On the other hand, if you’re performing a hard cleaning which is necessary for stain removal and deep cleaning,  then you will need a clean cloth, water, and vinegar. Start by wiping the surface with the clean cloth to remove any loose dirt. Then create a solution of water and vinegar by mixing equal parts of both. Soak the cloth in the solution and squeeze out excess liquid, then wipe the entire table with the cloth.

Follow these steps to extend the lifespan of your ping pong table and improve your playing performance.

How frequently should I clean it?

As it has been established, cleaning your ping pong table is very necessary in order to maintain a good bounce and spin as you play. Now, another question that is often in the mind of table tennis players is how often the ping pong table should be cleaned. This question is very important because as much as you want to clean and ensure proper maintenance of your ping pong table, you also want to be sure that you are not cleaning too much or too little.

Not cleaning your ping pong table enough will result in a build-up of dirt, dust, and debris on the table. This, in turn, would inevitably affect your playing performance. A dirty playing surface does not allow for good bounce and spin of the ball, and can even lead to much slower delivery, which is why cleaning your table enough is necessary.

On the other hand, cleaning your ping pong table too much could also have its adverse effects. You see most indoor ping pong tables are made using wood, and this means that these tables cannot be used outside for a long period of time. If they happen to come in contact with excess moisture, that could spell GOODBYE for your table. In the same vein, if you clean your table too much, this can lead to your wooden table absorbing excess moisture, further weakening it. This will eventually cause long-term damage which is not something any lover of the game wants.

Taking both these scenarios into consideration, it is recommended to clean your ping pong table at least once a week or before every use if it is stored uncovered or kept in a dusty environment.

What is a standard size table tennis table?

Table tennis is a very enjoyable game and one of the most popular sports that people play during their leisure time. This game can be played professionally as it is even one of the most popular Olympics games, but it can also be played socially and casually by regular players. Table tennis requires minimal equipment; only a table, a ping pong ball, and playing paddles. The ball and the paddles can be found in pretty much any store, but the table cannot, which leads to people improvising at home when it comes to the table. To do this though, you need to know what the size of a regular ping pong table is.

A standard or official ping pong table, when it comes to size and requirements can be fairly specific. It measures 2.74 meters long and 1.525 meters wide, incorporating a height of 76 cm as stipulated by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The surface of the table is required to be flat and when it comes to the material used to construct the table, any option can be used as long as it is durable and resistant. For most boards, the most commonly used material is wood.

Do they come in different sizes?

When it comes to the game of table tennis, the table is required to have a specific size dimension according to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). This size requirement must be followed when it comes to any professional ping pong game if not, the game does not count to the federation. However, as the game of ping pong is not only played professionally and can also be played casually, people often ask if the same size requirements are necessary for ping pong games not intended to be registered in the ITTF. The answer to this is no, the size requirements are not the same for recreational ping pong.

There are recreational table tennis tables that have the same dimensions as the official ones, but this is not required and is only followed out of players’ preferences. Ping pong tables come in different sizes, with recreational ‘tournament’ tables measuring 9 feet long, with a width of 5 feet and a height of 2.49 feet according to the ITTF norms. There are also smaller ‘tournament’ tables in the US that measure at 84 by 42 inches and ping pong tables much smaller than that, popularly known as mini tables.

What is the best thickness for a table tennis table?

When purchasing a table tennis table, the thickness is key. A thin table is of no good to anyone as it would not allow you to play to the best of your ability. On the other hand, a thick ping pong table hinders the ping pong ball and as such, it will not bounce or spin as it is supposed to. All of this compromises your game as well as your performance.

Now, you might be shopping for a ping pong table and come across one that seems too good to be true due to its highly affordable price; usually around 100 dollars or even less. Trust us, it doesn’t mean that it is a good table. Make sure you check the description of the table to find out the thickness of the surface before you make your final purchase.

A good table tennis table should be at the very least ¾ inch or 19mm in thickness. This thickness level allows your ball to deliver a good bounce. At this level of thickness, a ball dropped from 30cm should be able to give you at least a bounce of 21cm. This is how you know you have a good table. The performance of the table will be top-notch, allowing you to play your best and truly enjoy the game of ping pong.

How durable are they?

Again, when it comes to durability, one major thing you should look at in your ping pong table is the playing surface. One sure way to know if you have a good quality table is by gauging the thickness of the playing board; the thicker the board, the better quality the table is. Thickness usually ranges from 12mm to 25mm, and so if you find yourself with a 12mm board then you should know that this board is not likely to last very long. On the other hand, if you buy a board with a thickness between 19mm to 25mm, you can be sure that this table will last you a good number of years.

Another way to know how durable your table tennis table is by checking the material used to construct it. Most indoor ping pong tables are made out of wooden boards that offer premium bounce and spin for your ball. Wooden tables though cannot be used outside if your plan is to keep the board functional for quite some time. In more recent times, however, more producers are making use of plastic and even metal to construct indoor ping pong tables so as to provide range.

On an average, a ping pong table is fairly durable and can last you quite some time, but again this depends on a number of factors including board thickness, materials used and even how frequently you clean your table.

Final Verdicts

In conclusion, a ping pong table, whether you’re a professional player or a social player is a great investment. It is a way to practice and improve your skills as well as enjoy a fun sporting activity with family and friends. The game of ping pong also promises amazing benefits ranging from improved hand-eye coordination to better mental acuity.

With this game, you want the best of the best playing equipment, so we reiterate just how high quality the JOOLA Inside – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table is. This playing table comes in three different thicknesses; 15, 18 and 25mm, so you can choose which best suits your playing needs. You can also pick one which one best fits your budget. It can be set up in 10 easy minutes, allows for single-player mode with its playback feature and can simply be folded into half for easy storage.