Are you an avid table tennis player looking for the best cheap ping pong table on the market? You’re in luck because we’re going to go through the top table tennis tables that are high quality and budget-friendly. Read the entire article to find out our recommended brands.
Not all ping pong tables are made equally. There’s the best pool table for ping pong combo and lots of other ping pong tables that exist. Although you can still play well on a generic or basic one, a high-quality table tennis table can provide unparalleled fun. Just because it’s high quality doesn’t mean it’s expensive.
There are a lot of cheap but well-made ping pong tables out there. It’s just a matter of choosing the right one. Good for you we’ve listed the cheapest table tennis tables that still provides a decent bounce and a fun game.
We’ve rounded up the best ones that can provide the best value for your buck with so many options to choose from. Take a look at their differences and the features we’re going to highlight. Without further ado, here are the best cheap ping pong tables.
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Finding the Best Cheap Ping Pong Table —A Buying Guide
What are the qualities that you should be looking for when it comes to the best cheap ping pong table? We’re going to answer that question right here. You need to carefully select its size and color, and the material it’s made of – whether it’s for indoor or outdoor games. You should also consider whether to purchase a conversion top, a compact, or a full-size table. Not only that, but you should also look into their accessories, net clamp type, and of course, the price and warranty. Let’s go through these features one by one.
Size & Color
One of the features and specifications of a ping pong table that you should consider is its size and color. This is a great way to determine which table is right for you. However, you should also consider your preferred style that matches your taste.
The best cheap table tennis table comes in various sizes but there is only one official regulation size. Those that are regulation or competition-size are mandated by the International Table Tennis Federation or ITTF. Those that are non-regulation or non-standard size are intended for recreational use only.
To put it in numbers, the standard size of a ping pong table is 9ft x 5ft x 2.5ft or 108in x 60in x 30in. Those that are used for recreational games come in smaller sizes. The most common size is 6ft x 3ft x 2.5ft or 72in x 36in x 30in.
As for the color, blue is the most common color, and most major brands sport this hue. If you have tried playing or watching a tournament, they usually use blue table tennis tables. The colors green, black and gray tables have become quite popular over the years as well. Just choose the color and size that works well with the purpose of why you’re purchasing.
Material – Indoor/Outdoor
One of the biggest factors that can affect your decision in choosing the best cheap ping pong table is your use for it. Are you going to place the table inside or put it on a patio or lawn? Knowing the answer to this question will help you determine if you’re going to buy an indoor or outdoor table.
If you’re going to put your ping pong table outdoors, you need one that’s weatherproof. It’s going to be exposed to natural elements like wind, rain, sunlight, and humidity so it needs to be made from sturdier materials like metal and synthetics. These might be a bit pricey but you can be certain that they will last longer than regular ones.
There are a lot of indoor ping pong tables that are cheaper compared to outdoor ones. However, you can also use outdoor tables indoors but it might not be the best option for you. Outdoor tables are also great for garages or any space that has high humidity or frequent change in temperature.
In a nutshell, choose a ping pong table that holds up well over time in any condition, whether for outdoor or indoor use.
Conversion Top Vs Compact Vs Full-Size Table
A conversion top ping pong table can turn almost any pool table into a table tennis table or a ping pong top. It only consists of the playing surface and no undercarriage. This means you can easily place it on any flat surface and turn it into a table tennis table in an instant.
Conversion tops are very handy and provide a way for people to play ping pong on any surface such as a pool table, dining table, or even a kitchen island. You can easily set it up and take it apart after use.
A compact ping pong table is best for areas with small surfaces. It’s almost the size of a regular dining table. You can play with it inside your home or office or any place with slightly more space.
This can function as a table tennis table and a countertop for other activities like assembling jigsaw puzzles. It’s very easy to fold up when not in use and its compact size allows you to store it anywhere.
If you’re into professional training and playing seriously, a full-size table tennis table is best for you. However, this will require a bit more space given its dimensions of 274 x 152.5 x 76 cm.
This is perfect if you have a dedicated sports room where you either play recreationally or competitively with other players. The only thing with a full-size table is you can’t carry it anywhere but it gives you the satisfaction of playing like a pro.
Accessories
Before purchasing a ping pong table, make sure you have the necessary accessories. You’re going to need a rubber cleaner especially when your ping pong balls end up on the dusty and dirty floor and make their way to your rubbers. A proper rubber cleaner will easily remove this.
In order to prevent the edges of your rubbers from wearing, you can use edge tape to keep them in good condition. Other than this, you might also want to use some grip tape on your racket handle to prevent chaffing. This will give you a better grip when playing.
One way of preserving your rubbers and protecting them from dust and dirt is by applying rubber protectors. This will serve as a barrier and lengthens the life of your rubbers for your next game. Put this on each side after you play.
You can also use some table cover, a pick-up net for picking up balls, and a collection net so the balls bounce back to the table and not fall to the floor. These accessories are very helpful so you can have the best table tennis game every time you play.
Net Clamp Type
Some table tennis tables have net clamps that are fixed or attached to the table and cannot be removed or replaced. This type of net is convenient because you can start playing right away without having to assemble it every time. However, the downside to this is that you can’t replace them once they wear out since they’re attached to the table by default.
There are also ping pong tables with clamp nets that can be easily attached and removed. This will allow you to adjust the height of the net using the screw and also the tension on the net with a string. Its versatility is great however, it takes time to assemble.
The best net clamp type is a clip-on net which can be easily attached to the side of the table using a clip instead of a clamp. They’re much easier and faster to attach than the clamp ones.
If you don’t want to set up the net every time you play, consider purchasing a table with a built-in net. If you don’t mind setting it up every time you play, the clamp nets and clip-on nets might be good for you.
Price & Warranty
The best cheap ping pong table can range from $300 to $500 max. This price range can already give you the best value for your money. The warranty claim can differ according to different brands. Table tennis tables can have a 3-year warranty up to a 10-year guarantee. It’s best to check the brand you’re going for.
The Best Cheap Ping Pong Table
Now that you know the best features to look for in the best cheap ping pong table, let’s go through 5 of the finest table tennis tops out there. We’ll give you a full review of these ping pong tables and tell you everything you need to know.
HEAD – Best Budget Ping Pong Table
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Need to Know Information:
What We Love About It: It’s super easy to set up indoors and equally convenient to keep after playing. It has a sleek and classy style with a competition-grade quality. |
Do you want the feel of a tournament-quality table in the comfort of your home? The HEAD Summit Indoor Table Tennis Table is the right purchase for you. This competition-grade pingpong table follows the 9/5 foot regulation for indoor tables.
This high-quality professional table tennis table folds, opens, and stays flat with no curves. It has a smooth surface that yields a consistent bounce during play. It comes with a net and easy clamp attachments.
It can be folded in half for single-player practice. The other half will serve as a wall wherein your ball will bounce back right at you acting as your opponent. It easily folds and can be stored anywhere with its portable rolling wheels.
JOOLA Rally – Best Ping Pong Table Under $500
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Need to Know Information:
What We Love About It: Its unique black charcoal top is a perfect centerpiece in the office or at home. It has a sleek frame and professional-grade MDF surface that makes every player feel like a pro. |
The JOOLA Rally TL 300 is more than just your typical setup and play ping pong table. Its charcoal table top is 5/8 inch (15mm) thick and offers exceptional bounce and durability for players of all skill levels. It features silk-screened white striping which is directly printed on the tabletop for a consistent and durable surface.
The tabletop surface is made from wood while the legs are made of steel. This table tennis table can easily transform into independent tables by folding the other half, perfect for solo play. Other than that, it also has four ball holders and two magnetic abacus scorers which makes every match a super fun one.
You’ll admire its tournament-grade net and post set which comes with a clamp-style net. This means you can adjust the tension very easily in order to match your preferred tightness of the net. Its sturdy steel legs are powder-coated and have rubber leg levelers to avoid scratching your floors. You can also easily adjust its height for a leveled and balanced surface.
MD Sports – Best Ping Pong Table Under $300
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Need to Know Information:
What We Love About It: This table is one of the least expensive options but of great quality. It comes in many different colors, forms, and styles. |
When it comes to ping pong tables in multiple styles, MD Sports has it all! Their tables are made with steel leg frames and have a 15-mm thick playfield, making for a consistent bounce. Its dimensions are 108 x 60 x 30 inches which is an official table size for competitive playing.
This set includes 2 paddles, 2 balls, 1 net, and 1 post set. You can easily assemble this table by following its 3D interactive assembly instructions. This is perfect for setting up in your game room or garage. This table tennis table is recommended for indoor use only.
It can also be folded for single-player practice or just to save some space in your storage. If you’re looking for a fun distraction after a tiring work week or perhaps if you just want to sharpen your table tennis skills, this ping pong table is perfect for you.
JOOLA Midsize – Best Budget Compact Ping Pong Table
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Need to Know Information:
What We Love About It: When folded, this rectangular table becomes separate square halves. Each half is free-standing and makes transport and storage super easy. |
Looking for a budget compact ping pong table? This JOOLA midsize compact table tennis table is perfect for you. If you have a small space or an apartment with a bit of space to spare, this multi-use free-standing table fits right in. It’s so compact that it can fit in any storage including most closets.
Perhaps the best thing about this table is that it doesn’t need to be assembled and it already has a net set included. This versatile ping pong table can be used for other entertaining activities when not in play. You can use this for playing poker, board games, or card games.
This table can be folded into two since it has 2 legs underneath for each half. To put it into perspective, this compact table is 2/3 the size of a regulation-sized ping pong table. When folded, it can be stored under the bed with its storage dimensions of 36″ x 36″.
EastPoint Sports – Bet Budget Ping Pong Table Top
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Need to Know Information:
What We Love About It: Despite it being an official tournament-sized table tennis top, it folds into four pieces so you can easily store it in a closet or under the bed. Plus, the set includes a net and post system as well as foam pads to protect the table underneath. |
If you’re an avid table tennis player and you’re up for a quality table tennis topper, don’t sleep on EastPoint Sport’s ping pong topper. This tournament-size foldable topper measures 9 x 5 which is best for official regulation play. The best thing about it? It requires zero assemblies so you can play right away.
You can easily play like a pro in the comfort of your home with friends and guests for up to 4 multiplayer matches. This set comes with a steel net and post set with clamps and foam pads to protect the table you’re setting this topper onto. Take note that paddles and balls are not included in this set.
This table tennis topper folds into four pieces so you can easily bring it and store it anywhere. It’s super lightweight and portable so you can easily save space because you can just set it on top of a pool table or any flat surface to play. This type of ping pong table can only be used indoors where there’s a flat surface to lay it on.
FAQ When Searching for the Best Cheap Ping Pong Table
How much does a ping pong table cost?
Quality table tennis tables can cost as cheap as $300 and as expensive as $3000. You can easily find the best cheap ping pong table from around $300-$400 and the gameplay will just be the same as the expensive ones.
What Brand Makes the Best Cheap Ping Pong Tables?
Among all the ping pong tables we’ve researched, HEAD’s brand comes on top. It’s the best cheap ping pong table brand out there. They have a lot of options available that are tournament quality but at a very reasonable and affordable price.
Are Ping Pong Tables Easy to Setup?
Yes, ping pong tables are very easy to set up. Some may take 15 minutes, especially those with clamp nets or clip-on nets where you need to adjust the height and tightness of the net. But there are also those that you just need to attach and detach very easily.
Can I buy a Ping Pong Table Under $500?
Yes! There are a lot of high-quality ping pong tables at a very affordable price less than $500. Just go through our list of recommended brands and you’ll find the best cheap ping pong table that fits your needs.
Best Cheap Ping Pong Table Conclusion
There are a lot of quality ping pong tables out there at an affordable price. You just need to find the best cheap ping pong table for you to start playing like a pro. Good thing we’ve got everything figured out for you.
Before purchasing a ping pong table, you’ve got to know the features to look for. When it comes to size & color, it totally depends on what you prefer. There’s no standard color or size if it’s for recreational use only. But for tournaments and competitions, blue and green are the most used ones.
You also need to consider the materials in accordance with where you’re going to use them whether indoor or outdoor. If it’s for outdoor use, you should go for something that’s more resistant to the wear and tear caused by the weather. You might also want to look for accessories like foam pads, net, and post system to fully experience the best game.
We’ve listed the best budget ping pong table, best ping pong table under $500, best ping pong table under $300, best budget compact ping pong table, and best budget ping pong table top for you to choose from. Rest assured these are top of the line and of high quality for a cheap price. We hope you enjoy choosing the best cheap ping pong table.