6 Best Ping Pong Tables Under $200 – Full of Amazing Features for a Decent Price!
This article will help you to choose the best table for your needs and level of training, along with supplying you with tips and tricks on how to use it.
Robert is a professional journalist who’s also a freelance writer in his free time. He loves science-fiction stories and documentaries about UFO. Robert is also planning t read more
Jim Yang is our site founder. As a pro ping pong player in the past, he's also our main expert consultant. In his spare time, Jim teaches kids table tennis, goes hiking, and read more
Last updated: July 29, 2023
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Ping pong is an awesome sport that can be a relaxing pastime with friends or a competitive challenge. Whether you fall into either camp, there’s only one way to get better: practicing! For that reason, investing in a ping pong table of your very own is a great way to hone those skills and reflexes that can take you from casual player to ping pong master.
A ping pong table is no small purchase, however, and we want to help you make the right choice for you. That’s why we researched the best ping pong tables under 200 and compiled this comprehensive buying guide for you. We looked closely at metrics like size, weight, material, and extra features to find the very best ping pong tables in your price range. Happy playing!
The JOOLA Tetra is a great product that can be assembled in a flash and can transform just about any flat surface into the ping pong table of your dreams. This versatile topper is easy to store, sturdy during play, and space-saving.
This is best for anyone who has limited storage space, already owns another table game (like a pool or air hockey), or has another table larger than 7 x 3 feet that can support this topper. This is a great option because it’s easy to use and assemble, even easier to store, and doesn’t require the extra floor space of standalone tables.
What are our favorite features?
We love how easy this was to use and assemble (it took us only a few seconds). It’s also easy to store under a couch or bed, in a closet, or in another small space. The benefit of purchasing a topper is that it allows you to essentially turn an existing table game into a two-in-one deal— all at a very low cost. The balls have a good bounce off of the table topper surface (although probably not good enough for competitive play). This also comes with protective pads that can be placed on the underside of the topper to ensure that the table below isn’t damaged during assembly or play.
What could be better?
Although this is an awesome, space-saving option, we did have a few qualms with it. The main one is that the surface is only 12mm thick, which is significantly thinner than we prefer our tables to be. Thicker tables often provide a better bounce for your ball and can make a big difference during play. This isn't a huge deal if you’re a casual player, new to ping pong, or don’t care very much about achieving pro-level bounce, but it could be something to consider otherwise.
The STIGA Space Saver Table Tennis Table is a great compact option that’s easy to assemble and transport. This table is lightweight and portable and easily fits under beds and couches or even placed in a deep or wide closet.
This is great for someone who has limited space in their home or office (or wherever they intend to play). We recommend this table also if you have children of any age who intend to use the table, as its smaller size makes it easier for younger children to learn and master the sport of table tennis. This table also consists of two separate halves, which makes storage a breeze.
Why are we impressed?
We love how easy it is to assemble this table and store it. The legs are foldable, and the top consists of two separate pieces, making it easy to store one half in one spot and another half somewhere else (especially great if you live in a small apartment and need to get creative with your storage use). The material is exceptionally durable, which is important in a table that you intend to transport or store frequently. STIGA is a leading brand for table tennis tables, and this is one of their most affordable options without compromising on quality.
What negatives must you be aware of?
Although this won't matter for some of you, we personally prefer a table that is the standard size. This smaller-sized table is great for compact spaces or young children but is not ideal if you plan to play on other standard ping pong tables or if you plan to compete in any competitions. This is better suited for the casual player whose technique is not so precise that switching between table sizes would have an impact on their gameplay.
This tiny table is great for playing table tennis anywhere, even the beach! It’s so compact and easy to assemble and use that person of all ages can enjoy a casual game of ping pong whenever— and wherever— their hearts desire.
This is great for a family with small children or someone who has limited space and an existing table. This is technically a table topper, and it comes with small plastic feet that fit at each of the table’s corners and protect the surface beneath it from receiving any damage during play or assembly.
What makes it stand out?
This is a great table for beginners. It is small and easy to store, making it perfect for people who are just starting out or don't have a lot of space. We also love the included posts and net, which make it easier to play table tennis.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
We don't like the small plastic feet because they don't work well on tables that are slightly smaller than the placement of the feet. This can cause unbalanced play and can feel a bit unstable if you bump into it during a game. Removing the feet is an option, but then it leaves the surface below unprotected from damage.
This ping pong table is so fun and functional, and it comes with a set of paddles, balls, a net, and a carrying case for the paddles and balls. The table is classified as midsize and measures 6 feet x 3 feet. This table is easily stored as it can be folded and tucked away inconspicuously.
This is great for someone who wants a storable table with an easy setup. It’s the perfect table if you’re looking for a well-made and sturdy ping pong table that will last you for a long time and can fit just about anywhere in your home or office. The playing surface is very smooth, which makes the gameplay highly functional and fun.
What are our favorite features?
This table is well-made and perfect for playing ping pong. The wood is smooth and easy to play on, and the aluminum frame is strong and easy to assemble. The table is also a good size for smaller spaces. It's slightly smaller than a standard ping pong table, so it can fit in even the tightest spots. The set also comes with a net, paddles, and case, as well as four standard-issue ping pong balls, making it easy to start playing right away.
What could be better?
One of the disadvantages of this set is that you need to screw everything together yourself. The screws might come loose over time, but if you check them and adjust them as needed, then you can keep the table in good condition. If you forget to check the screws and they come loose, it could be a problem.
This ping pong table is great for its ease of use and simple setup. It comes fully equipped with a net, paddles, balls, and a paddle case, so you’re good to start playing as soon as you set up your new table. The tabletop comes apart in two halves, making it convenient for a variety of uses as well as easy storage.
This is great for someone who plans on moving their ping pong table around for storage or placement. The table’s legs have convenient wheels that make transport a breeze. The setup is very efficient, so even if you take the table completely apart to store it, you’ll be able to reassemble it very quickly and easily every time.
Why did it make our list?
We love the locking wheels that come on the legs of this ping pong table. They make moving the table and locking it in place very easy and straightforward, and the locking function has the added benefit of giving you the peace of mind that there will be no safety issues while using the table (at least related to the table rolling away). We also love that the tabletop comes apart in two halves and can be used for a variety of purposes like crafting or poker. This separating table top also makes storage a very easy task.
What is not ideal about it?
This one isn't as easy to store as some of the other tablets on this list, although it still functions very well. If storage isn't your biggest priority or if you intend to keep the table set up most of the time, this would be a good choice for you. The table also has been said to arrive with damaged corners due to packaging choices made by the shipper, and that can be very frustrating if you spend your hard-earned money on this table.
This compact table can bring ping pong fun to any space— even the smallest room! The table comes pre-assembled, which is super convenient if you hate putting together complicated furniture and are worried about losing small pieces. This table is also versatile and can be used inside or outside.
This smaller table is great if you have small children who will be using the table. It’s also great if you intend to play outside during the summer and inside during the winter (or vice versa!), as it functions well in both settings and is resistant to most weather.
What are our favorite features?
This table is pre-assembled and can fit almost anywhere. It's also great that it can be used outdoors, which can help keep the house quiet during the summer, especially with kids who love to play competitively or loudly). We also love that this table comes with leg levelers, which help to keep an even playing surface on uneven ground. The tabletop is very sturdy and thick, offering great bounce during gameplay.
What could be better?
We honestly don't have a lot of bad things to say about this table. However, we should mention again that this is not a standard size table and might not be great for you if you want to play at a competitive level and need to practice on a standard size table. That said, it is perfect for kids or smaller spaces, and if you don't mind losing a few inches in playing space, then this could be the table for you.
We looked at a lot of really important features when compiling this list of the best ping pong tables under $200. There are pros and cons to many of the options found on this list, but we’re sure you’ll find the perfect table for you and your playstyle among our six top choices.
What to Look for in a Ping Pong Table under $200?
Purchasing a ping pong table involves a lot of research and understanding of how each feature can impact gameplay, table function and storage, and overall satisfaction with your purchase. That may sound kind of daunting if you don’t have much experience with purchasing and comparing ping pong tables, but that’s where we come in. We have a lot of knowledge and ping pong experience, and we know exactly which features can make a table worth investing your money in.
Important Features
When purchasing a ping pong table
Trusted SourceHow ping pong helps prisoners turn the tables on violence and reoffending | Prisons and probation | The GuardianThe programme has proven so successful that the MoJ says it is “considering options for extending it further”. So far, the nearby women’s prison, HMP Downview, and Ford open prison in West Sussex have introduced similar schemes. The new justice secretary, Robert Buckland, welcomes the ping-pong scheme for “truly harnessing the power of sport to change lives and reduce reoffending”. He adds: “It is vital that we set offenders up with worthwhile skills such as teamwork, leadership and discipline, so they have a better chance of securing employment on release and resettling back into the community.”
www.theguardian.com
, it’s important to look closely at a lot of the features that each table option offers. Depending on your intended playstyle and frequency, some features may be more important to you than others. If you intend to train for competitive play, for example, you’ll want to purchase a table that meets the standard size and thickness requirements. If you intend to play more casually, these things won’t be significant considerations for your purchase.
Size
The size of the ping pong
Trusted SourceWhat is the difference between pingpong and table tennis? | Notes and Queries | guardian.co.ukIn pingpong the ball must bounce on your side of the table before going over the net after you hit it. It is this extra bounce that gives the game the onomatopoeic name of pingpong. Apart from this the game is identical to table tennis.
www.theguardian.com
table won’t really matter if you don’t intend to play professionally, but playing on a smaller table and then moving to a larger one can be confusing and affect gameplay, so keep that in mind.
A standard table is about 2.74m long, 1.5m wide, and 76cm tall.
Weight is important to think about for a few reasons. You need to consider how much weight you are capable of moving on your own or with help— especially if you intend to store your table when it’s not in use. Weight can also affect the gameplay in some cases. Heavier tables tend to be sturdier and less easily moved during play, which can help keep your game consistent. Full-size tables typically weigh about 200 pounds, midsize tables usually weigh about 60 pounds (like the ONETWOFIT Ping Pong Table Foldable), and table toppers usually weigh around 80 pounds.
Frame material
A strong ping pong table frame can go a long way in the durability and feel of your ping pong table. There are two common frame materials that you’re likely to see when searching for a new ping pong table: steel and aluminum. Steel is a slightly more durable material than aluminum and can help your table last you for years without requiring replacement or adjustment. Steel can also bear more weight than aluminum and would be a better choice if you have kids who like to scramble over tables or if you enjoy perching on the edge of your table from time to time. One downside to steel, however, is that it is prone to rust. This means that storing your steel-frame ping pong table outside will likely lead to rust developing and more rapid degradation of your ping pong table.
Aluminum, while not as strong as steel, is immune to rust and would be a better option for outdoor use than a steel-frame table.
Base material
Ping pong table bases— the surface that you play on— can be made out of a variety of different materials. Some of the most common materials you’ll find being used as a ping pong table base include plywood, particleboard, fiberglass, metal, or even plastic. The material you choose should depend on price, impact on the table weight and storage, impact on longevity and durability of the table, and whether or not the table is weather resistant. The GoSports Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set is a great wood base table that is lightweight and easy to store.
Thickness
A standard ping pong table (the ones used in ping pong tournaments) is about 25mm thick. Thicker tables will offer a better bounce to the ball, while thinner ones will make bouncing well more difficult regardless of how forcefully you hit the ball. For non-professional players, a thickness of about 15mm is a great starting place (you probably don’t need a professional-thickness ping pong table for casual play).
Beginners may find a super bouncy tabletop to be counterproductive to their gameplay.
It can be more difficult to get a paddle on a very bouncy ball, and it can be easier to develop and hone your reflexes when you have a ball that bounces less high than it would on a very thick table. There are use cases for each option; it just depends on how you intend to play and what you’re looking to get out of your personal ping pong table.
Assembly
Easy assembly is an attractive feature if you’re not interested in following confusing instructions and dealing with a ton of small pieces. This is also an important consideration if you think you may want to disassemble and store your ping pong table frequently, and you need to be able to do so easily and efficiently. After all, what’s the point of buying a storable ping pong table if it’s too complicated to disassemble quickly? If you’re looking for a great pre-assembled table, the Tiktun Ping Pong Table is a great option. It’s ready to go right out of the box!
Accessories
Accessories can make any purchase feel 10x cooler— who doesn’t like free stuff? It makes it even more convenient when the table you purchase comes with a full set of paddles, balls, and a case for your paddles, rather than having to purchase them separately, which can be a hassle. The GoSports Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set is a great choice if you want a table that comes ready to go with all accessories.
Yes and no. Compact ping pong tables are great options in a few circumstances. These include if you’re new to the sport and are just getting the hang of how the mechanics and movements work, if you have small children who you intend to play with often and if you live in a small space and don’t mind compromising on table size if it will help you save space. While this may be stating the obvious, compact tables are smaller— sometimes much smaller— than standard ping pong tables that professionals use. If you intend to improve your skill and hope to one day compete in a professional ping pong setting, you may prefer to purchase a standard size ping pong table to practice on. Otherwise, a compact table will function just as well as a standard table and may even have many benefits that a standard table can’t provide, depending on your circumstance.
How you store your ping pong table will depend on how the ping pong table was designed and constructed. Some ping pong tables come all in one piece and cannot be folded or stored without disassembling them. Many other ping pong tables were specifically designed to make storing them as easy as possible. These tables may include features like multiple-piece table tops that can be stored separately. Other common features include foldable or removable ping pong table legs, as well as foldable tables that collapse into a very compact shape. Most of these storable tables are designed to be slipped underneath couches or beds, stashed in closets, or otherwise easily stored. Some are even specifically designed for very small spaces (like New York City apartments). If storage is your main concern, you can definitely find a good, storable ping pong table that will suit your needs. How you store your specific table will depend largely on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Our Verdict
These six affordable ping pong tables are all great choices if you’re looking to purchase a new ping pong table without spending more than $200. All of them have their own unique set of benefits and features that make them perfect additions to any home or office. We highly recommend our editor’s choice, JOOLA Tetra, for anyone interested in a standard size table. Our premium pick was the STIGA Space Saver Table Tennis Table, which is a superb compact option that will fit great in any home with limited space. Another great option is the STIGA Pure Super Mini Table that won our Best Value recommendation. This one is even smaller than the STIGA Space Saver, making it a great option if you have children or live in a tiny space. We hope you enjoyed this list, and we know you’ll find the best ping pong table under $200 that will be perfect for your needs.
References
1.
How ping pong helps prisoners turn the tables on violence and reoffending | Prisons and probation | The Guardian
The programme has proven so successful that the MoJ says it is “considering options for extending it further”. So far, the nearby women’s prison, HMP Downview, and Ford open prison in West Sussex have introduced similar schemes. The new justice secretary, Robert Buckland, welcomes the ping-pong scheme for “truly harnessing the power of sport to change lives and reduce reoffending”. He adds: “It is vital that we set offenders up with worthwhile skills such as teamwork, leadership and discipline, so they have a better chance of securing employment on release and resettling back into the community.”
What is the difference between pingpong and table tennis? | Notes and Queries | guardian.co.uk
In pingpong the ball must bounce on your side of the table before going over the net after you hit it. It is this extra bounce that gives the game the onomatopoeic name of pingpong. Apart from this the game is identical to table tennis.
