Deciding on the best table tennis table can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many models out there in different price ranges with varying levels of quality. From the tabletop thickness to the frame strength, to the style and colour – there’s lots to think about!
In this guide, I rank and review 5 of the best table tennis tables and provide my top picks in each category, so you can choose the best one for you.
I’ve narrowed this list of 5 down from over 40 table tennis tables you can buy online at the moment. Personally, I would be very happy buying any of these 5 tables, and it would just depend on my budget / needs at the time for which one I’d choose.
Note: These are indoor table tennis tables – here’s my guide to buying an outdoor table tennis table.
Best Value For Money
Best Overall
Best under £500
Best under £1,000
Best For Families
Buying a table tennis table can be a tough decision – it’ll likely be part of your home for years, or even decades.
If you don’t like the look of it, how it’s designed, or how nice it is to play on, you’re going to wish you’d done that extra research or spent that little bit extra on the right table.
But, there’s so many tables to choose from! And what are the important factors to consider?
Well, here are some of the most important things to consider when you’re comparing tables:
- Table size / dimensions (don’t want a full size table? My guide to smaller tables)
- Tabletop thickness (I don’t recommend going below 16mm)
- Playing surface (smooth, please)
- Colour and style (looks are important!)
- Durability (got kids who play rough?)
- Practicality and ease of use (will you be moving it every day?)
- Extra features (think bat and ball holders)
- Price and value for money (the bottom line)
About Me
Sam Hodgson - Table Tennis Guru
I’m Sam, a table tennis addict and expert. I’ve been playing table tennis since I was old enough to hold a bat, and I love helping and coaching people with their game.
I’m also a professional writer, and I’m passionate about writing well structured, information packed guides that genuinely help people.
5 Best table tennis tables in 2023
Here are my top picks for the different price ranges out there and my detailed review of each:
Best Value for Money
Best Under £500
Best Under £1,000
Best Overall Table
Best Budget Pick For Families
Best value for money
Kettler Indoor 1
The Kettler Indoor 1 Table Tennis Table is the cheapest table in the Kettler range.
It’s been around for a while now – and for good reason: its value for money.
While it doesn’t match the level of quality of Kettler’s more expensive tables, it’s a great cheaper option for a beginner table at a very low price, backed by the Kettler brand.
The main selling point is how cheap it is, but the main drawback is the table thickness of only 16mm. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | Full size: 274cm (L) x 152.5cm (W) x 76cm (H) |
| Tabletop thickness | 16mm |
| Colour | Black |
| Tabletop material | Wood |
| Frame | 36mm |
| Legs | Non-adjustable |
| Net and post included | Yes (depending on retailer) |
| Bat and ball holders | Yes |
| Folded solo play | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes (lockable) |
| Warranty | 3 years (depending on retailer) |
| Price | £349 |
Again, the main drawback of the Kettler Indoor 1 is the slightly thinner table thickness.
At 16mm it definitely feels nicer than 12mm tables, but it doesn’t quite have the same bounce consistency as a 19mm or 22mm tabletop.
But when you look at the price, stylish design, and reputable Kettler brand, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t a top deal! Especially for beginners and casual players.
Pros & Cons:
- Full size table
- Stylish design
- Solo playing
- Easy to set up and use
- Value for money
- Flimsy legs and frame
- Thin tabletop
- Only 1 colour option
- No adjustable legs
Check out this video by Table-Tennis-Tables.co.uk to get a better idea of the Kettler Indoor 1:
Conclusion:
The Kettler Indoor 1 is a great all-rounder, low-budget table tennis table with a big brand’s backing behind it.
Kettler have been in the table tennis game (excuse the pun) for decades, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to designing tables.
No, it’s not the sturdiest table, nor is it a dream to play on, but it’s much better than some of the cheapest (12mm) tables on the market, that aren’t designed by the experts. And it’s still a great price!
Related: Learn what counts as a point and what doesn’t, with my beginner’s guide to table tennis rules!
Best under £500
Pongori ITTF Approved Club Table Tennis Table TTT 500
A table with 22m tabletop thickness for under £500? What’s not to love!?
Well… a few things.
But in general, I think the Pongori ITTF Approved Club Table is the best table tennis table under £500.
It has its pros and cons, just like any other table, but for the price it’s a great option for casual to more serious table tennis players thanks to its excellent quality.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | Full size: 274cm (L) x 152.5cm (W) x 76cm (H) |
| Tabletop thickness | 22mm |
| Colour | Blue |
| Tabletop material | Chipboard |
| Frame | 50mm |
| Legs | Non-adjustable (but comes with leg levellers) |
| Net and post included | Yes |
| Bat and ball holders | No |
| Folded solo play | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes (lockable) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | £479.99 |
While the Pongori ITTF Approved Club Table 500 isn’t the most practical to use, put away and store, its main features pack a punch.
If you’re a serious player and you care more about play quality over convenience (but don’t want to spend over £500), this is the table for you.
Pros & Cons:
- 22mm table thickness
- Great playing quality
- Value for money
- Not the prettiest
- No bat and ball holder
- Must remove net to fold
- No adjustable legs
- Slow to set up
Check out this video by Decathlon to get a better idea of the Pongori ITTF Approved Club Table 500:
Conclusion:
It’s the cheapest table I’m aware of with a 22mm tabletop thickness. It has a lovely smooth surface, it’s sturdy, with thick legs and frame, and it has some practical features (like a net storage holder on the back for when it’s folded).
But it does lack many of those practical features, such as a ball and bat holder and a net you don’t have to take off when you fold the table.
I also think the Pongori ITTF Approved Club Table 500 looks a bit ugly with all the right-angles – but that’s just personal preference!
Best Under £1,000
Cornilleau 740 ITTF Table
Now, if you really care about your table tennis game and have a bit more of a budget to invest, the Cornilleau 740 ITTF is just fantastic.
Unless you’re willing to really splash out, or you want a very stylish table (like the Cornilleau 850 Wood ITTF table up next), then this table is hard to beat!
Having said that, it’s not the most practical and it’s fairly heavy-duty – every table has its cons!
Specifications:
| Dimensions | Full size: 274cm (L) x 152.5cm (W) x 76cm (H) |
| Tabletop thickness | 25mm |
| Colour | Blue / Gray |
| Tabletop material | High density chipboard |
| Frame | 70mm |
| Legs | Fully adjustable |
| Net and post included | Yes |
| Bat and ball holders | No |
| Folded solo play | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes (lockable) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price | £929 |
The highlight for the Cornilleau 740 ITTF Table is really the playing quality.
This table plays as good as pretty much any on the market. The 25mm table thickness makes for a lovely even and responsive bounce, and the Cornilleau Skiltop coating is their best surface for spin and bounce.
It also has a whopping 70mm steel frame, very robust legs and frame, and you can choose from two colours – hooray!
But, like all tables, it does have its drawbacks.
No bat and ball holder! And it is pretty chunky. Which on the plus side means it will last forever, but also means it’s heavy to roll around.
Pros & Cons:
- 25mm table thickness
- Top of the range playing quality
- Value for money (despite the high price)
- Stylish design
- Color choice
- Foldable net
- Will last forever
- No bat and ball holder
- Expensive
- Heavy (117kg!)
Check out this video by TableTennisStore to get a better idea of the
Conclusion:
In summary, if you need a sturdy table that’s going to last forever and provide top-quality playing performance, this table is perfect for you.
If you’re looking for a table that you only get out once a month, perhaps go for a cheaper option that’s a bit less… serious!
Or if you want something a little more stylish – keep reading!
Best OVerall Table
Cornilleau 850 Wood ITTF Table
My favourite!
I know… another Cornilleau… but they’re all on this list for good reason.
And I’ll be honest, this is the best table tennis table for me partly because of how nice it is to look at.
I think the wooden legs and frame take it to the next level. Owning this table would be a dream, and I’d want to play on it every day! (If you’re getting more use out of a table, it’s better value for money… right?)
However – on top of the great style, it also has incredible specifications, and there’s really no beating it for technical quality.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | Full size: 274cm (L) x 152.5cm (W) x 76cm (H) |
| Tabletop thickness | 25mm |
| Colour | Blue / Gray |
| Tabletop material | High density chipboard |
| Frame | 70mm |
| Legs | Fully adjustable |
| Net and post included | Yes |
| Bat and ball holders | No |
| Folded solo play | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes (lockable) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price | £1,249 |
As you can see from our comparison to the cheaper Cornilleau 740 ITTF, the main thing you’re paying for with this table is the design.
But isn’t it gorgeous?
It has the same top-of-the-range 25mm tabletop as the cheaper model, along with a sturdy, 70mm wooden frame and thick chunky legs.
It will last forever, and that’s good because you won’t ever want a new table after owning this!
Don’t worry, I’ve been honest about the cons for this table, too (and it has a few).
Pros & Cons:
- 25mm table thickness
- Top of the range playing quality
- Beautiful design
- Color choice
- Foldable net
- Super durable
- Safety features
- Competition standard
- No bat and ball holder
- Expensive
- Heavy (122kg!)
- Not the easiest to move / put away
Check out this video by
Conclusion:
If you’re looking to splash out on a table in style, this has got to be the best table tennis table on the market.
It’s also perfect for intermediate players who are really looking to up their game and want the best playing performance available.
If you’re lacking space at home and need to take this down after every use, you might want a more practical option – and keep in mind the Cornilleau 740 has the same specs without the wood frame finish for less money (without the wood frame finish).
However, if you do have kids running around, the safety features on this table (lockable wheels and safety storage features) make it a great, long-lasting, stylish family table.
Best For Families
Cornilleau NEW 300 Indoor Table Tennis Table
So, on to my top family pick.
This table offers everything practical.
From the easy and ergonomic folding design, to the bat and ball holders and foldable net – it’s great for getting out for a quick game before stowing away again.
While it doesn’t have the quality and style of some high-end tables, it does all the essentials very well.
From the playing surface to the frame stability, the Cornilleau NEW 300 ticks most boxes for casual players.
I do however think it lacks a bit of originality in the design… the legs look a bit comical with the big adjusters on the bottom, and the table is fairly boxy and boring. But what it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in practicality and durability.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | Full size: 274cm (L) x 152.5cm (W) x 76cm (H) |
| Tabletop thickness | 18mm |
| Colour | Blue / Gray |
| Tabletop material | Chipboard |
| Frame | 50mm |
| Legs | 38mm adjustable |
| Weight | 77kg |
| Net and post included | Yes |
| Bat and ball holders | Yes |
| Folded solo play | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes (lockable) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price | £479 |
One of the main selling points of the Cornilleau NEW 300 Indoor Table is its practicality.
The design is well thought-out (as you’d expect from a veteran table tennis brand): from being able to fold the table without removing the net, to the ergonomic handles and levers.
It also has a solid playing surface at 18mm, although I do think at this price you may want that extra thickness of 19mm for consistency. And keep in mind, you can get a whopping 22mm tabletop with the Pongori ITTF Approved Club Table Tennis Table, for example.
Pros & Cons:
- Full size table
- Colour choice
- Solo playing
- Light-weight
- Foldable net
- Durability
- Safety features
- Practical design
- Not the prettiest
- Table thickness
- Lots of plastic
- No bat storage
Conclusion:
At a price around £479, the Cornilleau NEW 300 Indoor Table will provide you with a solid table tennis table with a great lifespan thanks to its robustness and practical design.
For casual players (and especially families with kids giving it a durability test) I think it’s a great option.
However, for those looking for something more stylish, and intermediate players needing that extra bit of quality, the Pongori ITTF Approved Club 500 table looked at earlier is a less practical but good quality alternative.
Related: Check out my guide to the best table tennis bats: from begginer to advanced, along with the best outdoor bat!
FAQs
What's the best surface for a table tennis table?
Wood / chipboard / high density chipboard are the best surfaces for a table tennis table – but what’s more important is the table thickness.
Table thickness can range from 12mm all the way up to 25mm – however, I don’t recommend buying a table under 16mm thick, as you really lose playing quality.
What is the best size for a table tennis table?
Generally, full size table tennis tables are the most popular. Here are the dimensions:
- 152.5cm (5ft) wide
- 274cm (9ft) long
- 76cm (2.5ft) high
The net should also be 15.25cm (6 inches) high and 183cm (6ft) wide, and should extend 6 inches on either side of the table, as per the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) guidelines.
If you’re looking for a smaller table, see my guide to the best medium and mini table tennis tables.
What brand makes the best table tennis tables?
Here are some of the best and most well known table tennis table brands:
- Cornilleau
- Kettler
- Joola
- Butterfly
- Stiga
- Pongori (Decathlon)
- Tibhar
How much should I spend on a table tennis table?
To get a decent quality table that provides a good level of playing quality and durability, I recommend paying at least £300 for a table tennis table.
Spending less than £300 means you’ll probably end up with a poor table that won’t be nice to play on. And the build quality and materials will likely be cheap, so it won’t last as long.
A table tennis table can last a lifetime if taken care of properly, so it’s worth investing a bit more if you can afford it.
You can also get a good quality table tennis table for £500 that will be suitable for most casual and even intermediate players, but there are better options available for bigger budgets too!
Is 12mm table tennis table thickness good enough?
In my opinion, 12mm isn’t thick enough for a table tennis table to provide a good playing experience.
I recommend 16mm and above – otherwise, the bounce will be weak and inconsistent.
What’s the difference between a table tennis table and a ping pong table?
A ping pong table and a table tennis table are the exact same thing. The only difference is what people call them.
In the UK and Europe, we usually call it “table tennis”, but in the US, people usually say “ping pong”.
Looking for somewhere to play table tennis in the UK? Try this table tennis table finder map tool!
Related: Learn how to take proper care of your table tennis bat.
