Getting a ping pong table on a budget is possible for both recreational players and table tennis professionals. We have hand-picked six best ping pong table under 500 dollars for you, mainly because you are searching for it and that you are here. If you are buying your first ping pong table, you might want to know what to look for in the best-budget-pong table.
Factors like the dimension, weight, surface thickness, and warranty information are some aspects that you need to keep in mind when making a choice. Serious players who want to build a career in table tennis can go for high-end ping pong tables full-size with optimal surface thickness for the desired bounce. In contrast, beginners and recreational players can pick one that fits well in the space available to them and durable enough for their use.
Our top picks have a solution for all kinds of players, and we have put together a buyer’s guide containing the factors that make a ping pong table the best among all. There are some answers to frequently asked questions about ping pong tables. When you complete reading this article, you will be prepared with all you need to know about purchasing a ping pong table.
Table of Contents
Facts to Consider before buying the Best Ping Pong Table under $500
It is not easy to get the best budget ping pong table within five hundred dollars, especially if this is your first table. Many brands and models are available in the market, making it somewhat overwhelming to pick one suitable for your needs. Here we have listed some features that you need to check in a ping pong table to get a good one at the right price. Look at the sturdiness, table size, playing surface, single play capability, user-friendliness, and portability of a table when you are making your decision.
Table Size
Table size is of great importance whatever brand or model table you decide to choose. There are multiple sizes available for ping pong tables. The small and medium sizes occupy less space, but the game is not tournament-grade obviously. The large size table offers excellent gaming, but it does need a huge space to keep it.
If you have a large room to play, you can get a standard size ping pong table such as the Joola Inside or the Stiga Advantage and enjoy competition-grade gaming with your friends. If your room is not as significant to store a full-size table, you can go for Stiga Space Saver or the Butterfly Junior.
Sturdiness
Always go for tables manufactured with high-quality material, so they turn out to be durable and long-lasting. Low-quality tables are going to wear out in no time and will stop working for their intended purpose. The foldable table is more durable as compared to non-foldable tables. The best quality ping pong tables are made of stainless steel, whereas the low quality of ping pong tables is made up of wood.
A table’s performance is determined by its wheels and legs, which are its most essential components. At the time of purchases, it is necessary to know the diameter of the legs. Always prefer tables with legs made up of steel. Make sure that the wheels of the table are lockable so that the table stands its ground when you are playing on it.
Surface thickness
It is essential to give complete consideration to the ping pong table’s thickness before making a purchase decision. The table models which have a surface thickness above 5/8 inches or 15.875mm can give great enjoyment for the playing experience. Tables having less than 15mm thickness are not preferable to use because they don’t provide a consistent bounce throughout the surface. In tournaments, about 7/8″ or 22.23mm tables are best for use. The table having ½ inches thickness are not advisable for ping pong table’s indoor games because they are breakable and can get damaged easily, and they don’t give accurate bounce. Professional players should always get an inch thick surface table for the right consistency of ball bounce.
Safety
As we are likely to play with our family and friends on the ping pong table, it is important to ensure safety and care from any potential accident that can cause injury. If the table is not assembled right or the lock doesn’t function properly, it can damage your feet. Choose the table that has safety features such as a sound locking system to avoid falls during the game and levers to facilitate folding with ease. There are ping pong tables with padded corners, which is yet another safety feature that comes in handy during rough and challenging games.
Space Saving
You don’t have to get the most significant available table out there to enjoy the game of ping pong. The average or standard size table will work just fine for you. And it is not a problem if you have limited space because smaller versions are also available like the Butterfly junior or the Stiga Space Saver on our list. It can be folded and stored in a very compact form and easily portable. If you have ample space or want to get an outdoor ping pong table, try the Stiga Advantage. Learn how much space do you need for a ping pong table.
Net and Posts
Most of the time, the net that you get with a low-cost ping pong table is low-quality and doesn’t last much longer. Pay attention to the reviews about the net for the model you’re going to buy. The Stiga Advantage on our list is known for its top-quality net. If your chosen table doesn’t have a useful quality net and posts, you would have to spend more money to replace them.
Playback Capability
If you are a lone wolf living on your own, consider investing in a table that comes with playback capability. You won’t have a partner over at your place all the time, so with the playback functionality, you can practice your shots alone and stay active while having fun.
Accessories set
If your budget is low and doesn’t want to spend extra money on the paddles, balls, and all that jazz, get a table that comes with a complete table tennis set. On our list, the MD Sports Table Tennis Set can meet this need of yours.
If you want to go all out and get more accessories to make your gaming experience great, you may want to consider getting an abacus scorer and ball storage. The abacus will help you record your scores, and the ball storage allows you to keep your ping pong balls securely in one place.
Warranty
No matter what table you choose, checking out its warranty before making the purchase is advisable. Always prefer a table that comes with a warranty to secure your investment against any potential defects or malfunction. In case there is an issue with the table within the warranty tenure, the manufacturer will fix all replace it for free. If you get a table with no warranty, you will have to afford all repair costs for any defect or issue.
The Importance of Table Thickness
Table thickness is a significant factor for the gaming experience. You should focus on table thickness as it is a deciding factor for how high or low the price the table is going to be.
- 12mm – These are the cheapest tables. You should avoid these at all costs! They provide a pathetic bounce.
- 16mm – These don’t offer a high bounce. Get these only if you are on a tight budget.
- 19mm – This is the minimum thickness you should ideally get.
- 22mm – This tabletop provides a good bounce. These are perfect for clubs.
- 25mm – This is a thickness for a competition standard table. Professional players should get this one.
Comparison Table For the Best Ping Pong Table Under 500
Detail Review of the 6 Best Ping Pong Table Under 500
I think by now you’ve got a decent idea of what type of table you should choose. We have picked the most recent and updated ping pong tables from the market. Now, let’s jump into the detailed review of each product individually.
01- JOOLA inside – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table
Since 1950, Joola, the German company, has been manufacturing superb tennis products. The Joola Inside is a budget-friendly ping pong table that is strong and well built. It comes with a 5/8″ medium-density fiberboard top with 1.5″ steel legs and an undercarriage that is rustproof coated.
Fordable Table
Like any high-end ping pong tables, it can be easily folded into two halves, making it easy to carry around. If you don’t have a partner to play with, you can practice yourself by folding it.
Ease of Installation
Usually, it is a hassle to assemble table tennis tables; however, it is surprisingly easy to put together. It takes less than fifteen minutes to join the Joola Inside as it is ninety percent preassembled. Its folding mechanism is very user friendly and durable.
Durability
It has an impressive finish with a sturdy built and super smooth surface, making it durable to use for years. It has an average one year warranty. While it is a superb ping pong table for its price, three things can be an issue for serious players. Number one, its thickness of 5/8″ or 15mm, doesn’t produce the desired bounce and speed of the ball for professional table tennis. Number two, as its name, suggests is an indoor table that cannot be left outdoors, especially where there is humidity. Lastly, it is on the heavier side as compared to other models in a similar price range.
Why Buy JOOLA inside – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table
The Joola Inside is suitable for beginners and recreational players. You can have a lot of fun with this one whether you play alone or with friends and family. All this is very easy on the pocket as well. If you are considering the price, quality in construction, and careful/packing & shipping, this is the table you want. After getting everything unpacked and started playing, it is fantastic. The quality of the construction is excellent, as well as its overall appearance is fantastic.
Why people Buy JOOLA inside – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table?
We have researched the latest real custom opinion about this table. Maximum of them love its construction quality, ease of assembly, and the cost. This is an excellent table for people learning the sport or wanting to play it recreationally. The delivery service is also excellent.
02- STIGA Advantage competition-ready Indoor Table Tennis Table
The Stiga Advantage is a sleek-looking heavy-duty ping pong table within the five hundred dollar price range. It has a playing surface of 5/8″ with durable and easily adjustable feet. There are well-designed rubber levelers on the bottom of the feet to keep your floor safe from getting scratches. It is easy to install and easy to store.
Zero Gravity Feature
It has a zero-gravity feature, which means you feel like it has no weight when you are assembling or packing it up. Its surface finish is impeccable, and its construction is robust.
Heavy Duty Net
Usually, ping pong tables have a pretty useless net when you buy one under the five hundred dollar tag. We typically recommend changing the net as soon as you get a ping pong table in a low budget. This is not the case with the Stiga Advantage. It has a heavyweight net and post that could be easily worth forty dollars.
Its net is heavy-duty, which is a pleasant surprise in this price range. Its two halves are independent of each other. It has got three-inch caster wheels that are lockable.
Fordable Table
When you fold it, its two halves are nested with one another, making it compact. Its storage dimensions are just 60″ X 28″. With eight caster wheels, this is a portable table that you can slide anywhere you wish. And once you want it to stay in place, you can lock the wheels.
While it is an excellent option for its price, its surface thickness of 5/8″ or 16mm is not professional. Since it is not waterproof, you cannot install it outdoors. But these things should not matter for recreational players as they get a durable table that performs well enough for many fun games ahead.
Why Buy STIGA Advantage competition-ready Indoor Table Tennis Table?
Stiga Advantage is a sturdy and high-quality ping pong table made using top quality materials. The installation process is easy with its eight bolts, which is insanely easy to other ping pong table installations.
Why People Buy STIGA Advantage competition-ready Indoor Table Tennis Table
Stiga Advantage is people’s number one choice for its foldable capability, single-player usage, easy installation, and affordability. A good number of customers review this product and give five stars due to its stable features.
03- JOOLA NOVA – Outdoor Table Tennis Table
This table is a bit much than $500 due to its more advanced feature. If you have got ample of space outdoors, Joola Nova is an excellent option for you. This is an outdoor ping pong table that has two halves with a separate four-wheel trolley. You can fold it into a playback position and practice your shots all by yourself. This table is versatile that you can use for other purposes as well.
Easily Portable
The Joola Nova is compact, as well as a portable ping pong table. It is very easily portable, and storing it is also very convenient. Since this is a lightweight table, it is best to use it as outdoor storage and not leave it all set up outdoor permanently.
Sturdy Built
Its 30mm steel tube frame, along with the supports, makes it strong enough to withstand outdoor weather conditions. The frame is more solidified with a 6mm surface that is a composite of aluminum plus plastic.
Water Resistance
The aluminum plus plastic surface is weather-resistant, and it won’t chip away with regular play. It has a net set that is weather resistant with a classic screw structure and a net tension system. The net is straightforward to assemble.
One more time, because of being lightweight, you won’t want to let it stay set up outdoors on windy or rainy days. Luckily, the chassis of Joola Nova is wheeled so you can move it quickly if there is an urgent need.
Why Buy JOOLA NOVA – Outdoor Table Tennis Table
Joola Nova is excellent for the open-plan play area. It does not cost a fortune and is foldable and easy to carry. Just don’t forget to bring it back inside as it is not meant to be left out in the open. You will get 100% satisfaction because JOOLA listens and learns from your feedback to create top of the line quality equipment for kids & adults. Our customer service team is available to help if you’re not 100% satisfied or have product suggestions.
Why people Buy JOOLA NOVA – Outdoor Table Tennis Table?
Joola Nova is a full-size table that people enjoy playing outdoors on. It is reasonably priced and has folding capability and single-player capability. It only takes 15 minutes to assemble, and the table surface supports all weather. People love it most as it is easily moved when needed and many other reasons. And they give thumbs up for its ease of set up and putting away.
04- MD Sports Table Tennis Set: Regulation Ping Pong Table
If you are looking to get the complete table tennis set in one package at a meager price, you must go with the MD Sports set, which is an excellent choice for you.
Complete Table Tennis Set
It has a full-size table with a removable net plus two posts, two paddles, two balls, and a lot of other stuff. Its playing surface is 15mm thick, which gives enough ball bounce for a good fun game. Its high-quality apron makes your gaming experience smooth. Since this is a complete set, you can start playing as soon as it arrives without having to buy anything else.
Foldable Table
It is a foldable table, which makes it easy to store and compact. You can fold it for a single play stance and practice your game on your own. There is a thirty-day long money-back guarantee for the MD Sports set if you are not happy with the product.
Bilt App
It has a user-friendly and interactive construction with the BILT app. It guides you with the required steps to assemble the table. The app as 3D instructions with voice support.
Its safety features allow you to try challenging gaming instances. There are corner caps on all edges to ensure added safety for rough games. The tables stand firm on its sturdy steel legs. On the bottom of the legs, there is PVC lamination to keep the floor safe from scratches and the legs safe from water damage. The table aprons offer extra support. With everything in one package, the MD Sports set has, for sure, the best budget ping pong table on the market.
Why Buy MD Sports Table Tennis Set: Regulation Ping Pong Table?
It is a complete set for all the table tennis stuff at an affordable price. This table is once assembled, you’re ready to play ball. This table comes with complete accessories for a table tennis match, so you don’t have to make an additional purchase. The big reason you are getting this one is it has protective corner caps installed for extra safety during rough play. It has sturdy steel legs for stability and PVC lamination that protects the playfield from water damage.
Why People Buy MD Sports Table Tennis Set: Regulation Ping Pong Table?
This is easy to assemble a table that comes with all the required accessories for table tennis; this is why people love it. People who are already using it says that it is mostly for its sturdy, quick delivery, low price, quick installation, and many more.
05- STIGA Space Saver Compact Table Tennis Table
The Space Saver is a budget-friendly option for ping pong lovers who are low on space for a substantially sized table. It has a durable steel tube apron with foldable legs and two independent halves.
Mid-Sized Table
If you are looking for a portable, lightweight, and medium-sized table to fit in your limited space room, the Stiga Space Saver is a great choice. It has a sturdy built with an elegant design and superb performance, making it the go-to option for both beginners and intermediate table tennis players.
Attractive Tabletop
Its playing surface is made up of high-quality MDF stuff, providing a super smooth tabletop. The top has a silkscreen striping lined with it to give it an attractive finish. Its size dimension is 71 x 40.5 x 30 inches, with a weight of 73 pounds. You can easily carry it around due to its lightweight. It has got a 38.5″ heavy-duty net.
Sturdy Built
The table has got excellent support with its 1.25-inch legs keeping it level and firm. You can play on the Stiga Space Saver both indoors and outdoors. It is very easy to set up this table very quickly. While being a high ping pong table, there are some issues you need to keep in mind about this Stiga space saver. While assembling, it is pretty easy; you may have difficulty separating two halves to put it away. Its screw may come loose after some time of usage. So this space saver is great for people on a budget and low space.
Why Buy STIGA Space Saver Compact Table Tennis Table
If you are short on space, this is a great buy. People mostly like this table for free up space because it can be easily folded up in the storage position. With each table half measuring 35.5″ long, 40.5″ wide, and 1.8″ deep in the folded position, moreover, the space saver table easily fits in a closet or under the bed. This is also great for your kids familiar with table tennis.
Why People Buy STIGA Space Saver Compact Table Tennis Table?
This is an excellent compromise from the standard size table and offers competition level gaming, which is why people love it. People love it because it takes a tiny place, good quality, simple to fold up and set up a great compact size, and many more.
06- Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table – 3/4 Size Table Tennis Table
Another excellent option for people with limited space, the Butterfly Junior, is aimed at the younger table tennis enthusiasts. It is a compact table designed in an eye-catching manner that adds to the aesthetics of the room where you put it up.
Mid-Sized Table
With the dimensions of 81 x 45 x 30 inches and a playing surface of 10 mm at a 75 pounds weight, this table would easily fit in a limited space and make your leisure time fun.
Foldable Table
It is merely portable since of its lightweight. This is a foldable table, which means you can store it in a compact form or play alone on it when you have no gaming partner. Its four wheels make it easy to carry it around. It is a hundred percent preassembled, so there is no need to assemble it.
Sturdy Built
Its high-quality frame is made up of steel, making it stand sturdy. With all these superb features, there are some issues with the Butterfly Junior that you need to know before making a purchase decision. You cannot leave it outdoors as it is not weather resistant. This table allows only a two-player game, and you cannot enjoy doubles games on this table. But all that said, this is a large, medium-sized ping pong table that is lightweight, sturdy portable, and an excellent choice for people on a budget.
Why Buy Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table – 3/4 Size Table Tennis Table?
This is a good pick if you don’t have enough space for a full-sized table. Its playing surface is excellent. It is excellent to get the kids to learn ping pong and get active. Its installation is so that it only takes 10 minutes from the box to start playing. Moreover, the 12mm table tennis top is thicker than most small table tennis tables providing a better bounce. Corner pads protect you and your table, that’s why it is the right choice.
Why People Buy Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table – 3/4 Size Table Tennis Table?
People get it for their low spaced rooms to have fun weekends with friends and family. People also buy it to get their children to know the game before they commit to a full-size table.
Frequently Asked Question about the Best Ping Pong Table Under 500
How much room is needed for a ping pong table?
You will need ample space for a ping pong table. A standard size table has a width of 5 feet and a length of 9 feet. Your playing room should have at least a width of 11 feet and a length of 19 feet.
How is a ping pong table stored?
If your table is indoor, just fold it and put it in your storeroom. If you have an outdoor ping pong table and want to store it outdoors, it is best to put a cover over it even if it is weather resistant. Always read manufacturer instructions for storage to put it the right way.
Can I set up my indoor table outdoors?
Technically, yes, you can, but we won’t advise that. The indoor table having an MDF (medium-density fiberboard) playing surface should not be left outdoors in humid conditions. The moisture destroys the tabletop.
Who are the best manufactures for ping pong tables?
We have listed some of the best models by top manufacture in the market. Stiga and Joola are the most renowned brand among all, but other popular brands include Butterfly, MD Sports, Cornilleau, etc.
What is the cost of the best budget ping pong table?
The price of a ping pong table starts from a hundred dollars, and it can go up to more than two thousand dollars. Low priced ping pong tables have a playing surface that is very thin, so it is best to avoid those. If you want a table for recreational gaming, get a ping pong table with a surface thickness of 15mm to 19mm, costing somewhere between 400 to 600 dollars.
If you are serious about your game, then get a table with a thicker top that is durable and offers a consistent ball bounce. This can cost anywhere between six hundred dollars to one thousand dollars. If you want a completion grade table, choose 1-inch table talk thickness that can fall in that price range.
Our Recommendation
After reading the full guide you must be now understood what features you should look for to buy the ping pong table. Now if you are confused among these 6 picks and ask for our recommendations we would say go for the JOOLA Inside – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table is the best budget ping pong table and our recommendation for you. If you are considering the price, quality in construction, and careful/packing & shipping, this is the best choice for you.
- JOOLA - AN OLYMPIC TABLE TENNIS BRAND TRUSTED FOR 60+ YEARS: Launched in the 1950s, JOOLA has been the proud sponsor of the biggest tournaments in the world, Including the Olympics, World Championships, and US Open. Equipment designed for all levels
- 15mm MDF SURFACE TOURNAMENT QUALITY AT HOME: The JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table is a competition grade, regulation size indoor ping pong table, perfect for playing in your home, office, or recreation center
- EASY AND QUICK ASSEMBLY: Set up this top-performing table tennis table in approximately 10 minutes out of the box. The tournament-grade regulation size 72" ping pong net set has a convenient clamp system for quickly attaching and removing from the table
- SAFE, MOBILE, COMPACT STORAGE: The 2 halves and 3" lockable wheels and casters makes this ping pong table easy to roll and move around when not in use. Does not include ping pong paddles
Read More: Best Ping Pong Table under 200
Final Words
Ping pong tables are either used indoors or outdoors. Their construction type, size dimension, and weather resistance are different according to its usage.
You can get cross over the table as well. However, according to your needs, you should focus on either getting the best outdoor ping pong table or an indoor one.
There are so many different qualities of playing surface available that you have unlimited options at hand. This can be overwhelming. Just keep in mind that if a table is light, very compact, thin, and storable, it is potentially the worst playability experience.
But this is not a bad thing, as playability is subjective to who is playing the game. If a relational player is seeking occasional fun with friends, they would happily buy a cheaper ping pong table with decent quality.
More frequent players seeking weekend fun with friends or kids can spend a little more and get a mid-grade ping pong table.
Then there are players whose life revolves around table tennis. These ping pong enthusiasts would want to invest in the competition-grade table. The tournament needs a surface thickness of 25mm for a consistent ball bounce.
If you spend a considerable amount of money on high-end ping pong tables and use them only occasionally, it will be a huge waste of money.
Mark is a Bloomberg BusinessWeek-based digital entrepreneur, blogger, and table tennis enthusiast. He is a former professional table tennis player with the career-best USATT ranking of 2689. He is also an ITTF Level 3 certified coach and conducts weekend coaching programs in and around the New York area. Mark is also a pool player by passion. He was first introduced to the game of pool at a very early age by his granddad. He had a natural knack for the game and quickly learned the ropes, and by the time he was 15, he was already participating in local leagues. He aims to make it into the APA league someday! Mark started his own blog by starting Indoor Games Zone, where he loves to share his years of experience with the audience. He covers ping pong, pool, air hockey, shuffleboard, and foosball.
- Ping pong
- Pool
- Air Hockey
- Shuffleboard
- Foosball
Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
