If you’ve ever tried to go shopping for a full-sized ping pong table, you probably already know how big those things can be. Tables designed to comply with the International Table Tennis Federation’s size guidelines measure 9 feet by 5 feet, which can make them pretty impractical to have in your home, especially if you don’t have a lot of space to spare.
But before you toss that idea out the window, we’re here to tell you there are ping pong tables you can buy for your limited space. Which ones, you might ask? Portable ping pong tables, of course. Designed to be sleek, small, and collapsible, the best portable ping pong tables are a practical and efficient choice for recreational players.
Interested in copping your own mini table tennis set-up? Read on to learn more on how to make the right choice.
What are the Benefits of a Portable Ping Pong Table?
First things first – why should you consider buying a portable ping pong table if there are full sized tables that can fold up and collapse anyway? The answer is simple – space. But that’s not all there is. Here are some of the benefits of exhausting the effort to find the best mini ping pong table on the market.
Space Saving
We said it once, and we’ll say it again. Portable ping pong tables save a lot of space. These designs can come in a variety of sizes, some of which just half the size of a traditional table tennis table. So for apartment dwellers or homeowners who don’t really have the luxury of space, a portable ping pong table can be a suitable alternative to purchasing something full-sized.
Multi-Functional
Most portable ping pong tables are designed to serve a multitude of functions. For instance, some are designed with durable surfaces that are impervious to moisture, ink, and many other possible damages. So they can be used as work desks or dining tables when they’re not being used for a game. This makes them much more practical for people who don’t want to designate space for a ping pong table that might not always be used for play.
Easy Storage
Portable ping pong tables often fold up with ease, so they’re really easy to tuck away into a closet or any storage space for that matter. For people who don’t want their ping pong table constantly out and about and possibly disrupting their interior décor, this could be a priority.
Portable
Getting together at a friend’s place for party and you’re put in charge of the games? That folding ping pong table can easily fit inside your trunk to be hauled all the way over to a different house and set up in minutes for endless hours of fun and games. So whether it’s an afternoon at the park or an out of town trip, you can be sure bringing your table along won’t cause a fuss.
Affordable
Have you seen the price tags on full-sized ping pong tables? Some of those things can cost close to a thousand bucks! If you’re not ready to spend that much on something you intend to use for recreation, then a portable design would be just right for you. If you’re lucky, you might find one that’s just around a hundred dollars, giving you access to endless fun minus the painful price tag.
Who Are Portable Ping Pong Tables Good For?
Is a portable ping pong table right for you? Well, this type of table design might be suitable for a number of buyers, some of which might include:
1. Apartment Dwellers – Or simply people with limited floor space in their homes. Portable ping pong tables are smaller alternatives to their full-sized counterparts, making them much more practical for small spaces.
2. Budget Buyers – People who don’t want to spend too much of a full-sized table can find lots of great bargains in the form of collapsible table tennis tables that are typically less than half the cost of larger designs.
3. Recreational Players – Don’t plan to join a competition? Then you don’t need a table that follows ITTF standards. If you really just want to have a ping pong table for the fun of it, portable choices can aptly satisfy your needs.
Important Features to Look For
1. Ease of Assembly and Collapse – No one wants to spend hours just screwing together a small ping pong table. Before you hit that buy now button, be sure you’ve chosen something that you can set-up in minutes. Tedious assembly and collapse processes defeat the purpose of choosing a folding ping pong table all together.
2. Durable – It definitely wouldn’t hurt to buy something that can withstand wear and tear, especially if you want to use it for more than just ping pong. Look for something that can take being used as a work desk, a dining table, or even a beer pong table by checking out what it’s made of and whether it’s prone to damage.
3. Low Maintenance – A portable table that needs too much cleaning, care, and maintenance might be more of a hassle to have rather than a convenience. The best way to tell whether something needs more care than you’re willing to give would be to find out what it’s made of. Woods and light metals are often prone to damage and need extra care, so be wary of designs that make use of these materials.
4. Versatile – Are you always going to be playing with a partner? Or do you expect to play solo once in a while? A table that folds up to accommodate playback mode can be fun not only when there’s company, but also when you’re all by your stony lonesome.
The 5 Best Collapsible Ping Pong Tables
1. STIGA Space Saver Compact Table Tennis Table
It comes as no surprise that the best mini ping pong table on our list is from none other than the top brand STIGA. Their Space Saver Compact Table design is an easy, efficient, and practical choice that’s perfect for most buyers in search of a mini table tennis set-up.
The legs on the table fold completely, leaving you with two table tops that can be easily stored upright, taking up as little space as possible. In terms of durability, the design also enjoys being a cut above the rest, making use of sturdy materials that let you do almost anything with the table when it’s not in play.
Another reason why this specific table found its place on the top of our list is because it features two table halves that can be used independently. So aside from serving a great deal of fun at your parties, this table can also serve its purpose as a dining table for all your guests.
2. JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table
Straight from the box, the JOOLA Midsize Compact Table is completely assembled. All you need to do is fold out its legs and prop it up. The table is made up of two separate pieces that function independently, so you can set it up for solo play, or set them up separately as tables during parties and get-togethers.
Storing the JOOLA Compact Ping Pong Table is also really easy – just fold down the legs and keep it upright or face down in your available storage space. But what really makes it such a smart choice is the fact that it mimics standard ITTF regulation ping pong tables in terms of performance.
So despite being designed for recreational use, it still provides a feel that’s similar to what you would experience on a competitive playing surface.
3. Harvil Portable Folding Ping Pong Table (60 inch)
At less than a hundred dollars, the Harvil Folding Portable Table Tennis Table is a budget-friendly choice that comes with pretty substantial size. So despite being relatively cheap, it isn’t too small.
What we like about this Harvil is that it’s easy to use, easy to store, and sturdy. Even with its budget friendly price tag, it really does pack quite a lot of features that make it a smart choice especially if you want a straightforward design that isn’t too complicated to use.
4. Hathaway Drop Shot 24” Portable Table Tennis Table
Looking for something that’s really compact? The Hathaway Drop Shot 24” Portable is the one for you. This small 24” table is just the right size for taking with you anywhere and everywhere you go.
At just 2 feet in length, the table can be easily stored in a car’s trunk, a small closet, or under your bed. Set up is also fairly easy, but do keep in mind that the table needs to be placed on a higher surface since it doesn’t come with its own legs. Despite that though, the Hathaway is a very reasonable purchase, especially when you consider that it’s only a little over 20 bucks.
5. Millard Mini Ping Pong Table
Featuring a design similar to the other mid-sized tables on our list, the Millard Mini Ping Pong Table is a design that’s easy to use and straightforward. The entire table comes pre-assembled, so there’s no need to get handy once it arrives at your doorstep.
It’s convenient, it’s simple, and it’s fun, so for the price, it’s definitely a reasonable choice. Keep in mind though that unlike other tables, this mid-sized design is made from one piece of continuous material, so it doesn’t fold down and it can’t be used as two separate tables.
Bottom Line
A portable ping pong table can be heaps of fun for recreational players. So why not invest in your own folding table for more fun with family and friends? If you’re looking for the best portable ping pong table, we’ve got you covered with our definitive list. Our top choice? None other than the STIGA Space Saver Compact which gives great value for money thanks to its durability, ease of use, and practicality.