Ping pong is a game that should be enjoyed by all. But sometimes it’s just not practical to go out and spend over a few hundred dollars to buy a full-size table.
Mini ping pong tables have been around for a few years now and can be a great way to start to play ping pong. They’re also a terrific option for small spaces like apartments or small rooms. But not to forget – they also provide heaps of fun and are a great game that you won’t have to break the bank for.
We’ve taken a look at a range of tables worth considering and some of the factors to look for when buying.
We hope you find our recommendations useful. Just so you know we may collect a small commission from links on this page.
Our Mini Ping Pong table recommendations:
Table | Our Rating | More info | |
---|---|---|---|
STIGA Space Saver Compact Table Best Value |
9.0 | Read more | |
GoSports Midsize Table Tennis Table | 8.5 | Read more | |
JOOLA Midsize Ping Pong Table | 8.0 | Read more | |
Butterfly Junior Table Tennis Table | 7.5 | Read more | |
Harvil 60-Inch Folding Portable Table Best Portable |
7.0 | Read more | |
JOOLA Connect Mini Best Mini Table |
6.8 | Read more |
Best Mini & Mid-sized Ping Pong Table Reviews
STIGA Space Saver ping pong table
- Dimensions: 72 x 40 x 30 inches (playing position)
- Weight: 73 pounds
- Colour: Blue
- Materials: Powder coated steel & MDF
- Warranty: 1 year
Our favourite midsize table and best value recommendation is the STIGA Space Saver. The table scores highly in all the relevant areas for a mini ping pong table including table size, quality and storage.
Measuring 72 inches in length and 40 inches in width, it’s the only true table that matches the correct ratio of a regulation size table. This is important for younger players to help ease their transition to larger tables.
Overall, with only a few minor issues but plenty of positives, the STIGA Space Saver is our recommendation for best mini ping pong table.
What we like:
- The tabletop of the STIGA Space saver uses a high-quality MDF and measures at 5/8 inches. The top is finished with a repeat roller coat process which helps produce the same bounce and playability as regular tables. We view this tabletop as the best in class.
- You will also find the legs and apron of this table to be quite sturdy. STIGA use 1.25-inch square welded steel legs that are powder coated for extra durability. Similarly, the 1.25-inch apron reinforces the tabletop and helps create an even bounce.
- Leg levellers are also there to help protect your floors and adjust the table to ensure a flat playing surface.
- True aspect ratio of a regulation table which makes a transition to full-size table easier.
What we don’t like:
- It’s on the heavier side weighting 73 pounds.
- If you buy the STIGA you’ll receive a decent heavy duty net which includes a tension adjustment mechanism. Sadly, the net posts are quite flimsy and the metal used is quite thin. So don’t expect these to last. The corner protectors also seem to be more decorative than practical.
- It doesn’t include wheels which makes it less portable.
GoSports 6’ x 3’ Mid-Size Table Tennis
- Dimensions: 72 x 36 inches (playing position) and 36 x 36 x 48 inches (stored)
- Weight: 39.1 pounds
- Colour: Red
- Materials: Aluminum frame & MDF tabletop
- Warranty: 1 year
GoSports released a new portable table to the market in the last year and it has certainly won many fans.
The same size as the JOOLA midsize, the GoSports table differs by folding up into a single carry case rather than two separate table halves. This offers convenience especially if the table is stored most of the time.
The GoSports table is ideal for 2 players and is a perfect option for your game room, apartment, backyard or to pack in the car for vacations or events.
What we like:
- The construction: the frame is made from a heavy duty aluminum and while sturdy, it’s lightweight. The hinges are a little weak so you might need to reinforce or take more care with them. The playing surface is made using MDF providing a smooth surface.
- Gameplay: as a portable table, we didn’t expect much from the GoSports midsize. However the MDF surface is thick enough to provide an impressive ball bounce. The table is big enough to provide competitive matchplay for adults, not just kids.
- The design: the fold up design makes a huge difference to want to use this table. It comes pre assembled and includes a carry handle which add that extra convenience for easy storage and transportation.
What we don’t like:
- The obvious negative here is the fact it’s not a full-size table. Playing on a midsize means it requires a little more getting used to when transitioning to a full-size table and vice versa.
- Being lightweight it can move around if some force is applied. This depends on the surface it sits on. Playing on carpet or grass would be recommended to hold it in position.
- The net included is quite fragile so pay extra attention and care to make sure it lasts.
JOOLA Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table
- Dimensions: 72 (L) x 36 (W) x 30 (H) inches
- Weight: 62 pounds
- Colour: Blue
- Materials: Steel frame & MDF tabletop
Following on from their impressive line up of full-size tables, JOOLA have created a strong product with their midsize option.
It measures at around 2/3rds of a standard regulation table so its not the smallest table in the category. But this ensures the playing experience is not too far from what you will find on a regulation size table.
The height of the table and the playing surface are the same as regulation size JOOLA tables, which makes the transition to full-size tables a little easier.
The JOOLA midsize is a terrific option for junior players looking for their first ping gong table.
What we like:
- Playing surface of a regulation size table: The 1 inch thick MDF tabletop produces some excellent bounce and speed across the entire table.
- Sturdy frame: We found the legs and the leg brackets to be well constructed and one of the sturdiest in this category.
- While it still requires a large enough room to setup, the JOOLA midsize folds away into separate table halves and takes up little storage space. The legs fold inward after standing the table upright.
- It comes 100% pre-assembled: its not a hassle to setup up in less than 10 mins and then pack away again. You can store the table against a wall or in a closet, and it can even fit in smaller vehicles to transport.
- It comes with plastic corner protectors to help protect young kids running around the table.
What we don’t like:
- Similar to other tables in the category the net posts are fragile and can break easily.
- The JOOLA midsize doesn’t include any wheels for easy transportation. So moving it around needs to happen each side at a time.
- After inspecting the legs we also recommend regular checks and tightening of screws holding the leg brackets in place.
Butterfly Junior Table Tennis Table
- Dimensions: 81 (L) x 45 (W) x 30 (H) inches
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Colour: Blue or Green
- Materials: Steel frame & MDF tabletop
- Warranty: 3 years
The Butterfly Junior table tennis table is the largest of our recommendations. It’s not quite mini, but it is smaller than a regulation size table by 2 feet in length and 1 foot in width.
The tables comes as separate halves with each weighing around 35 pounds. Aside from the smaller size, the table was actually a delight to play on.
The Butterfly Junior balances some real positives with some unwanted negatives. If you’re planning to have the table assembled permanently with little movement, then it would be a great option.
What we like:
- Excellent quality playing surface: The tabletop quality is excellent and second only to the STIGA Space saver. Being a 1/2 inch thick, the table surface played well producing great spin and bounce.
- Comes with a class leading 3-year warranty.
- Largest of the midsize tables, perfect for adults & bigger kids.
- Butterfly provide a net that is best in class with this table. Its width spans wider than the table and includes an easy to use adjustable tension system.
What we don’t like:
- Legs and bracket quality is poor: Comparing with other tables, the steel material used feels less sturdy and the leg brackets appeared to be quite flimsy.
- Butterfly have added two wheels on each half to help move the table around. While this is a good idea, the wheels included are small and not ideal for moving at all.
- You won’t find any height adjustment controls or leg levellers, but these are hard to come by in this category.
Harvil 60-Inch Folding Portable Table Tennis Table
- Dimensions: 60 (L) x 26 (W) x 27 (H) inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Colour: Blue
- Materials: Steel frame & MDF tabletop
Slightly larger than the JOOLA Mini, the Harvil 60 inch table is a perfect mini ping pong table for apartments or to take on vacation.
The table comes pre-assembled and includes everything you need to play, including net, 2 paddles and 3 balls.
The Harvil 60 inch is a compact ping pong table for families that travel a lot or students looking for a little fun.
What we like:
- Compact storage and lightweight: The table folds up into the size of a briefcase making it easy to store. It includes a sturdy carry handle and fixed fasteners on the edge of the table to lock the table in the folded position.
- Good quality playing surface & frame: The tabletop uses MDF to help provide a natural bounce and the frame and legs are made from powder coated steel.
- Comes preassembled and ready to play with a net, balls and paddles.
What we don’t like:
- The Harvil has a poor quality net which is quite small. Net posts are fragile and can break easily
- You also won’t find any leg levelers or height adjusters on this table, so you’ll need a steady playing surface.
- The space to play is small. This makes it difficult for adults to play regular strokes but is great for kids.
JOOLA Connect Mini Table Tennis Table
- Dimensions: 54 (L) x 30 (W) x 30 (H) inches
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Colour: Red, Light Green, Light Blue and Midnight Blue
- Materials: Steel frame & MDF tabletop
The JOOLA Mini connect ping pong table is a unique lightweight and compact proposition.
It comes exactly 1/4 of the size of a full-size table only at regulation height. Although this table stands apart by including magnets along each the table edges.
The magnets allow other JOOLA mini connect tables to be ‘linked’ together. This not only provides flexibility but also enables creativity with many playing configurations. By joining 4 Connect tables together, players can have the experience of a regulation size table if they choose. Personally, we don’t see the point in this and recommend other regulation size tables.
What we like:
- Surprisingly well made: The tabletop features a 12mm thick MDF surface and its smooth feel suggests JOOLA have used a high-quality grade particle board.
- The legs are made with powder-coated steel and include height adjustment and leveller options.
- The small size is great for kids and makes for easy storage.
- The table adds a splash of fun coming in a choice of four colours (Red, Light Green, Light Blue and Midnight Blue). While this is not likely a table for adult players, its a great option to consider for kids.
What we don’t like:
- If you do decide to purchase additional tables to modify your configuration, it can start to become an expensive exercise.
- Similarly to the other tables in the category, the net it comes with is poor at best. JOOLA do offer a retractable net that can be purchased separately.
- The size of the single table is small and adult players will find keeping the ball on the table difficult.
Mini Ping Pong Table Buying Guide
If you’ve decided that a mid sized ping pong table is for you, consider the following to help your buying decision.
Does it fit?
A lack of space is unfortunately one of the biggest deterrents from people playing ping pong. The standard table size is 9 ft (2.74 m) long, 5 ft (1.525 m) wide, and 2.5 ft (76 cm) high. This requires a fairly big room if playing indoors or a good size space for outdoors.
So this is where mid sized ping pong tables come in. You can find mini ping pong tables in a variety of sizes. Some tables measure as small as 54 inches in length and 30 inches in width. On the other hand, you can find a mid sized table, such as the Butterfly Junior, which measures 81 inches in length and 45 in width.
Whatever your space, you should be able to find a table that can fit. How they play is another question. If you’re accustomed to playing on a standard size ping pong table, it will take some time for you to adjust your play on the mini table.
Who needs one?
Getting your kids to start playing on a standard table can often be overwhelming and tricky. They are likely to struggle to cover the larger width of the table and in no time be frustrated and hate the game.
Mid sized table tennis tables are an excellent choice for getting kids started. Having the table width more suited to their size they’ll be able to quickly learn the various strokes.
You’ll also find compact table tennis tables suitable for students or young adults living in apartments or smaller places. They can definitely help liven up a party or be a great entertainer after dinner.
And for those that cannot get enough ping pong, some mini tables are well suited to take on holiday travels. Being quite compact to store, you shouldn’t have any difficulty fitting most of them in your car.
Storage and assembly
One of the biggest benefits of mini ping pong tables is the ease of which they can be assembled and stored. Tables usually arrive 100% pre-assembled so you can be up and running as soon as the table is out of the box.
They’re just as easy to store. Most tables have their legs folding inward and you can even find a large range of separate halve tables. You won’t need a lot of room for storage. Some of the larger tables fold down to 5 inches in depth while others fold into the size of a briefcase.
Will it last?
Cutting to the chase, mini ping pong tables are not as sturdy compared to standard sized tables. You will find some tables use similar materials for their tabletop – mainly thick medium density fibre (MDF). So the bounce can be quite comparable to a normal sized table. Although, with playing space reduced, this does not always provide ideal playing conditions.
The biggest difference is in the table frame and legs. The majority of tables will use a form of powder coated steel but the thickness and quality of this steel can vary. To keep the table portable and reduce storage space, many have compromised weight and thickness.
Leg stability is also something to be mindful of with mini tables. It’s common to have the table legs folded inwards for storage. Often with this style of table, the leg hinges are prone to becoming flimsy and even breaking. The hinge screws can also loosen over time and will become a safety concern if not maintained.
Warranty for defective tables vary. The best we’ve found is a 3 year manufacturer warranty offered by Butterfly.
With these tables, it often comes down to how frequently you play ping pong and how good you take care of it.
Features
There aren’t too many “added extras” for mini ping pong tables that you might find on larger tables. Most tables will come with their own net and some will even provide balls and paddles. Although it’s important to check this, as we found some tables sold their nets separately.
You might find tables offering corner pads, for protection against collision with the sharp table ends. And although rare, some manufacturers offer a paddle and ball storage option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mid sized tables good to play on?
They can be. But you need to take into account that mid sized tables are targeted to kids and are not built to the same quality like regular size tables. From our research most mid sized tables don’t play as well as regular tables. If gameplay is important for you, you might prefer a full-size table. Check out our review of some of the best indoor and outdoor tables.
How cheap are mid sized table tennis tables?
Typically mid sized table tennis tables are priced anywhere between $50 and $300. A lot depends on the size of the table and the materials used. If you’re willing to pay towards the higher range, you should consider whether a regular size ping pong table suit you. They provide a better playing experience for teenage and adult players.
What are the dimensions of mini table tennis tables?
Mini and mid sized table tennis tables come in a variety of sizes. One of the smallest tables that we’ve reviewed measures only 54 inches in length, whereas the longest measures as much as 81 inches. If you’re considering buying a ping pong table, make sure you factor the playing space required as well as the table dimensions.
Can I easily fold up a mini ping pong table?
Most mini ping pong tables are made for temporary use so they almost always can be easily stored. The majority of tables are light enough and only need one person to setup and pack away. Although some tables, such as the STIGA Space Saver or Butterfly Junior are large and heavy enough to need two people to get going.
Are mid sized tables good to play on?
They can be. But you need to take into account that mid sized tables are targeted to kids and are not built to the same quality like regular size tables. From our research most mid sized tables don’t play as well as regular tables. If gameplay is important for you, you might prefer a full-size table. Check out our review of some of the best indoor and outdoor tables.
How cheap are mid sized table tennis tables?
Typically mid sized table tennis tables are priced anywhere between $50 and $300. A lot depends on the size of the table and the materials used. If you’re willing to pay towards the higher range, you should consider whether a regular size ping pong table suit you. They provide a better playing experience for teenage and adult players.
What are the dimensions of mini table tennis tables?
Mini and mid sized table tennis tables come in a variety of sizes. One of the smallest tables that we’ve reviewed measures only 54 inches in length, whereas the longest measures as much as 81 inches. If you’re considering buying a ping pong table, make sure you factor the playing space required as well as the table dimensions.
Can I easily fold up a mini ping pong table?
Most mini ping pong tables are made for temporary use so they almost always can be easily stored. The majority of tables are light enough and only need one person to setup and pack away. Although some tables, such as the STIGA Space Saver or Butterfly Junior are large and heavy enough to need two people to get going.