Our Picks for the Best Ping Pong Table Under 500

On a tight budget, the prospect of buying a ping pong table may seem far-fetched, from rogue smashes causing wall paint damage to the expense of buying the table itself. But affording a ping pong table is actually easier than you think. While we can’t promise your smashes won’t go astray, we found many highly-rated, affordable ping pong tables, so you can snag a table that falls within your price range.

 Best Ping Pong Tables under 500

1. JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table with Net Set

Far and away the top-selling ping pong table under $500 on Amazon, the JOOLA table is a great pick if you’re searching for easy assembly and durability. The surface of the table is wood composite and very resistant to long term damage. The metal is powder-coated, helping it resist scratches. Height levelers make sure you always keep the table level when you set it up. The table’s included net set features an adjustable tension system and poles. The JOOLA table is also ideal for compact storage and includes safety locks to ensure it stays folded when you tuck it away.

Pros

• Fast set-up
• Compact storage with safety locks
• Included net set with adjustable tension system
• Height levelers
• You can brag about having a table from the company that sponsors the U.S. National Team

Cons

• Semi-weak braces
• Wrench needed to secure wheels

2. HEAD Summit Table Tennis Table – 18MM Seamless Top

On the more expensive side, the Head Summit table is great for those prioritizing style in addition to functionality, with its black & red paint standing out in any room. Unlike the JOOLA table, this comes with deluxe competition grade net and post set with easy clamp attachment. The 2” rubber wheels ensure rolling the pieces of the table for storage is easy, even over carpet. Also, if you secretly want to practice when your family is out of the house to give yourself an edge, the separated table sides allow you to put up one half of the table and rally with yourself. 95% Pre-assembled inside the box, so quick to set up. Out of all the tables we reviewed, this one by HEAD looks the most visually appealing for sure.

 

Pros

• Comes partially assembled
• Visually appealing
• Sturdy

Cons

• Heavy

Harvil Insider Table Tennis Table

3. Harvil Insider Table Tennis Table

The Harvil Insider table is a synthesis of the JOOLA and the Stiga. Like the Stiga, the Harvil Insider table comes in two separate pieces, which makes it a good choice if you want to rally by yourself. Like the JOOLA, the Harvil comes with a net set so you can play right away. The Harvil table is fairly lightweight, so set-up is easy, even for one person. Can be set up and ready to serve in 30 minutes. The dual safety locks make this table a good option if you have young kids who play around the table and could get hurt.

 

Pros

• Easy set-up
• Included net set
• Extra safety locks
• All Harvil items are designed and engineered by creative people right here in the USA

Cons

• Two pieces can be frustrating to handle

4. STIGA Advantage Competition-Ready Indoor Table Tennis Table

If set up time is your priority, the STIGA Advantage Competition Pro is the way to go. Thanks to a 10-minute QuickPlay design that comes 95% preassembled out of the box for quick and easy setup. STIGA Advantage Pro Competition-Ready just sneaks into our $500 price limit. Independent table halves mean this is a breeze to fold up and store. Also, thanks to the 4” premium lockable casters which are great for convenient storage and setup. Easily attach and remove the tournament-grade 72’ clamp-style net and post set that includes tension and height adjustments. Available in 3 styles, the Advantage, the Advantage Lite and finally the one we like best, the Advantage Pro.

 

Pros

• 10 minute set up
• Independent chassis design For 2 table halves
• 95% Pre-assembled
• 72-inch Tournament Grade Net and Post Set Included

Cons

• Not The Cheapest

 

5. Butterfly Personal Rollaway Table Tennis Table

While very expensive, the Butterfly Personal Rollaway table comes with an assortment of interesting features, including a ball holder on the side. The Butterfly Personal Rollaway table also comes with a net, which saves you the expense of buying one, though beware that the net it comes with is a bit shorter than some other nets. Popular as a form of exercise, this ping pong table is a good option. The 5” wheels make rolling the table to storage fast. The table’s wood top also gives balls a nice bounce, so playing on it is fun and fast-paced.

 

Pros

• Comes with a net
• Has a 3-year warranty
• Bouncy surface

Cons

• Nothing obvious.

Best Ping Pong Table Conclusion

The price range for ping pong tables is pretty tight on the map. Two tables coming in at more or less the same price, The Joola, and Harvil. With the Butterfly being by RRP the most expensive. Depending on intended usage, you can choose to go with a two-piece table you can also play on alone (e.g. Harvil and STIGA) or stick with a one-piece table for fast storage. For curb appeal, HEAD Summit Table Tennis Table was chosen for that option. In terms of all-around play, the HEAD remains the favorite, combining affordability and durability. However, all the tables we reviewed score well for durability and are great bargains for players on a budget.