Air hockey is a fun sport that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. As full-sized models become cheaper, there is also now a bigger market for more practical tabletop options. That being said, some of the best tabletop air hockey tables can be perfect as a gift for your kids or a quick game of air hockey on your living room’s table with your friends. They are practical, easy to move around, and most importantly – very affordable.

In this guide, I will take you through some of my favorite models for this year and show you all of their ups and downs. Below, we will put them all side by side in my brief comparison chart…

Tabletop Air Hockey Tables Comparison Chart

Product	Weight	Size	Scoring System	Our Rating
BCP Air Hockey Table Shop On Amazon!	16 lbs	40 x 20 x 8.5 in	Manual
Rally and Roar Table Shop On Amazon!	14 lbs	40 x 20 x 9 in	Electronic
Playcraft Sport Table Shop On Amazon!	18 lbs	40 x 21 x 8 in	Manual
Mainstreet Classics Game Shop On Amazon!	5 lbs	22 x 12 x 4 in	Manual
Matty's Toy Stop Deluxe Table Shop On Amazon!	5 lbs	21 x 12 x 4.5 in	Manual
Point Games Blazing Hockey Shop On Amazon!	7 lbs	21 x 13 x 5 in	Manual
Franklin Sports Table Shop On Amazon!	5 lbs	22 x 13 x 4 in	Manual
GoPlus Air Hockey Table Shop On Amazon!	17 lbs	42 x 21 x 12 in	Electronic
IPE Air Hockey Table Shop On Amazon!	2.5 lbs	20 x 13 x 3.5 in	Manual
Portzon Air Hockey Table Shop On Amazon!	8 lbs	27 x 15 x 4 in	Manual

Best Choice Products 40in Portable Tabletop Air Hockey Table

Our Rating: (5/5)

The Best Choice Products Portable tabletop air hockey table is one of the best-sellers for 2 years in a row now and there are a ton of good reasons for that. For starters, it is extremely well-priced for what it offers. On top of that, it is one of the few tables on the market that comes with an actual blower fan in it. This is a huge advantage since it really mimics the feel of an actual air hockey table rather than just being a regular puck-sliding kids game.

The construction of the table might be one of its lowest points, although it still feels sturdy enough. The base and frame are made out of a mix of plastic and MDF. On top of that, there are reinforced corners that keep everything well in its place. The legs are also made out of MDF and are quite sturdy. If you want the table to sit lower, you can remove them and play like that. Below the playing field, you have the blower fan attached.

It does add a bit of extra weight to the table but it still is a lightweight and highly portable model. One of the best features of similar models is that they are very easy to store and move around. As for scoring, you have abacus scoring systems above each goal. The goals themselves have an auto-return design that gives you the puck back once it’s in. Speaking of pucks, you get 2 of them along with 2 air hockey paddles with your table.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Lastly, dimensions-wise, this is a fairly large tabletop model stretching 40 inches in length and 20 inches across. That is plenty of space for kids to have fun and can even work for some adults that don’t mind the compromise from real full-sized air hockey tables. All in all, if you’re looking for the most well-rounded model on the market, this is it!

Rally and Roar Tabletop Air Hockey Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Rally and Roar have been around for quite some time now as a company. Their products have always been on top of many lists and the tabletop air hockey table makes no exception to that rule. It is yet another well-made table with tons of features and a unique-looking design.

Some of the standout things you will notice in it is that it comes with an electronic scoring system as well as a blower motor below its playing surface. Pair that with a slick surface and a fairly large body, this table is actually pretty decent both for kids and adults to have fun on.

The overall dimensions of this table (when assembled) are 40 by 20 by 9 inches. However, you can skip assembling the legs if you want the table to sit flat on the ground. This will improve the stability and will save you a few minutes from the setup process. Having no legs, the table will also be easier to transport and store. The rest of the setup process involves installing the goals with the slide scoring systems and the electronic scorer. Everything else comes pre-assembled from the factory. The CUL-certified motor does struggle at times but there are no obvious dead spots on the surface that can ruin your gameplay.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

One last thing to mention is that both the motor and the scoring system run on AAA batteries, so make sure you get those ready if your kids want to get on with their new present straight away! Accessories-wise, you get 2 paddles and 1 puck which makes it easier to open it and start playing without needing extra accessories. All in all, this is one of the more expensive air hockey tables on the market but if you’re looking for something that will be enjoyed by both adults and kids, put this on your shortlist!

Playcraft Sport Table Top Air Hockey Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Rounding off our top 3 is the Playcraft Sport Table Top Air Hockey Table. It is yet another model that comes from a reputable brand and has all the bells and whistles you want for your kids. Just like the Rally and Roar and Best Choice Products tables, this one features a familiar wooden design that is slightly raised from the ground thanks to the 4-inch legs on each corner. The table itself is relatively big for a tabletop model which allows both adults and kids to have fun on it. However, it does weigh quite a lot. In fact, it is the heaviest model on this list, weighing almost 18 lbs when fully assembled.

To keep the weight down, you can skip installing the legs. In turn, this will also make the table more stable when put someplace higher. The whole assembly process itself takes no more than 20 minutes, as you will just have to install the goals with their sliding scoring systems. The playing field and its blower motor come pre-installed from the factory. One thing that I really like here is that the UL-certified motor actually has some power behind it and it does keep the puck sliding fairly well. However, there might be some dead spots if you don’t regularly clean the playing surface. That usually happens when some of the holes get plugged.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

With this table, you will get 2 paddles and 2 pucks which is standard across the industry. As a whole, the build quality of this model combined with its performance and size makes it the perfect choice for families, friends, and for a kids’ present. If you’re willing to spend a little extra for that added quality, this table is definitely a solid option!

Mainstreet Classics 22-inch Table Top Air Hockey Game

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Mainstreet Classics 22-inch Tabel Top Air Hockey Game really is one of the most portable models out there. In addition to being very cheap, this table offers a ton of practicality and is actually a decent performer if your expectations aren’t very high. To sum this all up, it really is the perfect gift for young kids that love hockey and would love a game that is dynamic and will keep them entertained.

However, this just isn’t a good solution for people that don’t have a lot of space for a full-sized table. For these occasions, I would recommend a 40-inch tabletop model. It will be bigger, far more entertaining to play, and won’t cost you too much extra money and space.

This particular model is made out of plastic and MDF, resulting in a fairly sturdy construction. It is a bit higher than other 20-inch models making it more comfortable for the kids to play on if it is sitting on the ground. Weighing at just under 5 lbs, it is extremely easy to move around and store. It is actually so small and lightweight that you can easily take it with you if you go visit your relatives and want the kids to have fun there as well. The table is actually air-powered and the blower fan runs on AA batteries. It isn’t the most powerful motor out there, nor is the surface very slick but it does the job.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Accessories-wise, there are 2 pucks and 2 paddles that come with the table. You also get 2 sliding scoring systems that sit on top of the goals for keeping track of the score. However, you don’t get batteries for the fan, so make sure you are prepared with those, especially if this is meant to be a gift.

Most tabletop air hockey games are sized in a way that adults can play on them too. However, this particular one is half that size and is geared mainly towards younger kids aged 5-10. It is very easy to set up, move around, and store. Despite it having an air motor, it still struggles to keep the puck “flowing” on its surface and a few dead spots can be expected. All in all, due to its low price and compact form-factor, this air hockey table is actually a decent bargain if you’re looking for something of this size.

Matty’s Toy Stop Deluxe Wooden Mini Table Top Air Hockey Game

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Matty’s Toy Stop Deluxe mini air hockey table is another small option that is just perfect for a kids’ present. It is cheap, lightweight, ultra-portable, and boasts a decent build quality unlike some other models in this segment. The table measures 21 by 4.5 inches on its playfield which is quite small considering most other tabletop models typically have a 40 x 22-inch field. Still, if it is meant for young kids, this is more than good enough to get them hooked!

The highly detailed playing field accompanied with the wood-grain finish on the sides really give this table a unique look that will make your kids love it. There are blacked-out plastic protectors on all corners that fuse with both goals. On top of those goals, you have sliders for the score. There is no electronic scoring system but that is to be expected at this price point. The air blower inside is fairly powerful considering the size of the table. It does tend to struggle if you leave it on for longer but it ultimately does an alright job. It runs on 3 AA batteries which don’t come included with the table.

What does come with it, though, is a full set of pucks and paddles, with 2 extra pucks. One of the upsides of this small table is that it comes almost fully assembled from the factory. This means that if you want to use it as a present, the kids will be able to play almost immediately after they unbox their present!

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

All in all, this is a very small tabletop air hockey table that does have a few standout features that make it competitive. First and foremost, it is relatively cheap, giving it plenty of value for its money. Secondly, it is dead easy to set up, move around, and store away when not in us. In summary, this particular table is the perfect gift for your kids and it will keep them entertained for hours at a time!

Point Games Blazing Air Hockey

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Point Games Blazing Air Hockey table is yet another very similar model. It uses a familiar design and form-factor as most other similarly-sized tables out there. The reason for this is that this size works for younger kids. It brings the weight down, makes the table very stable, and still keeps most of the fun the kids can have. Ideally, this is meant for kids aged 5-7, while older kids will either need a 40-inch or a regular air hockey table to have some proper fun. Still, you can get this particular model if you’re looking for something highly portable that you can take with your family if you go on a road trip.

Being made out almost entirely out of engineered wood, this table actually feels good and sturdy. It also looks good from its side where you can see the wood texture. On all of its corners, it has plastic guards that connect the frame. On both sides, there are goals with automatic puck-return systems and sliding scoring systems on top. When you get it, there will be little to no assembling needed for this particular model, since it has everything attached from the factory. However, it will need batteries for its motor to run.

Speaking of that motor, it is there which is good but it doesn’t really perform as the one on more expensive tabletop air hockey tables. Don’t be surprised if there are some dead spots on the playing field. To get the most out of your pucks, you might want to fine sand them a bit for them to slide better.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

To sum things up, this table is really geared towards people that are looking for something very small, very lightweight, and very cheap. It is the perfect gift for small children that still haven’t played air hockey, as it will allow them to get more familiar with this game. Still, thanks to its price and dimensions, it is the perfect gift if you’re on a tight budget and don’t have a place to store a bigger table.

Franklin Sports 20In Table Game

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Franklin Sports 20 Inch Table Game is a small and practical option for your kids that comes with a slightly different design and look. For starters, this table is all-black unlike the most common combo out there – wood frame and white playfield. The contrasting white lines and white accessories really complement the look of this table and make it feel really special. Durability-wise, it is still just as rigid as other 20 inch models as it uses the same design cues as them.

What’s important is to remember that this is still a 20-inch air hockey table, making it most suitable for very young kids. It won’t handle rough play well and it isn’t ideal for kids that want to develop various air hockey tactics. For improved gameplay, you should look at the 40-inch tabletop models. Either way, the playfield here is still air-powered by a fan. It runs on AAA batteries and keeps a fairly steady flow of air towards the surface. The puck, however, doesn’t slide as good as it does on some more expensive tables of the kind.

On both sides of the table, you have sliding scoring systems and goals with auto-return systems for the puck. This really makes the gameplay and keeping track of the score a breeze for your kids. In terms of practicality, there is nothing easier to move around and store than a 20-inch game table, so don’t worry about that. When it arrives, it will be almost fully assembled so you won’t have to do it on your own.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

With the table, you will be getting 2 pucks and 2 paddles. This makes the table even more suitable for a present since it will be ready to go out of the box. Additionally, this table also comes in a foosball variant if your kids are more into that sport. All in all, this is a practical and very budget-friendly air hockey table that is the perfect gift for a small kid!

GoPlus Air Powered Hockey Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The GoPlus Air Powered Hockey Table is one of the best models for this year, at least in my opinion. It is packed to the gills with features and is actually of a size large enough for most adults to chime in the game. One of the biggest drawbacks of this model, however, is that it is also one of the most expensive ones on this list. Still, let’s take a look at all of its features and see why it is such a hot product for this year’s holidays!

One of the first things you will notice about this table is that it sits quite high compared to the rest of the tabletop air hockey models. The reason for that is because it is also meant for kids to play it on the ground without having to bend too much. And while the legs help with that, they can also be removed if you want to use the table on a flat high-raised surface such as a kitchen table or counter.

The whole frame and body of the table are made out of engineered wood (MDF) which is sturdy enough without bulking up the weight too much. Despite that, though, the table still clocks in at 18 lbs making it also one of the heaviest ones on this list.

There are tons of additional features that are worth discussing here too. There is an electronic scoring board that keeps track of the score automatically. Additionally, there are abacus scorers above each goal. Upon a goal, there is an automatic puck return system that helps your kids keep a high game pace.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

On top of everything we already mentioned, the blower motor provides a continuous and strong airflow from beneath that keeps the puck sliding relatively fast for such a table.

Additionally, with this table, you also get a full set of pucks and paddles. All in all, there are a lot of tabletop air hockey games that can compete with the features, looks, and performance of the GoPlus air hockey table. However, it isn’t by everyone’s budget and there are definitely cheaper alternatives that are a better bang for your buck. That being said, if the price isn’t an issue, I suggest you go for this particular model, as it has everything your kids will need.

International Playthings Electronic Table-Top Air Hockey

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The International Playthings Electronic Table-top air hockey game is a slightly different and refreshing model that will make your kids love it from the moment you open the box. Apart from its controversial design, the game is super lightweight, very cheap, and is specifically geared towards younger kids aged 5-7. The whole design features an octagonal shape painted white, blue, and red, making it look really cool. There is an arc in the middle that also adds to the “wow” factor.

With the table, you get a full set of pucks and paddles but this set is slightly different. Instead of getting the typical circular pucks, you get 3 pucks of different shapes and sizes that will spice up the gameplay. They all bounce in different angles from the walls making your kids’ plays a tad bit unpredictable. All that amounts to tons of fun with this particular model and is one of its main appeals. You also get 2 extra pucks for some 2 vs 2 actions! On both sides of the table, you have sliders for keeping the score.

Inside this 20 x 13-inch table, you have a blower motor that can sometimes struggle to keep the puck flowing. However, it is more than good enough to let it slide without scratching the playfield too much. It runs on batteries, so make sure you prepare those once your kids open the present.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This table is specifically targeting very young kids. It won’t be suitable for older kids as it lacks the size and durability for that. Still, it is very practical and lightweight. Add to that that it is very cheap and you have the perfect formula for a toy that your kids will love until they start wanting an even bigger air hockey table!

Portzon Electric Air Powered Hockey

Our Rating: (4/5)

Last on this list is the Portzon Electric Air Powered Hockey Table. It is a mid-priced table that features a familiar design and a mediocre quality compared to the rest of the models on this list. In fact, its build quality and the factory defects some users report is the reason I am placing it last. Don’t get me wrong, it still is a good table and has a decent value for its particular price tag. However, it simply isn’t a solid choice when placed next to some of the options from Rally and Roar or Best Choice Products.

The table is large, though, making it usable by both kids and adults. It measures 27 by 15 inches which are fairly big. It comes almost fully assembled from the factory, although that assembly job isn’t the best by any means, so you might have to adjust things a little bit. The goals on both sides have automatic puck return systems and sliding scorers on top of them. Each of the table’s corners is made out of plastic and is rounded which is a great safety feature to have around kids.

The air blower fan is there but is definitely not strong enough for a table of this size. It leaves a lot of dead spots and struggles to keep up with the airflow in longer games. You do get a full set of pucks and paddles, though, which is a plus.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This wood-colored mini air hockey game has quite a lot of features that will make it fun to play with. It has a blower motor, a sliding scoring system, an auto puck return system on the goals, and a nice playing field that will keep your kids engaged. However, the poor build quality and the dead spots the motor leaves on the playfield tend to worsen its value, especially in the long run. I’d consider this table but I would definitely get a Rally and Roar model if one was available.

Tabletop Air Hockey Tables Buyer’s Guide

If your home doesn’t have the room to accommodate a model with the standard air hockey table dimensions of nine feet by five feet, then this type of table is a great option. Most models are designed with travel in mind, so you can enjoy a game of air hockey when you’re traveling across the country, visiting family, or on your annual camping trip. These tables are trunk and closet friendly so storage space really isn’t an issue. If the table is too large for your trunk you can easily remove the small square-shaped legs during transport.

So, if you don’t have a finished basement, family rec room, or a spare bedroom, you can still enjoy a game of air hockey with the family in the comfort of your home, with one of these leading tabletop air hockey tables.

Features to Look For

While tabletop air hockey tables are fairly simple, there still are plenty of things that you will have to check before getting one. Some of the most important ones are:

Dimensions

Size-wise, tabletop air hockey tables are meant to be practical. Most products will be able to fit on top of any medium-sized table in your house. Normally, the industry standard is around 40 inches in length and 20 inches in width. However, there are some exceptions that are fairly bigger, as well as plenty of tables that are geared towards kids and are, therefore, much smaller. As for the height of the table, they often have short legs (which can be removed) or sit flat. When there are legs included, tables typically are around 8-10 inches high.

Having a slightly raised tabletop air hockey table is actually useful when your kids want to play on the ground. However, it can worsen the stability of the table.

Practicality

In terms of practicality, these tables are truly some of the easiest to use. They are small and usually thin enough to fit upright in most storage spaces. On top of that, they are also very lightweight, making them easy to move around your house or even bring along with you. If you’re looking for a table with legs, you should have in mind that they are a bit trickier to store since the legs will get in the way. That being said, some models will allow you to easily remove the legs if needed.

Setup

Most of the tabletop air hockey tables will come almost fully assembled from the factory. This is a great plus especially if you’re getting them as a Christmas present and don’t want to spend the night assembling the table. Still, make sure you check how the table is delivered as some models will require a decent amount of setting up and assembling. This is also where things can go wrong so make sure you’re careful. These tables aren’t always very durable, so things can break during that process.

Additionally, there are tables that come with a blower fan or motor which will require a few more steps during that initial setup.

Build quality and Stability

When it comes to the build quality, these particular air hockey tables aren’t known for being very impressive. In fact, most models on the market are quite flimsy and can easily break if you aren’t careful. While some tables use sturdier materials, most bet on MDF and other wooden alternatives that are lightweight and cheap but are also more fragile. If you’re looking for a small table for you and your friends, look for models that are made to endure such gameplay. For kids’ tables, however, you shouldn’t be too concerned about this particular aspect.

In terms of stability, the models that come without legs are usually more stable. In other words, the higher the table sits, the less stable it will be when the kids lean on it or push it.

Accessories

You shouldn’t worry too much about the accessories included with each table. The reason for that is that almost every model out there will come with pucks and paddles. How many you get, however, is another story. I always prefer tables that come with 2 full sets of pucks and paddles as that allows for games where you can play 2 vs 2. Either way, getting 2 paddles and a puck in the first place is good enough since that allows for your kids to play on the table straight away.

Some models will come with extra parts for you to be able to fix something if it breaks which is also a nice touch and is worth looking out for.

Additional features

In terms of additional features, there are quite a few that you can look for. While all models with abacus scoring systems (usually placed above the goal), there are some which have an electronic scorer. These electronic scoring systems are pretty cool to look at and are typically accurate enough for kids to not fight over the score. However, they do require batteries and can malfunction with time.

Other features to look for are good-looking graphics on the playing field. These will mark the centerline, the goals, and puck shooting positions.

Care and Maintenance

Not only are these tables easy to store and transport, but air hockey table maintenance is also a breeze. Unlike an arcade-style table, you don’t have to do a deep clean once a month or polish the table’s surface.

Instead, cleaning the table will usually only involve wiping down the surface and sides of the table once a week in order to avoid airhole clogs on the table’s surface. The perforated surface of the table can easily become clogged by dirt, food, debris, and dust. Wiping down the table once a week is often enough to prevent this issue.

However, if you’re in the middle of a game and notice that specific spots on the table’s surface don’t seem to be getting any air from the blowers, clogged holes are usually to blame. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. You can take a needle and stick it right through the hole in order to dislodge the debris for a quick fix.

Price

A full-sized table can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. You can find most models of tabletop air hockey tables for under one hundred dollars. Of course, higher-priced tables will offer more durability and stability during use. Higher-end models will typically run around one hundred dollars and up.

• Click here to learn the general air hockey rules!

Now, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of getting a smaller tabletop air hockey table…

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tabletop Air Hockey Tables

We’ve mainly focused on the positive aspect of owning a compact tabletop air hockey table. Of course, you’ll run into some issues when you’re playing on a table of this size, but if it meets your space needs, with the right model, the tradeoff is worth it.

But if you’re not sure this is the best air hockey table for kids, we’ll go over the pros and cons to help you determine if this size table is right for your home.

Pros

Cons

As you can see, there are more benefits than disadvantages. As long as you have realistic expectations regarding performance, then a tabletop model can be a great solution for the family on a tight budget.

Perfecting Your Tricks

You won’t be able to do some of the same types of air hockey tricks that you use on a full-sized table simply because the compact design and smaller playing surface can prevent you from using your usual strategy. However, it’s still possible to execute some great shots that will allow you to score time and time again on your opponent, you’ll just need to alter your technique a little to accommodate the smaller playing surface and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good size for a tabletop air hockey table?

Typically, air hockey tables are designed to work on all sorts of surfaces. However, since they are the most fun when played on a living room or kitchen table, they are sized accordingly. That is why most tabletop air hockey tables are around 40 inches long and 20 inches wide. Of course, there are smaller options out there that are meant for younger kids but, in general, 40×20 is a typical size across the industry.

How much do air hockey tables usually weigh?

To make them highly portable, manufacturers often try to reduce the weight of the air hockey table as much as possible. This results in some models weighing as little as 3-4 pounds. There is a fine line between practicality and stability, however, which is why the table should always have at least some weight to it. That will make it more stable and it won’t move as much when the kids play with it.

What are some of the good tabletop air hockey table brands?

While there are countless brands out there, you can always bet safely on some of the older players on the market. These are Rally and Roar, Best Choice Products, Franklin, Playcraft, and GoPlus. Now, that doesn’t mean that the other brands should be avoided. I just have more trust in these specific brands as they’ve been making these products for much longer than the rest.

Final Thoughts

A tabletop air hockey table isn’t going to provide the same type of performance that you’ll get from compact standalone tables or arcade-quality tables. Instead, they’re designed with portability in mind and are mainly marketed toward younger children. Beginners will love practicing their shots and learning more about the game of air hockey on one of these fun, compact models that are available at a reasonable price.

The best tabletop air hockey tables should be easy to assemble and dismantle if you need to take them apart for travel or storage. Most models are very travel-friendly but may need the legs removed if it needs to be stored in a small trunk. Beginner-friendly and a fun way to pass the afternoon, these mini air hockey tables can be a great addition to any home. If you’re interested in buying a new tabletop model for your home or your next family trip, we’re confident that you’ll find the right model within our top 10 list!

Summary

Article Name

Tabletop Air Hockey Tables - Pros, Cons, And Top Models

Description

Check out our top rated models of tabletop air hockey tables, find out how they scored with mom and dad, the features they offer and where to get one for less.

Author

Air Hockey Geek.com