Joseph works as an editor in one of the magazines dedicated to video games. Here, at RecRoomPick, he’s given the opportunity to enjoy the reverse of the medal – the no less engaging world of offline games.
Ryan knows everything when it comes to gaming, both online and offline. Since his early years he’s been in love with arcades, air hockey, and foosball. Finally, he’s given the opportunity to share his knowledge and opinion on the hobby of his life (and even get paid for it!).
Last updated: February 28, 2021
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If you’re kitting out a game or recreational room in your home, or just looking for some fun additions, you may well find yourself looking at some games like air hockey and ping pong. Finding the best air hockey ping pong table combo is a route many people take in order to be efficient with their space and maximize the number of games you can get in your home. It is unlikely that both would ever be used at the same time, and considering the fact lots of table games such as billiards, air hockey and ping pong all involve similarly sized tables, combos make perfect sense.
In this article, we’ve looked into the top options out there and what makes them great. Features considered include the size and dimensions, how the scoring system works (is it electronic or manual?), the accessories included such as pucks and pushers, and even the warranty offered with the product. A sturdy table should mean the manufacturers have no problem offering some sort of protection via a warranty.
Our team has spent a long time pulling together research from the information provided by manufacturers as well as consumer reviews and first-hand use of the tables. Our research is presented in a simple-to-view table, which allows you to see some good options at a glance. We also have in-depth reviews of these models and even a buying guide to help advise you on the decision and features that will be most useful for you.
Why combine two of your favorite games when you can combine three?
The truth is that not many of the 3-in-1 systems out there achieve what the Fat Cat Pockey 3-in-1 Air Hockey, Billiards, and Table Tennis Table manages, saving space while combining three very different games played on different surfaces.
In order to do so, it has a surface which flips between an air hockey surface with a powerful blower and a tetolon cloth for playing pool including drop pockets. The third surface is for table tennis, and this sits under the main two surfaces. The whole thing is surprisingly compact at 80″ L x 44″ W x 32″ H.
All three of the surfaces are sturdy and reliable, and don’t feel cheap and flimsy like some of the other three in one products can.
The table comes with a clever storage system which sits on the side and contains all of the accessories you need for these games including pucks, pushers, balls, paddles and a net for ping pong. The pool cues are stored separately.
For those who want a lot of different games to play in the comfort of their home without taking up too much space, this is definitely a good option, even if it is on the more expensive end of the market.
What we liked:
Extra long power cord means you don’t have to unplug before flipping
Easy to switch between modes
Relatively simple to install
All three surfaces feel reliable and professional
What could be better:
Heavy and requires at least two to move and construct
The ESPN Dual Air Hockey and Table Tennis Converter Set is an incredibly sturdy option for setting up at home. Often, the ping pong tables and air hockey tables which are set up at home are designed to be lightweight and portable, but this can sometimes mean they aren’t as sturdy hardwearing.
The ESPN table has a very easy conversion, and the fact that the table tennis section slots in perfectly means that it is less likely to shift around while playing or get knocked in the middle of a rally.
This is designed to feel like playing in an arcade, too. The LED scoring system is full of flashing lights and even cool sound effects, popular among children and adults! The electronic scorer also means one less thing for you to worry about during the game as you don’t have to manually track it.
There are loads of accessories included including pushes, pucks, balls, posts, paddles and the ping pong net. These are easy to store and setup takes a matter of a few minutes.
This is another table which has a leg leveling system which is great for basement surfaces which might be uneven.
What we liked:
Extremely sturdy
Ping pong attachment sits firmly in place
Leg leveling system
Lots of accessories
What could be better:
Hockey pushers aren’t the best quality
Heavy, so will require multiple people to move and set up for the first time
The NHL Power Play Air Powered Hockey Table is a great option for those who are happy with a 2-in-1 system with a lot of reliability.
This is really simple to switch between air hockey and ping pong, simply clip on the table tennis top which converts the product, add your net and you are ready to play.
The main part of this table is the air hockey surface, which has an electronic scoring system and powerful 110V blowers to keep the puck moving naturally around the table with no dead spots. The surface is also scratch-resistant.
The scoring system of the air hockey part of the table is electronic, and there is even a sound system which can indicate when a point has been scored.
Getting a level surface is a difficult thing to achieve with many of these tables, especially if you are placing it somewhere the floor isn’t completely level. For this, the NHL option has adjustable legs to provide a perfectly balanced, level and fair surface.
Setup is easy, and this can be an incredibly good way to save space in your rec room.
What we liked:
Powerful, reliable blowers
Easy to convert to the other mode
An electronic scoring system and added sound effects
Almost full size making for a realistic air hockey match
Comes with accessories for both games including net, paddles, puck and pushers
We wanted to include a decent budget option on this list. For a lot of people, playing air hockey and ping pong at home is just a bit of fun, and this means that they aren’t too worried about having all of the top features, as long as it works and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The Hathaway Bandit 5′ Air Hockey Table is affordable, and comes with everything you need to get started. It’s great for the casual player who wants to experiment with ping pong and air hockey and see if either could be the hobby for them.
Though it is pretty lightweight, it is also relatively sturdy. In fact, the table tennis section is more sturdy than many of the alternative products on the market, as it is held in place by the scoring sections at either end of the air hockey section.
While you won’t get the same experience as you would when going to an arcade, and some compromises need to be made, this is a great option for people on a budget. If you don’t mind manual scoring and are happy with a five-foot table then this is worth considering.
What we liked:
Easy to switch between the two modes
Relatively sturdy considering the lightweight design
Table tennis surface is more sturdy than some competitors
Comes with all the accessories needed to get started
What could be better:
Some users have reported damage in shipping
Only five feet long, not great for adult rec rooms or bar games
In picking the best combination boards and tables, we sought out reviews from some of the best sites that focus on comparisons and reviews of such products. One thing that stuck out is that the MD Sports combination table. This model appears quite frequently in these reviews.
The model offers some of the best value for money. It features a durable, bifold design. The advantage of that is that it becomes the perfect table for playing a variety of games. Some of the games that you can play on this include table tennis, pool, foosball, and slide hockey. Since you have so many options, you cannot run out of a fun time.
Versatility is simply the best thing about this model. Each table for games is designed to fit correctly on the frame of the table and there are clamps that clip and ensure that the new table does not slide off while you play.
Changing the games is very easy and can be done in a short time. Apart from the functionality, this board has a beautiful design too. You will find it to complement the décor of your space.
What we liked:
Good bi-folding design
Sturdy construction
Very versatile
What could be better:
Expensive
Things to Consider
These combo tables can vary a huge amount in their features and the features they offer. They also vary in weight and size as well as durability. This isn’t the kind of product you will be buying each and every day, which means that you probably won’t be as familiar with the choices you will have to make as a consumer. This is why we have created our buying guide, to help you to understand the process and what you should be looking for in one of these products, based on your preference and the space in which you will be fitting it.
Reasons to get a top-quality air hockey and ping pong table combo
There is a huge difference between the best quality air hockey and table tennis combo and a cheap option which has been made for kids to have a bit of a play around. Whatever product you buy, it should suit your needs and not cause you any awkwardness. For instance, you need a product that is easy to set up and allows you to switch between air hockey and table tennis modes with ease.
Buying a product with good reviews and reliable performance can be the difference between a fun playing experience and not enjoying it, so leaving your table to gather dust.
Features to consider when choosing an air hockey and ping pong combo table
The following are the features we consider most important for a multi-game table and the things you will need to consider when you are making your choice of which to purchase.
Dimensions
There are a couple of considerations when it comes to the dimensions. You need to make sure you have room for the table and room to maneuver behind the table. For instance, if you only have a foot each end of the table then your ping pong game will be very frustrating!
The other consideration is having enough space on the table for a realistic game experience. An air hockey table is 8 feet if it is full-sized, and six feet and over give a feeling of playing on a proper table at an arcade, for instance. Smaller tables can be great for kids, but for adults playing on a small table, it can hinder the experience of playing the game.
Does it have any extra game options?
Though the focus in this article is on the two game options we’ve mentioned, ping pong and air hockey, some include other sports too. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have some extra games you can play. Our very highest recommended model, the Fat Cat Pockey 3-in-1 Table, has a pool table configuration, too. The table flips for air hockey on one side and pool on another, and the ping pong top is attached separately if needed.
As long as the extra game options don’t hinder the main options, there is no harm in purchasing a product with these functions.
Scoring system
On an air hockey table, the scoring system can be either manual, with an abacus style slider allowing you to add your own scores during the game. Alternatively, some have electronic scorers. These can make it easier to not have to worry during the game or pause to alter it yourself. Some electronic scorers do need batteries added separately, so this is worth remembering.
Accessories: pucks, pushers and paddles
Fortunately, all of the products on this list come with their own accessories including all you need to get started playing. This means good value for money, as you don’t have to purchase these separately, but also means that you will be getting accessories which are the right size. If you have to buy a pusher for a full-size air hockey table it may not be too tough, but for smaller tables, getting the correct size can be a challenge. If the accessories are included with the table then this is not something you’ll have to be concerned about.
All of the products on our list have a description of what accessories are included. Spare pucks can be really useful, especially if kids are using the table, as it means that if one warps or gets lost in transit you won’t have to order more.
Blowers and air flow
The blowers are utterly vital for an air hockey table. They make the game what it is and allow the puck to move freely and quickly across the table. All air hockey tables have blowers. Most of the options above include 110V blowers, which tend to be strong enough and relatively reliable (no dead spots).
Blowers that are too weak can really affect the enjoyment of playing, so we’ve tried to avoid recommending any of these options!
Construction and stability
Even if an air hockey table tennis combo is designed to be lightweight, it doesn’t have to be flimsy. Sturdiness and stability is exceptionally important. A wonky or wobbly table simply won’t be playable! The Hathaway Bandit 5′ Air Hockey Table is a great example of a table which is pretty stable in spite of being lightweight.
Keeping a table even is also essential. Many tables have addressed this by including levelers.
This means that even on an uneven surface you will be able to ensure a flat and fair surface. The NHL Power Play Air Powered Hockey Table with Table Tennis Top is an example of an option with leg levelers. If you’ve ever played on a table where the puck is constantly pulled in one direction, you’ll know how frustrating it can be.
Weight
The weight of a ping pong table is not as important as its stability when it comes to the playing experience, but if you plan to move the table around or store it in a corner and then bring it out into the center of your rec room to play it, for instance, it can suddenly become very important.
Weight is also an important consideration when it comes to setting up the table for the first time. A heavy table can require the help of a few people to get built and put in position.
Warranty
A warranty being offered by the manufacturer shows they are happy with the construction of their table and are willing to stand by it for a length of time! One of the reasons we recommend the Fat Cat Pockey 3-in-1 Games Table is the fact it has a one year warranty, giving protection to the buyer. Many of the others have 90 days or even less.
The better a player you are, the more space you will need as you will be able to reach shots which are further back. Generally, allow at least 3-4 feet each end.
None of the options on our list make it particularly tough to change game modes. This would be really frustrating for users. It is usually a case of just flipping over the table and being ready to go.
The main reason for this is blockage. Dust particles and other small pieces of dirt can get into the blowers and stop them from doing their job properly. Use a vacuum cleaner and regularly clean the surface with a cleaning solution designed for laminated surfaces.
Wrapping It Up
The Fat Cat Pockey 3-in-1 Air Hockey, Billiards, and Table Tennis Table is the highest rated model on our list. It has three different settings meaning you can use it for billiards, too. On top of this, it is easy to shift modes and has a one year warranty which means that it is in our opinion the very best air hockey ping pong table combo.
The following are the features we consider most important for a multi-game table and the things you will need to consider when you are making your choice of which to purchase.
Fortunately, all of the products on this list come with their own accessories including all you need to get started playing. This means good value for money, as you don’t have to purchase these separately, but also means that you will be getting accessories which are the right size. If you have to buy a pusher for a full-size air hockey table it may not be too tough, but for smaller tables, getting the correct size can be a challenge. If the accessories are included with the table then this is not something you’ll have to be concerned about.
Even if an air hockey table tennis combo is designed to be lightweight, it doesn’t have to be flimsy. Sturdiness and stability is exceptionally important. A wonky or wobbly table simply won’t be playable! The 
