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: December 08, 2024
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An air hockey table can be a huge amount of fun for your home and can even provide some light exercise without having to leave the house. If you are looking to kit out a fun and games room or similar space with some games and excitement, then the odds are you may well be looking for the best air hockey table.
It is important to consider the key features of these fun games to see if they will work within your home. We’ve considered the most important air hockey table specs including the dimensions and weight (key for making sure it can fit in your room) and more technical features such as the scoring system, accessories which are included and even the warranty of the product, which suggests how well-made and reliable the table is.
Our team has spent weeks researching the top options on the market, and we’ve explored consumer reviews, product specifications, and video reviews to see which are the top models. We also went out and tested the tables in action. Our research is presented as a table of the best options, detailed air hockey table reviews of the products and a full buying guide which will help you to establish which of the features are most important and useful for air hockey table review.
For a great air hockey table on a budget, check out the MD Sports Air Powered Hockey Table. This large, durable model is a great addition to any rec room. It comes with four pushers and four pucks for hours of fun for the whole family and has some really cool features that make gameplay more immersive.
The electronic overhead scoreboard goes right over the center of the table so it’s really easy to see from either side. In addition to the current score, it also displays a digital timer and produces stadium sound effects so an audience cheers you on when you score but, according to some users, the scoreboard is not as responsive over time. There are also LED lights surrounding the perimeter and on the playing surface that follow the puck around during play for easy visualization.
This kid-friendly table uses a 110V motor for consistent air flow which allows the puck to move quickly without hitting any dead spots, although some users reported that some did develop over time. The high-gloss white playing surface is scratch-resistant, too, so this table won’t wear quickly. The arched steel legs are extremely durable and have 6-inch leveler for flat gameplay on any surface.
Why did it make our list?
Includes four pushers and four pucks
Electronic overhead scoreboard
Stadium sound effects
LED accent lights surrounding the playing surface even follow the puck around during play
Scratch-resistant surface
Six-inch leg levelers
What is not ideal about it?
Dead air spots can develop over time
Some users reported problems with the effectiveness of the scoreboard over time
The EastPoint Sports NHL Air Hockey Table with Table Tennis Top is undoubtedly one of the finest tables on the market. And, it’s a quality and elegant table you can go for if you seek to enjoy your pool games and air hockey better with your friends and family because of its awesome GlazeTek play surface.
It’s a premium table with good qualities and pleasing features as it’s noted to be very sturdy and durable to be used by aggressive players. And, have all the necessary accessories you need to enjoy whichever game you choose to play. The accessories it comes with include 1 net and post system, 2 balls, 2 table tennis paddles, 2 Pucks, and 2 Pushers.
You will be able to install within minutes though help of 2 people will be handy
One of the interesting features of this table is its LED scoring and sound system, and this does help the players to keep track of the scoreline correctly. The EastPoint Sports is durable and both players stay aware of their scores.
Why are we impressed?
Made of premium materials
It is super-fit for friendly challenges and family tournaments
A cool table that offers the same features as the top-tier tables at your local arcade, the ESPN Sports Air Hockey Game Table provides an enjoyable experience for all skill levels. It incorporates bells & whistles that are sure to entertain. The cupholders are a great addition for anyone who enjoys playing air hockey, ensuring that drinks are within easy reach. The light-up scoring board is also incredible, letting both players know who’s winning at all times. There is also plenty of room for your strikers and pucks so you can store them out of the way until next game starts.
This table might look like something out of a sci-fi movie but it’s ready for anything. It has protective corner caps and the perfect pro setup thanks to top rails and full panel leg supports. The composite table is lighter than other tables in this price class. This is both a pro and con; we realize we made the table easy to put together and take-apart, but it may not be as sturdy for adults..
One of the best features of this table is definitely its playing surface. The 3/4 inch thick magnetic playfield gets its air from a premium blower motor underneath it. This means you get smooth puck movements without any serious disruption to gameplay.
The table includes 4 pucks and 4 pushers in the package which allows up to four players to play at once. Your days of playing solo are over with this fantastic new game. The scoring system is automated so that everyone can have fun! The table is also available in two shorter versions, including a 6-foot and 5-foot model. With the cheaper options available, it can be hard to find one that is up to a good standard. However, you won’t go wrong with this model – what’s more, it will also work for both children & adults!
Extra features: designed by a team of air hockey champions, wear-resistant laminate covering, available with/without side graphics, professional-style aluminum top rail
It was very hard to look beyond the Gold Standard Games hockey table as the best available on the market today. It was designed with the help of air hockey professionals and the result is an exceptionally professional table, which should last many, many years.
The laminate on top of this table is one of the real plus points. It isn’t an exciting feature, but it does guarantee years of durability even if you are using your table daily.
The professional feel of this is aided by the fact it has a centerline as well as a face-off circle which is used in tournament or competitive play. The motor for the air is reliable and creates an excellent flow rate for playing just like the pros.
The rails are also very solid and have the kind of bounce you would expect from a pro table, rather than one you might come across in a run-down games room which doesn’t have the right bounce back from the sides and doesn’t make for a realistic match feeling.
You can tell by the design that this is a high-quality model, and is immensely sturdy. In spite of this, it isn’t too difficult to build either. The side graphics are optional, so you can purchase it with or without.
The scoring system has three different modes for competitive and practice play. These are on a side-mounted scoreboard.
What makes it stand out?
Very durable and pro feeling.
Three modes on the scoreboard, easy to choose between the two.
Available with or without the side graphics.
Excellent air flow.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Some users have reported issues with the scoreboard.
This is another air hockey table for those who want a professional offering or are trying to play to a high standard. It isn’t cheap, but if you want something which is up to the standards used in tournaments rather than a flimsy amateur option, then the Valley-Dynamo Pro Style Air Hockey Table is a good option.
It has been approved by the US Air-Table Hockey Association which means that it is suitable for use in competitive air hockey. As well as being full sized at 8 feet, it has heavy duty legs and leg levelers to keep it in place and properly level for a fair match. The scoring unit is mounted above the table and is easy to view for both players. The Dyna-Blast Blower is a patented system to provide a fast and reliable air flow. Mallets and pucks are included to get started.
Heavy duty often means heavy in general, and this does have a 435-pound weight, so it isn’t exactly portable! Once you have it set up then you will want to keep it in place. Fortunately, once it has been set up you will be sorted for many years of use as this has such a strong and durable design.
What are its best features?
Overhead display provides the score and also light for the table.
Leg levelers allow you to ensure a fair and level surface.
Suitable for competitive use.
Much longer than average one-year warranty.
What could be improved?
Very heavy and difficult to move around.
Can be difficult to set up and requires multiple people.
The Harvil Beachcomber Indoor Air Hockey Table with Overhead Scorer is a good option for those who want a stylish table and one which isn’t overly heavy. At 190 lbs, it is still relatively hefty, but is far easier to move around than some of the models above.
Though looks aren’t the top priority for air hockey tables, there’s nothing wrong with wanting something that looks cool to put in your own home. A lot of people want air hockey tables for a basement conversion or games room and the wood grain finish can look great in any surroundings.
Though this is not quite as long as some of the other models, at seven feet, it has some professional features to make you feel like you’re playing at a high level, including the leg levelers to ensure a level playing field (quite literally).
The installation isn’t too difficult and it has a warranty for one year, should any of the parts be defective. The company will also provide installation for an extra cost.
For a good-looking home air hockey table, great for hobbyists, this is a relatively lightweight and simple model which still has some great features, including the pro-feeling overhead scorer. Overall, this is a great air hockey table under $1000 and you definitely get more than you pay for.
What makes it special?
Easy to use overhead scorer.
Relatively lightweight compared to other large models.
Comes with pushers and pucks.
What cons did we find?
Included pucks are a little flimsy.
Some users have reported defective parts (though these are covered under warranty for one year)
This is more of a ‘home’ model than a professional model, but is still sturdy enough and quality enough for spending hours practicing and not having to worry about the quality.
As well as being sturdy but relatively standard weight at 149 lbs, the Brunswick Windchill Air Hockey Table has an excellent UL blower – the fast fans allow the puck to zip over the laminated surface with ease.
The Brunswick Windchill has a 90-day warranty, and while this isn’t as good as some of the other manufacturers who offer a full year, it is still a good chance for you to check that there are no faulty parts when it arrives.
Some users have reported that the surface has become damaged in transit, but if this happens the company should be happy to make the repairs as long as you contact the company straight away.
The accessories included are pucks and standard-sized mallets. There is also an abacus style scorer included. This is not as impressive as some of the electronic scorers, and requires you to manually keep score yourself. This may mean a cheaper model, but it certainly isn’t the most pro feel to your matches! It can also make it easier to lose track.
Why did it make our list?
Excellent and reliable blower with no dead spots.
Comes with pucks and pushers.
90-day warranty.
Simple to put together.
What is not ideal about it?
Some users have reported the surface being damaged in transit.
If you think about an air hockey table in an amusement arcade, then this might be the type of model that springs into your head. While you are not going to see the Triumph Lumen-X Lazer Interactive Air Hockey Table used in any competitions any time soon, it is one of the best air hockey tables for kids thanks to some flashy extras (literally).
The illuminating technology creates some awesome effects including cascading LEDs and flashing lights during playing. Even the strikers and puck light up! There is also inbuilt music to further add to the experience, especially for youngsters.
Electronic scoring means that it is easy to keep track of the score and it is one less thing to think about while you’re playing, just immerse yourself in the fast and exciting game.
Two motors provide a decent level of airflow and ensure the table is easy to use and that the puck moves around at a good speed.
The feel of this table is more of a fun option for children than a way to practice to become a world-class air hockey table – this may be exactly what you’re looking for though!
Why is it special?
Fun and entertaining for children.
Electronic scoring system.
Easy to set up and very lightweight compared to its competitors.
What are the flaws?
Electronics aren’t always reliable.
Puck has been known to reflect off the sides and fly off the table.
For the average family in a relatively average-sized home, devoting a huge amount of space to an air hockey table might not be realistic, but devoting 5 feet in the basement or kids’ playroom for an air hockey table which also doubles up as a ping pong table can be a wonderful option.
You won’t get the fanciest model at this price point, but the Hathaway Bandit 5′ Air Hockey Table is a good way of introducing air hockey to your kids and allowing them to get some exercise indoors with the ping pong side of the table.
In spite of the fact this converts, it does have electronic scoring and a fairly reliable motor to allow for constant airflow and a real air hockey experience. At five-feet long, it is a great size for kids and teens.
The conversion from one setting to another takes no time at all, the ping pong top simply slots on top of the table. This has come in for some criticism as it doesn’t clip in place, so you need to be careful not to bump it.
What stands out?
Good, affordable table for kids.
Compact for fitting into small spaces.
Electronic scoring system.
Has all the accessories to start playing air hockey and table tennis.
The Harvil 5 Foot Air Hockey Table is another compact table which has been aimed at children. Though it doesn’t have the benefit of being convertible to use as a ping pong table, for instance, it is very reliable and super lightweight at just 44 lbs in weight.
The leg levelers make it stable and the CUL-certified blowers are really reliable. While this isn’t the best model for adults to play on, it is definitely a suitable option for kids and small enough to fit in some bedrooms and playrooms.
The electronic scoring system is not something we usually expect from an air hockey table of this price, and is a nice bonus. It runs off of two AAA batteries and means that you can play without having to stop and keep track of scores.
The manufacturers have recently upgraded the packaging which means that it is likely to arrive in top condition. There’s a 90-day limited warranty if you do have any issues with components in the first few months of use.
Assembly is not as simple as some of the other models on the market, but isn’t too challenging if you know a little about tools and DIY.
What do we love it for?
Great for kids with a fun and vibrant design.
Compact and will fit into most spaces with ease.
Lightweight
Leg levelers ensure a fair playing surface.
What were we disappointed with?
Not as easy to put together as some other air hockey tables.
This is the kind of purchase you make only once or twice in your life unless you are truly fanatical about air hockey. For this reason, you may not be totally educated and ready to make the purchase, but this is not something you want to get wrong. In this buying guide, we’ll take you through the top features you need to consider, to make your chosen air hockey table the best investment for you.
Reasons to get a top-quality air hockey table
Air hockey tables aren’t cheap, and ending up with one which isn’t appropriate can be a nightmare. On top of this, they are bulky and difficult to move around once you have purchased one, so it is vital to make sure you get the right one. If you are looking for a full-size air hockey table, then the chances are it is not going to be very lightweight.
A poor quality air hockey table can lead to an unrealistic and unfair version of the game. The surface might be uneven, the motor and airflow may be damaged and generally, the enjoyment won’t be anything like it can be if you get a top-quality model.
Air hockey tables do have to put up with a fair amount of wear and tear once they are in place. The surfaces take a bit of a beating, as do the sides. For this reason, most air hockey tables don’t have the longest warranties either. Make sure you choose an option which can stand up to the test of time.
Features to consider when choosing your air hockey table
What are the important features you will need to think about when making the decision of which air hockey table to buy? How can you differentiate one from another? Which features are most useful for your needs, and the space you have available for your air hockey table?
Dimensions
There are three main considerations when it comes to the dimensions of an air hockey table, and questions you need to ask before making the choice:
Do you need a full-sized table? If so, then you will be looking for a model which is 8 feet in length. This is not needed for hobbyists, but if you plan to be a professional you might want to look into it.
How much space do you have? It goes without saying that you will need to clear a space for your air hockey table before you purchase. If you don’t have room for 8 feet, 5, 6, and 7 feet options are all available.
What ages will be enjoying the air hockey table? Do you need the an air hockey table for kids or a suitable choice for adults? For children, a 5- or 6-foot model or even a tabletop mini air hockey table might be most appropriate.
Before you make a choice and dive in with a purchase, it is vital that you measure out an area big enough for fitting your table, with a couple of feet at either end to maneuver around within.
Design
The design isn’t the number one criteria for air hockey tables, but for kids and for games rooms where you want a vibrant and electrifying design then there are some interactive options. The Triumph Lumen-X Lazer Interactive Air Hockey Table is a great example of the kind of table you might see at an arcade, if this is the feel you’re going for.
The vast majority of modern air hockey tables have the advantage of including a scoring system which is electronic. While a few still rely on the abacus design and allow for self-scoring in this way, an electronic scorer is a great way to allow for continuous play. It means you won’t have to stop to manually adjust the score all the time.
An electronic scorer may require additional batteries, for instance, the Harvil 5 Foot Air Hockey Table requires batteries to be installed as the scorer doesn’t run on mains power. Our top-rated air hockey table, the Gold Standard Games Home Pro Elite Air Hockey Table, has three different scoring modes which you can choose between for different styles or for practicing.
Accessories: pucks and pushers
Nobody wants to purchase a model of air hockey table and find out it doesn’t have everything you need to get started. Fortunately, there are almost no tables on the market which don’t ship with pucks and pushers, the question is just how many. While two pushers is the standard, it is worth checking on the number of pucks. Some will ship with just one puck, and while one will probably last you a long time, it can become misshapen or even get lost over time. Having a spare is never a bad idea.
Blowers and air flow
This is the most technical aspect of the design of an air hockey table, and an area they can’t afford to be low quality. The blower is what provides the constant airflow on a table and allows the puck to zip around. Without it, the game is no fun. If the airflow becomes unreliable or if one area of the blowers stops working, then one player can have an advantage.
We have made sure that all of the top air hockey tables we’ve listed and reviewed in this article have blowers which are up to the task, and are reliable enough for use over years to come.
Construction and stability
Playing air hockey is not like playing golf! Bunkers and uneven surfaces are definitely not just part of the game. A level surface is essential, as is a sturdy and stable one which can stand up to the rigors of a fast-paced game.
Most of the stability comes from the legs and feet of the table. These are usually very sturdy, especially in full-sized, 8 feet models of table. If you are going to be playing on an uneven surface, many even have levelers which allow you to adjust the feet and keep the table perfectly straight for playing. The legs will normally need to be attached once the table has been delivered, so in each of our air hockey table reviews, we have briefly mentioned the construction difficulty.
Naturally, some of the lighter and more portable options do have to sacrifice a little in the way of stability.
Weight
Some of these tables can be over 400 pounds, and our top recommended model, the Gold Standard Games Home Pro Elite Air Hockey Table is 350 pounds in weight. This brings stability, but can also mean needing multiple people to put it together. If you want to move your table around at any point, then having a heavyweight model may make things quite difficult.
Warranty
Air hockey is a game which can demand quite a lot of the surface, and there is no denying that over time your table will inevitably be subjected to some wear and tear. For this reason, warranties are quite short on air hockey tables. 90 day and 180-day warranties are pretty good for these types of products, and getting more than a year is unheard of. The Valley-Dynamo Pro Style Air Hockey Table has the best warranty of these products, offering one year of protection.
There are multiple issues with wanting to take an air hockey table outdoors. It must be portable and lightweight so you can carry it, and should also be waterproof, which most aren’t. MDF and other woods are often used for construction and even if laminated on top, they can absorb rainwater.
The motors and blowers on air hockey tables are normally pretty quiet – but it isn’t necessarily a quiet game with the puck rattling around, especially if you have excited players!
Most air hockey tables require some form of assembly, but this is often just one hour at most. It may be the case that you simply need to attach the legs. With heavier tables, ensure you have a few people to help to lift and move the table.
Finally, the Harvil Beachcomber Indoor Air Hockey Table is also very impressive. As well as having a great design, this is one of the best air hockey table options in terms of sturdiness, especially considering it is half the weight of some of the other options at 190 lbs. This scored a 9.4/10.