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: September 15, 2024
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Anyone who has kids knows that it’s not always easy to keep them entertained indoors. If you’re looking for an alternative to video games or hours spent surfing the net, the best air hockey table for kids makes a great addition to any game room. If you’re looking for the right fit for your family, you’re in the right place.
To put together this review, we considered a few important features. First, we looked at dimensions so that you know you’re getting an air hockey table that fits comfortably into your home. We also kept scoring systems in mind and included everything from simple manual displays to high-tech smartphone integration. Weight is important, too, because you need to know if you’ll need an extra set of hands to help you with set up and assembly. We also looked at how many pushers and pucks are included so you know whether there are enough accessories available for everyone to play. Finally, we took warranty coverage into account because you never know what’s going to happen.
We spent hours researching these products, looking at the information provided by the manufacturers and reviews from experts as well as the people who actually have these tables in their homes. First, you’ll see a table where we compare all of our top picks side by side. After that, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each product followed by a detailed buying guide to help you determine which is the best air hockey table for kids for your home.
There are a lot of reasons why the Atomic 7.5’ Contour Air Powered Hockey Table is the best all-around air hockey table for kids but the one thing that really puts it over the edge is the ScoreLinx app. It syncs to your smartphone using Bluetooth technology and turns it into a full-featured electronic scoring system. It features animation, graphics, and in-game sound effects and a full-color display which really ups the game. It’s the perfect blend of old-fashioned air hockey fun with the tech that kids are used to.
Not only is this table durable, but it also looks like a table you’d find in an arcade and not necessarily one you’d expect to find in your home. The curved legs and bright pops of color give it a polished and modern look.
This table comes with 2 pucks and 4 pushers and is large enough for 2 players on each end. The height is perfect for kids without being too low for adults to join in, too.
Assembly is pretty straightforward and the instructions are easy to follow but keep in mind that this table is pretty heavy so you’ll probably need some help lifting it. The shipping weight is about 220 pounds so it won’t be easy to get it up and down stairs without a bit of help. Another downside that we should mention is that the Bluetooth connection can be unreliable so the ScoreLinx app might be a little glitchy at times.
Why are we impressed?
ScoreLinx app acts as an interactive scoring system
Syncs to your smartphone using Bluetooth technology
Durable design
Easy assembly
What negatives must you be aware of?
Bluetooth can be glitchy
Weighs enough that it requires extra hands to carry it
Next up is the Harvil Beachcomber 7 Foot Indoor Air Hockey Table which has a stylish retro look. The wood-grain finish looks awesome next to the shiny chrome rails and corners and the overhead scoring system makes this table look a bit more professional.
The Beachcomber is made from dense fiber wood that’s really durable and can hand a bit of rough play. A strong CUL-certified motor powers the blowers which keep the action moving and allows for fast-paced games. It comes with 4 pushers and 2 pucks so you can get started playing right away. That said, the pushers aren’t really the same quality as the rest of the table so you may want to think about investing in better accessories as time goes on.
Assembly is a little difficult and some people reported that some of the necessary hardware was missing. That said, Harvil does offer in-home delivery and assembly for an additional fee and they’ll replace or repair damaged parts for free as long as it’s within the 1-year warranty period. Once you get the table assembled, take advantage of the integrated leg levelers which make sure that the playing surface is flat even when the floor underneath it isn’t. This is a great feature because it allows you to set up this table in just about any room.
What are our favorite features?
Stylish design features wood finish, shiny chrome accents, and an overhead scoring system
Powerful blowers keep the action moving
Made with durable materials
What could be better?
Assembly can be difficult and hardware could be missing
Pushers aren’t the same quality as the table itself
Extra features: in-game sounds, leg leveling system, in-built storage for game accessories, scratch-resistant surface, forward goal design (on table surface)
This NHL Air Powered Hockey Table was made for hockey lovers, especially if you happen to be a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s a great addition to any game room, rec room, or basement and will keep your kids busy for hours.
One of the cool things about this table is it looks just like a miniature hockey arena. The white playing surface is decorated with the same red and blue lines and the sleek forward goals allow for some action behind the net. One reason this table is so great for kids is because the playing surface is scratch resistant so you don’t have to worry when your kids get a little too into the game.
An automatic scoring system allows you to focus on the game without having to worry about moving any beads or changing any numbers. That’s not all, everything you need to play is included. You get 4 pushers, 4 pucks, and there’s even built-in accessory storage so you can keep everything in one place as well as a drink holder on every corner.
One reason this table is so good for kids is that it’s only 32 inches high so they’ll be able to reach across the table and make effective shots on goal. Customers don’t have a lot of complaints about this table but the manufacturer recommends you set in up in a 12’ x 8’ room so you need a decent amount of open space for this one.
Kids will love the Triumph Lumen-X Lazer for a lot of reasons but the thing that stands out the most is the in-rail LED lighting with eye-popping cascading effects and in-game music. That’s not all: it also comes with 2 ultra-bright strikers and a light-up puck. This table takes the classic air hockey experience and adds special effects that really take it to the next level — for an air hockey table under $500, these features that have been included are incredible.
This table uses dual motor blowers for strong, continuous air flow that keeps the action going for fast-paced play although some users commented that the air flow isn’t as powerful in the corners as it is in the center of the table. This table is also equipped with an electronic scoring system so you can keep your eye on the action without worrying about manual score keeping.
The playing surface is made of durable engineered MDF and is supported by strong, thick legs. There are integrated leg levelers, too, so the playing surface remains perfectly level even if the floor isn’t. When assembled, the table is only 31 inches high which is a great height for kids.
Some users commented that the puck can easily fly off the table if hit too hard and the light-up puck requires frequent battery replacement.
Our budget pick is the Harvil 4 Foot Air Hockey Game Table and it’s one of the best air hockey table under $200 for kids. This mini air hockey table is just the right size for kids. The space-saving design fits into most rooms and is a great height for kids but the playing surface is still large enough to make sure everyone gets a true air hockey experience.
This table has an updated electronic scoring system for more reliable performance, though some users mentioned that it isn’t always accurate. It also has a faster fan speed to keep the action going as well as wide goals so it’s easy to retrieve the puck. There are 2 bright orange pushers and 2 matching pucks included so you can get started playing right away.
One great thing about this table is it’s really lightweight. At only 28 pounds, you can move it around pretty easily so you can actually move it off to the side to save space when not in use. Even though it’s lightweight, the thick L-shaped legs provide a lot of stability so it doesn’t wobble or move around excessively during play.
This table comes with a decent warranty, too. If you need any replacement part or a new table due to defect or damage, they’ll ship them to you at no cost within the 90-day warranty period. If you’re still not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund in the warranty period as well.
What are our favorite features?
Space-saving compact design without sacrificing gameplay
If you’ve been looking for a way to keep your kids entertained at home that’s more interactive than playing video games or spending hours on the internet, an air hockey table is a great choice. Here are some of the things to think about when choosing the right one for your home.
Reasons to get a high-quality air hockey table for kids
Kids can get carried away so it’s important to get a table that can keep up with them. These air hockey tables are a great way to encourage interaction and a fun way for your family to spend time together. But you can’t just choose any table. There are a few things you really need to think about before you decide which one is right for you.
Features to consider when choosing an air hockey table for kids
All air hockey tables are not created equal and there are some very specific features to keep in mind when you’re deciding which one to buy. Let’s take a closer look at each of them so you know exactly what to look for.
Dimensions
Dimensions are important for two reasons. First, you need to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate the table. Remember that you also need to have enough room around the table for the players to move around. A good rule of thumb is to leave a buffer of about 3 feet around the table to make sure that everyone playing has enough space to move around.
It’s also important to keep in mind that these tables are for kids so table height is really important. If the table is too tall, younger children will have a hard time reaching the puck which is really frustrating.
A good height for kids is between 30 and 32 inches.
That’s low enough that young players will be able to make effective contact with the puck but still tall enough that adults can play comfortably, too.
Scoring system
There are a lot of options when it comes to scoring systems. If you want something really high tech, go for the Atomic 7.5’ Contour Air Powered Hockey Table. It uses an app on your smartphone that keeps score and adds a lot of fun images, sounds, and animations that your kids will love.
Another option is an overhead electric scoring system like the one on the Harvil Beachcomber 7 Foot Indoor Air Hockey Table. It’s automatic so you don’t have to worry about anything but the action on the table. Plus, it’s really easy to see from both sides of the table so everyone knows the score.
There are simple score keeping options, too, like the manual dials on the Harvil 4 Foot Air Hockey Game Table. These systems are easy to use but may not be a good choice for younger kids who may not be able to keep score accurately.
It’s also important that the score is displayed so that everyone can see it. Overhead scoreboards are a good option but there are also some tables that display the score on the sides of the table.
Accessories: pucks and pushers
All of these tables include pucks and pushers but you should make sure that you have enough so that everyone can play together. Because these tables are smaller than full-sized versions, the pucks and pushers are smaller, too.
If you’re planning to buy additional accessories, make sure that they’re the right weight and size for the table you choose.
In-game sounds and LED lighting
Effects like in-game sound and LED lighting aren’t necessary to have fun playing air hockey but they certainly make the game more exciting. A great example of this is the Triumph Lumen-X Lazer which has LED lighting in the rails, brightly colored pushers, and a puck that actually lights up.
Tables with smartphone integration also add in-game sound effects and even take it to the next level by allowing you to record your own. It’s one of the best ways to mix a classic game like air hockey with super modern, high-tech elements that your kids will really love.
Blowers and air flow
Blowers and air flow are really important because the game depends on adequate air flow. The stronger and more reliable it is, the faster the game will move. Dead spots can be a problem over time but these can sometimes be fixed by cleaning the playing surface. The easiest thing to do is use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any dust or buildup from the air holes.
Construction and stability
Because these tables are meant to be used by kids, construction and stability are really important. It’s easy to get carried away by the competition and you need a table that can handle a bit of excitement.
Look for a design that has strong, stable legs that work well on a variety of different surfaces. While a hardwood floor might provide more stability, that doesn’t really help you if your rec room has thick carpeting.
If you’re worried about uneven floors, make sure you get a table with integrated leg levelers. They’re really easy to use, all you have to do is adjust them to the proper height and secure them in place. A level table is really important for air hockey because any tilt to the playing gives one team an advantage over the other.
Weight
There are a few things to consider when it comes to weight. The table should be heavy enough that it’s stable and won’t rock or wobble excessively during the game, especially when kids are playing. The more the table moves, the more likely it is to break so heavy, high-quality materials are important.
That said, if the table is too heavy, it can be difficult to get it in the house, down narrow hallways, or up and down stairs. Don’t try to lift or assemble a heavy table on your own. It’s always better to have an extra set of hands to help. Also, consider that you won’t be able to move it easily after assembly.
It depends on the table! The heavier the table is, the more help you need. While assembly may not be technically difficult, you won’t be able to install a table that weighs more than 200 pounds on your own. That said, there are plenty of lightweight tables available that you can manage by yourself. Double check the weight of the table and make sure you have the help you need to install it if needed.
Second-hand air hockey tables aren’t really a good buy. These tables get a lot of use and damage pretty easily so you never really know what you’re getting. Plus, they will have been assembled and reassembled several times which adds additional wear and tear. The warranty periods on these tables are usually pretty short and they don’t usually apply to anyone but the original owner. It’s much better to buy a reasonably priced new table than take the risk on a used one.
Tabletop models are great if you don’t have space for a larger one but they’re not nearly as stable and are much smaller than the options we included in our reviews. If you find that the products we chose are a bit too large for your space, check out our article on mini air hockey tables. They don’t take up as much room but still provide a larger playing surface than a tabletop model.
Wrapping It Up
The Atomic 7.5’ Contour Air Powered Hockey Table is our choice for the best all-around table. The ScoreLinx smartphone app adds a high tech element that kids will love. Assembly is easy and the modern design and pops of color look like something you’d find in an arcade.
Next is the Harvil Beachcomber 7 Foot Indoor Air Hockey Table. The wood-grain finish and shiny chrome rails look amazing and the strong CUL-certified motor produces a lot of air for fast-moving, action-packed games. It’s made of durable materials and covered by a 1-year warranty.
Finally, we recommend the NHL Air Powered Hockey Table. This is a great table for hockey lovers and features a scratch-resistant playing surface that’s designed to look just like a real hockey area. It features an automatic scoring system and has built-in accessory storage so you can keep everything together until the next game.