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An air hockey table provides hours of entertainment and is a great way for your family to spend time together. The simple goal of knocking a puck into your opponent’s net along with quick games, and scalable skill levels make this arcade-style game a classic. With an air hockey table, Friday nights can be spent having air hockey tournaments, providing screen-free family fun.
Air hockey tables come in full-size, tabletop, and kid-sized versions. The best air hockey table for you will depend on the space you have for it, the ages of the people who will be playing it, your budget, and whether you want extra features like an electronic scoreboard. Ahead, see several great options for your household.
- BEST OVERALL: ESPN Sports Air Hockey Game Table: Table Tennis Top
- BEST BUDGET: MD Sports 54″ Air Hockey Game Table
- BEST LUXURY: Pottery Barn Air Hockey Table
- BEST INTERACTIVE: Triumph Lumen-X Lazer 6’ Interactive Air Hockey Table
- BEST ARCADE: ESPN Sports Air Hockey Game Table: LED Scorer
- BEST RETRO: Midtown Air Hockey Table with Digital Scoreboard
- BEST CONVERTIBLE: ESPN Sports Air Hockey Table Digital Scoreboard
- BEST FOUR-PLAYER: Atomic 90″ LED Arcade Air Powered Hockey Table
- BEST FOR YOUNGER KIDS: Sport Squad HX40 40 inch Table Top Air Hockey Table
- BEST FOR OLDER KIDS: Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Air Hockey Table
Before choosing the best air hockey table for your home, take a few minutes to educate yourself on the most important shopping considerations to keep in mind.
Type
Air hockey tables come in four basic types:
- Tabletop air hockey tables, also called portable air hockey tables, are transportable. They are typically made with light materials and are inexpensive, making them a good choice for children or homes that don’t have enough space for a larger table that sits out all the time.
- Arcade air hockey tables are made with heavier materials like steel. They can come with premium features like overhead lighting, an electronic score clock, and a powerful air blower that can push an air hockey puck up to 3 1/4 inches in diameter. They tend to be the most expensive type of air hockey table.
- Standard air hockey tables are similar in size and function to arcade tables, but are made of less durable materials and do not have extra features. They’re more affordable than their luxe arcade counterparts, so they are a good option for anyone who only needs the basics to have fun.
- Convertible or combination air hockey tables are similar to standard or arcade air hockey tables but they come with an insert that turns them into another tabletop game, like pool, table tennis or foosball. They’re a good choice if you want the flexibility to play other types of games.
Size
Air hockey tables come in a range of sizes.
- 2-foot air hockey tables are tabletop air hockey tables. They’re a good choice for children because of the small playing surface and light air hockey pucks.
- 4-foot to 6-foot air hockey tables can be standard, convertible, or arcade-style. This size is good for a home entertainment room.
- 7-foot to 8-foot air hockey tables are most commonly used in commercial settings. They can be standard or convertible, but arcade style is the most common in this size. They are designed for thousands of hours of use, so they’re built to last and usually have premium features like electronic scoreboards.
Material
Air hockey tables are usually made of plastic, metal or wood. The material affects the weight, durability and stability of the table.
- Plastic is the least expensive material for an air hockey table. The better the quality of the table, the heavier the plastic will be.
- Metal is usually the most durable material for an air hockey table, providing a strong, stable base.
- Wood construction provides adequate support, but look for large, strong table legs and intersecting beams for additional support.
Motor and Air Flow
The best air hockey table gets its mojo from motor-powered blowers that push air through perforations in the tabletop. The air from the blowers lifts up the puck so that it glides over the surface. Most air hockey tables use a single motor to provide air to the entire table. Larger arcade tables may have two blower motors to keep the entire surface pressurized for a faster-moving puck.
Airflow is also affected by the number, size, and placement of the air holes in the tabletop. For more evenly distributed airflow that makes the air hockey puck move faster, look for tables with lots of tiny air holes placed close to each other instead of tables with larger air holes spaced farther apart. While wider holes allow more air to flow through, the air shoots up in an individual stream instead of coalescing on the surface of the table.
Playing Surface and Rink Walls
The playing surface of the air hockey table must be smooth to let the puck glide on the air without getting stuck. The surface is typically made of wood covered with a laminate material that reduces friction on the puck.
The rink walls affect how the air hockey puck will ricochet, impacting the speed of the game. A rink wall made of laminate or thin aluminum can dent and lose its shape, making the puck less lively when it rebounds. A rink wall made of thick aluminum or nylon won’t dent or scratch under normal use, so the puck will ricochet with energy.
Features and Accessories
Air hockey tables can come with a wide range of features and accessories to help with table set up, add aesthetic appeal, or make the game more enjoyable.
- Table leg levelers allow you to adjust the height of each leg to level the table. Any variance in the leg heights can cause the puck to drift to the lowest corner, interfering with the game.
- Lighting can be from above, in the rink walls, or even from underneath the playing surface.
- Electronic scoreboards automatically count goals as they go in the net and display the total at all times. They may also have speakers that sound a horn when a goal is scored.
- Media inputs let you connect a phone, a tablet, or another device to the air hockey table so you can play music through an in-table sound system.
- Specialized pucks let you change up the game via different air hockey puck shapes, built-in lighting, or glow-in-the-dark paint.
Required Assembly
Depending on the type of table you get, its assembly may be simple to complex.
- Tabletop air hockey tables usually don’t need to be set up. Just take the table out of the box and turn it on.
- Standard air hockey tables typically require you to attach the legs, make sure the blower motor is secure, and level the table.
- Arcade air hockey tables typically require you to assemble the base and frame of the table, and install additional features like rink wall lighting or an electronic scoreboard.
- Convertible air hockey tables’ ease of assembly depends on the number of games it can be converted to. The more games, the more complex it may be to assemble.
Our Top Picks
From tabletop air hockey tables to arcade-style tables, this guide rounds up some of the best air hockey tables based on their features and accessories.
Best Overall
ESPN Sports Air Hockey Game Table: Table Tennis Top
ESPN’s Air Hockey Game Table converts into a table tennis game, so you can play two games on one table. This allows more flexibility on family game night. The air hockey table has a powerful, 110-volt motor and a glossy playing surface so the puck glides quickly and easily. Reinforced aluminum rink walls give players the chance to hit bank shots without losing velocity.
An electronic scoring system displays points with blue or red lights and has a push-button control. The table also has sound effects that give you a level of arcade immersion in your home. The table has cross-leg supports for added stability and leg levelers so you can get a level playing surface.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 72 inches by 37 inches
- Materials: Metal base, engineered wood frame, and plastic tabletop
- Weight: Approximately 115 pounds
Pros
- Converts to professional-grade table tennis top
- LED electronic scoring system with sound effects
- Reinforced construction for added stability and durability
Cons
- Requires two people to set up
- Separate power plugs for the fan and sound
Best Budget
MD Sports 54" Air Hockey Game Table
This MD Sports air hockey table is an affordable option for families looking for a space and budget-friendly game table. As a smaller air hockey table, this suits more compact living spaces, even apartments, and doesn’t take up much room. The design construction features adjustable levelers and full leg panel support for added stability when gameplay gets a little competitive.
The table’s 12V motor provides sufficient airflow to keep the puck gliding smoothly. A digital LED scoreboard is visible at center ice, and uses a scoring sensor to automatically update each goal, however, the table also comes with a manual scoreboard if needed. Two air hockey pucks and two pushers come with the table in a convenient storage bag to help prevent pucks and other accessories from going missing.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 54 inches by 27 inches
- Materials: Medium density fiberboard and plastic
- Weight: Approximately 30 pounds
Pros
- Digital scoreboard and time display
- 12V DC motor fan for smooth puck gliding
- Sturdy design with a leg leveler, extra low apron, and full leg panel support
Cons
- Pucks and pushers are a smaller size to fit the table; may be challenging to replace
- Smaller motor limits how fast the pucks can go
Best Luxury
Pottery Barn Air Hockey Table
It’s not often you hear the word stylish in reference to an air hockey table. Pottery Barn’s luxe air hockey table is fit for the finest homes. That said, its immense size necessitates a space worthy of its stature, a proper games room or open living space ensures players won’t be cramped at game time.
The higher price tag with this table offers consumers a well-crafted and sturdy design that’s less gimmicky and more classic. Crafted exclusively for Pottery Barn by an industry leader with 60 years of experience, consumers can be assured they’re investing in a quality product. This air hockey table strips away the arcade-style flashing lights and sounds in favor of a timeless design that ages well.
Made with hand-stained oak veneer and steel with a cast metal frame with supportive x-shaped bases, this table quality is far superior to engineered wood products one tends to see in air hockey tables. Available in antique stone or pine finish, consumers can select a table that suits the decor of their home.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 83 inches by 47 inches
- Materials: Oak veneer and steel with a cast metal frame
- Weight: Approximately 265 pounds
Pros
- Full-size air hockey table that fits four players
- High-quality materials
- Modern and aesthetically pleasing
- Adjustable levelers and sturdy x-shaped bases
Cons
- Beautiful design, but with less features than other tables
Best Interactive
Triumph Lumen-X Lazer 6’ Interactive Air Hockey Table
The Triumph Lumen-X Lazer Air Hockey Table brings the arcade into your home with immersive sound, lighting effects, and scoring features. It’s 6 feet long and has a single motor with dual blowers to provide even dispersion of airflow across the wood and laminate playing surface.
This air hockey table has in-rail lighting, reflective strikers, and a light-up puck so you can play in a dimly lit room, arcade-style. The table also has an electronic scoreboard, leg levelers and stylish, streamlined, curves for an arcade look.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 72 inches by 40 inches
- Materials: Engineered wood and PVC plastic
- Weight: Approximately 75 pounds
Pros
- Dual motors for better airflow
- Illuminating technology, including light up puck and pushers
- Digital electronic scoring system
- Sound effects and music for exciting gameplay
Cons
- Fans run continuously when the table is plugged in
Best Arcade
ESPN Sports Air Hockey Game Table: LED Scorer
Bring the arcade home with this premium ESPN air hockey table designed for intense competitions between your family and friends. It’s 7 feet long, with 1/2-inch thick leg supports, oversized leg levelers and a customizable height. This table accommodates two or four players.
This ESPN air hockey table has a premium blower motor for even airflow, reinforced rink walls that give strong rebounds for a competitive game, and an overhead electronic scoreboard that not only shows the points but also includes sound effects, a game timer, and projection lights that shine down on the surface of the air hockey table.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 84 inches by 48 inches
- Materials: Composite and plastic
- Weight: Approximately 141 pounds
Pros
- 120V motor and high gloss magnetic playfield for smoother puck gliding
- Stable design with oversize 6-inch leg levelers and protective corner caps
- LED electronic scoring system for arcade-like experience
- Built-in cup holders for drinks
Cons
- Assembly instructions are a bit hard to follow
Best Retro
Midtown Air Hockey Table with Digital Scoreboard
The first thing you notice about this Hathaway Games air hockey table is the old school engineered wood siding reminiscent of tables from the 1970s. The rounded chrome finished corner connectors add understated panache and eliminate sharp table corners for any rambunctious youngsters.
Made from plastic and engineered wood, this space-saving air hockey table boasts a 110V fan motor and 1950 air holes that work together to create a frictionless surface. The included lightweight pucks work wonderfully with this size motor, however, make sure replacement pucks are the same weight, any heavier and they don’t glide as well.
The thing this table does really well is capture the simple essence of air hockey without all the flashing lights and bright colors. The digital scorekeeper has built-in sensors to automatically update the scoreboard. Players can use the scoreboard to set up games based on a time limit or by scoring a certain number of goals. Simple to use, and timeless design make this air hockey table a suitable choice for many homes.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 72 inches by 36 inches
- Materials: Plastic and engineered wood
- Weight: Approximately 117 pounds
Pros
- 110V fan motor creates smooth airflow
- Easy to use without requiring a manual
- Reinforced and rounded corners for stability and safety
- Independent leg levelers ensure a proper playing surface
Cons
- Requires a lightweight puck for optimum performance
- Maximum of two players at a time
Best Convertible
ESPN Sports Air Hockey Table Digital Scoreboard
Made with maximum fun in mind, this ESPN air hockey table integrates two tabletop games into one unit. The design converts this air hockey table into a ping pong table in seconds, increasing the table’s use and appeal. A built-in compartment stores the ping pong play surface when not in use, and there is a space for game accessory storage as well.
Using a 120V blower motor, the air hockey surface maintains quality airflow when the fan is plugged in. The size of the air hockey ping pong table makes it usable for two players at a time, and its simple construction comes with an intuitive digital LED scoreboard with push-button controls. When done playing air hockey or switching to ping pong, players need to unplug the table, as the on/off button only works on the battery-operated scoreboard.
The table comes with everything you need to play both games including, three air hockey pucks, two pushers, two paddles and ping pong balls, and a net.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 72 inches by 37 inches
- Materials: Manufactured wood and plastic
- Weight: Approximately 116 pounds
Pros
- Digital LED scoreboard with sound effects and button controls
- Built-in storage for the table tennis top and accessories
- 120V fan motor for even airflow
Cons
- Electronic scoreboard requires 3 AAA batteries
- On/off button only works for the scoreboard
Best Four-Player
Atomic 90" LED Arcade Air Powered Hockey Table
Brighten up your game room with Atomic’s fully illuminated air hockey table. Indigo LED lights are on the table’s rails, legs, and accessories, making it an excellent table to use in daylight or in the dark. With a contemporary design and black playing surface, Atomic’s air hockey table looks sharp in a rec room.
The air hockey table’s large size makes it a terrific option for two players on each team. There’s enough space for teammates to work together without crowding each other. The digital display automatically keeps score so players can focus on making the goals rather than counting them.
Air power from a large motor fan keeps the air hockey pucks sliding across the playing surface. Make sure to follow manufacturer’s care instructions to help prevent dead spots from appearing over time.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 82 inches by 41 inches
- Materials: Polycoated playfield, wood composite siding
- Weight: Approximately 227 pounds
Pros
- Large blower motor fan keeps the game fast paced
- Control center makes sound management simple
- Easy-adjust feet for leveling the playing surface
Cons
- Short power cord limits placement options (without an extension cord)
- Heavy; requires two people to assemble safely
Best for Younger Kids
Sport Squad HX40 40 inch Table Top Air Hockey Table
This tabletop air hockey game is scaled to fit kids. It’s just 40 inches long and has small strikers that fit into small hands. It weighs just 14 pounds, so they can set it on a table to play and then return it to a closet when they’re done. It has a durable wooden build that can withstand the strain kids can put on games.
Set-up of this air hockey table is easy because it has a flat base instead of legs. It has non-marking rubber feet to protect your tabletop from scratches and a 12-volt motor that blows air over the surface.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 40 inches by 20 inches
- Materials: Engineered wood, plastic, and rubber
- Weight: Approximately 11 pounds
Pros
- Quiet AC 12V motor
- Minimal and fast assembly
- Portable and easy to store
- Non-marking rubber pads prevent marks to table surfaces or floors
Cons
- Not large or sturdy enough to support a player leaning on the table
- No on/off switch; must be unplugged manually after each use
Best for Older Kids
Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table
If you want to spend less for big fun, consider the Triumph Fire ‘n’ Ice Air Hockey Table. It has adjustable leg levelers and is 4 1/2 feet long, so it fits in a small space. The table legs have cross braces for added stability so you can smack that puck hard without shaking the table.
Its puck and strikers have internal LED lights to play in the dark for an authentic arcade feel. And the corners of the rink light up when a player scores a goal. It has both an electronic scoreboard and an old-school manual score slider. It doesn’t have an on/off switch so you’ll need to unplug it after each use.
Product Specs
- Tabletop Dimensions: 54 inches by 27 inches
- Materials: Manufactured wood and plastic
- Weight: Approximately 40 pounds
Pros
- Light up pushers, pucks, and corners so kids can play in the dark
- Includes both electronic and manual scorekeeping
- Easy-to-use table levelers
- Four leg cross braces for added stability and support
Cons
- The motor works better pushing around the lighter puck
- Does not include an on/off switch
Our Verdict
Not every home has the space for a full size air hockey table. This ESPN Sports air hockey table offers two games in one, with a quality motor and the excitement of electronic lights and sounds. We also like the MD Sports air hockey table because of its economical price point without skimping on features, like a digital display.
How We Chose the Best Air Hockey Tables
With an abundance of air hockey tables on the market, we had to evaluate features that influence a purchase decision. We carefully researched the options available to curate a list of the best air hockey game tables that offers value for the money spent. Some criteria we assessed include:
- Stability: we looked for features such as structural integrity and cross-legged supports. Air hockey games can get intense and players may accidentally put some weight on the table without realizing it.
- Level playing surface: finding tables that had built-in levelers is vital for creating a fair playing surface to prevent the puck from slipping into one particular area.
- Motor: the required power depends on the size of a table, with portable tables needing a motor that’s as little as 12V and larger tables with motors upward of 100V.
- Design: part of the excitement that comes from air hockey are the lights and sounds that go with it. Portable tables usually don’t come with the extras, but with the larger sizes, we wanted to select air hockey tables that enhanced the game with electronic scoreboards, LED lights, and arcade sounds.
FAQs
Still trying to decide on the best air hockey table for you? Take a look at these frequently asked questions before you buy.
Q: How does an air hockey table work?
Air hockey tables have a fan powered by an electric motor that blows air up through holes in the surface of the table. This creates a cushion of air for the puck to glide on, so it moves across the tabletop with ease.
Q: How big is a full sized air hockey table?
A full-size air hockey table is 84 inches long and 48 inches wide. A regulation size table needs a lot of space, such as a dedicated game room, to be a practical purchase.
Q: How do you clean an air hockey table?
Air holes in the table can get clogged, making the puck slow down. To prevent that, wipe down the playing surface with a microfiber cloth while the blowers are on. If there are any clogged air holes, use a toothpick or a similar-sized object to push through the clog and clean out the air hole.
Q: How long do air hockey tables last?
Air hockey tables typically last between 5 to 8 years.
