The 2021 Buyer’s Guide to Air Hockey Tables

Air hockey is one of the more exciting table based games, along with Pool and Foosball, the speed of the puck and the need for twitch reflexes contribute to making it an intense game and a very fun pastime.

While it may not involve ice, like the traditional and beloved winter sport, the combination of a frictionless surface and light puck make it quite reminiscent of the popular sport.

Air hockey started off in the 1970s and has grown since then into a worldwide sport, with tournaments endorsed by the USAA (United States Air Hockey Association) taking place yearly. Some people think of air hockey as a simple pastime but it has since evolved into a legitimate sport.

Regardless of whether you are a professional air hockey player wanting to practice your skills at home, or you just want a fun addition to your home rec room, an air hockey table is a great way to let off some steam or sharpen your skills.

Introduction to Air hockey Tables

Air hockey is a sport that is played on a frictionless table, this is achieved by a fan blowing air through many small holes in the playing surface. Naturally, this doesn’t make the puck truly frictionless, but it certainly negates a large amount of the friction and makes the experience more similar to the lack of friction offered by ice in a traditional hockey game.

The rules of air hockey are quite simple, there are two goals on each side of the table, each roughly twice the size of a regulation mallet (the replacement for a hockey stick in this case). The goal is to score the most goals on your opponent within the time limit.

The strategy used depends on your playstyle but it is encouraged to use the sides of the table (these are officially called rebound rails in air hockey nomenclature) to bounce the puck into your opponent’s goal. It is against the rules to lift your mallet and use it to stop the puck by placing it above the puck, and this would constitute a foul in the official rules of the game.

In addition to the American market, air hockey has expanded into many other countries, such as Venezuela, Spain, Russia and the Czech Republic, so air hockey is by no means an isolated phenomenon. Along with other table-based sports, such as pool and ping pong, there is a dedicated cult following to air hockey.

While air hockey is a game that is usually reserved for arcades and cinemas, air hockey tables are gradually becoming cheaper and more accessible to the average consumer. While fully-sized tournament-type tables are indeed still quite pricey, there are smaller and more affordable alternatives rapidly becoming available on the market.

Air hockey is a sport which has had an exponentially growing fanbase over the past thirty years, so the time is now to invest in.

Air Hockey Sports Regulations

Whether you want to purchase an air hockey table for your own personal enjoyment or you have kids who spend hours playing air hockey at the local arcade, it can be a fun and worthwhile investment to purchase an air hockey table for your home.

Now that the basics of air hockey tables have been established, we can delve deeper into the specific tables that we recommend for purchase. The upcoming list of air hockey tables consists of tables that we’ve found to fulfill the needs of most players, whether they are beginners, intermediate or professional-level air hockey enthusiasts.

What to Look for in Regulation of Air Hockey Table

1. Size

Size is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing your air hockey table. It depends entirely on your budget and the type of setup you have for your air hockey room, whether it’s a rec room or a simple living room or even your bedroom.

Air hockey tables can range anywhere from below 40 inches to full-size 8 foot tournament-grade models, so the size also depends on the type of air hockey you would like to play. If you are a competitive player looking to improve your skills, you would do better with an 8 foot table so you can practice your skills in an environment that is somewhat identical to tournament conditions.

What to Look for in a Regulation Air Hockey Table

Tables with a size of 40 inches or lower are more suitable for children, they also fit in more confined spaces so if you’re looking for an mini air hockey table for your dorm room or a similarly confined space, you will sometimes have no choice but to opt for a small sized table.

This is not to say that smaller air hockey tables are necessarily lacking in build quality, because for a higher price you can certainly purchase a small table with a strong fan and well-designed playing surface that can replicate the conditions on larger tables.

2. Price

Price point is always an important aspect to consider as we all have varying budgets. A professional player would most likely have a larger budget when purchasing a table as opposed to someone who would just like an air hockey table for fun.

Your budget is usually correlated with the quality of the product you purchase, but don’t be fooled, you can certainly buy a good quality table for a reasonable price, you will just have to compromise in terms of size or extras, because air hockey tables are still somewhat expensive commodities.

We all have varying priorities when it comes to purchases so this is going to be one of the more variable aspects when it comes to considering your purchase.

3. Scoreboard

Another aspect to look out for is whether your air hockey table comes with a digital scoreboard and timer. This can help you keep track of games instead of having to resort to a stopwatch to keep track of your game time and a manual scorer to mark down scores.

Air Hockey Table Digital Score Board

The scoreboard can range from an advanced model which automatically keeps track of goals as they enter to models where you have to manually update the score yourself. The former is usually available on more expensive setups due to the costs involved in setting up such a system.

A digital scoreboard is a nice amenity to have, but in the end it is not integral to your air hockey experience, it may streamline the scorekeeping process and give you one less thing to think about as you play, but besides providing an immediate frame of reference for how the game is progressing.

4. Legs

One more crucial aspect to the table is the inclusion of legs or lack thereof. Some tables have full-sized legs which make playing more easy when standing up. Other models of air hockey tables lack legs, usually children models which are expected to be played sitting down, however you could also place your table on an elevated surface so you can still play while standing.

Air Hockey Tables Adjustable Legs

5. Construction of the table

The construction of the air hockey table is important because there are small holes all over the surface through which air flows to significantly reduce friction and enhance gameplay. The motors which do this either work on electricity or batteries. The benefit of batteries is that you can play anywhere (even outdoors). But electric tables are superior since they can use strong fans and easily support the led lights, sound effects and clocks.

The other thing to note is stability. You will want your table to not just be able to withstand force and weight of players but also be level. Foldable tables while portable are obviously going to be less stable. So if you are easily annoyed by that kind of thing then reconsider your choice. You can also look for adjustable levers to keep the table level.

The more expensive the table the better quality it is likely to be. For professional players it is important that the table is as flat and frictionless as possible.

Types of Air Hockey

You might have played air hockey at an arcade but that is not the only type of air hockey. This sport can be played casually at home or professionally at a tournament or even somewhere in between like an office break room. The one thing in common is that it is really entertaining and fun to play. 

There are different kinds of air hockey tables available. The ones you will find in an arcade are the most expensive but they do have a bunch of features which make them worthwhile. The tables have different motors, electronic scoring and sound effects for the full arcade experience. Then come the sophisticated wood air hockey tables. While they are not the most durable, they do look classy. Less classy but more convenient are foldable air hockey tables. And last but definitely not the least there are professional air hockey tables.

Who is the table for?

This brings us to who will be using the table. Is it for your kids or for you to have a nice game with friends at home? Or are you practicing for your next competition? All of these require different tables. For instance, if you want to play with friends then there are 4 player air hockey tables so that less people have to sit and wait around for their turn. But a 4 player table will not work if you are playing professionally because they are not sanctioned for competitive play. If you are buying for kids then there are tables that are either lower or just the board without legs which can be placed on the floor. These tables are less than 40 inches in length.

How much space do you have?

Speaking of length, it really matters how much room you have to devote to an air hockey table considering that these can go from 3 feet to 10 feet in length. If you want something that will be as close to a tournament set up then around 8 feet is a good buy but if you live in a small apartment and move around a lot we would recommend getting a foldable table instead. If you have a whole recreational room and are an air hockey enthusiast then go all out and get yourself a full sized one. They are the most fun to play on anyway.

Where should you buy?

If you know what table you want or at least what specifics (if you don’t, go ahead and read our reviews) then you can head over to trusted online websites like Amazon to place your order or if you want to have a look before purchasing then you can head over to a sports shop. If you are looking to get one for kids then toy stores should carry smaller ones.

What kind of pucks can you use?

There are lightweight pucks and handles available for kids to use easily. When it comes to adults you are going to want heavier pucks otherwise when you hit it the force can make it go flying in the air and possibly cause some damage. Heavier pucks are more stable.

Medium sized pucks are around 1.8 inches to 2.5 inches in diameter and weigh from 9 grams to 30 grams. These work well for small to medium sized tables, roughly 4 feet to 6 feet. Larger pucks are around 3.25 inches in diameter and weigh around 42 grams. They are meant for bigger tables starting from 7 feet and going up.

To keep your puck smooth you can lightly sand all sides of it. You can also spray some silicone lubricant on a rag and wipe the hockey table and the bottom of the puck to ensure smooth and fast gameplay.

Our Top Air Hockey Table Recommendations

#1
Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table

Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table

  • 100 CFM motor
  • 40-inch tabletop model suited for kids
  • ABS puck retrieval system
  • Includes 2 pucks and 2 strikers
  • HDF hardwood material for added durability

4.4 of 5 stars

#2
Harvil 4 Foot Air Hockey Table for Kids and Adults

Harvil 4 Foot Air Hockey Table for Kids and Adults

  • Adjustable Leg Levelers
  • 2 Orange Paddles and Pucks
  • Electronic Scoring System
  • 100 Volt CUL Electronic Blower
  • 90 Day Warranty

4.3 of 5 stars

#3
Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table

Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table

  • LED Blue/Red Light Included
  • Adjustable Leg Cross for table positioning
  • Consists of one LED puck & two LED hockey pushers
  • Sturdy & Durable built table
  • Glow in the Dark Compatible Gaming

4.3 of 5 stars

1. Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table

This model is a bit on the cheaper end of the spectrum, it is recommended for younger children who would like to improve their air hockey skills, or simply have fun for a price that won’t break the wallet. Even considering the low price and the somewhat reduced build quality, this table is worth it for even adults who wish to improve their skills for a lower price.

Air hockey is not a hobby that has to be expensive, the most important part is having fun, and if you can do that for a better price, then that is just a bonus.

Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table

Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table

Compared to the previous product, you can’t expect this model to feature high priced extras like a digital scoreboard or silver finish. The main area where this table is lacking in comparison to the previous table is the size. As opposed to the previous table, which has a length of seven feet, this model only has a 40-inch surface, which is sufficient for casual games and players who prefer to just play a quick game of air hockey instead of practicing tournament-level skills on an eight foot table.

The 40-inch playing surface is also very effective if you are lacking in space for your recreation room or if you wish to place the table in a more crowded room for a party or another event. The table doesn’t have full sized legs, so it is somewhat shorter than other models, but this can be remedied by placing it on a table or another surface so you can have it at a comfortable height for playing.

This is where the 40-inch size shines as it is far lighter and more portable than other models which would require two people to move and require a larger amount of space to be easier to play.

What We Liked and Disliked About Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Great for kids
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • Build quality is lacking
  • Table has no legs

Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table Specs

Manufacturer

Playcraft

Product Dimensions

40 x 21 x 8 inches 

Assembled Product Weight

17oz

Playcraft Sport 40-inch Air Hockey Table Ratings by Features

East to assemble

4.5 out of 5

Sturdiness

4.4 out of 5

Value for money

4.4 out of 5


2. Harvil 4-foot Air Hockey Game Table

The Harvil 4-foot table is a great beginner table for customers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a table, but they don’t want to sacrifice things like table height or a score counter. Granted, it is expected that the build quality will suffer in a product such as this one, but the key is balancing build quality with price in order to get the most for your money.

While the earlier beginner model that we reviewed was more suited to children who have taken a liking to air hockey or people who simply want an easily portable air hockey table, this model is more fitting for a budget air hockey table for a game room or even your living room, depending on how much room you have and how often you play.

Harvil 4 Foot Air Hockey Table for Kids and Adults

Harvil 4 Foot Air Hockey Table for Kids and Adults

The longer legs on this model contribute very much to the worth of this table, since most lower priced tables do not have legs, and must be placed on a taller surface to make for a comfortable experience if you prefer to play while standing. Shorter, cheaper models tend to be marketed more to a younger demographic whereas this model is simply a cheaper alternative to other short tables.

This model of table is best suited for those who wish to enjoy a game of air hockey at their home and aren’t serious enough about the sport to pay several hundreds of dollars for a bigger, nicer looking table with a lot more bells and whistles.

One unfortunate aspect of this table is the build quality. The quality of these tables can vary from one to another. Some tables can last for a year without any defects and others can have immediately apparent issues. A consistent weak point in the construction is usually the electronic score-tracker which tends to have issues functioning, but this is not surprising considering the price of the table.

What We Liked and Disliked About Harvil 4-foot Air Hockey Game Table

Pros:

  • Great for beginners
  • Inexpensive
  • Includes score counter

Cons:

  • Score counter is unreliable
  • Shoddy build quality at times

Harvil 4-foot Air Hockey Game Table Specs

Manufacturer

Harvil

Product Dimensions

50.8 x 27.1 x 4.9 inches 

Assembled Product Weight

36.38 lbs

Harvil 4-foot Air Hockey Game Table Ratings by Features

East to assemble

3.3 out of 5

Sturdiness

4.1 out of 5

Value for money

3.6 out of 5


3. Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table

The Triumph Fire ‘n Ice light-up air hockey table is a unique offering amongst the tables we’ve reviewed so far. The mallets and the puck which are included with the table feature LED lighting so you can play in the dark and transform your air hockey experience into one which is entertaining and different from your traditional air hockey game.

The table is 54 inches in size so it is smaller than a traditional tournament-style table but it is also a foot larger than some of the smallest tables available, so it is more of a small-scale table made for fun as opposed to practicing and refining your air hockey skills.

The table features relatively tall, cross-braced legs which provide good support and won’t fail you in case you accidentally lean on the table. It is a good choice for customers who want something reminiscent of the real air hockey experience in their homes but would also like something a little different.

Triumph Fire n Ice LED Light-Up Air Hockey Table Review

Triumph Fire n Ice LED Light-Up Air Hockey Table Review

The LED lighting system is the true highlight of the table, as you can play air hockey games in the dark and transform your whole air hockey experience through a flip of a switch. This table is a good choice for people who would like a little something more out of their air hockey experience and not break the bank at the same time.

The build quality of the table is not necessarily lacking, but it is what you would expect from a table in its price range, which is to say that it won’t withstand too much abuse but it won’t exactly break on you the first time you use it.

The air coverage can be a bit spotty at times, but nothing severe enough to stop the puck dead in its tracks, unless you have a defective model, in which case we would recommend returning it as a defective model.

What We Liked and Disliked About Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table

Pros:

  • Included light-up mallets and puck make for a refreshing and fun experience
  • Not overly expensive
  • Tall legs

Cons:

  • Build quality is not the best
  • Only comes with one light-up puck

Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table Specs

Manufacturer

Triumph

Product Dimensions

54 x 27 x 31 inches

Assembled Product Weight

39.6 lb

Triumph Fire ‘n Ice LED Light-Up 54” Air Hockey Table Ratings by Features

East to assemble

3.5 out of 5

Sturdiness

3.6 out of 5

Value for money

3.6 out of 5


4. PUCK Atlas 7 Foot Air-Hockey Table

PUCK Atlas 7 Foot Air Hockey table is an intermediate range air hockey table. The build quality is very impressive, with a beautifully crafted exterior facade. If you are looking for aesthetics in a table, look no further, this table functions as a wonderful centerpiece for your home recreation room. If you would like to spruce up your entertainment center, it is a great option.

If you are a professional, tournament-level player, you may want to purchase another table, as this table is only a seven foot model, which is a foot short for tournament play. Regardless, it is a good option if you don’t necessarily have the room for a full-size table, or you don’t actually care about a tournament-size table. If you have kids who really like table hockey, this can be a great investment, it will certainly keep them occupied for long amounts of time.

An unfortunate aspect to this table is that the aesthetics are somewhat better than the actual functioning mechanisms in the table. Certain spots on the table are less effective at friction reduction than other spots, so you will have a somewhat inconsistent experience, but this is to be expected from a table in the sub-1000 dollar range.

PUCK Atlas 7 Foot Air Hockey Table with Table Tennis

PUCK Atlas 7 Foot Air Hockey Table with Table Tennis

The only disappointing part about this table is that we wish they would have focused less on the nice aesthetics and put some more effort into the functional components of the table, making it work a little more smoothly and improving the game experience as opposed to the looks of the table.

It may be nice at first glance to have a sleek and modern looking table, but if the gaming experience is diminished, it isn’t exactly worth the compromise.

Speaking of the aesthetics, the table comes with a digital scoreboard arch, which is always a nice touch so you don’t have to always be sliding around manual scorers or simply keep the scores in your memory.

All in all, this table is a nice-looking addition to your game room, but we simply wish they would have traded some of the good looks for better functionality, the blowers are powerful, but they could use a more balanced system to make sure that the lower friction is better distributed throughout the entirety of the table.

What We Liked and Disliked About PUCK Atlas 7 Foot Air-Hockey Table

Pros:

  • Good size for a game room
  • Lightweight
  • Digital Scoreboard Arch
  • Good aesthetics

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Uneven air distribution

PUCK Atlas 7 Foot Air-Hockey Table Specs

Manufacturer

PUCK

Product Dimensions

84 x 48 x 32 inches

Assembled Product Weight

154 lb

PUCK Atlas 7 Foot Air-Hockey Table Ratings by Features

East to assemble

4.8 out of 5

Sturdiness

4.6 out of 5

Value for money

4.4 out of 5


5. Viper Vancouver 7.5 Foot Air Hockey Table

The Viper Vancouver 7.5 foot table is another good intermediate level table for players looking to improve their skills at home. It is not full tournament size but the effectiveness of the air flow combined with the high quality build of the playing surface make this table a great alternative to a gold-level table if you do not wish to spend over a thousand dollars on an air hockey table.

The playing style is quite similar to most professional tables, granted it has a few dead spots in the airflow, but this is easily remedied by the quality of the pucks and the mallets which are included with the table.

They flow very easily over the playing surface and the experience is very similar to far more expensive tables. The deciding factor in your purchase of this table would be whether you would prefer the extra half foot in size so you can have a full size regulation table.

Viper Vancouver 7.5 Foot Air Hockey Game Table

Viper Vancouver 7.5 Foot Air Hockey Game Table

The table also includes an electronic goal counter and timer so you can keep track of your matches more easily, which is always a nice touch in an air hockey table, but it should be expected of a table in this price range. The scoreboard is not arch-style but this isn’t necessarily a downside, as it cuts down on the height of the table and makes it easier to place in more confined places and simplifies the assembly process.

In the end, we would recommend this table for players who wish to replicate the tournament-style air hockey experience without breaking the bank.

The slightly smaller playing surface may be a downside to more serious players but we found that the price combined with the high quality experience more than makes up for this shortcoming in the long run. This is an ideal game room table if you have enough room for it.

What We Liked and Disliked About Viper Vancouver 7.5 Foot Air Hockey Table

Pros:

  • Decent Size
  • Good playing surface
  • Electronic Scoreboard

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not very portable

Viper Vancouver 7.5 Foot Air Hockey Table Specs

Manufacturer

GLD Products

Product Dimensions

89.5 x 48 x 32 inches

Assembled Product Weight

201 lb

Viper Vancouver 7.5 Foot Air Hockey Table Ratings by Features

East to assemble

4.4 out of 5

Sturdiness

3.6 out of 5

Value for money

4.2 out of 5


Conclusion

In the end, your choice of air hockey table depends entirely on you, your budget and your intended function for your air hockey table. If you are a serious air hockey player who wants to sharpen their skills at home, buy one of the more advanced models that accurately mimics the size and properties of a tournament-level table.

Size and Properties of a Tournament Level Air Hockey Table

If you’re looking for a model to round out your entertainment room, you may want to go for something a little smaller and more affordable, but which also offers a relatively enjoyable playing experience.

The choices are somewhat bewildering at first, but never forget that air hockey is about fun first and foremost, so do not let your purchasing process overtake your passion for one of the best table sports.