12 Best Foosball Tables to Get in 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guide

By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 17, 2023
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A foosball table is a great addition to an existing game room in your home or the perfect starter piece for a new game room. This timeless game is sure to provide years of entertainment for your family and guests. However, choosing the best foosball table for you can be hard, since there is a table for almost every imaginable situation. Foosball tables not only range in size, but also vary in the number of men on the goalie stick, the availability of lighting and other modern features, and whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. All these options also mean that there is a foosball table for every budget, from under one hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

In reviewing foosball tables to find the best tables for every budget and feature set, we looked particularly close at who each table was designed for. Whether a table is crafted with kids, amateurs, or semi-professional foosball players in mind can make a big difference in the quality, durability, and cost of the table. Dimensions are also extremely important, since not only the table but also the fully extended sticks and two players need to fit comfortably in whatever room you plan to put the table in. Finally, we looked at optional preferences like rod types and goalie configurations, which can make or break a table.

We spent tens of hours poring through technical specifications and customer reviews to find the best foosball tables currently on the market. The result is the table below showing our 12 favorite tables with the Tornado Tournament 3000 as our Editor’s Choice and their distinguishing features. Read on for detailed descriptions of each table, complete with pros and cons. Our buying guide covers everything you need to know when choosing a foosball table, and finally, we sum up our three overall favorite foosball tables.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Tornado Tournament 3000
    "Exceptionally durable tournament-style foosball table suitable for commercial or even professional use from one of the leading manufacturers"
  • Best Classic Design: Tornado Classic
    "Good and sturdy table designed with the serious amateur in mind and perfect for home and commercial use"
  • "A premium, water-resistant foosball table crafted with Italy’s renowned craftsmanship, having innovative design elements for smooth gameplay and durable construction for longevity."
  • Best Foosball Table for the Money: KICK Legend
    "Great value for the money and the unlimited lifetime warranty make this table a real treasure for serious amateurs"
  • "A durable, professional-sized game table with precision-crafted features, including electroplated steel rods, robot-style soccer players, and sturdy design elements."
  • Best Hi-Tech Design: Atomic Azure
    "One-of-a-kind table with LED lighting and built-in automatic electronic scoring"
  • Best Professional: SereneLife Foosball Table
    "A professional competition-approved gaming table with chrome-plated rods, counterweighted players, and additional features, designed for fast-paced gameplay in game rooms or basements."
  • Best Starter Foosball Table: Hathaway Hurricane
    "Good and sturdy table for a family just starting to experiment with foosball"
  • Upgrade Pick: ESPN SOC056_218E
    "Introductory foosball table providing stability and ease of use at an affordable price"
  • "Basic and inexpensive yet surprisingly stable table for starters who don’t want to spend much money"
  • Best Outdoor Foosball Table: Imperial Garlando G-500
    "Indoor and outdoor table with heavy-duty waterproofing for about any weather conditions"
  • "A compact yet functional gaming table, larger than mini variants but designed for easy setup and storage, featuring a modern black finish, durable plastic players, ergonomic handles, and a simplified assembly process. "

Top 12 Foosball Tables Review 2024


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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3492 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
1
Editor's Choice

Tornado Tournament 3000

Features
  • Type: indoor, commercial / professional use
  • Dimensions: 56’’x 30’’ x 36’’
  • Build: 3/4″ playfield, 1-1/2″ stainless-steel laminate boards, split cabinet design, adjustable leg levelers
  • Playing rods: steel, hollow
  • Goalie configuration: 3
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • More features: counter-balanced men, slide score counters, U.S. built

When it comes to this tournament-style foosball table from Tornado, it is not uncommon to hear claims that it is the single best foosball table made by any manufacturer. Certainly, the price reflects that for those who are looking for a high-end table.

The table is constructed with 1.5-inch thick stainless steel-laminate boards, which are incredibly durable and rugged. Users note that the table is essentially unbreakable, and the sturdiness allowed Tornado to design this table with a split cabinet so that you can store things underneath the playing surface.

The table was designed with speedy play in mind. The playing rods are hollow steel and turn extremely quickly, while the foosball men are hard and have a highly pointed foot to increase the bounce of the ball while retaining control. The men are counter-balanced to clear the field for faster play as well. Surprisingly, the table comes with a three-man goalie setup that is difficult to replace.

Users appreciated how easy the table is to setup, as well as Tornado’s customer support and the one-year warranty on the table.

    What makes it special?
  • Professional, extremely durable table
  • Designed for fast play
  • Counter-balanced foosball men
    What cons did we find?
  • Three-man goalie setup
  • Expensive

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3275 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
2
Best Classic Design

Tornado Classic

Features
  • Type: indoor, home/commercial use
  • Dimensions: 56’’ x 30’’ x 36’’
  • Build: 1-1/2″ thick cabinet, black leather laminate finish, 3/4″ laminate playfield, solid wood handles, adjustable leg levelers
  • Playing rods: steel, hollow
  • Goalie configuration: 3
  • Warranty: 30 days
  • More features: counter-balanced men, single side ball return, U.S. built

One of the least expensive offerings from vaunted foosball table manufacturer Tornado, this table is designed with the serious amateur in mind and is perfect in either a home or commercial setting. Although the Tornado brand name will cost you compared to other manufacturers, users were hugely impressed by the quality of this table and the service of Tornado whenever issues with the table arose.

The 1.5-inch thick cabinet is beautifully finished with black leather and is strong enough to withstand a lifetime of heavy use. The table also has a laminate finish over the playing surface that adds durability and keeps the ball rolling quickly, while the rods are finished with wooden handles. In addition, the table comes with internal routing so that the ball comes out to a single position on the side of the table after each goal.

The foosball men are counter-balanced for professional, fast play and the rods are made of hollow steel for quick and easy turning. However, somewhat surprisingly, the table comes with a three-man goalie setup that cannot be easily replaced. Despite this design, the table is loved among amateurs and professionals alike.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Black leather finish on cabinet
  • Heavy and durable
  • Internal routing for ball return
  • Counter-balanced men
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Three-man goalie setup
  • Expensive

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3980 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
Features
  • Type: outdoor and indoor  use
  • Dimensions: 58″ x 30″ x 34″ 
  • Build: high-speed melamine playing surface, floor levers, resin score counters, integrated ball drop
  • Playing rods: stainless steel
  • Goalie configuration: 1
  • Warranty: 3 year, residential

More features: outdoor cover, 5 traditional cork balls, 12 high speed resin balls

The KETTLER Soccer Game Table, designed with Italy’s renowned craftsmanship, is our Premium Pick. Featuring a water-resistant build and a durable high-speed melamine playing surface that mimics the appearance of Italian Carrara marble, this table ensures longevity and style. Its integrated ball pockets facilitate easy retrieval during games. Crafted from premium materials, this table promises years of enjoyable gameplay.

This foosball table is innovatively designed with sloped rails to eliminate dead spots, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay. Players are unbreakably molded onto stainless steel rods for durability. The table features a fair, centralized ball drop, a 360-degree rotating goalie, and integrated floor levelers for a balanced playing surface, even on uneven grounds. Scoring is made easy with color-coordinated counters, and the ball effortlessly transitions to the opponent’s box after a goal. Plus, a high-quality outdoor cover protects your table from the elements.

    What makes it special?
  • Outdoor cover protects against weather conditions to maintain the table's quality over time.
  • Thanks to sloped side and corner rails, it has no dead spots on the field, ensuring continuous gameplay.
  • Unbreakable players.
  • The extended cabinet offers a full rotation for the goalie, enhancing gameplay.
    What cons did we find?
  • It’s rather expensive.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2924 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
4
Best Foosball Table for the Money

KICK Legend

Features
  • Type: indoor, home/commercial
  • Dimensions: 55″ x 30″ x 36″
  • Build: hard wood and MDF, 1/2’’ playing field, 5″ leg levelers, wooden handles
  • Playing rods: stainless steel, semi solid
  • Goalie configuration: optional 1 or 3
  • Warranty: unlimited lifetime
  • More features: counter-balanced men set + uniformed men set, wood bead scoring

This regulation-size table from KICK is unique among foosball tables in that it comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty – a huge offering given the relatively modest price point of this table. However, thanks to the mixed hard wood and medium-density fiberboard construction of the cabinet and the semi-solid steel rods, you are unlikely to need to call in that warranty. The rods also use wooden handles rather than the more common plastic, which further adds to the value of the table.

The table comes with counter-balanced men and users appreciated that the table allows you to configure the goalie rod with either one or three men depending on the skill level of those playing. The table isn’t especially heavy at 150 pounds, but users found that the vibration was reasonable even when playing aggressively. Users also liked how easy the table was to setup – taking less than 90 minutes with two people – and how easy it is to keep the table level using the adjustable feet.

The only thing that users didn’t like about this table was the goal construction, since it failed to trap high speed balls. In addition, some users strongly recommended upgrading to a tackier ball for more control over passing and shooting.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Unlimited lifetime warranty
  • Wooden rod handles
  • Counter-balanced men
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Goals will drop balls to floor
  • Not very heavy

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7204 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
Features
  • Type: outdoor and indoor use
  • Dimensions: 48″ x 24″ x 32″
  • Build: legs with metal connection bar, hidden leg levelers, 2 traditional soccer balls
  • Playing rods: steel
  • Goalie configuration: 2
  • Warranty: 90-day manufacturer warranty

More features: sturdy X legs, 7/10’’ thick aprons and leg levelers

The Barrington Brooks Collection 48-Inch Foosball Table is an ideal addition to any personal game room, offering a professional-sized playfield that measures 40¼” x 22”. Crafted for precision, this table boasts eight electroplated steel rods equipped with weighted robot-style soccer players, ensuring smooth rotation and gameplay. The octagonal handle grips enhance the player’s control, minimizing hand fatigue. Durability is a standout feature, with reinforced 7/10’’ thick aprons, sturdy X legs adorned with wire mesh, and a metal connection bar to offer unwavering stability. Its industrial design is complemented by two slide bead scorers to track the game and two traditional 1¼” diameter soccer balls to ensure you’re always ready for a match.

Enhanced with reinforced 18mm thick aprons, the table guarantees strength and longevity. Players can expect a comfortable gaming experience, thanks to the plastic handle grips and robust electroplated 1/2″ diameter steel rods, which are crafted to endure even the most intense matches. Moreover, the slide bead scorer offers an easy way to track game progress, and the inclusion of two traditional soccer ball-style foosballs completes the gaming package.

    What stands out?
  • Solid construction.
  • Comfortable plastic handle grips
  • Sturdy 'X' legs with metal connection bar
  • Hidden leg levelers ensure a perfectly even playing surface.
  • Slide bead scorer: Facilitates easy tracking of scores during gameplay.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Takes time to assemble.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5299 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
6
Best Hi-Tech Design

Atomic Azure

Features
  • Type: indoor, home / commercial use
  • Dimensions: 2’’ x 30.8’’ x 34.4’’
  • Build: MDF with black finish; blue LED lighting; foot levelers
  • Playing rods: steel
  • Goalie configuration: 3
  • Warranty: 90 days, limited
  • More features: built-in automatic electronic scoring, cascading effects, in-game music

This moderately priced foosball table from Atomic is sure to catch eyes thanks to the blue LED lighting. Although this lighting is certainly not what most professional foosball players are looking for, it adds an element of fun and modern style when using the table in home or commercial settings for amateur matches. Even the ball has a built-in LED light, making it possible to play with all of the room lights turned off. Users also appreciated the automatic electronic scoring, which was extremely accurate, although there is also a manual scoring option for those who want it. The in-game music added to the ambience of the game atmosphere along with the LED lighting, making this table especially good for kids who are tall enough to reach the table easily.

The table is regulation size, but otherwise does not come with a huge offering of professional features. The steel playing rods are solid, which is good for durability but relatively slow to move. In addition, the goalie rod has three men rather than the one preferred by most advanced players.

The table is easy to setup and comes with built-in foot levelers to make it easy to keep the playing surface level. The cabinet is made with sturdy medium-density fiberboard, although Atomic only offers a short 90-day warranty on the table.

    What stands out?
  • LED lighting, automatic scoring
  • Regulation size table
  • Easy setup, foot levelers
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Few professional features
  • Short warranty period

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3512 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
7
Best Professional

SereneLife Foosball Table

Features
  • Type: indoor use
  • Dimensions: 47.83″ x 24.02 x 31.1″
  • Build: chrome plated steel rods, levers, thick bolted table legs, wood construction 
  • Playing rods: alloy steel 
  • Goalie configuration: 1
  • Warranty: 1 year warranty

More features: score counter, drink holders, score counter

The SereneLife wood foosball table is a top-tier choice for those seeking a professional competition-approved gaming experience. Designed to fit seamlessly into any basement or indoor arcade setting, it meets the standards for both amateur and seasoned players. Hollow, chrome-plated steel rods are incorporated into the design, ensuring faster gameplay and heightened responsiveness. The counterweighted players, a feature often found in professional tables, offer added power and precision with every turn. This foosball table is not only great for intense competitions but also serves as a perfect family activity, coming complete with two football accessories and a convertible multi-fold-out cup holder. Its durable build and compact design solidify its status as a premium piece of recreation furniture, ideal for any game room setting, whether you’re setting it up as a standalone or tabletop unit.

    What stands out?
  • Sized for competitions.
  • Sturdy construction with thick bolted table legs.
  • Fold-down drink holders.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • There is a lot of dead space on the edges.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7097 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.7
8
Best Starter Foosball Table

Hathaway Hurricane

Features
  • Type: indoor, home use
  • Dimensions: 54’’ x 27’’ x 33.25’’
  • Build: 3/16 in. thick MDF cabinet, ABS sure grip handles, leg levelers
  • Playing rods: steel, solid
  • Goalie configuration: 3
  • Warranty: 180 days, limited
  • More features: ABS slide score counters

This budget table from Hathaway is great for home use, particularly for a family just starting to experiment with foosball. The table is regulation size, but the cabinet is constructed with only 3/16-inch thick medium-density fiberboard compared to the one inch or more found on most other tables. Despite this thin construction, users were pleasantly surprised by how well the table holds up to aggressive play. The downside, though, is that the thin fiberboard also reduces the weight of the table so that it vibrates harshly throughout gameplay.

In keeping with the beginner-oriented and budget design of this table, there are few additional features and the goalie setup uses three men rather than one. The foosball men themselves are not particularly well crafted, which can make it difficult to practice ball control when shooting or passing. In addition, the rods are solid steel rather than hollow, which adds durability at the cost of slower turning.

One thing that many users disliked about this table was how difficult it is to set up – multiple users reported that it took two people several hours to successfully piece together this table. In addition, the table only comes with a 180-day warranty.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Inexpensive
  • Sturdy despite thin fiberboard design
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Difficult to control ball
  • Vibrates significantly
  • Hard to setup

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8991 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.7
9
Upgrade Pick

ESPN SOC056_218E

Features
  • Type: indoor, home use
  • Dimensions: 56″ x 28.75″ x 34.5″
  • Build: MDF construction, PVC laminate finish, 5″ leg levelers
  • Playing rods: chrome-plated metal with plastic inserts, hollow
  • Goalie configuration: 3
  • Warranty: 90 days, limited
  • More features: slide score counters

This foosball table from Electronic Arts is a solid introductory foosball table that provides stability and ease of use at a budget price. The table is constructed from medium-density fiberboard and offers long leg levelers that make it easy to level the table as needed. The laminate finish on the playing surface reduces scuffs and increases the speed of the ball. However, users still noted that the table is easily damaged by aggressive play and is overall not very durable – which makes the 90-day limited warranty something of a concern.

The playing rods are hollow, but rather than using bearings as found on most mid-grade tables use plastic inserts that slow down play. In addition, the table comes with a three-man goalie setup rather than the preferred one-man goalie configuration, and the foosball men are not counter-balanced.

Another significant issue that users had with this table was that it took multiple hours to setup. Some users also reported that the plastic sleeves on the playing rods would come unglued during play. Despite these issues and the numerous beginner design features, most users agreed that the table was worth it for the low cost.

    What are its best features?
  • Inexpensive
  • Hollow playing rods
  • Long leg levelers
    What could be improved?
  • Not particularly durable
  • Difficult to setup
  • Plastic inserts instead of bearings

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9099 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.5
Features
  • Type: indoor, home use
  • Dimensions: 48” x 24” x 33”
  • Build: MDF and steel construction
  • Playing rods: steel, hollow
  • Goalie configuration: 1
  • Warranty: 60 days
  • More features: 2 cup holders

It’s hard to find a foosball table of reasonable quality at a lower price point than this table from Best Choice Products. The table is made of relatively thin medium-density fiberboard, but users found that the table was surprisingly stable once assembled – thanks in part to the steel bars running between the legs. Although users were able to assemble the table without excessive difficulty, most noted that the instructions for setup were poorly written and many put it together incorrectly the first time through. In addition, Best Choice Products only offers a 60-day warranty on this table, which does not leave much time to identify problems that come from long-term use.

The playing rods are made of hollow steel, which is a nice feature on a table at this price point, although the remainder of the table is of the quality that you might expect at this low price. The foosball men’s feet are dull and the table tends to bounce the ball somewhat wildly without much ball control. The goalie configuration uses a one-man setup. As expected from its light weight, the table vibrates significantly when playing aggressively, although most users did not mind this, since they were not looking for a professional quality table.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Inexpensive
  • Sturdy despite light weight
  • One-man goalie setup
    What could be better?
  • Difficult to setup
  • Short warranty period
  • Lots of vibration

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9478 people in the past 30 days
8.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
7.9
8.4
11
Best Outdoor Foosball Table

Imperial Garlando G-500

Features
  • Type: indoor and outdoor
  • Dimensions: 43’’ x 34.5’’ x 56
  • Build: marine plywood with a plastic laminate cover; 4″ heavy duty nylon leg levelers
  • Playing rods: steel, chromium plated, hollow
  • Goalie configuration: 1
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • More features: counter-balanced players, wood bead scoring

Users rave about this full-sized outdoor table from Garlando, which comes with heavy-duty waterproofing to withstand just about any downpour. Users also report using it in beach conditions and found that the chromium plating on the rods and the plastic laminate over the cabinet hold up well to the humidity and salty air. The extended two-year warranty is also a nice feature for this table given that any defect can quickly lead to breakdown in outdoor conditions. Plus, the table comes with a cover to protect it when it is not in use.

The table itself comes with several professional features, including hollow rods, and a single-man goalie position. What really sets this table apart is that the rods are telescoping, which adds to the cost but makes this one of the safest tables we reviewed – especially when small children are likely to be spectating. The heavy duty leg levelers are easy to adjust and users found that the table as a whole took less than an hour to setup. Play is relatively quick thanks to the bouncy walls and sloped-up corners to prevent the ball from getting stuck.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Outdoor table
  • Two-year warranty
  • Telescoping rods
  • Fast setup
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Only several men are counter-balanced

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8200 people in the past 30 days
8.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.4
Features
  • Type: indoor use
  • Dimensions: 32″ x 20″ x 8.25″
  • Build: sturdy wood frame
  • Playing rods: not specified
  • Goalie configuration: 2
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: for 2 to 4 players; 2 mini soccer foosballs

The GoSports 32-inch foosball table strikes the perfect balance between compactness and functionality, making it an ideal choice for both kids and adults. Larger than many mini-game tables, its dimensions of 32 in x 20 in x 8.25 in still allow it to comfortably fit on most tables and desks. This unique size ensures an engaging gameplay experience without the cumbersome nature of traditional foosball tables, making it not only easy to set up but also to store after play. Beyond its portability, this table boasts a sleek modern design in a stylish black finish, distancing itself from the toy-like appearance of cheaper alternatives. Players crafted from durable plastic ensure longevity, and the table is also fitted with ergonomic handles designed for both comfort and precision. Additionally, the simplified setup, with pre-installed players on the rods and an easy-to-follow installation guide, ensures a hassle-free assembly experience.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Compact and easy-to-store.
  • Ergonomic handles for comfort and accuracy.
  • Pre-installed on rods for zero hassle assembly.
  • Affordable.
    What could be better?
  • Not the best quality.

Things to Consider

Now that you’ve learned more about each of our 12 favorite foosball tables currently on the market, how do you choose between them? Our buying guide will take you through everything you need to consider when choosing the foosball table that is right for your needs and explain some common features that vary among tables. It is also important to have a budget in mind whenever you are considering a foosball table and to realistically gauge what features and table quality will fit within your budget constraints.

How do you plan to use your foosball table?

Chances are, you already have an audience in mind when you make the decision to look for a foosball table – which is good because who will be playing makes a huge difference in what kind of table you should be looking for.

Foosball table in a home games room

Tables for family or home use are typically the least expensive foosball tables on the market, typically less than $500, assuming that no one among your family or friends is planning to go pro. If you plan to play frequently with children or are buying a table primarily for your kids to use, consider getting a table that is relatively shorter in height and lightweight. Otherwise, if the table is for friendly games among adults, a full-size table that is slightly heavier, stronger, and taller is worth the investment as long as you have the space.

Foosball tables for the home can also be designed for outdoor use, in which case they are designed with waterproof materials and built to withstand rain and harsh winter conditions. These tables are significantly more expensive than indoor foosball tables designed for home use but are the best way to play outside without having to carry your table outside on every sunny summer day.

If you are planning to use your table in a commercial setting, such as a bar or workplace, it’s likely to see much more frequent and heavy use than at home. That means you will need a sturdier, more durable table that requires relatively little maintenance. You will also almost certainly want to opt for a full-size table, since the table is likely to see a wider range of foosball abilities than in a home setting.

Tables for tournament use are the most expensive foosball tables on the market and are typically certified by the International Table Soccer Federation, the governing body for foosball. These tables are built with quality and durability in mind and are perfect for anyone who is looking to take their foosball skills to competitive levels. The downside is that these tables can cost over $2,000 at the high end.

Dimensions and weight

A heavy foosball table

The dimensions of the playing area – that is, the area in your room or outdoor space that is completely free of clutter to get in the way of players – determines what size of foosball table you should get. A standard sized foosball table typically demands an area that is at least eight feet by seven feet, although ten feet by ten feet is recommended. In general, the space the table will take up can be calculated as the dimensions of the table itself plus twice the length of the rods plus 1.5 feet on either side of the table for the players.

When looking at what foosball tables weigh, heavier is typically better. A heavy foosball table, in the range of 130 to 200 pounds, provides far more stability than a light table. This is especially important when more advanced players are using the table, since constant vibrations can make it more difficult to hone foosball skills.

Build quality

What the foosball table is made of will directly affect much about its quality, usability, and price. When considering building materials, look at the cabinet – the box that binds together all of the parts of the foosball table – in particular. Medium-density fiberboard is commonly used, since it is far less expensive than solid wood cabinets and it is strong enough for aggressive play as long as it is at least one inch thick – and preferably 1.5 inches thick. Although some budget tables are made with a particleboard cabinet, this material is notorious for breaking apart within a year on tables that are used heavily.

Playing rods

Rods are one of the most important (and expensive.) components of any foosball table

The material that the playing rods are made of also makes a big difference in the quality and usability of your foosball table. Most experienced foosball players only trust rods made of steel with a chrome finish to prevent rusting, since any other type of rod material will bend or corrode relatively quickly.

Steel rods may be either solid or hollow. Solid rods are more durable and less prone to bending over time, but they are also heavier so that game play is slower and pushing and pulling on the rods wears more on your arm. Hollow rods are preferred by most advanced players, since they are more responsive and turn more smoothly and quickly.

Telescoping rods are also an option, although they are infrequently encountered because of the additional cost they incur in setting up a foosball table.

Telescoping rods are considered to be the safest option, since they don’t protrude on the opposite side of the table, which prevents the opposing player or spectators from being suddenly and unexpectedly hit with a rod when it is pushed in.

Foosball men and goalie configuration

People playing table football

The shape of foosball men can vary widely between tables, but the shape of the foot should be consistent, since this is the part that enables ball control when shooting or passing. Look for feet that are tapered down to a sharp point, since flat-bottomed foosball men make it very difficult to control the ball accurately. In addition, the foot should be roughened to provide grip, rather than smooth and slippery.

Not all tables offer counterbalanced foosball men, but this is an important feature as the skill level of the foosball players increases. Counterbalanced men weigh the same on either side of the rod, so that they will remain horizontal once placed into that position. The result is that it is possible to have a clear field when shooting and passing, rather than having your own men get in the ball’s way. This tends to make for a more exciting and faster-paced game.

Also, consider the configuration of men on the goalie rod. Some tables come with only one foosball man on the goalie rod, while others come with three. More advanced players tend to prefer single-goalie tables, since it takes more skill to defend the goal and clogs up the table with men slightly less. However, three-man goalie rods are excellent for beginners and kids, since having more men to boot the ball downfield leads to faster scoring.

Ball

Table Foosball Ball

Every foosball table comes with a ball, but the quality of these balls can vary – especially if you’re buying a budget table. The best foosball balls are textured to provide grip and can be easily pinned down against the table by the feet of your foosball men. The balls should be solid without being heavy, but not made of plastic or coated with a shiny material that makes it slippery. Thankfully, the foosball ball is the cheapest and most easily upgraded piece of any budget foosball table.

Ease of setup

Although often a secondary consideration, how easy a foosball table is to set up can be the deciding factor between two similar tables. Chances are you’ll be eager to get to playing once you get your foosball table, so being able to set it up quickly will keep up your excitement about the game and the table itself. The best foosball tables require only a few parts to be assembled, including all required hardware, and use simple tools – screwdrivers and wrenches – that you are likely to have lying around the house.

Our verdict

Our overall favorite foosball table on the market today is the Tornado Tournament 3000, which many users declared as the single best foosball table ever made. This table had an incredibly solid and durable construction, virtually ensuring that you’ll have it for life without any issues. Of course, we can’t leave out the Tornado Classic, which offered many of the same features at a lower price point while offering the ability to take it outside in any weather conditions. It’s also worth mentioning that the Warrior professional foosball table is certified by both the ITSF and USTSF and is the official table of the Professional Foosball Tour, so it’s perfect for commercial use or use by foosball professionals.

9,8
Total Score
Tornado Tournament 3000 - Editor's Choice
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