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Best Portable Air Hockey Table – Buying Guide with Reviews

We have a few portable tabletop games that my kids enjoy playing at home and on vacations. Currently, their favorite is foosball, but they recently asked for a portable air hockey table. I’ve been hesitant to buy one because air hockey and portable don’t seem to go together, but I did some research and found some excellent options.

Portable air hockey tables offer some benefits over full-sized versions, such as their portability and smaller size. They’re perfect for small children who can’t tackle the larger game. The downside? Most don’t have that authentic feel – but this doesn’t mean they are any less fun to play.

With a compact, travel-friendly air hockey table, you won’t have to worry about space availability. It can easily fit in a child’s room, under your bed, against a wall in your family room, the basement, on the patio or deck, or a small game room—some models you can even take on vacation.

portable air hockey table,

If you’re looking to buy an air hockey table to enhance your family game night fun but do not have the space for a regular-sized table, then the portable air hockey table is the way to go.

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out my reviews of the Best Air Hockey and Pool Table Combo.

7 Top-Rated Portable Air Hockey Tables

Did you know that the air hockey table was invented by a team of billiard table manufacturers who wanted to create a game more exciting and fast-paced than billiards? Today, air hockey needs no introduction.

It is easily one of the most popular table games in the US and even has annual tournaments dedicated to it. To help you pick the best portable air hockey table for you and your kids to enjoy, I’ve put together a list of 7 of the best ones, along with in-depth reviews of each.

 #1. Winner: SPORTS SQAUD HX40 Table-Top Air Hockey Table for Adults and Kids

There are several features of the HX40 portable air hockey table from JOOLA Sports Squad which make it a winner, in my opinion:

First of all, I love that you can play it on the floor or coffee table, which makes it especially accessible to the youngest of our kids.

The other impressive thing about the Sports Squad table is that it is super easy to assemble and set up – you can start playing within minutes. It is powered by an AC 12 V motor that blasts powerful air without any noise – this gives you a smooth and frictionless game.

And finally, it just weighs 14 lb. which means you can easily carry it on your camping trips, to your dorm room, or pretty much anywhere you want.

Here are some more features of the Sports Squad HX40 portable air hockey table:

Features

  • Made with durable MDF
  • Measurement is 40 x 20 x 5 inches (L x W x H)

Pros

  • High-output fan for smooth and frictionless gameplay.
  • Very simple assembly.
  • Sturdy and durable.
  • Very well-designed – has rubber feet that prevent your surfaces from getting scratched
  • Lightweight, compact, yet fun enough for adults
  • Includes manual scorers
  • Easier to transport than some of the other models.

Cons

  • Discs tend to fly off – could hurt someone.

#2. Best Overall: Best Choice Products 40-inch Portable Air Hockey Table

The Best Choice air hockey table is a short-legged table and, like the Sports Squad, is easy for young kids to play. It also has a motor that works well and gives you the feel of an authentic air hockey game, so you and your kids don’t need to go to an arcade to play air hockey.

With the Best Choice Products 40-inch portable air hockey table, you can bring the same arcade-like excitement home. The table’s compact design makes it ideal for kids’ rooms or even your family room.

Storage is straightforward – simply stand it upright against the wall in your closet or under one of the kid’s beds. It is also lightweight enough to take on trips. When we took our annual summer vacation to Destin, Florida, it rained for three out of the five days. Thankfully we took some games that saved this trip and kept our kids busy.

Features

  • 40 PSI airflow powered by a 100 V fan motor keeps the game very exciting
  • Manual abacus score-tracker
  • 40-inch length, 8.5-inch height

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Compact and easy to load up in the vehicle
  • Quiet operation.
  • Sturdy and powerful airflow pushes the pucks smoothly.
  • Comes with legs – makes the table easy to place on the floor.

Cons

  • Could do with a switch instead of just powering on as soon as you plug it in.

#3. Best Budget Buy: PEXMOR 40-Inch Tabletop Air Hockey Table 

This battery-operated 40-inch PEXMOR table costs less than most other portable air hockey tables, making it the perfect option for people who want to play their games outside or are away from an outlet. YoYou’lleed 6 AA batteries, but otherwise, this item has all of the great features that make up any good game.

Features

  • Dimensions – 40 x 20 x 8 inches (L x W x H). Weight – 15.8 lb.
  • MDF construction with wood-grain PVC and plastic.
  • 110 V motor
  • Score tracker
  • Standard hockey rink puck

Pros

  • Does not need an electrical outlet
  • Reasonably priced
  • Compact, lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Table legs do not tuck in. Not really an issue but it could make the storage and transport slightly difficult.
  • The air power you get from the batteries doesn’t seem as strong as standard electric models.
  • The strikers are small which is good for the little ones put may feel awkward for older kids.

#4. Best Mini Air Table with LED Scorer: Rally and Roar Tabletop Air Hockey Table

Most portable air hockey tables come with manual scorers. Rally and Roar take the excitement a step further by including both types of scorers: manual and LED.

Its “real airflow” comes from a CUL-certified, AC-12V motor which keeps the pucks’ movement fluid. The table also assembles very quickly, so you can start playing right away.

Features

  • 40 x 20 x 9 inches (L x W x D)
  • Puck size – 2.1-inch diameter and 0.15 oz. weight
  • Pusher size – 2.5-inch diameter and 0.6 oz. weight
  • Built-in slide and electronic scoring.
  • Air-powered fan adapter is 110 V

Pros

  • Proudly designed in the US with US-based customer service – easy to reorder/return/replace parts
  • Assembles within minutes
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Foam-covered legs to prevent scratches on the table
  • Suitable for kids and adults.

Cons

  • The digital scorer does not always count when the puck goes in. Thankfully, you can keep score using the manual scorer.

#5. Best Portable Air Hockey Table for Kids: GOOSO Air Hockey Table

GOOSO air hockey table is designed with kids in mind – it is slightly smaller than most of the other tables I included here, and it’s lightweight, easy to pick up and move.

Its colorful design makes GOOSO portable air hockey table ideal for most kids’ rooms, plus it’s a fun game to play. It makes the perfect birthday or Christmas gift as well!

Features

  • Dimensions – 38 x 19 x 5 inches (L x W x D)
  • Weighs 18 lb.
  • Electric motor and fan blower
  • LED scorer

Pros

  • Easy to assemble especially if you have a power screwdriver
  • Great for gifting
  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight, compact

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than the other portable air hockey tables.

#6. Best Built – PlayCraft Sport Table-top Air Hockey

If you have been turning your noses up at small-sized air hockey tables because they are not always well-built, then the table from Playcraft Sport is sure to surprise you.

This is a small-sized table of 40-inches, and it is made with sturdy MDF. It is ideal for kids and occasional players who love to have arcade sports in the comforts of their homes.

Despite its small size, it plays incredibly well. The motor is relatively powerful and will keep the pucks gliding smoothly. Note that the PlayCraft Sports table has small accessories which might be better suited for the younger ones. However, most adults that played on the table haven’t complained about it.

Features

  • Solid MDF construction
  • Dimensions:  40″ L x 20″ W x 20″ H. It comes with legs to increase the height to 26 inches.
  • UL-approved 100cc-per-meter airflow
  • Puck size – 2 inches in diameter

Pros

  • Super easy assembly
  • Well built machine and is sturdy
  • Great for the entire family.

Cons

  • No rubber bottom on the legs. Could scratch your surfaces.

#7. Best Compact Size – Mainstreet Classics 35-Inch Portable Air Hockey Table

The compactness of Mainstreet Classics 35-inch portable air hockey table makes it ideal for small apartments, dormitories, an office room, and especially for travel.

The best part is its easy assembly. You can start playing within minutes of its arrival. Check out other great features of the Mainstreet Classics 35-inch portable air hockey table:

Features

  • Dimensions 35″ L x 20″ W x 8-1/4″ H. Weight is about 13 lb.
  • 110 V adapter with steady airflow
  • Scorer included

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Smaller than most portable air hockey tables – compact and great for travel

Cons

  • Pricier compared to other tables.

How to Select a Portable Air Hockey Table?

Air hockey table

Here are some factors to consider when selecting your travel-friendly, compact, and portable air hockey table:

Compact size

A full-size air hockey table ranges from 54-inches in length to 72 inches. The mini or compact-sized tables are smaller: 40-inches or less. ChChildren’sables are available in 35-inches too. Consider your space availability and select the table accordingly.

Do keep in mind that smaller tables also mean small accessories. So, if adults are planning to play the game, you might be better off with a mid-size or full-size table.

Ease of storage

If you plan to carry the table on your camping trips or to your dorm room, consider buying one that has foldable legs. This will ease transport and also help you tuck it away out of sight under a bed.

I suggest you also store it somewhere that won’t damage the surface and keeps it clean. If your table surface gets dirty, I wrote a helpful article on how to clean your air hockey table I suggest you read before tackling the chore.

Sturdy and long-lasting

Most portable game tables are made of MDF boards which are often quite flimsy. Also, they do not offer the stability that players desire. Well-made tables use stronger and thicker MDF.

You may want to look for boards that weigh at least 18 to 20 lb. to keep things portable and ensure that they have the stability needed during playtime. Also, the pucks and strikers that come with your table should be durable and built to last.

Powerful airflow

The main goal of suitable air hockey tables is to have a strong airflow to keep the pucks gliding smoothly. Look for game tables with a 110 V motor that provides steady, powerful airflow for the best gameplay.

Ease of assembly

A good portable air hockey table should come with clear instructions for assembly and shouldn’t need special tools for assembly.

Scratch-free use

Good air hockey tables come with foam or rubber-covered legs. This is necessary to prevent scratches on your tabletop, floor, or anywhere else you play upon.

FAQs

What size are regulation air hockey tables?

Regulation air hockey tables are 8 feet long and are most commonly found in arcades, bars, and tournament play.

Do air hockey tables need to be plugged in?

Most air hockey tables need to be plugged in to keep the fan blowing air. This is necessary for the pucks to glide smoothly. However, some air hockey tables run on battery which is good when you want to play outdoors.

How long do air hockey tables last?

High-quality tables from top brands can last for at least 5-7 years, depending on the use.

Final Recommendation

If you are an air hockey enthusiast but don’t have room for a large air hockey table, then the portable air hockey table is the way to go. Small and compact air tables measuring between 35 and 40 inches in length are ideal for kids and adults to provide excitement on their game nights.

A good portable air hockey table is small and compact yet comes with a powerful airflow fan motor. This is important if you want that arcade-like experience. Good tables are made with durable MDF and are sturdy, stable, and strong. They are also easy to assemble and can be stored with ease or taken along on travels.

Based on these features, we recommend the HX40 portable air hockey table from Joola Sports Squad. The HX40 may be small in size, but it is well-made and has a powerful airflow. It is also easy to assemble and contains everything you need to begin playing right away.

Do check out our other recommendations as well.