Best Foosball Tables (Reviews)

Foosball is one of the most popular tabletop games - for good reasons! The game is easy to learn (but hard to master), super fun to play, and brings out the competitive side of almost everyone. No wonder you find a Foosball table almost everywhere, from office break rooms to pubs to even college dorms.

But choosing the right Foosball table is easier said than done. The Foosball table market is quite huge and confusing, with hundreds of models on offer across various price ranges. To complicate the matter, Foosball tables are available in different sizes and goalie configurations, which a first-time buyer might not be aware of.

The good news is that we've done the legwork to help you find the very best Foosball tables for the money. Without further ado, here are our top picks. Further on, we'll also be explaining what you should be looking for when shopping for a Foosball table.

Our Top Picks for Best Foosball Tables

1. KICK Triumph 55″ Black Foosball Table - Editor's Pick (Best For Most)
2. Hathaway Playoff 4’ Foosball Table - Budget Pick
3. KICK Titan 55″ in Tournament Foosball Table- Pro Pick
4. Garlando Master PRO Outdoor Foosball Table- Best  For Outdoors
5. ESPN Arcade Foosball Table - Best Design
6. Best Choice Products 48-inch Foosball Table - Bargain Pick

All the six Foosball tables that we've recommended above are the best in their category, and you sure wouldn't be disappointed with the purchase. But if you're still confused and are not entirely sure, this buyer's guide will most probably clear all your doubts.

With so many options on the market, choosing the right Foosball table can be quite overwhelming. We get that, and that's we've put together this buyer's guide with straightforward and clear-cut information to help you make the right purchase in NO time.

There are four main factors you need to pay attention to when choosing a Foosball table - Intended use, size, build quality, and price.

Intended Usage

How often do you intend to play? Are you looking for a table for competitive play or recreational usage? Will kids also play? 

These are the questions you must first ask yourself. There is no point in buying a tournament-grade table if you play once or twice a month. Similarly, if you plan to play Foosball seriously or you're a hardcore player, you should not settle for an average Foosball table.

Recreational Usage: If you plan to play casually with family and friends, you can opt for a sub $200 table. But please note that these tables can't handle rough usage. The construction quality of such tables isn't the best, but they might not last long under heavy usage. The rods don't rotate as smooth as you find in costlier tables, but for recreational usage, it should suffice.  

Intermediate Usage: Most of the buyers generally fall in this category. If you enjoy some serious foosball matches with your mates and sometimes things go aggressive as well, you should look for an intermediate or mid-range table. Such tables usually fall in $400 to $600 price bracket. They're sturdily built to handle aggressive play and offer good overall playability. 

Tournament Quality: These top-of-the-line Foosball tables offer the best playing experience. They're built to tournament quality standards and are designed for competitive usage. If you're planning to play professionally someday, you should ideally be practicing on one of these. Such a table would cost anywhere from $1500 to $3000. The cabinet, rods, bearings, and every other element of the table is built using high-quality parts.

Size

The official size of the Foosball table as per ITSF is 56-inch length, 36-inch width, and 36-inch height. And then you need at least three and a half feet clearance on either side to play without feeling congested or cramped.

Most tables above $500 are more or less the standard size. 

There are also mid-size and mini Foosball tables, which are ideal for smaller areas. Such tables are suitable for kids and friendly matches. But the feel and performance aren't anywhere near the standard ones.

Price

Foosball tables come in all price ranges from $100 to as high as $3000. But a higher price does not necessarily mean better performance. Beyond a point, you're just paying for aesthetics. 

Let's see the difference between tables across various bands:

Entry-level tables: These tables are primarily designed for kids and teenagers to play. However, adults can join in the fun as well. They're mostly non-regulation size and offer average playing characteristics. The rods would not rotate smoothly, the foosmen won't be counterbalanced, and the playing field isn't as responsive as you would hope.

But from a recreational point of view, they do a decent job. Don't expect these tables to last more than a couple of years.

Such tables cost anywhere from $100 to $200. 

Mid-Range tables: Tables in this category offers a fine balance of performance and pricing. These tables offer excellent ball control while still being affordably priced. The playability aspect, build quality, and finishing is excellent. Whether you play competitively or casually, these tables would be more or less ideal for you. 

It comes with a better cabinet, counterbalanced Foosball men, weighted rods with premium bearings, side ball returns, and scorer. A mid-grade table can cost you anywhere from $400 to $800.

High-End tables: Designed as per official standard, these tables offer the best playing characteristics. These are the same tables used in the tournaments. They come with a sturdier cabinet and frame, counterbalanced foosmen, high-quality rods for smooth operation, and better playing surface. You can pull off every shot imaginable on these tables. They're also attractively designed, and finishing is top-notch as expected. 

Such a table would set you back by at least $2000.

Design & Construction

Not all Foosball tables are constructed the same, and neither they should be. What goes in the construction of a professional table is quite different from a mid-range or an entry-level table. While most of the compromises are made in the quality aspects, but then there are also some design changes done, which makes it easier for kids to play.

In this section, we'll look at individual elements that make up the Foosball table and how do they vary across different price segments.

>> Weight

The weight of the table is a good indicator of its quality. Heavier tables are better as they remain stable and don't wobble during aggressive games. Look for a table which weighs at least 200 pounds or more. Lighter tables move during play, which can be annoying. Also, after a year or two, lighter tables would start showing signs of wear.

>> Counterbalanced Men

This is the major difference you find between cheaper and more expensive tables. Counterbalanced simply means the weight of the head and foot of the men is precisely the same. So let's say you leave the men tilted at a certain angle, then in case counterbalanced ones they would remain in their position, but cheaper ones would rotate back to the vertical position. As a result, it's easier to pass and execute precise shots with counterbalance men.

That said, even if the table doesn't have counterbalanced men, it can still be replaced. On Amazon, they cost about $6/piece. But with 26 men to replace, it can be a costly exercise, though.

>> Foosmen Design

Avoid foosmen with rounded or smooth toes as this significantly handicaps you in terms of the type of shots you can play. You should look for foosmens with pointed toes and grip for better ball control.

>> 3-Goalie Vs. 1-Goalie

In American Foosball tables, you'll find three goalies while in European tables, there is only one goalie. While it's a matter of preference but playing with one goalie is far more challenging than the three goalies. You need to be really precise and accurate with your defense.

The Foosball community is divided on which is better, but one thing is clear professionals tend to play with 1-goalie while 3-goalie setup is favorable for beginners.

The good thing, however, is the configuration is interchangeable. So if you opt for a 3-goalie configuration, you can always remove the extra two goalies and play with a single goalie.

>> Ramped Corners

Some tables come with angled or ramped corners, and some don't. This again, is a matter of personal preference and choice. Inherently all Foosball tables have dead spots, especially around the corners. The reason the dead spots exist because the goalie can't reach those tight corners.

Angled corners solve this problem. Corner balls automatically roll down to the table, which is both good and bad. Sometimes the ball can slide down to the goal without giving a chance for the player to defend. 

Angled corners are helpful for beginners and casual players to keep the game alive. But you generally don't find them on any professional table. 

>> Cabinet

The box in which the playfield and rods are mounted is referred to as the cabinet. It's generally made of wood, MDF, or particleboard. You want to have a sturdy and robust cabinet, preferably made of solid wood or MDF. Thicker sidewall results in better ball deflection and faster games. Moreover, during the game cabinet takes quite a bit of beating, which a thin cabinet might not be able to handle.

Similarly, a thicker top offers better playing characteristics and upbeat performance. Look for a table with at least 1-inch thick sidewalls and playing surface.

>> Legs

80 to 85% of the weight of the Foosball table is the cabinet, and the rest is the weight of the legs. Look for tables with sturdy and thicker legs as they need to support the whole weight of the table. Also, sometimes, players tend to sit on the edge of the Foosball table. The additional weight can put a lot of stress on the table, which thinner legs might not be able to handle.

>> Rods

The rods are the most crucial as well as one of the costliest parts of the Foosball table. Look for high-quality yet lightweight rods with chrome plating. The lighter rods allow you to maneuver laterally and play shots freely. You do not want a heavy or completely solid rod as it would slow down the game.

Some of the costlier tables come with telescopic rods, which is a great safety element, especially if you have kids around. In traditional tables, the rod goes through and through the table while in the telescopic one, the rod does not come out from the other side.

>> Ball Return

Whenever a goal is scored, the ball falls on the side or front pocket for easy retrieval. Usability wise, side ball return is better than the front ones. In case of the front ball return, you need to reach out to the front of the Foosball table to get the ball out, which might break the flow of the game.

This more of a convenience factor and not a deal-breaker, I would say.

>> Leg Levelers

You need a perfectly even surface to play Foosball. If the table is even slightly tilted, the ball would automatically move to the sloping side resulting in undue advantage for that player. Hence, a leg leveler is quintessential for any Foosball table. You should look for large levelers preferable 4"+ as they're more sturdy and easy to adjust. 

>> Handles

Avoid plastic handles at all costs. They aren't ergonomic and not comfortable to hold. What you should be looking at is either octagonal wooden or wrapped handles. They also absorb excess sweat allowing you to have a more comfortable grip and play advanced shots with ease.

>> Balls

The balls that come by default with the Foosball table are mostly inferior and are suited only for casual play. They're slow and lack bounce, resulting in an average gameplay experience. The good thing is that you can order replacement balls and they are quite cheap (under $3). 

You should look for tacky textured or cork ball. They're the standard balls used in major tournaments and leagues.