Best Mini Air Hockey Table For Kids (Reviews)
Best High End
Harvil 5' Air Hockey Game Table
Best Mid Range
Playcraft Sport 40-Inch
Best Inexpensive
JOOLA Sport Squad HX40
Last Updated: 11th Mar, 2023
If you have kids or grandkids, chances are you've probably been to an arcade with them at least once or twice. Air Hockey is one such game there, which undoubtedly attracts the most kids crowd. Every kid just loves to play Air Hockey - It's so much fun, engaging yet challenging.
Maybe your kids have asked for their very own Air Hockey Table, or you're planning to surprise them by getting one, but there is a slight hiccup. A full-sized Air Hockey table not only takes quite a bit of space which many of us don't have but are also Expensive.
That's where a mini air hockey table comes in. Like the name suggests, it's a smaller version of a full-fledged Air Hockey table. It may seem small in size but definitely not on fun.
Mini air hockey tables come in various shapes and sizes. From tabletop variants to self-standing ones, the market is flooded with hundreds of them. Then you also need to make sure the table is not only kid-safe but also sturdy enough to handle the pounding by the young ones.
To save you from the hassle, we have rounded up the best 6 mini and portable air hockey tables out there!
After researching over 28 mini Air Hockey Tables and playing on 8 of them with a couple of kids, we think the Playcraft Sport 40-Inch Table Top Air Hockey ticks most checkboxes for the majority of the buyers. This electric-powered game table is well built, lightweight, comes with a decent fan, and is quite affordable.
Hockey At Home
Our Top Picks for Best Mini Air Hockey Table for Kids
- Playcraft Sport 40'' - Top Tier Pick
- Rally And Roar Tabletop - Best Design
- Harvil 40-Inch Tabletop - Best for Durability
- Joola Sport Squad HX40 - Budget Pick & also the Smallest of the lot
Standing Model - Harvil Air Hockey Game Table - Pro Pick
- SportCraft Air Hockey Table - Value Pick (Standing)
1. Playcraft Sport 40-Inch Table Top Air Hockey
Top Tier Pick
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40 x 8 x 20 inches (W x H x D)
- Blower: 100 CFM
- Includes 2 strikers and 2 pucks
- Weight: 18.4 lbs
- Assembly: Minimal
From its modest price, compact size, and excellent performance, it doesn't get any better than this!
Measuring 40x20x8 inches, this compact and portable unit offers space-saving fun without compromising on the playability (from kids standard). The table comes with a 100 CFM electric blower which produces decent airflow for smooth movement of the puck. The MDF frame is surprisingly quite strong and sturdy, meaning you don't need to worry much about the breakage or wear and tear.
The pucks and strikers are well-made and won't break, no matter how hard you whack them. The ABS puck catcher system does its job as intended while manual scorer is provided at each end to keep track of the score.
The unit requires minimal assembly. The four MDF legs need to be attached to the top, which doesn't take much time. The only downside of this otherwise excellent product is that the legs don't come fitted with rubber pads to prevent scratches. It's probably a good idea to cover the table with some clothing before placing the unit.
All-in-all this is an excellent mini air hockey table, very well built and priced affordably.
What we Liked
+ Sturdy and robust construction
+ Decent blower
+ Compact and portable
Watch out for
- No rubber pads on the legs
2. Rally and Roar Tabletop Air Hockey Travel-Size
Best Design and Features
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40 x 9 x 20 inches (W x H x D)
- Blower: N/A
- Includes 2 strikers and 2 pucks
- Weight: 13.86 lbs
- Assembly: Minimal
We think the Rally and Roar hit the nail on the head in terms of cool features and design for a kid's air hockey table. This is the best-looking table we've on the list. Sporting a wood-finish frame with white glossy top and navy-blue scorer, this unit stands out.
The only assembly this table requires is attaching the legs. What's unique about this build is the extra compact size. Measuring at 40 L x 20 W x 9 H inches, this air hockey set is perfect for playing all around the house. On the floor for the kids, or you can place it on a tabletop if you need the extra height. The base of each leg is also padded with foam, making sure you won't leave any scratches behind on your tabletop. The size is just big enough for adults to play, but those with larger hands might have trouble gripping the pushers. The table is best left for just the kids.
Like most sets, it requires an electric supply to power the blower. The blower itself is decent and produces above average airflow for kids to play. You will also need 2 AAA batteries for the electronic scoreboard. If you don't have any on hand, you can always opt for the old school way and use the physical score trackers. You also get the essentials of 2 pushers and 2 pucks as expected.
Being designed and manufactured in America, the quality is clearly evident from the pucks to the glossy top.
The price of this table is around $70. It is an excellent choice for buyers who want a portable air hockey table with aesthetically pleasing looks and good all-round performance. We don't recommend this as a travel table (stay tuned for more on that), but it's still fairly portable for going next door or nearby.
What we Liked
+ Modern looks
+ Sturdy build quality
+ Led Scorer
Watch out for
- Legs don't fold
3. Harvil 40-Inch Tabletop Air Hockey Table
Best for Durability
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40 x 19.63 x 8 inches (W x H x D)
- Blower: N/A
- Includes 2 strikers and 2 pucks
- Weight: 14.77 lbs
- Warranty: 90 days from the date of purchase
- Assembly: Minimal
If durability is what you're after, no other table comes close to the Harvil 40'' tabletop Air Hockey table. Made out of dense fiberwood and sturdy legs supporting the frame, this table is designed tough. Modern and vibrant graphics adores the side, making the table look even more hip!
The table measures 40 L x 19.63 W x 8 H inches and weighs under 15 pounds. The rest of the features are pretty standard and common to the other sets on offer. It comes with two 65mm strikers, two 5mm pucks and manual scorer on each side. The table is fitted with a decently powerful blower producing more than adequate airflow.
As with other sets, you would need to install the legs by screwing them in the preset screw holes. Backed 90-days warranty against breakage or manufacturing defects along with superior build quality, makes it a solid pick.
What We Liked
+ Durable build quality
+ Vibrant graphics
+ 90-days warranty
Watch Out for
- Manual scorer
4. Joola Sport Squad HX40 40-inch Table Top Air Hockey
Budget Pick
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 5 inches (W x H x D)
- Blower: N/A
- Includes 2 strikers and 2 pucks
- Weight: 14 lbs
- Assembly: No
Our budget pick will run close to $40, well below most of the tables we've reviewed. But don't let the price tag fool you, this is still a solid choice. You don't get an automatic LED scorer, nor you get the supporting legs but what you get is a minimalistic and small air hockey table with no FRILLS! The table requires no installation and is set to play as soon as you unbox it.
However, you still have all the essentials to play. You get 2 pushers, and 2 pucks which is standard with most sets. The electric blower is also of the same power which is used in our top pick.
This compact tabletop unit measures at 40 L x 20 W x 5 H inches making it easy move and fold away for storage. However, one flaw of the design is that without legs to prop it up, the table sits very low. On carpet, this can interfere with airflow and cause the motor to overwork itself. For best results, stay on wood or tile flooring.
The components in this set are good, but not perfect. The table itself is made from medium-density fiberboard. Solid, but not the sturdiest. The felt on the pushers can also wear off if you are too aggressive while playing. It would be best to go easy on this table, and not lean too heavily on it during gameplay.
For the price, this is an absolute steal. Yes, the quality might not be the best, but for the price you pay, it's definitely worth your money.
What we Liked
+ Bang for the buck pricing
+ Excellent performance
+ Lightweight, portable and compact
Watch out for
- No legs
- Average build quality
5. Harvil Air Hockey Game Table
Top Tier Pick
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 60 x 31 x 26 inches (W x H x D)
- Blower: dual 100 cfm
- Includes two 75mm strikers, two 63mm pucks
- Weight: 44 lbs
- Assembly required: Yes
Moving to the next category of standing mini air hockey tables, our first pick is the Harvil 5" standing game table. This is also the second Harvil table to feature in our list (for a good reason). Harvil is a well-known, and reputable game table manufacturer, and this unit is no different!
This is a non-folding table and less portable than the tabletop counterparts but what you is the authentic arcade-like gameplay experience. This table measures 60 L x 26 W x 31 H inches, which is ideal for kids to play comfortably and for the parents to jump in on the action as well. Two CUL approved blower power the table producing steady and excellent airflow for the pucks to glide butter smooth.
The complete air hockey table weighs in at 44 pounds. A bit on the heavier side, but this ensures the table remains secure and steady throughout the play. At around 5 feet in length, this is the largest mini Air hockey table on this list. But the table isn't too wide, and should fit most rooms. Keep this in mind when deciding how much space you have to work with.
For anyone who is worried about playing on uneven surfaces, this table comes with adjustable levelers. This guarantees a nice even playing field every time. An electric scorer on the top keeps track of the points, so no need to worry about adding up points during the game. The installation is fairly simple as well, simply screw in the four legs and two side support and you're all set.
Harvil has designed a great product that delivers exactly what you want. The size is great for kids and teens. Plus, it isn't too small that adults can't enjoy a game or two with the kids. The only downside is the price tag. You are paying for a premium product that comes with a premium price tag. At around $250, this is a big investment. However, if that price is within your range, you can rest assured you are getting the best air hockey table for kids that the market has to offer.
What We Liked
+ Sturdy and Durable build quality
+ Best-in-class performance
+ Modern design
+ Electronic Scorer
Watch Out for
- Expensive
6. SportCraft Air Hockey Table
Value Pick
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48 x 30 x 24 inches (W x H x D)
- Blower: 100 cfm
- Includes two strikers, two pucks
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Assembly required: Yes
With Sportcraft 48" Air Hockey Table, you get a sturdily built game table at less than the price of any tabletop variant and 1/3rd the cost of our top pick in standing table category. It packs in all the essential features of a high-end pick, yet comes at a more affordable price. Sporting modern and vibrant graphics, it's well constructed and offers decent playability.
The table measures at 48 L x 24 W x 30 H inches and weighs under 35 pounds, making it ideal for kids and growing teens; adults can also join in the fun albeit with some difficulty. The unit is powered by a single electric blower which produces decent airflow to keep the pucks gliding. The airflow isn't the best we've seen but adequate. The AC powered electric scoreboard keeps track of the points for continuous play. Included in the set are two pushers and two pucks, both with the excellent build quality. Additionally, leg levelers are provided to adjust and level the playing surface on uneven ground.
This unit mirrors our number top-pick in many ways. On paper, both are quite similar in design. What you are losing out on with SportCraft is the quality, size, and number of blowers. The table still functions well, but doesn't feel as robust as the higher priced tables. The electronic scorer can occasionally miss or double-count a shot. You'll notice this table does come with a physical score counter for those cases. The smaller size might be more convenient for those who need to save space, but this mainly meant for the kids. Teens and adults might not find it as appealing.
Overall, this is an excellent standing mini air hockey table that meets a balance between cost, features, quality, and fun.
What We Liked
+ Affordable pricing
+ Good build quality
+ Digital Scorer
+ Compact
Watch Out for
- No On/Off switch
Buyer's Guide to Mini Air Hockey Tables
With all the many choices available in the market, choosing the best mini air hockey table can be quite overwhelming. To save you the time and effort, we've included this buyer's guide highlighting what exactly you should look for in a quality unit.
Broadly you need to take into account four factors - usage, size, build quality, and price.
How Will it Be Used?
<Intended Usage>
The first thing you need to determine is how often you or your kids intend to play on the unit. Will your kids be spending hours on end going through tournaments? Or will they just play casually here and there? This will determine what kind of durability and power system you'll need. More frequent use means more wear. Investing in solid wood components, over cardboard or plastic will pay off. If you don't think you'll put as many hours in, then going for a cheaper option might be a better option.
<Power Source>
Mini air hockey table can either be powered by batteries or a wall outlet. If you want longer play sessions, then you'll definitely need a table that uses AC supply. Batteries will only be able to sustain for shorter games. The advantage of batteries is that you get more flexibility in where you play and can setup. If you plan to carry the table while camping or traveling or other outdoor areas, the battery-powered unit has a clear advantage.
On the other hand, AC powered unit utilizes high power blower, resulting in better playability and performance in comparison to the battery-powered unit. Few variants use a combination of a plug-in supply for the motors, and batteries for extra components. Replacing batteries can add to the cost with frequent play.
<Blower Capacity & Count>
The general rule of thumb is, higher the blower capacity, the better it is. Higher capacity blowers produce more airflow helping the pucks glide more smoothly, resulting in better performance. But tables with such blowers run a bit costly. Look for tables with blower capacity in the range of 100 cfm to 200 cfm. Anything lower or higher than this would result in a poor gameplay experience.
Table Size
This is one of the most crucial factors. Depending on how much space you have, and what kind of players will be playing, will help determine your options. The smallest sized tables are usually around 2 to 3 feet in length. These are best for kids of most ages. If you are restricted by cost or space, then this is a good choice for you. Kids can play on the floor, put them on a nearby tabletop, and be ready to go. Storage will be no issue either with this kind of table.
The next size up is 4 to 5 feet in length. These mid-size tables closely resemble traditional full-size pro tables, which you usually find at the arcade. The shorter length still makes them ideal for kids and teens, but adults won't have too much trouble joining as well. These tables will require an open floor for setup and storage. Typically, you won't find a table that has folding legs, so be prepared to commit the floor space.
New players and pros alike can have fun with these. But, the price of such tables, can go up quite a bit for their sturdy design and broader player appeal. It's an excellent starter table for kids to get a real feel of the game.
Anything reaching 6 feet and going 7 feet and over, starts to enter the realm of pro-level air hockey tables. These will be very expensive models, and are much too large for most kids. You'll want to stay under 6 feet at the very least when shopping for a kid's table.
Other Important Factors
There are a few other things to consider before making a purchase. The weight of the table determines how stable it would remain during play. A heavy table is also an indication of higher quality wood material. You can always go with a lighter option if you need more maneuverability.
Leg levelers are always a great thing to have. Hopefully, you won't need one, but if you are unsure, it is best to go with a table that includes these. If the flooring is uneven, and you don't have levelers, you end up kind of stuck.
Electronic scorekeepers are not essential but can be worth the extra cost. For those who want the most seamless experience and don't mind buying the extra batteries, definitely go with an electronic scorekeeper. Having a backup physical counter on the table is a nice perk also.
With any purchase, budget is always a major factor. Fortunately, there are lot many options available across various price points. Higher prices mean better quality almost universally. That doesn't mean you can't find a good table at a lower price. In such case, go with whatever you can comfortably afford. The overall experience will still be great for the kids.
`
Finally, while this list and guide is geared toward younger players, that doesn't mean the parents can't play too! If you want to have a table for older and younger players, then we recommend staying with at least a 4-foot-long table. Anything below can limit who will be able to use the air hockey table.
Conclusion
Air hockey's popularity exploded after their invention right before the 70s. It has become a long-lasting staple of modern arcades, and kid's favorite. Decades later, this simple game still has all the appeal from back then.
A mini air hockey table is an excellent way to keep your young ones entertained without putting a hole in your pocket. It could even be their introduction into competing like a Pro!
There are a couple of other mini-game tables which you can try as well. One such is the Mini Ping Pong table, the miniature version of Ping Pong or table tennis. An excellent game, definitely worth looking.
