Below you’ll find our top foosball table recommendations, a comprehensive buyer’s guide, and answers to some common questions.
Top 5 Foosball Tables
Best Tabletop: Sport Squad FX40 TableTop Foosball Best Protection: KICK Foosball Table Best Design: Barrington Billiards Foosball Table Best Value: ESPN Foosball Table Best Lighted: Atomic Azure Light-Up Foosball Table
Pros and Cons
✔ Can accommodate two to four players✔ Features premium chrome-plated steel rods✔ Has comfortable rubber handles ✘ Not ideal for serious players✘ Limited space for teams
What Customers Are Saying
Those who were happy with this foosball table liked that it was easy to assemble, sturdy, and portable. However, unhappy customers said that the legs couldn’t support the weight of the table. Another common complaint was that the ball got stuck often.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can get free rod lubricant upon request✔ Can set up a one- or three-goalie rod✔ Comes with four balls of two styles ✘ Weighs almost 150 pounds✘ May be too bulky for small spaces
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that this table was made from quality materials that held up to frequent use. They also liked its stylish design. Some users were frustrated by its difficult assembly process. Others were disappointed that the rods weren’t lubricated, though this was available upon request.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has counterbalanced players✔ Comes with bead scoreboards for each side✔ Has stable A-shaped legs ✘ May require multiple people for assembly✘ Playing field lacks tapered inner corners
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers said that this table balanced durability with elegance. On the other hand, it wobbled for some customers, even with the built-in leg levelers. The corners were also dead spots where the ball got stuck often.
Pros and Cons
✔ Doesn’t require tools for assembly✔ Includes oversized leg levelers✔ Has a stylish, sleek look ✘ Not overly durable because it’s made from composite wood and plastic✘ Needs to be in a room that’s at least 8 x 6 feet
What Customers Are Saying
For the price, customers thought that this foosball table was relatively sturdy and stylish. However, many didn’t like that so much of it was made from plastic. Other reviewers thought that assembly was tough.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with a USB charging cable for the two balls✔ Offers electronic scoring✔ Has in-game music to go along with the lighting ✘ May be difficult to see the players in the dark✘ Music can’t be customized
What Customers Are Saying
Simple assembly and sharp design were two descriptions many happy customers used for this foosball table. However, unimpressed reviewers didn’t like all of the dead spots that the board had. What foosball table works best for your basement, garage, game room, or man den can depend on various factors, including type, size, purpose, and features. Read our buyer’s guide below for more information on these aspects.
Type
Below, we explain four common types of foosball tables.
Traditional
Traditional, high-quality foosball tables measure about 55 inches across, 30 inches deep, and 35 inches high. They typically have 13 players across four rods for each team, allowing for superior ball control and player and goalie setup.
Tabletop
Tabletop foosball tables are useful if you have limited space or want to play on the go. The small playing field allows users to place them on a table or another flat surface. Due to their versatile design, they make for popular outdoor foosball tables.
Coffee
Foosball coffee tables are the same size as traditional coffee tables, but the tabletop has a board that’s encased in glass. To play, players have to sit or kneel on opposite sides of the table, which doesn’t always make for the most comfortable playing experience.
Multi-Game
These tables convert into boards for foosball, table tennis, air hockey, shuffleboard or as a pool table. Since they have removable pieces, they’re not the sturdiest or highest-quality table for serious players.
Size
Traditional and multi-game tables usually measure 55 by 30 by 35 inches to fit two players on each side. Multi-game, coffee, and tabletop models are all options if you have limited space. Coffee and tabletop tables are generally a little smaller and may be a good choice for beginners. You can usually fit two people on either side, but it might be a little cramped. A coffee foosball table serves two functions for the size of one, and you can put a tabletop table away when you’re not using it. While multi-game tables are large, they cost less and take up less space than traditional models, which have separate boards for each game.
Purpose
If you’re a parent who is buying a foosball table for their young children to play with their siblings and friends, you may not care as much about goalie configuration, surface area, and other elements. However, if you’re purchasing a table for serious competition among adults, those qualities may be more important.
Features
If you’re looking for a high-end table, look for a model with extra table features. For example, some foosball tables are wired for lights, electronic scoreboards, and music, while others have decals on their pitch. Some tables also have automatic ball return or cup holders for holding drinks while you play. If you’ve ever played foosball, you likely fall into one of two categories: spinner or non-spinner. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, spinning involves rotating a foos man 360 degrees before or after making contact with the ball. Spinning generates a forceful shot that’s difficult to stop, but some players consider it to be cheating. If you’re playing in a competitive foosball tournament, it’s almost certain that spinning will be outlawed. If you’re playing casually, you’ll have to decide ahead of time among your friends and family if you will allow spinning. For young kids, spinning may be more fun and easier to master than trying intricate passes. Spinning also makes scoring goals easier and quicker, which could be beneficial if you have a large group of people who are waiting for their turn to play.
How many goalies do foosball teams have?
Depending on the table you get, it may have one or three goalies per team. Some even come with both, so you can choose which style you prefer. Most modern American sets come with three goalies, but older European sets have one goalie. Single-goalie tables allow for easier scoring, while three-goalie sets give you more control.
How many people can play foosball at once?
Foosball is usually played either as a one-on-one or two-on-two game. However, you can technically play with as many as four people per team on a full-size table, with each person controlling one rod.
How do you clean a foosball table?
To ensure that your foosball table stays in pristine condition, keep it clean by dusting it when you dust the rest of your home. For the occasional deep clean, use rubbing alcohol or a cleaning solution.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.