12 Best Foosball Tables to Get in 2022 – Reviews and Buying Guide

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 Imperial Garlando G-5000 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: Imperial Garlando G-5000
    "Extremely sturdy and steady table with telescopic rods for safety, great for home or commercial use and made by the renowned company."
  • Best Professional Foosball Table: 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."
  • Best Commercial Foosball Table: Warrior Professional
    "Official table of the Professional Foosball Tour, certified by both the ITSF and USTSF."
  • 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."
  • Best Household Foosball Table: Carrom Signature
    "Solid yet stylish table with everything you might desire for an advanced game room."
  • Best Hi-Tech Design: Atomic Azure
    "One-of-a-kind table with LED lighting and built-in automatic electronic scoring."
  • Best Contemporary Design: Harvil Beachcomber
    "Classy table with a wood grain finish and a configurable goalie setup."
  • Best Starter Foosball Table: Hathaway Hurricane
    "Good and sturdy table for a family just starting to experiment with foosball."
  • "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."

Top 12 Foosball Tables Review 2022

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1
Editor’s Choice

Imperial Garlando G-5000

Features
  • Type: indoor, home / commercial use
  • Dimensions: 59’’ x 43.2’’ x 36.2’’
  • Build: 1+1/2″ thick multi-layer plywood cabinet with plastic laminate coating; 1+1/2″ thick slanting Beachwood legs, wood-inlaid plastic handles
  • Playing rods: steel, hollow
  • Goalie configuration: 1
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • More features: counter-balanced players, wood bead scoring

This professional-quality table from Garlando is expensive, but it comes with everything you need for a serious foosball game and will last a lifetime. The table is built with 1.5-inch thick multi-layer plywood rather than fiberboard, making it both extremely sturdy and extremely heavy – which translates to almost no vibration. Although some users found that the linoleum table surface can scuff over time, the same users reported having absolutely no concerns about the long-term durability of the table thanks to the heavy-duty construction. Just in case of any defects that do come up, Garlando offers a two-year warranty on this table.

Like the G-500 from Garlando, this table uses hollow, telescoping rods. Users repeatedly complemented this feature for how much safer it makes the table when playing around children without reducing the speed of the rods and players. The goalie rod uses only one man, as is common on professional tables, although users were disappointed that the foosball men were not counter-balanced, since this significantly slows down the pace of the game. Although users did not report any issues with the table being out of level, note that the feet also offer the ability to easily adjust the level of the table.

Why is it special?

  • Extremely durable plywood construction
  • Telescoping rods
  • Two-year warranty

What are the flaws?

  • Expensive
  • Men are not counter-balanced
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3492 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
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9.3
9.7
2
Best Professional Foosball Table

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
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9.1
9.6
3
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 9618 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
4
Best Commercial Foosball Table

Warrior Professional

Features
  • Type: indoor, home / commercial / professional use
  • Dimensions: 56″ x30″ x36″
  • Build: MDF with PVC laminated playfield, leg and side panels, rubber swivel foot levelers
  • Playing rods: steel, solid
  • Goalie configuration: 1
  • Warranty: 1 year, limited
  • More features: counter balanced men, Rod Guard system, wood bead scoring, ITSF and USTSF recognized

Users loved this regulation-sized table from Warrior, which many compared to vaunted tables that cost three times more. This table is certified by both the ITSF and USTSF and is the official table of the Professional Foosball Tour, which alone should indicate that it is perfect for commercial use or use by burgeoning foosball professionals.

The table is made with medium-density fiberboard, but is thick enough to weigh 200 pounds to dramatically reduce vibrations compared to other fiberboard tables. The foosball men are counter-balanced and the goalie position includes only a single foosball man.

The main difference that users found from far more expensive tables is that the rods on this table are solid rather than hollow, slowing down the rate of play. Part of the reason for the solid rods is that Warrior added a safety system to the protruding ends of the rods to make them easier to see, decreasing the chance that someone is hit by them.

Although the table is described by Warrior as extremely easy to setup, users found that some of the pieces do not fit easily together and setup can take several hours of work. However, once it is put together, Warrior offers a one-year warranty, and the table comes with foot levelers to make adjustments easily.

What stands out?

  • 200-pound weight reduces vibration
  • Counter-balanced foosball men
  • Excellent price for professional quality

What cons did we manage to find?

  • Solid rods
  • Difficult to setup
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Chosen by 2924 people in the past 30 days
9.3
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9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
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8.9
9.3
5
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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Chosen by 9638 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
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8.7
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Based onweb analytics
8.9
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8.5
9.0
6
Best Household Foosball Table

Carrom Signature

Features
  • Type: indoor, home use
  • Dimensions: 55’’ x 29’’ x 36’’
  • Build: MDF with 1’’ thick Burr Oak finish, 2’’ chrome leg support bars, 3/8″ thick water-resistant surface
  • Playing rods: steel, hollow, with octagonal wood handles
  • Goalie configuration: optional (one or three)
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • More features: counter balanced players with a cross-hatch toe design, high-impact ball returns, wood bead scoring, drink holders, arrives mostly pre-assembled

If you’re looking for a foosball table that will serve as the centerpiece of your household game room for years to come, this table from Carrom is an excellent choice. The table is sturdy yet stylish, with a cabinet made of one inch thick medium-density fiberboard and finished with Burr Oak, plus thick chrome support bars running between the legs. The table is regulation size, so there is no need to upgrade to a larger table as your family and friends grow as foosball players.

The table also caters towards more skilled players with features like hollow steel rods with octagonal wooden handles and the option to equip the goalie rod with only a single foosball man. In addition, the foosball men are counter-balanced for faster-paced play, although some users noticed that the counter-balancing is not perfect and requires frequent lubrication. The foosball men also have a cross-hatched toe design to add grip, and the table comes with optional corner inserts to allow for continuous play.

One slight issue that users found with this table is that even when the legs are completely leveled, there are slight bumps and dips in the table surface that result in the ball rolling or getting stuck when it is moving slowly.

What are our favorite features?

  • Hollow steel rods
  • One or three man goalie configuration
  • Oak finish on cabinet

What could be better?

  • Counter-balancing is not perfect
  • Slight bumps and dips in table surface
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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
7
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 6895 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
8
Best Contemporary Design

Harvil Beachcomber

Features
  • Type: indoor, home use
  • Dimensions: 56’’ x 30’’ x 34
  • Build: MDF construction, wood grain finish, leg levelers
  • Playing rods: steel, solid; octagonal rubber handles
  • Goalie configuration: optional (1 or 3)
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • More features: not counter-balanced men, 4 silver cup holders

This foosball table from Harvil is designed for beginner to intermediate players and is perfect for home use by a family that is looking to grow into the game. The table is bulky, but solidly designed with thick medium-density foamboard construction and a wood grain finish that gives it a unique and stylish look. The leg levelers are easy to adjust and users found that the setup was not particularly difficult. One nice additional feature on this table is that each corner has a drink holder, and the table is heavy enough that the dampened vibrations won’t spill your drink. In addition, Harvil offers a one-year warranty on the table’s construction and parts.

The playing rods are made of solid steel, which is slightly slow for game play but adds to the overall durability of the table. Users appreciated that the goalie rod could be configured with either one or three foosball men. Unfortunately, the men are not counter-balanced, which makes it significantly more difficult to use this table when playing one on one.

What are our favorite features?

  • Wood grain finish
  • Drink holders in each corner
  • Configurable goalie setup

What could be better?

  • Men are not counter-balanced
  • Could be easier to setup
  • Bulky table
?
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
9
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
10
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
?
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
12
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

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 Imperial Garlando G-5000 Wenge thanks to its combination of professional features at a reasonable price point compared to similar offerings from competitor Tornado. Users particularly appreciated the counter-balanced foosball men, the one-man goalie configuration – which Tornado tables lacked – and the hollow telescoping rods that added confidence when playing around kids. All around, we found the G-5000 to be the best foosball table for semi-professional and professional players. Of course, we can’t leave out 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. It’s also worth mentioning that the Tornado Classic, offered many of the same features at a lower price point while offering the ability to take it outside in any weather conditions. For these reasons, the it was another of our favorite tables.

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