The Best Pool Table and Ping Pong Combos Available Right Now (2024)
Pool and ping pong are two of the most entertaining games you can play at home. But for some of us, there just isn’t enough room to enjoy both! There are a couple solid solutions for this problem: buying a pool table and ping pong combination, or a ping pong conversion top.
Combo game tables are great for saving space in your game room, but can sometimes affect the overall quality of your pool or ping pong experience.
In this article, we’ll address everything you need to know about pool and ping pong alternatives. We will look at some of the best pool table/ping pong combos and ping pong conversion tops, and explain the differences between the two options.
Pool Table/Ping Pong Packages vs. Conversion Tops
Pool and ping pong table alternatives come in a couple different variations. You’ll need to decide whether you want a 2-in-1 package, or a stand alone ping pong table top. Each option will allow you to enjoy both games, but each has their own pros and cons.
Complete Pool/Ping Pong Combos
A complete pool/ping pong game table package will come with everything you need to play either game. Most manufacturers will typically provide at least the following:
- A pool table
- Ping pong table top
- 2 cue sticks
- 2 paddles
- Pool ball set
- Ping pong balls
- Ball rack
- Ping pong net and post set
Some brands will also provide other things like chalk or a rail brush. It all depends on the specific brand and package you choose. But, at the very least, you should expect most of the basics in the list above.
Pros
- All-in-one: The biggest advantage of buying a combo table is getting an all-in-one package with everything you need to play pool and ping pong. This saves you money and the hassle of having to buy accessories separately.
- Space-saving: A combo table will be a great space-saver as it takes up little room. Some types have a bi-folding design to allow you to easily store the tables when not in use. Others also come with bench seating that doubles up as storage for all the accessories.
- Cost-effective: Buying a pool/ping pong table combo is cheaper than buying a pool table and ping pong conversion top separately. You can get a pool and ping pong combo for as little as $500, but buying a pool table plus a conversion top often means spending upwards of $1,000 or more.
Cons
- Low quality: Most pool and ping pong table combos are low quality. These tables will not provide the same level of playability and longevity as a dedicated pool or ping pong table.
- Smaller table than regulation: Multi-game tables are often smaller than regulation pool or ping pong tables. Many combo tables are shorter than 7 feet. Regulation pool and ping pong tables are 7 to 9 feet long.
Ping Pong Conversion Tops
Ping pong conversion tops are designed to convert your existing pool table into a table tennis playing surface. They are usually fold-out panels that you can quickly spread over your pool table or any other flat surface, like a dining table, to create a ping pong table. Most are made from MDF, wood, metal or composite materials.
You can expect to get the following when you buy most conversion tops:
- A net and post set
- 2 paddles
- Ping pong balls
Pros
- Cheaper if you already have a pool table: It will be much cheaper to get a conversion table if you already have a pool table. You can get something basic for as little as $200 or less.
- Versatility: Ping pong tops are quite versatile as they allow you to convert almost any flat and stable surface into a ping pong playing surface. Besides the pool table, you can also convert your dining table into a ping pong table.
- Straightforward setup: Conversion tops are super easy to set up as you only need to secure the top over the pool table using clamps or any other provided attachment mechanism. The process usually takes under 5 minutes. Some manufacturers also provide retractable nets to allow you to set up the conversion in just 2 easy steps.
Cons
- Table compatibility can be an issue: Ping pong conversion tops are made for specific base table shapes and sizes. It is important to ensure the base pool table is compatible with the top you want before buying it.
- Poor playability: A conversion top will allow you to play ping pong, but the quality of play will not be the same as with a dedicated ping pong table. Most of these tops have an inconsistent thickness, and the coating is not very good, which affects things like ball bounce.
- Some tops can damage your pool table: Some conversion tops have rough surfaces that can easily damage the felt on your pool table or leave unsightly scratches on the wood as you keep using them.
5 Best Pool and Ping Pong Combos
Here is an overview of 5 pool and ping pong combos that offer solid playability for both games:
1. Hathaway Newport 7-ft Pool Table Tennis Combination
Price: ~$1,500
Made in: USA
Product Features:
- Base Material: Engineered Wood
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 84″ x 47″ x 32″
- Weight: 383 Pounds
- What’s Included: 7-ft pool table tennis combination with a dining top, 2 storage benches, 2-piece 57-in cues, 2.25-in billiard balls, ball racking triangle, cue chalk, 2 ping pong paddles, net and posts set, 2 ping pong balls and a rail brush.
2. Freetime Fun 7-FT 3 in 1 Rockford Conversion Game Table
Price: ~$1,500
Made in: USA
Product Features:
- Base Material: Engineered Wood
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 84″ x 48″ x 32″
- Weight: 250 Pounds
- What’s Included: 7-ft pool table tennis combo with a dining top, 2 storage benches, 2-piece 57-in cues, 2.25-in billiard balls, ball racking triangle, 2 cue chalks, 2 ping pong paddles, net and posts set, 2 ping pong balls, table spot, top protection pads and table and rail brushes.
3. Hathaway Park Avenue 7-Foot Pool Table/Ping Pong Combo with Dining Top
Price: ~$1,500
Made in: USA
Product Features:
- Base Material: Engineered wood
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 84″ x 47″ x 32″
- Weight: 319 pounds
- What’s Included: Pool balls, (2) two-piece cues, rack, cue chalk, table brush, post and net set, 2 ping pong paddles and 2 ping pong balls
4. RACK Scorpius 7-Foot Multi Game Billiard/Pool with Table Tennis
Price: ~$1,300
Made in: USA
Product Features:
- Base Material: Engineered wood
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 84″ x 48″ x 32″
- Weight: 282 Pounds
- What’s Included: 7-foot pool table with table tennis conversion top, 2 57″ Maplewood cues, 2.25″ resin billiard balls, 2 cue chalks, ABS triangle rack, premium brush, 2 table tennis paddles, 3 balls and a net and post set.
5. Hathaway Maverick II 7-Foot Pool and Table Tennis Multi-Game Table
Price: ~$800
Made in: USA
Product Features:
- Base Material: Engineered wood
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 84″ x 46″ x 31″
- Weight: 240 pounds
- What’s Included: 7-foot pool table and table tennis top, 2 2-piece 57″ cues, 2.25″ billiard balls, ball racking triangle, 2 pieces of chalk, 1 brush, 2 table tennis paddles, 2 table tennis balls and a net and posts set.
Best 5 Ping Pong Conversion Tops
Here are 5 well-built ping pong conversion tops with fantastic playability:
1. Blatt Billiards Table Tennis Conversion Top
Price: $585.00
Made in: USA
Pool Table Compatibility: 7 and 8-ft tables
Product Features:
- Dimensions: 108″L x 60″W and 18mm thick
- Weight: 140 Pounds
- What’s Included: Table tennis conversion top, 2 paddles, table tennis balls and a net and post set.
2. Martin Kilpatrick Pool Table Conversion Top
Price: $642.39 – $879.99
Made in: Germany
Pool Table Compatibility: 8 and 9-ft tables
Product Features:
- Dimensions: 9′ x 5′ and 19mm thick
- Weight: 150 pounds
- What’s Included: Conversion set, net and post set, foam protection pads
3. STIGA Premium Table Tennis Conversion Top
Price: ~$500
Made in: USA
Pool Table Compatibility: Most pool table sizes
Product Features:
- Dimensions: 9’L x 5’W and 1″ thick
- Weight: 110 Pounds
- What’s Included: Conversion top and a net and post set
4. JOOLA Regulation Table Tennis Conversion Top
Price: ~$330
Made in: USA
Pool Table Compatibility: Up to 9-ft tables
Product Features:
- Dimensions: 108″L x 60″W and 15mm thick
- Weight: 115 Pounds
- What’s Included: Conversion top and a net and post set
5. MD Sports Table Tennis Table Conversion Top
Price: ~$170
Made in: USA
Pool Table Compatibility: Fits almost any pool table
Product Features:
- Dimensions: 108″L x 60″W and 12mm thick
- Weight: 90.36 pounds
- What’s Included: Conversion top and 1 retractable net
Wrap Up
There are several options when it comes to making your favorite game room a little more efficient. Pool and ping pong are undoubtedly two of the most entertaining games for any rec room, but sometimes it’s difficult given the space available.
You don’t always have to forego one sport for the other, as you can always get a combo game table or a ping pong conversion top to be able to play both games in the same space.
If you already have a pool table, getting a conversion top will be more economical, but if you do not, a pool table and ping pong combo is your best bet.
Remember, it’s important to consider your specific needs when making a decision on a pool or ping pong alternative. If quality is top of mind, you should probably pair a real pool table with a ping pong table top. But if the games will only get played occasionally, or you need to prioritize saving space, a full combo set might fit you better.
As always, Happy Shooting!
