The 5 Best Pool Tables 2023 Review

Explore our recommendations, learn about what to look for when buying, and get answers to some common pool table-related questions below.

Easiest To Store: GoSports Portable Pool Table Best Full-Size: Barrington Billiards Billiard Table Set Most Versatile: Spartan Multigame Table Best Miniature: Hey! Play! Mini Tabletop Pool Set Best Mid-Size: Mizerak Billiard Table

Easiest To Store: GoSports Portable Pool Table

If you don’t have a dedicated area to permanently place your pool table, this mid-size table with folding legs could be a viable option. It’s light enough to pick up and stow away but sturdy enough to support spirited gameplay.

Pros and Cons

✔ Assembles in seconds✔ Has adjustable leg levers for stability on different surfaces✔ Comes in other colors and lengths ✘ Not regulation size✘ Has mesh pockets instead of durable, stylish leather ones

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers were impressed with the portability and stability of this pool table, stating that it felt sturdy during gameplay and was light enough to move with someone else’s help. Given the price, many users also thought that the felt material was high-quality. However, some customers reported durability issues with the legs, saying that they broke at the folding joint.

Best Full-Size: Barrington Billiards Billiard Table Set

Pros and Cons

✔ Has classic drop pockets for an authentic look✔ Has a scratch-resistant rail coating on the perimeter of the table✔ The tricot polyester felt ensures a smooth rolling surface ✘ The table is heavy at 260 pounds, requiring multiple people to move it safely✘ Is the most expensive pool table in this review

What Customers Are Saying

The majority of users who reviewed this premium full-size billiards table agreed that it was a high-quality table that felt luxurious. They also said that the table was flat and smooth, and close to regulation size, allowing for consistent gameplay. Critically, some customers said that the assembly process was arduous, and others complained about the pool cues warping easily.

Most Versatile: Spartan Multigame Table

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a durable poly-sealed playing surface✔ Can switch to the ping pong board in seconds✔ Includes all of the accessories for both games ✘ Takes some effort and time to switch the games✘ Not the sturdiest surface for spirited table tennis games

What Customers Are Saying

Although customers found this combination game table to be heavy, they said that this made it sturdy. The table’s small size was a point of contention for some users, but most found it to be useful in maximizing a small game room.

Best Miniature: Hey! Play! Mini Tabletop Pool Set

Pros and Cons

✔ Acts as a novelty game for kids or parties✔ Weighs less than six pounds if you want to bring it on a trip or to a friend’s house✔ Includes mini versions of all of the accessories you would find with a full-size table ✘ May be difficult for adults to handle the small balls and cues✘ Doesn’t replicate a true pool experience

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers found this portable pool table to be easy to use. They included that it was made with nice materials, making them confident that it would last several years if they properly cared for it. Alternatively, some users were upset with how easily the cues broke. Others didn’t receive all of the balls.

Best Mid-Size: Mizerak Billiard Table

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a built-in ball return feature✔ Has a classic look with a green felt-like playing surface✔ Uses rubber cushions around the perimeter of the surface for bounce ✘ Has plastic corners, pockets, and legs✘ Made from MDF fiberboard instead of real wood

What Customers Are Saying

Easy assembly, lightweight, and solid build were consistent highlights in many positive customer reviews. Users added that the pool table played like a full-size table without taking up as much space. However, some customers didn’t receive all of the parts to build the table. Finding the right pool table for your home comes down to your priorities. Whether you’re searching for an inexpensive table for casual play or a premium full-sized table for intense competition, we’ve outlined some of the most important elements to consider.

Size

There is a great range of pool table sizes from which to choose. Tables that are between 7.5 and 9 feet in length are full-size—9-foot tables are standard regulation size. Mid-size tables range from 6 to 7 feet. They fit in a small game room but feature a surface that’s ample enough for a quality playing experience. Any table that’s smaller than 6 feet falls under the compact or miniature pool table category. Though these tables don’t provide realistic gameplay, they offer the benefit of portability.

Playing Surface

Opt for felt over nylon or other stand-in fabrics for a continuously smooth surface. The surface beneath the felt affects the quality of the table and user experience to an exceptional degree. Medium-density fiberboard is a step up from plywood, supporting casual or fairly intense gameplay. A slate base is ideal, but it also costs the most. Cheaper pool tables usually have a thin plywood base with a nylon-cloth surface. If this nylon gets wet, there’s usually no way to get it flat again, which renders your pool table useless.

Stability

A pool table’s stability affects how level its playing surface is. Sturdy table legs don’t move, allowing the pool balls to travel smoothly across the playing surface. Positioning your pool table on a flat floor is the best way to ensure stability. However, if your surface is slightly curved or bumpy, you can find a pool table with leg levelers.

Pockets

Most pool table pockets are between 4–5 inches deep in the corners and 5–6 inches deep in the center. The strongest pocket material is leather, but nylon mesh and textile are also common. Some pool tables have a handy ball return system that the pockets feed into to make setting up for the next game quicker and easier.

Cushion

The perimeter of the playing surface is known as the cushion or bank. It keeps the pool balls contained as they move across the playing surface, bouncing them off of the edges. If you are an experienced pool player and frequently take power shots, look for a table with thick cushioning.

Style

Pool tables range in style from modern to classic. Expensive wood tables usually take on a more traditional look with hand-sewn leather pockets and ornately shaped table legs. These tables double as home decor.

Combination Game Tables

High-end pool tables serve a single purpose, whereas some less expensive models convert to offer multiple games. By switching out the surface, gamers can use it as an air hockey table, ping pong table, foosball table, and more.

Accessories

Most pool tables come with all of the necessary items for gameplay, including:

Balls Brush Chalk Cues Rack

Quality pool tables are made from sensitive materials that need to be meticulously maintained to provide users with an optimal gaming experience. We’ve listed some tips below to help you get the most longevity out of your table.

Try not to drink or eat in close proximity to your pool table. If you do, place these items on a nearby table instead of on the edge of the pool table. Use a cover to protect your pool table from dust and debris when you’re not using it. The playing surface easily picks up particles, which can be cumbersome to vacuum or comb. Between games, gently brush the playing surface with a pool brush. This removes dust and leftover chalk and evens out the playing surface. Depending on the care instructions for your pool table, you may also be able to gently vacuum the surface using a handheld vacuum. To clean the other parts of your pool table, use a slightly damp cloth. Clean each ball individually using a damp or dry towel. Most pool players clean their balls every 10–20 games to remove residual chalk. The more often you clean the playing surface, the less often you need to clean the balls. Don’t use your pool table as a counter, table, or other piece of furniture. Use it solely as a means to play pool. Note that if you have an outdoor pool table, these maintenance tips may not be necessary.

What is the best size for a pool table?

The best size for a pool table is usually around 80 or 90 inches long. Ensure that the table itself fits in your game room or basement. After that, factor in extra space for pulling back the cues. You can find charts online that tell you how much space you need at different angles based on the size of the table. The manufacturer may also provide detailed measurements.

What pool table do professionals use?

Many professional pool tournaments use the Diamond Pro-Am or the Brunswick Gold Crown for their superior playing surface and stable platform. As this review is intended for amateur pool players to enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes, we recommend the Barrington Billiards Billiard Table Set for the most professional-like experience.

Can I sit on the edge of my pool table?

Although you can sit on the edge of a heavier pool table, we don’t recommend it. Doing so may stress the table’s frame, resulting in permanent sagging or tearing.

What is cutthroat pool?

Cutthroat refers to a three-way game of pool where each player is assigned five balls. It’s the ideal game if you have three players and don’t want someone to sit out a round.

Are pool and billiards the same game?

Billiards is a more general term than pool, as it refers to any game that’s played with a cue. Conversely, you must play pool on a pool table with a cue. 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.