Pool is one of the most popular pastimes around the world. But you can’t always go to a pool hall or a pub for a game. That’s where mini pool tables come in.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Mini Pool Table
A good mini pool table is a great accessory for any home and a great way to introduce children to this amazing game.
The best mini pool table sets are cool looking, made of sturdy materials, and come complete with all accessories needed for a regular game of pool.
Mini pool tables come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. And they can range from $20 all the way to around $400-$500.
Below are 5 of the best mini pool tables currently on the market. The models range from very affordable to somewhat expensive.
The 5 Best Mini Pool Tables
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Ideal Rack’Em Tabletop Pool
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Ideal’s Rack’Em Tabletop Pool is the smallest of the five reviewed models and a good fit if you want a super-compact pool table. It comes assembled and ready to play right out of the box.
The table measures 20” x 12” and weighs 5.9 lbs. The playing surface is covered in soft green felt and the sides sport natural woodgrain finish and black pockets.
Along with the table, you will get a pair of cues, 16 balls (approximately 1” in diameter), a racking triangle, instruction sheet, brush, and billiard chalk.
The instruction sheet has rules for four popular games to play on a mini pool table: 8-ball, 1-pocket, Cut Throat, and Straight.
Due to its boxy shape, instead of nets or baskets, the Ideal Rack’Em Tabletop Pool uses a system of internal rails to return the balls. There are no markings on the felt or the railings. That’s a standard feature with these down-sized pool tables.
The Ideal’ Rack’Em Tabletop Pool is best used to teach kids how to play pool. However, it is not recommended for children under the age of three.
Pros
- Can be played anywhere
- Doesn’t require assembly
- Lightweight
Cons
- A bit sub-par craftsmanship
- The felt is loosely fitted
Summary
This tabletop set is the most affordable of the five. It is a great option if you are on a tight budget.
Playcraft Sport Bank Shot 40-Inch Pool Table
The Playcraft Sport Bank Shot is a 40” x 20” mini pool table with laminate cherry sides and blue felt playing surface.
The internal measurements are 17-1/2” x 37-1/2”.
When assembled, the table is 9” tall.
The Bank Shot is easy to set up; all you need to do is attach the legs and you’re good to go.
The package also contains a pair of 36” cues, a set of 16 balls (cue ball included), racking triangle, chalk, and table brush.
With the wooden sides and blue felt, Playcraft Sport’s Bank Shot looks just like the real thing.
As with many other pool tables in this class, there are no markings on the felt or the railings.
This is a great tabletop pool set, ideal for parties and teaching your youngsters how to play. It also makes for a great birthday gift.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Fully equipped
- Quality felt cover
Cons
- Pockets are too wide
- Somewhat poor quality cues
Summary
While still in the affordable range, Playcraft’s Sport Bank Shot table is considerably more expensive than the Rack’Em Tabletop Pool set. It does, however, offer twice the length of the Ideal model.
Sunnydaze Decor 36-Inch Mini Tabletop Pool Table
This neat little tabletop pool comes from Sunnydaze Decor. It is a 36” pool table with green felt surface and dark brown woodgrain finish on the sides.
It also comes with a set of four sturdy, detachable legs.
When assembled, this table stands at 36” long, 20” wide, and 8.5” tall. It weighs 14 lbs. assembled. You can just put it on a regular dining table and play.
Along with the table, the contents of the box include two cues, one racking triangle, one table brush, a set of 16 balls, and a pair of chalks.
The included balls are nicely weighted and 1.5” in diameter.
The Sunnydaze Mini Tabletop Pool table sports classic styling and sturdy construction. There are no alternative color options.
Sunnydaze Decor offers a one-year warranty for this set.
Pros
- Quality balls
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Low quality brush
- The cues are too light
- Felt and bumps are a bit slow
Summary
The Sunnydaze 36” model is in the same price class as the Playcraft model. This is a great option if you have limited space.
Harvil Tabletop Pool Table
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The next item on the list is Harvil’s Tabletop Pool Table set. This modern pool table comes with wooden sides and a blue felt top.
The table is 40” long, 21.5” wide, and 7.25” tall (when assembled). The playing area is 37.5” long and 19” wide. The legs are detachable and sport the modern L-shape.
There is no head-string or foot-spot on the playing felt, which is pretty standard fare for tables this size. Also, there are no markings on the side rails.
The package also includes a pair of 36” cues, 16 billiards balls, 2 chalks, a brush, and a triangle. The overall weight of the set is 12lbs.
Dazadi, the owner of Harvil, offers a 90-day money-back guarantee for this table. The table is designed in the USA and made in Asia.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Quality playing surface
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Somewhat poor quality cues
- Felt prone to wear
- Racking triangle a bit too big
Summary
Harvil’s Tabletop Pool Table will cost you more than the Ideal Rack’Em, but less than the remaining three options.
CHH Mini Folding Pool Table
The fifth and the final item on this list is the Mini Folding Pool Table from CHH. It comes with folding legs and stands 29” tall, which is only a couple of inches lower than regulation tables. The overall length of the table is 44”.
The table features classic styling with natural color on the outside and green felt on the playing surface. The presence of cue holders on the sides is a nice touch.
The package also includes a pair of 42.5” cues, a set of 16 balls (cue ball included), chalk, racking triangle, and brush.
Pros
- More playable than tabletop models
- Easy to fold
- Stylish
- Quality cues and balls
- Cue holders on the sides
Cons
- Expensive
Summary
The CHH is by far the priciest mini pool table on this list. However, it is also the most playable, a great option if you can afford it and have enough space for it.
What to Look For When Buying a Mini Pool Table
Size
First, you will need to decide which size is the right one for you. We know we’re starting small here, but there are still several variations in dimensions within this category.
For example, if you live in a small apartment or if you don’t have enough space for a folding table, you should opt for a tabletop option. These come in various sizes, ranging from 20” to 40” in length.
On the other hand, if you want a more realistic experience, a folding table might be the right choice for you.
But folding mini pool tables take up considerably more space than their tabletop counterparts. They start at around 40”.
Related: The Best Portable Pool Tables
Price
Next, you will have to decide what you’re willing to spend on your pool table. Tabletops start at around $20.
The size of the table, craftsmanship, and included accessories determine the price tag.
So, make sure your tabletop set has everything you want before you buy it.
Folding tables, on the other hand, start at around $70-$80 and can easily go up to $400 or $500.
Materials and Construction
The vast majority of mini pool tables, especially the ones in the lower echelons, are made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Other than that, some nicer models might include metallic details or carved sides.
The cheaper models also tend to have lower construction quality, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get yourself a decent mini pool table. The playing felt usually comes in blue, red, or green. The pockets will usually have rope nets.
Some models, like the Rack’Em Tabletop Pool, have a rail system on the inside instead of nets.
Style
When it comes to style, most mini pool tables copy the classic styling of their full-sized counterparts. Some modes, like the Playcraft Sport Bank Shot, go for a more contemporary look. Whichever way you decide to go, make sure to choose quality over style.
Performance
Regardless of your budget, you shouldn’t expect to get the same playing experience as with a full-sized table.
That being said, you should bear in mind that the quality of felt, banks, cues, and balls can vary significantly among mini pool table sets. The goal is to get the best quality for your money (regardless of your budget).
Accessories
Finally, you should consider the accessories which come together with the mini pool table. A standard package includes two pool sticks, one or two chalks, a racking triangle, a brush, and a set of 16 balls.
Conclusion
Choosing the best mini pool table can be tricky, considering the sheer number of available options. When buying one, make sure you find the table that suits your needs and fits your budget.
