Best Budget Pool Table Of 2022
Pool tables come in various sizes and costs, with some costing upwards of $1000. However, not all pool tables are expensive, with some costing under $1000. These budget pool tables tend to be smaller in size than your standard regulation size pool table.
This makes them an ideal option for home use. And while most cheap pool tables are not of the same quality as pricier ones, there are many great options in this price segment. And in this article, we bring you a list of the five best budget pool tables.
We have also prepared a buying guide on what makes the best affordable pool tables. The number one spot goes to the Hathaway Fairmont Portable 6-Ft Pool Table. This pool table is portable and small without being too small as to be a problem to play on.
Also, it has foldable legs that make it easy to store and does not have to occupy a permanent space in your man cave, basement, or whichever room you choose to put. Number two goes to the GoSports 6ft or 7ft Billiards Table, which offers one of the best playing surfaces of any budget pool table.
Reviews Of The Best Budget Pool Table
Hathaway Fairmont Portable 6-Ft Pool Table
Features
- Blended wool felt
- Chrome-plated corner castings
- L-profile rubber cushions
- Foldable steel legs
- 5 inch top rails
Product Overview After My Extensive Research
At 6 ft long, the Hathaway Fairmont portable pool table is smaller than a regulation-size table. However, it is bigger than most other portable pool tables. As such, it creates a nice balance between portability and a playing experience.
Apart from being portable, it does not require any assembly. This is because its legs can be folded, making it much more compact. Thus to start using it, simply unfold the legs and voila. This makes it an excellent option for families.
This pool table comes with all the accessories required to start playing. It comes with 2.25-inch standard-sized balls, 2 48 inch two-piece cue balls, chalk, table brush, and a racking triangle. Also included in the package is a nylon carry bag.
While we loved the accessories it comes with, the standard-sized balls are a bit too big for this table. As such, we recommend buying 1-⅞ inch balls instead. The cushions are also not the same quality as some pricier tables, but this is expected from a budget pool table.
Reasons Behind Choosing This Model
- It comes ready to use with convenient foldable legs that make it easy to store
- All accessories necessary such as balls, cue balls, chalk are included
- It is pretty lightweight compared to pricier regulation size pool tables, though it still requires at least two people to move.
- It is an excellent option for teaching children how to play pool table.
- It is easy to level
Facts Need To Be Concerned
- It comes with standard-sized balls that look congested on the small pool table, and it is better to buy smaller balls
- The cue sticks that are included are not the best, and you may be forced to buy new ones
Most Impressive thing about this model
There are plenty of small pool tables that look more like toys than pool tables. On the flip side, most regulation-sized tables cost a fortune. The Hathaway Fairpoint sits at the cross-section of these two; it is small but not too small, and at the same time, is quite affordable. And this is what makes it such a great table.
GoSports 6ft or 7ft Billiards Table
Features
- 15 regulation balls included
- Steel frame with two bars underneath for support
- Foldable steel legs
- Synthetic felt cloth
- 2.57-inch cue sticks included
- 76 L x 43 W x 31 H dimensions
The Gosport Portable Billiard table comes in two sizes, 6 ft, and 7 ft. Furthermore, the tables are available in a variety of felt cloth colors. You can choose from red, blue and dark. We tested the 7 ft table for our review to see how it would be fair.
One of the first things we noted was how good the playing surface and cushions are. Most budget pool tables have pretty terrible cushions and playing surfaces. This leads to the ball not rolling smoothly on the surface.
The GoSports table is different as the balls roll quietly and smoothly on the felt. Also, the rail cushions bounce very well. In our view, it offers the closest thing to a slate table-level playing experience in its price segment.
Also, the 15 balls that are included in the package are of much better quality than what most other budget tablets offer. The cue sticks are pretty terrible, though, which seems to be the case for almost all budget tables.
Reasons Behind Choosing This Model
- It does not require assembly, thanks to its foldable legs
- It comes in two size variants and several color options
- The felt offers smooth-rolling of balls, with the rails providing a nice bounce
- The table is more lightweight than pricier models
- Comes with all accessories necessary for playing included in the package
Facts Need To Be Concerned
- The cue sticks are terrible, and you are better off buying new ones
- It only has two bars supporting it underneath, which makes it a bit less sturdy than other budget tables
Most Impressive thing about this model
The GoSports billiard pool table is the closest thing to a real slate table you can get for less than $600. The railings and felt cloth on this table are miles ahead of the crappy surfaces and rails we have come to expect from budget pool tables, and this is what earns it a spot on our list.
EastPoint Sports Billiard Pool Table
Features
- parlor style drop pockets
- Leg leveling system build in
- Wooden frame
- 90 x 54 x 6.25 inches dimensions
- 2 wooden billiard cues included
The EastPoint Sports Billiard pool table has a lovely antique design and will be a nice addition to any room’s decor. And like all the other pool tables on our list, it is quite affordable, costing below $600. But how good is it as a pool table?
Unlike some of the other entries on our list, this pool table does require assembling. However, the cushions are already attached to the playing surface. But assembly is still a two-person job and may take a couple of hours, 2 to 3 hours to be exact.
The included cues and billiard balls are average at best. But this is not designed for professional players but more for amateur at home playing. So this is to be expected. Nonetheless, the table does have a nice leveling system that makes it easy to level on different surfaces.
The frame is made of wood but not solid wood. It should last for long, but it does require care and attention. The table does come with all the necessary accessories, including 1 set of billiard balls, 2 wooden cues, 2 chalks, a triangle, and a table brush.
Reasons Behind Choosing This Model
- It has a nice antique design
- It is relatively easier to set up than regulation-sized tables.
- It has a built-in leveling system
- It comes with all accessories needed for playing
- The pockets are made from very nice leather material.
Facts Need To Be Concerned
- It is not as sturdy as other wooden tables and tends to flex when bumped into
- The legs are not of good quality and are encased in cheap plastic
Most Impressive thing about this model
This pool table should be sufficient for most amateur players. It isn’t the best in terms of quality, but it is offered at a reasonably affordable price tag. Also, its antique design will add a touch of decor to any room.
Mizerak Donovan II 8’ Billiard Table
Features
- Slate table bed
- 341 pounds weight
- Disk style leg levelers
- ⅝ inch k66 rubber rails
- 2 cues and a set of billiard balls included
Compared to some of the other options on our list, the Mizerak Donovan II 8 inch billiard table is a premium pool table with the features to match. Firstly, at 8 inches long, it is longer than most of the other pool tables on the list.
Secondly, this table comes in two options: slate and slatron. The slate option will require time and help from a few of your friends to set up. The slates are quite heavy, weighing upwards of 150 pounds each.
However, this means the table will last for a very long time. When it comes to playability, this table is exceptional, which is to be expected given its slate bed. It matches professional tables in terms of playability and should be a nice option to hone your skills.
The felt cover you get with this table is not great, though. The same goes for the billiard balls. So you may want to get a new felt cover as well as billiard balls. However, this table is level and solidly built, especially compared to cheaper options.
Reasons Behind Choosing This Model
- The slate table bed will last for a very long time
- The table is easy to level
- It is one of the cheapest 8-inch slate tablets on the market
- It holds up to frequent daily use better than most cheaper tables
- It is not as difficult to assemble as it looks
Facts Need To Be Concerned
- The felt cover is terrible, and you are better off buying a new one
- Almost all the other accessories it comes with are awful as well, with the rack being too tight and the brush being too smaller
Most Impressive thing about this model
The 8-inch slate bed pool table is a cheaper alternative to pricier slate tables. And while it has its downsides, they can easily be remedied by spending a little extra. Overall, what you get is a durable table that will last you for a very long time.
EastPoint Sports Billiard Pool Table 87 Inch
Features
- K-66 rubber bumpers
- Leg levelers
- All accessories included
- Parlor style drop pocket
- 7 inch long and 3 inches wide
The EastPoint sports billiard pool table is a great starter table. If you have kids, this will be a great table to get for them to learn to play pool. Its antique designs will add a touch of class to the room you put it in.
One of the best things about this table is the k66 rubber bumpers. These provide a nice bounce. The parlor-style pocket design also adds a nice touch, and the scratch-resistant top rails are durable. As for assembling, it is pretty straightforward though you may take up to 3 hours doing it.
The balls and cue sticks are average, and the balls do roll smoothly on the felt cover surface. It may not match up to a professional-style table in terms of playability, but you will hardly notice. This is especially since this is suited for learning.
All the accessories you would expect to get with your pool table are included. This includes a set of billiard balls, 2 cues, a brush, 2 pieces of chalk, and a triangle. Thus you can get started playing right away.
Reasons Behind Choosing This Model
- It is relatively easy to assemble
- It has a nice antique design that will blend nicely with the decor of most rooms
- It can be an excellent starter table and will be an ideal one for learners
- It has leg levelers to ensure a level playing surface
- It plays nicely for a budget tablet
Facts Need To Be Concerned
- It is not the most sturdy, with the wooden legs encased in plastic covers
- The included brush is not great, and it is better to buy a new one
Most Impressive thing about this model
If you are looking for a starter table for your kids to learn to play pool, this will be a great option. It is an inexpensive alternative to pricier models and offers decent enough playability. You can start with this one before graduating with a pricier regulation-sized model.
Quick Comparison Of My Selected Budget Pool Tables
| Hathaway Fairmont | GoSports | EastPoint Billiard | Mizerak Donovan | |
| Dimensions (inch) | 76 x 43.25 x 32 | 79.5 x 47 x 5.5 | 90 x 54 x 6 | 99 x 55 x 31.25 |
| Weight | 115.5 Pounds | 151.00 Pounds | 215.4 Pounds | 341 Pounds |
| Material | Felt | Synthetic | Wood | Metal |
| Base Material | Metal | Alloy Steel | Wood | Slate |
| Assembly Required | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Included Accessories | Nylon carry bag, 2.25-in standard billiard balls, 48-in pool cues(2), chalk(2), table brush, racking triangle | Cue Sticks(2), Billiards Table(1), Chalk(2), Balls(15), Ball Rack(1) | Billiard Table, 2 Billiard Cues, 1 Set of Billiard Balls, 1 Triangle, 2 Pieces of Billiard Chalk | cues (2), set of billiard balls, triangle, brush, chalk (2) |
Best budget pool tables buying guide
The numerous pool table options available in the budget segment mean that you have to be careful when selecting one. To make the right choice consider the following factors and table features.
Size
Pool tables vary in size ranging from below 7 inches to 9 inches and over. 8-inch tables are considered to be the standard professional-sized tables. An 8-inch long table will give you a professional playing experience but require a bit more space.
If space is an issue for you, 7 inches or smaller will be ideal. In particular, a 6-inch tablet will be suitable for people with limited space. So select your pool table size based on how much space you have to keep it. Most budget tables are below 8 inches long.
Stability and levelness
Heavier pool tables offer more stability than lightweight ones. However, most of the tables you will find in the budget segment are lightweight. Check to see the kind of support structure underneath the table. Steel support structures will offer good stability.
Another thing to check is the leveling system; this will help you place the table on different floor surfaces without wobbling.
Bed materials
Ultimately slate is the best material for making the bed, and professional-style pool tables feature a slate bed. However, slate pool tables are expensive. The cheaper alternative is steel and synthetic materials, which are used to make most budget table beds.
The rails and cushions
The rails and cushions are found around the pool table bed surface. Typically the rails are made from rubber and allow the ball to bounce when they hit them. Most budget tables feature k66 rails. These rubber rails offer a decent enough bounce and are good options for home use.
Construction
Budget pool tables are typically made from wood or steel. While wooden frames may seem better among budget tables, steel frames offer better stability. The legs of most wooden tables in the budget segment tend to be not sturdy.
Playing surface
Wool is the material typically used to make the felt cover of a table’s playing surface. In budget tables, you can also find synthetic felt covers. These do not offer the same quality as wool, though you are better served with a woolen felt cover.
Usage
Most budget pool tables are built for casual players and are typically used indoors. Finding a budget pool table designed for indoor and outdoor use won’t be easy.
Assembly
The best cheap pool tables will typically be easy to assemble. Some will actually not require any assembling. Tables with foldable legs will not require assembling and are ideal for domestic use. Others may require assembling, so it is essential to check how easily a table is set up.
Weight and portability
For casual home use, you want a table that will be portable enough to be easy to use. Fortunately, most budget tables are portable and weigh significantly less than regulation-sized tables.
Accessories
Another thing to check is the accessories the pool table comes with. It should have all accessories needed for playing, from billiard balls to wooden cues. Additional accessories such as a pool table brush are also great
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Upgrade My Pool Table?
Yes, you can always upgrade your pool table. However, it is important to consider how much space you have and your skill level.
What is the primary consideration when buying a budget pool table?
Size is perhaps the most important thing to consider when buying a pool table. The size of the pool table you get will depend on the amount of space you have. For home use, where space is a bit limited, smaller and cheaper pool tables that are 7 inches and below are preferred.
Is a Cheap pool table any good?
Yes, unless you are a professional player playing in a tournament, then a budget pool table will most likely be enough for playing at home, especially for amateur players.
How much does a good quality pool table cost?
On average good quality, standard-sized pool tables cost between $600 and $3500. However, smaller tables that are below 7 ft long can cost $400 to $600, while some larger tables can cost upwards of $15,000
Conclusion
You do not need to spend thousands of dollars on a pool table meant for casual play at home. There are plenty of budget pool tables that you can pick up for less than $1000. The five we have reviewed above offer decent quality at a reasonable price.
