The Best Air Hockey Table Stores

Monday, October 14th

2024 Air Hockey Table Store Reviews

Table Hockey Planet

• Selection: About 90 models to choose from
• Price Range: $249 to $14,499
• Return Policy: 30 days on unassembled tables only; comes with a 20% restocking fee, credit card processing fee, and you're responsible for return shipping charges
• Guaranteed lowest price on all air hockey tables, for 6 months from purchase date
• Shipping and installation costs depend on your location
• "A+” rated by the BBB under parent company GameWorld Planet
• Customer support is available 7 days a week via chat, phone, or email

As part of the GameWorld Planet family of brands, Table Hockey Planet is an excellent choice for setting up your game room, garage, or even a community rec center. As you browse the site, you'll find brands like Atomic, Barron Games, Brunswick, Fat Cat, and more. Although there's not a ton of descriptive details on each listing, Table Hockey Planet often provides links to the manufacturers' YouTube videos, so you can see each one in action for yourself.

Budget-friendly to boujee

On the lowest end of the price spectrum, Table Hockey Planet offered two options for $249: the Playcraft Sport Shoot Out Plus 60” model and the portable Hathaway Blue Line 32” model. On the other hand, if you're trying to outfit an arcade (or you want to collect spare change from your friends and family...), the coin-operated Galaxy Collision QuadAir by Barron Games is Table Hockey Planet's most spendy air hockey table: it's shown at $14,499, but there's an icon indicating that anyone interested should call for the best price. Lucky for you, whether your budget is big or bare-bones, you'll find something that fits among the nearly 90 air hockey tables in inventory here. Just be aware that there were several models listed as "sold out”, with no indication if they'd be restocked at some future date.

Look for promos

Be watching for extra deals, too. During our visit to Table Hockey Planet, there was a promo featured at the top of the page for free shipping on most orders over $40 (though we wondered if the little asterisk with no explanation meant there'd be an exclusion for larger items like air hockey tables). But, the even better deal was the 5% savings on all tables over $1,500 and no tax, assuming we entered the displayed coupon code. Keep your eyes peeled.

Lowest price guaranteed for 6 months

Another great reason for shopping at Table Hockey Planet is their 6-month lowest price guarantee. If you spot your same table at any other online-only retailer (places like Walmart and Costco don't count) at a lower price at any point in that time period, you can email this retailer to get the difference in price refunded to you. It's really that easy, as long as you meet the basic criteria (it's in stock on the competitor's website, or it's not an auction or liquidator site).

Return policy is pretty strict (and expensive)

However, don't expect to be able to return your air hockey table to Table Hockey Planet if you've already assembled it. The only returns they allow are for completely new tables in their original packaging: you'll have 30 days to do so, and you'll be charged a 20% restocking fee, a 3.9% credit card processing fee, and the cost of the return shipping is on you. Also, certain sales are final: anything custom-built, all coin-operated tables, and items from brands like Playcraft and Hudson, to name a few.

Free curbside shipping on most tables

And, when it comes to shipping and installation, that will depend on the table you buy and where it's being delivered. For example, on the Galaxy Collision QuadAir we mentioned earlier, the price included curbside shipping to most locations in the continental US; for professional installation and inside delivery to a ground floor room, it was an extra $999, while the same setup involving stairs (down to the basement or up to a second-floor loft) was $1,099. You'll see all of those details on the individual product pages.

Reputation is stellar

Table Hockey Planet's parent company (GameWorld Planet) has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, with only one complaint filed in the last three years. That's pretty amazing. People even came to the BBB to register compliments for the business, saying that they were so thrilled to get honest, expert help when rival companies had previously let them down. That help is available 7 days a week via phone, live chat, or email, for everything from product recommendations to post-installation questions.

#1 for expertise in air hockey tables

All of this combines to earn Table Hockey Planet the top spot on our list. There's just no other retailer we've found that can compare with the selection and the expertise you'll find here. That's a dream come true for brand-new buyers of air hockey tables and long-time fans alike.

Wayfair

• Selection: Over 90 air hockey tables in stock
• Price Range: $33.42 to $3,000
• Return Policy: 30 days
• Free shipping on all air hockey tables
• Plenty of customer reviews on many models
• Website is easy to navigate
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

When it comes to finding air hockey tables, Wayfair earns an impressive rating. This online retailer is a fantastic destination for home needs, gifts, or just indulging in some treat-yourself shopping. With over 33 million products from more than 23,000 suppliers and 25+ million active customers, their inventory is vast and varied.

Almost 100 models to choose from

Wayfair's air hockey table selection is impressive, with around 90 options, all including free shipping. Although you won't find high-end arcade-level tables here, the range covers everything from tabletop toys to stylish multipurpose tables that can match your current decor perfectly.

Some tables delivered in less than a week

Since most people really aren't looking for toy tables, let's take a look at one of Wayfair's most recommended entry-level, free-standing air hockey tables. The Triumph 55” Fire ‘N Ice LED Light-Up Table with Digital Scoreboard Lights is competitively priced at just $152.76 and comes with "free fast delivery” to boot. Across 122 customer ratings, this air hockey table earned a fantastic 4.5-star average, and at least in our area, we could get it delivered in just 5 days.

Filters make the site easy to use

Not what you had in mind? No problem. Just use Wayfair's helpful filters to indicate what matters most to you. Room size? Customer rating? Table material? Overall dimensions? You've got all of that and more at your fingertips, to help narrow down the options and find the right models to match your ideal air hockey table.

Higher-end models available

At the time of our most recent visit, Wayfair had added an even higher-end table than the $1,600 Hathaway model we'd seen last time. Coming in with a price tag of $3,000, the Brunswick Billiards' Parsons Air Hockey Table has simple, elegant styling for a more understated look. Not everyone wants blazing LED lights and the beeps-and-boops of an arcade, after all. We appreciate that Wayfair is so egalitarian in its inventory, from Chinese mass merchandisers to manufacturers like Brunswick that have been around since the 1800s, everything is fair game (pun intended) here.

Check out the customer reviews and ratings

One of the benefits of shopping with Wayfair is the abundance of customer reviews. For instance, the Face Off 60" Two Player Table with Electronic Scoring by Hathaway Games had over 560 ratings, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars. These reviews often include photos, providing a real-world look at the tables in use.

Professional assembly and extended warranty coverage on offer

Another perk offered by Wayfair is being able to get professional assembly and/or an extended protection plan. You'll find those options right on each air hockey table's page; for that Face Off table, for instance, you could pay $109.99 for assembly on the day of your choice (at least one day after your delivery) by a "trusted and experienced Wayfair partner”. It said that extended protection was available for 3 or 5 years on that table, but the cost for the coverage wasn't displayed when we added it to our cart.

30-day returns, you pay the cost

You've got 30 days to make returns at Wayfair, which sounds pretty good until you realize that you're on the hook for the cost of sending back a big item like an air hockey table. Since Wayfair doesn't have any brick-and-mortar locations (like some of its rivals in our evaluation), there's a zero percent chance that you can save money by returning it in person.

"A+” from the BBB

But, Wayfair still gets an "A+” and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Yes, the retailer earns complaints by the thousands, but with millions of customers around the globe, that's not surprising or really any reason to worry.

Fantastic all-around choice for air hockey tables

While Wayfair offers an extensive selection, free shipping, and helpful customer reviews, a few minor drawbacks have bumped it out of our top spot. Nonetheless, its broad range of air hockey tables will meet the needs of most tastes (and budgets), making Wayfair a strong second-place contender among air hockey table retailers.

Game Room Guys

• Selection: 30 tables to choose from
• Price Range: $2,499 to $7,399
• Return Policy: 30 days in original condition and packaging, 20% restocking fee if the box has been opened
• Free shipping on all orders
• Over 100 5-star reviews
• Excellent customer service
• "A+” rated by the BBB
• In business for 20+ years

You'll love Game Room Guys, a family-owned business that's been a go-to for game enthusiasts since 2001. This venture was started by a former AT&T sales manager who planned on retiring but instead fell in love with video game servicing. Now, with a sprawling 26,000 sq. foot warehouse in Michigan, they offer a fantastic selection of games for your home, from pinball machines to classic arcade games and more. With about 30 air hockey tables in their inventory, you're bound to find something that catches your eye.

Not for small budgets

When you visit Game Room Guys, don't expect to find anything cheap or poorly made. Their most affordable air hockey table is the Gold Standard Games Pro Elite, priced between $2,499 and $2,599, depending on whether you prefer the standard charcoal or arcade color option. Created by air hockey champion Mark Robbins, it features electronic side scoring, a centerline and face-off circle for true competition, and professional-style aluminum rails. You'll be covered by a one-year warranty and get free curbside delivery on this and every other air hockey table here.

Unique high-end options

If you're looking to splurge, consider the SEGA Sonic Sports Air Hockey Game Table. This top-of-the-line model costs $7,399 and allows up to four players to enjoy Sonic-themed music and chasing LED lights. It's the kind of table you'd find in a modern arcade. While shipping is free, the warranty is only 90 days, and as a special order model, it could take up to a staggering 271 business days to arrive.

Be sure to understand the return policy

Be aware that the return policy here isn't the best or the worst in the industry. You've got 30 days to return your air hockey table, and you'll be responsible for the freight costs on the return. It has to be in unused condition with the original packaging, but even if you just open the box, you'll pay a 20% restocking fee. Oof.

Customers are loyal and very satisfied here

However, Game Room Guys continues to earn an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, still with zero complaints in the last three years. That's impressive. Plus, their customers are overwhelmingly satisfied, with an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from over 150 reviews. The customer service here is exceptional, offering clear communication at every step, whether you're choosing an air hockey table or tracking your delivery. Many customers rave about their experience and often return for multiple purchases as they outfit a game room over time or want the latest-and-greatest models of air hockey tables, pinball machines, and so on.

Best place to buy arcade-level air hockey tables

While Game Room Guys might not be the best choice if you're on a tight budget, it's perfect for those who want to create the game room of their dreams with high-quality products and outstanding service. As indicated by our high rating for yet another year, we have nothing but praise for Game Room Guys.

Walmart

• Selection: Over 800 results including toys, full-size tables, and accessories
• Price Range: $10 to $1,698.99
• Return Policy: Usually 30 days
• Free shipping on many air hockey tables
• Assembly available
• Customer reviews on many products
• Can add protection plans for extra warranty coverage

If you're on the hunt for an uber-affordable air hockey table, Walmart is the place to start. Known for having everything from groceries to games, Walmart's selection is impressive, with over 800 matches when you search for "air hockey tables”. Granted, some of the results are accessories, repair parts, or little plastic-y novelties that aren't likely what you've got in mind, but you'll still find more here than with most of the competitors on our list.

Toys for tots

Looking to entertain the little ones without breaking the bank? The 22” Hey! Play! table for kids is a fantastic option. This mini table offers a fun introduction to air hockey, and it got a 4.5-star average across 13 reviews. For just $21.37, it's a budget-friendly way to keep the kids busy. If you're leaning towards tabletop styles but want something a bit more robust, Walmart has plenty of additional models to browse through.

Highest-end table is still under $2,000

When you're ready to level up, the Hathaway Driftwood 7-ft multi-use table is Walmart's top-tier option. At $1,698.99, this air-hockey-and-more combo also lets you play ping pong, plus a solid table surface and seating/storage benches make it convenient to sit down and work on a puzzle or play board games with a group. It comes with 4 black strikers, 4 red pucks, 2 ping pong paddles and 2 balls, plus the net and posts. It comes with a 180-day manufacturer warranty, plus you can add a Walmart Protection Plan by Allstate for extra coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty, available for up to four years for just over $80.

You can get professional assembly if needed

Need assembly? You'll also find options for that during checkout. On that Hathaway air hockey table we just described, assembly via Angi was offered at $189.53.

Plenty of reviews

One of the best ways to know how well your Walmart air hockey table will hold up is by checking out the shopper reviews before you add something to your cart. Take advantage of the dozens (or hundreds, in some cases) of ratings and use them to show you which models will be your best bet.

Returns in 30-90 days

Be aware that many items on Walmart's website are sold by third-party vendors. This affects return policies and shipping options. While Walmart offers a 90-day return window, third-party sellers often only provide 30 days. Always check who you're buying from to understand your return and shipping options fully, especially if you'd like the convenience of in-store returns.

Best on a budget

If you're not looking for high-end, arcade-quality air hockey tables, Walmart is a surprisingly good choice. The broad selection, in-store return capability for many items, and customer reviews make it a convenient option. For reasonably priced air hockey tables, Walmart actually delivers (literally and figuratively).

Home Depot

• Selection: 20 air hockey tables + accessories
• Price Range: $24.27 to $1,522.49
• Return Policy: 90 days on unopened/unused air hockey tables
• Free ship-to-store on all models
• Free curbside delivery on some models, $55 fee for others
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business for 40+ years

Home Depot's journey began in 1970 as a humble hardware store in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, it's grown to over 2,300 physical locations across North America, plus a thriving online store offering millions of products. When you shop at Home Depot, you already know you'll find an extensive range of home improvement items. But if you're specifically hunting for air hockey tables, the selection is somewhat limited - around 20 models, with one being a dome hockey game reminiscent of foosball. Prices range from under $25 for a tabletop toy to $1,522.49 for a more sophisticated, free-standing version.

Full-size for just over $125

The most budget-friendly full-size option is the Hathaway Hat Trick 4' Air Hockey Table for $128.51. With free shipping to your home or store, it's a decent pick for those new to air hockey. Customers have given it an average rating of four out of five stars from four reviews.

Multi-purpose table for $1,522

At the higher end, there's the Hathaway Sherwood 7' Air Hockey Table with Benches for $1,522.49. This model features a versatile table insert with a ping-pong surface on one side and a dining table surface on the other, along with seating. While using it for meals might lead to spills and crumbs on the air hockey surface (not ideal!), it's perfect for board games and puzzles. This table comes with free in-store pickup or curbside delivery for $55 and has a 3.5-star rating average from six reviewers.

90-day return window if it's unopened

Home Depot gives you a 90-day return window for new and unopened air hockey tables. If you decide to return yours, doing so in-store is usually easier than navigating their online returns process and dropping off at a UPS location.

Reputation is solid

Home Depot maintains an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. While over 13,000 complaints in the last three years might seem high, it's typical for a retailer of this size. We're confident that you'll have a perfectly good shopping experience when buying an air hockey table from them.

Better than average despite small selection

For sheer convenience, Home Depot is a trustworthy option for purchasing an air hockey table. Their selection won't blow you away, but their prices are competitive, and the 90-day return policy with in-store options is a plus. While not our top pick for air hockey tables, Home Depot is certainly a reliable choice.

Competitive Edge Products

• Selection: About 12 air hockey tables + accessories
• Price Range: $149.99 to $1,379.99
• Return Policy: 30 days, no restocking fees if the air hockey table is in unused condition and in the original packaging
• Free shipping
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• 4.8-star rating average, with hundreds of 5-star reviews
• In business for about 20 years

When you explore Competitive Edge Products, a Utah-based, family-owned business with almost 20 years in the market, you might find their selection a bit underwhelming. Our latest visit revealed just 15 items listed under "Air Hockey Tables," and that count included three sets of strikers and pucks.

Join the waiting list for out-of-stock models

Out of the 12 actual air hockey tables listed, three were out of stock during our most recent visit. If you have your heart set on one of those, you can join a waiting list by clicking the yellow "Put me on the Waiting List" button on the product page to get notified when it becomes available again.

Prices start at $150

The nine available tables were priced between $149.99 and $1,379.99, all with the perk of free shipping. At the lower end, you'll find the Carmelli Hockey Game Table Hat Trick; it's made of MDF board and requires two AAA batteries for gameplay. This table has plenty of specs, photos, and even YouTube videos if you want to see what it looks like in use. It also comes with a 180-day limited warranty.

Highest-priced table is $1,100

For a higher-end option, check out the Atomic 90" Top Shelf Air Hockey Table for $1,099.99, which includes LED pushers, a hexagonal spinner LED puck, and high-tempo music to enhance your gameplay. We noticed, though, that this table is actually fulfilled by another company on our list, so bear in mind that your Competitive Edge Products order might make a few hops, skips, and jumps through other retailers before it gets to you. And, in case you're wondering about that highest-priced table for $1,379.99, it's the Hathaway Breakaway and it's actually a foosball table with a dome, so we don't really count it in our evaluation of air hockey tables here.

Low prices are guaranteed

Competitive Edge does offer a low price guarantee. If you spot a better price elsewhere, use the link in the product description to submit a pop-up form with your email, the competitor's link, and your zip code. Just double-check that the item is in stock at the other retailer, as Competitive Edge won't match prices on out-of-stock items. You'll hear back within 3-4 business days to confirm the price match.

Stricter than some on returns

Be cautious with returns. You have 30 days to initiate a return, but you'll face a 20% restocking fee if you don't return the air hockey table in unused condition with all original packaging. Additionally, you'll cover the return shipping costs, and the initial delivery fees will be deducted from your refund (despite the free shipping offer when you first bought the table). These costs can make returning items quite expensive, so think twice before purchasing and make sure to use the dimensions that Competitive Edge Products provides so that you'll be reasonably sure your air hockey table will fit the space you have in mind.

Gets lots of praise from happy campers (literally)

Reputation is no problem for this retailer: Competitive Edge Products maintains an "A+" rating with accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and positive customer reviews. The overall buying experience is generally well-regarded, with lots of compliments for this retailer's friendly, helpful reps and low prices. Across 600+ ratings, Competitive Edge Products earned an impressive average of 4.8 stars out of 5. Although most customers seem to be buying tents and sheds here, not air hockey tables, we're pretty sure that the exceptional service will extend to your purchase too.

Better than average

That super-satisfied shopper feedback and the slight increase in inventory since our last evaluation have brought Competitive Edge Products' rating up to an above-average rating now. Though we'd like to see a bit more in the air hockey table selection, perhaps some higher-end tables with bells and whistles like electronic scoring, we're pleased overall with what this retailer is offering.

Lowe's

• Selection: 9 air hockey tables
• Price Range: $27.48 to $647.82
• Return Policy: 90 days
• Free in-store pickup on all models
• Free delivery on some models
• In business for nearly 80 years
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

Lowe's, a name synonymous with home improvement, has evolved from its humble beginnings as a small-town hardware store on the East Coast to one of the world's largest home improvement retailers, serving over 19 million customers each week. When it comes to air hockey tables, however, their selection might leave you wanting more.

Only carries toys to mid-tier models

You won't find an extensive variety here - Lowe's isn't a game equipment superstore, after all. During our latest visit, the selection was limited to just 9 in-stock models (even fewer than our previous evaluation). You'll still find options ranging from compact tabletop versions under $30 to full-size freestanding tables. But be ready for some disappointment if you're looking for variety; the highest-priced air hockey table was the Hathaway Midtown Freestanding style at $647.82. While it does have electronic LED scoring with a timer, it doesn't even come close to the arcade-style, high-end air hockey tables we've found with some of the competitors on our list.

Free shipping on all but one air hockey table

On the positive side, with the exception of the Toy Time 22” Tabletop Air Hockey Table (priced at $27.48), all of the air hockey tables sold by Lowe's come with free delivery, and all of them were available for in-store pickup at our local store. Just make sure you've got the right zip code and/or store location showing up as you browse the results, or change the settings to reflect your desired store and your delivery zip code.

90-day returns, but get confirmation first

If you're worried about returns, Lowe's offers a 90-day return policy for unused items. While it's super-convenient to return items to a nearby store, you can also initiate returns online. They mention that "parcel returns" are free, but it's unclear if this applies to larger items like air hockey tables. We're guessing that if your air hockey table needed freight shipping, you're on the hook for the return fees unless you're able to transport your return to your nearest Lowe's. It might be wise to start a chat on the Lowe's website to clarify, especially if you're eyeing a bigger model and foresee a potential return.

Customer service has a great reputation

One undeniable advantage of shopping at Lowe's is their excellent customer service. With an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, you can expect friendly and knowledgeable help. Although customer reviews on air hockey tables are sparse, Lowe's still allows you to see feedback on their products, which can be useful too.

Great store but not many options

While Lowe's is a solid and reliable retailer, their inventory of air hockey tables is rather limited. If you find a table you like, it's worth considering hitting that "place order” button, but for a broader selection (especially of higher-end tables with all of today's cutting-edge features), you'll probably want to explore other retailers. All of that means that Lowe's gets a "just average” rating from us.

Escalade Sports

• Selection: About 15 air hockey tables + accessories
• Price Range: $189.99 to $1,599.99
• Return Policy: 30 days
• Free shipping on all air hockey tables
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business for nearly 100 years

Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade Sports operates as a publicly-traded leader in consumer sporting goods and recreational products. The retailer markets its products under multiple brands distributed through major sporting goods retailers, mass merchandisers, specialty dealers, and online retailers across the United States and internationally. With a nearly 100-year legacy since its founding in 1927 as Indian Archery and Toy Company, Escalade Sports competes in a variety of categories including basketball, table tennis, archery, darts, fitness, pickleball, game rooms, billiards, outdoor lawn and tailgate games, and playground equipment.

Tables are decidedly mid-tier

All that being said, the selection of air hockey tables at Escalade Sports is kind of average. You won't find any of the glitzy high-end models we've seen with some rival retailers on our list: the price range here goes from $189.99 (Triumph's Fire ‘N Ice Light-Up 54” Table) to $1,599.99 (Atomic's Northport 3-in-1 model). That's not to say you won't find some highly-rated options here - the Atomic Avenger ($1,099.99) had an average of 4.8 stars, and the more budget-friendly Blazer ($749.98) earned 4.7 stars - but you're not going to see much in the way of electronic scoring or tables suitable for arcade-style play.

Extremely detailed product info

What you will get on the Escalade Sports site is plenty of detail about each air hockey table on offer. From photos showing the models from multiple angles to the complete downloadable owner's manuals, this retailer makes sure you've got all of the info you need to make your choice.

Save money with discounts and free delivery

Also, watch for ways to save with Escalade Sports: when we browsed the site recently, we could unlock a 10% discount by entering our phone number and email address. You'll see that either as a pop-up or by clicking where it says "Join The Text Club”. Plus, your air hockey table should ship for free: we weren't sure if they counted as a "game table” (which this retailer lists as an exclusion), but when we reached the checkout page, our model included free freight shipping. Just be aware that there don't seem to be any options for installation here, probably because none of the tables are the higher-end kind that would really require it.

"A+” from the BBB

We're always glad to see retailers with an "A+” grade and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and Escalade Sports qualifies. There were 18 complaints filed with the BBB against Escalade over the last 3 years, but that perfect rating means that the company has responded appropriately to all of them.

Some complaints from air hockey table owners

On the other hand, we found complaints registered in other places (like Yelp) that specifically referenced air hockey tables. Those customers said that when things stopped working as expected within just a short time of getting the tables set up, Escalade Sports' reps essentially told them "you hit the puck too hard and that's on you”. For air hockey?! You may wind up needing to get help from the manufacturer of your air hockey table instead, because Escalade Sports might not take any responsibility. That's a disappointment, because the retailer promises a 30-day guarantee if you're not 100% satisfied with anything you've purchased, with no restocking fees. Such guarantees aren't very helpful if they're not honored.

Just okay

We're willing to give Escalade Sports a "not the best or the worst” rating among retailers of air hockey tables. Could they go a little further to keep customers happy? Maybe. Are they doing well enough to keep the BBB satisfied? Definitely. You'll have to go elsewhere if you want a fully tricked-out model with all of the arcade-style bells and whistles, but for mid-range air hockey tables from known brands, Escalade Sports is a "good enough” place to shop.

Dick's Sporting Goods

• Selection: Just over 20 air hockey tables
• Price Range: $41.99 to $1,999.99
• Return Policy: 45 days
• Best price guarantee

DICK'S Sporting Goods is one of the most well-known brick-and-mortar retailers for everything from baseball cleats to beach canopies. In business for more than eight decades, this store likely has a location near you. When it comes to air hockey tables, the selection is fairly modest, with right around 20 models to choose from. Let's take a look at what was on offer during our most recent shopping visit to DICK'S online store.

Just the basics for air hockey

At the low end of the price/quality spectrum, DICK'S had three mini-style air hockey tables, priced from $41.99 to $164.99. These are tabletop versions that are really more like toys than large rec room-style models. On the opposite end, we found five air hockey tables in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. These included the Hathaway Breakaway Dome Hockey Table (which is more like foosball than traditional air hockey, for what it's worth), two multi-game tables by Fat Cat, and Hathaway's 7' Daulton model. If you're hoping to buy an arcade-level air hockey table with electronic scoring and all of the top-shelf features, DICK'S isn't the right retailer for you.

Pay attention to the details, especially shipping costs

When you click on an air hockey table you'd like to consider, you'll get all of the specifications: table features and dimensions, plus any accessories that come with it. For example, the Fat Cat Original 3-in-1 Pockey Multi-Game Table included billiard cues and chalk, air hockey pushers and pucks, and more. You'll also see if the table is available for free in-store pickup: if you've got a way to transport your air hockey table, this is an option worth considering, because shipping is pretty expensive here. That Fat Cat multi-purpose table had a $350 shipping fee that wasn't disclosed until we got to the checkout.

Guarantees the lowest price

On the other hand, DICK'S does have a best price guarantee. So, if you find one of their air hockey tables at a lower price somewhere else, they'll match it. We wish they'd sweeten the deal by beating the price (especially with how expensive the delivery costs are), but we'll take what we can get. You can also join DICK'S Text Alerts to save $20 off an order of $100+, or the email list for a 10% savings; look for those options (and read the exclusions) at the bottom of the site.

45-day returns

When it comes to returns, DICK'S seems to be pretty generous with its 45-day policy. It's "free and easy” if you make your return in-store or curbside, but if your air hockey table was large enough for freight delivery, you'll have to call DICK'S customer service and arrange for carrier pickup. That's convenient but be aware that "you may be responsible for the return shipping cost of your item”.

Poor reputation

And now, for some more bad news: DICK'S has a reputation that's genuinely awful. Start at the Better Business Bureau and you'll find an "F” rating, almost 500 complaints filed in the last three years, and over 125 separate reviews averaging just 1.13 stars out of 5. Customers sounding off via Trustpilot and other third-party sites say the same, with DICK'S never even reaching a 2-star average. Although we didn't spot any rants about air hockey tables in particular, virtually every other aspect of the shopping experience here (in person and online) is subpar. Orders go undelivered, items fall apart within a month and customers get no help from DICK'S employees, you get the idea.

Shop elsewhere if you can

If, for some reason, you're really loyal to DICK'S Sporting Goods as a whole and you find the exact air hockey table you've been wanting, we'd understand if you decided to buy it there. But please, for the sake of your wallet and your overall happiness, first check the higher-ranked retailers on our list to see if you can get the exact same model for less money and much less hassle.

Game Tables 4 Less

• Selection: About 36 tables to choose from
• Price Range: $949.99 to $4,995
• Return Policy: Only accepted on unopened boxes within 30 days, subject to 30% restocking charge and customer pays for actual shipping costs both ways
• Low price guarantee
• Free curbside shipping to most locations in the 48 contiguous United States

Game Tables 4 Less is based in Boca Raton, Florida. "All [they] sell is fun”, with lots of ways to make your rec room more entertaining - from shuffleboard tables to arcade-style basketball games and more. But, the company is pretty tight-lipped about its background, so unfortunately we can't tell you too much about how long they've been in business or how they got their start.

Prices may be lower than what you see

Nonetheless, the inventory of air hockey tables at Game Tables 4 Less is pretty impressive, with about three dozen options. You won't find any rinky-dink tabletop/portable "toy” models here: your options start at $949 for several 13-in-1 combination tables and go up to a couple of models by Dynamo with a list price of $4,995 but designated as "prices too low to list”. The company promises to give you the lowest prices in the US, "guaranteed”, and you're encouraged to reach out via phone or email if you see your favorite air hockey table at another retailer's site for less.

Unique table designs available

We spotted a couple of table designs we really liked here. Our first choice was the Atomic Indiglo 7.5' Lighted Air Hockey Table ($1,399.99), with LED lights not just in the table but also the strikers and the pucks. If we were setting up a game room for teenagers (or even young-at-heart grownups), this would be an awesome addition (or even the centerpiece). Our second favorite at Game Tables 4 Less was the novel design of Great American's Boom-A-Rang ($3,685): players stand side-by-side, and the table only takes up 5 sq.ft. so you can tuck it into a corner or against a wall to save floor space.

Free shipping... sort of

How about shipping? Here's where it gets confusing: on most of the air hockey tables we clicked on, it says that the price includes "free curbside shipping” within the lower 48 United States. Great! But, when you go to select the delivery options, it says that it's only free if you take the box off the truck. Say what? If you want the Lift Gate Service (to get the air hockey table off the truck), it costs an extra $75. And, if you need it to be carried into your house and/or set up, you'll have to call for a quote for some tables; others showed a price of $400+ for that service.

Open box? No refund for you

The return policy is even less generous. Game Tables 4 Less will only accept return requests on air hockey tables with unopened boxes: if you open the box, assemble the table, or use it in any way, you're 100% out of luck. And, even if you haven't opened the box (maybe you have buyer's remorse?), you'll be responsible for the actual shipping costs both ways (you'll reimburse the company for the free shipping you received) and your refund will have a 30% restocking charge deducted. Ouch.

Bad grade from the BBB and few recent reviews

We're also not thrilled to report that Game Tables 4 Less has an "F” rating from the Better Business Bureau - the same grade it had the last time we looked into this retailer. There were only 3 complaints filed against the company in the last three years (not so bad), but Game Tables 4 Less had failed to respond to all of them (not so good). Beyond that, it's hard to find much recent feedback from customers of this store. We found thousands of ratings through a well-known auction site, but even there, the reviews were mostly from several years ago. It doesn't feel like this company is doing a very brisk business for air hockey tables or anything else.

Get your air hockey table somewhere else

You've got some really great options for getting an air hockey table, but we wouldn't say that this store is one of them. Despite having a broader inventory than many of the retailers on our list, Game Tables 4 Less doesn't have much of a reputation to speak of. And, given that the models they sell will almost undoubtedly be found in the selection of several higher-ranked retailers on our list, Game Tables 4 Less gets a "don't bother” rating from us.