What is an air hockey table?

Air hockey is a fun arcade game that can be played in your own home with two players. The table is the structure on which the game sits. It needs to be flat and may need to connect to a power source. Small holes on the table will allow mild gusts of air to penetrate through so the puck can "float" around easily like it would in a real hockey game, though less-expensive versions may rely on a smooth table surface alone. Air hockey tables can be made of wood, metal, or strong plastic.

How do you play air hockey?

Air hockey is a simple game that involves using one puck and two pushers (also known as mallets, strikers, or handles). Players stand on opposite ends of the table with their pusher and aggressively maneuver the puck back and forth with the object of getting the puck into their opponent's goal. The first player to score 7 goals wins the game.

Who can play with an air hockey table?

As long as you can comfortably reach around the top of an air hockey table and understand the rules, you can play. Kids as young as age 6 could successfully play air hockey. It's important to follow safety measures when using an air hockey table and realize that during a heated game, a puck can be launched off the table and be a danger to people standing close by. It's a good idea to keep small children at a distance when an air hockey game is going on.

How big is an air hockey table?

A standard air hockey table measures 84 inches across. This can take up a significant amount of space in an entertainment room, so some people might opt for something smaller. If you're short on space or looking for a table for kids, you could get a 60-inch air hockey table instead.

Are air hockey tables expensive?

They can be, but they don't have to be. If you want a nice air hockey table made of pine, you can easily spend over $1,000. However, this is not necessary. They are plenty of highly-rated air hockey tables online for under $700, especially if you opt for a smaller, 60-inch table. In the end, all air hockey tables serve the same purpose, so if you want something practical and functional, you don't have to stretch your budget for it.

What if I need to return my air hockey table?

Hopefully you won't have to return an air hockey table! They are so big and it is usually quite a pain. However, if it comes damaged or you decide you want a different one, you have 30-60 days with most retailers to send it back and get a full refund or make an exchange. Be sure to verify whether or not the return will cost you a restocking fee, since this is often the case with big items.

If my air hockey table gets damaged, what can I do?

Most air hockey tables come with a warranty. This means that if the workmanship gets damaged or the air pockets go out, you can have someone come fix it or get a new one. A warranty can be anywhere from 3 months to a few years. If you're buying a nice, expensive air hockey table, make sure to check what the warranty is on it. You could even buy an additional protection plan if you want it covered for a longer period of time. Then you don't have to worry about any structural or functional defects.

Why should I buy an air hockey table?

Air hockey tables are a unique way to bring the arcade to your home. It's an easy but competitive game that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike! Air hockey tables can be used over and over again, providing entertainment for years. They are appealing and make a great addition to any gaming space.

Dick's Sporting Goods Review | Best Air Hockey Table Stores

Item: Dick's Sporting Goods Review
Rating: 2
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Tuesday, January 13th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Air Hockey Table Store Reviews

Where Can You Buy the Best Air Hockey Tables? Air hockey tables are a fantastic addition to any game room or recreational space, bringing fast-paced fun and excitement to players of all ages. The basic concept of sliding a puck across a smooth, air-cushioned surface to score goals is easy to grasp, making it accessible to players with varying skill levels. This simplicity, combined with the challenge of fast reflexes and strategic play, keeps people coming back for more.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

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

SUBPAR

2.0

On the Dick's Sporting Goods website

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.

On the Dick's Sporting Goods website

Continued from above...

Where Can You Buy the Best Air Hockey Tables?

Air hockey tables are a fantastic addition to any game room or recreational space, bringing fast-paced fun and excitement to players of all ages. The basic concept of sliding a puck across a smooth, air-cushioned surface to score goals is easy to grasp, making it accessible to players with varying skill levels. This simplicity, combined with the challenge of fast reflexes and strategic play, keeps people coming back for more.

Air hockey tables are enjoyed by a diverse group of users. Families often use them for bonding time and to encourage friendly competition among siblings. Teenagers love the excitement and fast action, making these tables a hit at parties and gatherings. Adults, too, appreciate the nostalgic element of air hockey, as many remember playing at arcades during their younger years. Additionally, air hockey tables are popular in community centers, youth clubs, and even some workplaces, providing a quick and engaging break from boring day-to-day activities.

The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a decent air hockey table. Budget-friendly tables are perfect for those who want the fun of air hockey without breaking the bank. These tables are typically smaller and more lightweight, making them ideal for younger players or those with limited space.

Arcade-style air hockey tables are a step up, offering a more authentic and durable experience. These tables often feature powerful air blowers, electronic scoring systems, and robust construction, providing a professional feel that mimics the tables you find in entertainment centers.

For those who want versatility, multi-function tables are an excellent choice. These tables can convert into different gaming surfaces, such as ping-pong, pool, or even foosball. This makes them a great option if you're looking to maximize the use of your space and enjoy multiple games without having to buy separate tables.

Buying your air hockey table online offers several advantages. Online shopping allows you to easily compare prices and features from various brands, in order to get the best deal. Many online retailers provide detailed customer reviews and ratings, giving you insight into the quality and performance of different tables. Additionally, purchasing online often means you can have the table delivered directly to your home, saving you the hassle of transporting it yourself.

Ready to start having some fun? Here are a few factors you can keep in mind as you decide where to shop for your air hockey table:

Selection. Look for a retailer that offers a wide variety of air hockey tables, including different sizes, styles, and price ranges. A broad selection makes it more likely you'll find the perfect table for your space and your wallet.
Price. Compare prices across different online stores to get the best value for your money. Don't forget to check for any available discounts, sales, or bundle deals that can make your air hockey table more affordable.
Shipping and installation fees. Determine the cost of shipping and whether the retailer offers installation services. Some tables can be complex to set up, so having professional installation can save you time and effort.
Reputation. Choose a retailer with a good reputation for quality products and customer service. Reading customer reviews and ratings can give you a sense of the store's reliability and the overall satisfaction of previous buyers. A strong rating from the BBB is another good sign.

The fun-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have done the oh-so-arduous work of evaluating and ranking today's most popular retailers of air hockey tables. With our research in mind, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect air hockey table for your home (...or business, or community center...) and enjoy countless hours of fun and excitement!

Dick's Sporting Goods Review: Air Hockey Table Stores

2026 Air Hockey Table Store Reviews

Dick's Sporting Goods

Where Can You Buy the Best Air Hockey Tables?

Air Hockey Table Store FAQ