The Best Pool Tables Under $3000, $2000, $1000 [January 2020]

The pool is one of the most popular games that men play. Don’t get us wrong – a lot of women play it as well! It is easily one of the most entertaining games that are played all around the world. The whole game takes place on a unique table designed specifically to contain the pool balls and with material that allows the ball to roll smoothly and bounce off the edges nicely.

There are lots of bars and clubs where you will find pool tables to play and show your skills with the cues. However, more and more people are now looking to install this enjoyable, elegant piece of furnishing right in their homes. This is so that your whole family can enjoy the game under the comforts of your home rather than having to go all the way to a pool club with your family. It is also a great entertainer when it comes to family gatherings and parties.

If you walk into a pool table showroom, you will see different kinds of pool tables there. Ranging from beautiful but no so sturdy tables to the very strong but not presentable ones. To help you find a balance between all the different features of a pool table and find the best pool table for your home, we have compiled a list of the best pool tables in 2020.

In this article, we have categorized pool tables according to your budget as well as according to usage. Whether you are looking for a good pool table for your kids, a portable one so you can take it anywhere, or an outdoor one that can withstand the outer environment; We have covered it all. You will also find a match if your budget is tight, or if you don’t mind spending money on quality.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the latest best pool tables in the market.

The Best Pool Tables Reviewed

Editor’s Pick	Product
Top Pick	Mizerak Donovan II 8’ Billiard Table
Alternative Top Pick	Fat Cat Frisco 7.5’ Pool Table
Best High End Pick	Barrington Claremont Slate 100-inch Billiard Table Set
Alternative High End Pick	Playcraft Charles River 8′ Chestnut Slate Pool Table
Best Budget Option	EastPoint Sports Masterton Billiard Pool Table
Best Tabletop Pool Table	Hathaway Sharp Shooter 40-in Portable Table
Best Multi-Functional Pool Table	Hathaway Newport 7 ft. Pool Table
Best Portable Pool Table	Hathaway Fairmont Portable 6-Ft Pool Table
Best Outdoor Pool Table	Imperial Outdoor Pool Table 8ft
Best Pool Table for Kids	Playcraft Sport Bank Shot 40-Inch Pool Table

Our Top Pick: Mizerak Donovan II 8’ Billiard Table

First of all, the Mizerak Donovan II is going to look very stylish in your game room or basement. The sleek red and black design is definitely going to catch people’s attention. At an affordable price, you will get a table with a durable red cloth playing surface, a black cabinet, and corners that are chrome-accented.

Talking about the rails, this pool table features three 5/8-inch rails. These come with K-66 rubber bumpers to ensure that you get a consistent bounce and an overall good playing experience. In addition to this, the billiard table also offers disk-style leg levelers that you can easily level at home. This, combined with the reinforced pedestal style legs, means that this table can effectively be placed and used on carpets or uneven floors as well.

This billiard table comes in two variants: slate and slatron. It has an 8-inch playing surface. The size of the table is about 31-inch tall and 55-inch wide, with a weight of about 300 pounds. While the assembly is quite straightforward and the instructions are helpful, it usually takes a while to get the whole thing set up.

What We Like:

• Stylish Design | The Mizerak Donovan II has an excellent design that will complement other features of your home. Its wool blend red cloth, black cabinet, and chrome accents are sure to add beauty to any room.
• Leg leveling| You can easily adjust the corners of Mizerak Donovan II with its built-in leg leveling system. This allows the pool table to be used even on carpets or places where the ground is not even.
• Accessories Included | This pool table includes all the accessory you need to get started right away. The package includes two pool cues, a set of billiard balls, one triangle, two pieces of chalk, and a table brush to clean the table cloth.

Alternative Top Pick: Fat Cat Frisco 7.5’ Pool Table

This pool table has a classic design that is beautiful to look at. The premium feel of this pool table is further complemented by the French-style drop pockets. It also boasts pearlized diamond sights that are inlaid into the rails of the table. These diamond sights, along with the hazel woolen cloth, really enhance the classic look of this pool table.

You can also easily play on uneven ground with this table as it comes with built-in hidden leveling pads. It is very easy to adjust the height of the corners of this table. It also comes with K-66 bumpers that use natural gum and provide a predictable bounce for a long time. Lastly, this pool table comes with a warranty of seven years.

What We Like:

• Premium Design | The Fat Cat Frisco features a design that is elegant and classic. A mixture of mahogany and Maple veneer finish gives it a very traditional classy look. The material used in the construction of this pool table is also of high-quality that gives it durability as well.
• Leg leveling system | It offers a leg leveling system that is easily adjustable. This means that this pool table can always be adjusted to uneven surfaces.
• Accessories Included | This pool table, like most pool tables listed here, comes with complete accessories to get you started. The package of Fat Cat Frisco Pool Table includes two 57-inch pool cues, a set of balls, one triangle, and two pieces of chalk.

Best High End Pick: Barrington Claremont Slate 100-inch Billiard Table Set

Let’s first talk about its elegance. This pool table features drop pockets of leather that will hold the balls during a game, while also adding a decorative element to the structure. Not only that, but the legs of this luxurious billiard pool table feature a classic Queen Anne design that works as an ornamental detail. The whole pool table has a very premium and stylish look that will definitely add beauty to your game room or basement.

Aside from the eye-catching appearance of this billiard table, it also features a three-piece slate system construction, which gives it the sturdiness to provide ceaseless entertainment. With a surface that is made up of 60% wool cloth, you are certain to get the seamless motion of balls on this premium pool table. The K66 bumpers provide consistent even bounce, and the top rails are also made up of high-quality wood and aprons. All of these features make this the best high-end billiard table for your home.

What We Like:

• Stylish Design | The leather drop pockets, legs featuring Queen Anne design, and other structural designs make this table the best and most elegant billiard table that you and your friends can enjoy at any time.
• Durability | To make this pool table heavy-duty, various features such as a surface of 60% wool cloth, K66 bumpers, high-quality top rails, and leather materials. These durability-specific features give this billiard table a robust structure so that it lasts you long.

Things to Consider:

• Requires Professional Installation | This is not a con per se, but you should keep this in mind. This pool table is expensive, and you don’t want to damage the quality or performance of this table. Therefore, you should contact a professional installation provider to assist you with the installation of this premium pool table.

Alternative High End Pick: Playcraft Charles River 8′ Chestnut Slate Pool Table

First off, let’s talk about what this table has to offer in terms of look and finish. It is available in Chestnut and Espresso furniture finish, both of which are hand-rubbed to give a sleek look. It features cabriole legs with claw feet. The cabinet of this table is hardwood, and it also features deep carved accents to further enhance the premium feel of this pool table.

Taking a look at its performance, you will get the best rebound performance with this pool table. It features K-66 rubber bumpers to ensure dependable, long-lasting bounce. This table also boasts a 1-inch slate that is highly-honed, ensuring the longevity and durability of the table.

Lastly, this high-end pool table comes with a warranty of five years against defects in materials and manufacturing. Although with this table, you are sure to get a lifetime of reliable play provided you follow our tips below and take care of it regularly.

What We Like:

• Durability | Not only is this pool table beautiful to look at, but it also meets BCA standards, has a highly-honed slate and K-66 rubber bumpers, and is constructed of laminated hardwood components to ensure that the durability of this table is up to its price.
• Choice of Cloth Color | With this premium slate pool table, you also get to choose the color of your cloth. There are 25 colors available to choose from.
• Premium Design | With the claw feet, cabriole legs, select hardwood cabinet, and options of Chestnut and Espresso finish, this pool table definitely gets all points as far as elegant features are concerned.

Things to Consider:

• Professional Installation Required | Again, this is not a downside, but you will require professional installation to ensure that the table is properly and carefully installed.

Best Budget Option: EastPoint Sports Masterton Billiard Pool Table

This EastPoint pool table comes with all the accessories you need to get the entertainment started right away. You get two wooden cues, balls, chalks, a triangle, and a table brush as well. It also comes with K-66 rubber bumpers for a consistent bounce.

This pool table features the classic parlor-style design. It also comes with several other features that make it a durable pool table. The table’s legs have a claw feet design that is stylish and elegant. The drop packets are covered and the top rail looks like stained wood. However, it is coated with LusterLong, which resists scratches and wear.

Talking about its size, this pool table is 87 inches long and 50 inches wide. You are going to require some assembly for this table. Its product description recommends a room large than 17 feet x 13 feet. You can read more about room space for pool tables in our FAQ section below.

Overall, EastPoint Sports Masterton is designed for families, and beginners can use this table well. You can set up this table anywhere you like without much effort. It has simpler parts and a quite lower price than its competitors.

What We Like:

• Traditional and Durable Design I EastPoint Sports Masterton pool table features a great classic design. Its legs are claw-shaped, giving them a stylish look. Also, its drop packets bear parlor style, and the top rail is covered with anti-scratch LusterLong coating.
• Built-in leg leveling system | This pool table features a built-in leg leveling system, which means that it can always adjust to uneven surface conditions.
• Easy to Install | There’s not much that needs to be done when it comes to installing this billiard pool table. All you need is a little help carrying it into your optimal room and positioning it as you like.
• All accessories Included | This traditional billiard pool table comes with all that you need to get started. The package contains two wooden billiard cues, a brush, two chalks, a set of billiard balls, and one triangle.

Best Tabletop Pool Table: Hathaway Sharp Shooter 40-in Portable Table

It comes with all the accessories you will need to get started playing. The package includes two 36-inch pool cues, a set of 1.5-inch billiard balls, 2 chalk pieces, a table brush to clean the felt, and a pool triangle. Lastly, this tabletop pool table comes with a warranty for six months.

What We Like:

• Portability | The size of this pool table is 21.5” x 40”. This slim billiards table will fit on most tables, and its compact size makes it perfect for taking it to picnics, birthday parties, or anywhere else.
• Durability | It is a high-quality pool table that features blended felt to ensure it lasts longer and also scratch-resistant no-Mar pads so your surface is protected from scratches and the levelness of the playing surface stays even.

Best Multi-Functional Pool Table: Hathaway Newport 7 ft. Pool Table

CARB certified MDF material had been used to construct this conversion pool table, ensuring that this table is durable and can be used for large family gatherings or business meetings as well.

It comes with two benches with soft padded seat cushions. This ensures that you can sit comfortably, and these benches also have built-in storage to store your cues, pool balls, table tennis paddles and balls, and all other accessories that come with this conversion pool table.

Lastly, this conversion pool table comes with a warranty of six months.

What We Like:

• Multi-functional | You can easily convert this pool table to a full competitive table tennis table. Not only that, but you can also make it a dining or craft table as you like.
• All Accessories Included | This convertible pool table comes with all accessories for playing both pool and table tennis. The package includes two 2-piece 57-inch cues, a set of pool balls, a triangle ball rack, a piece of chalk, a table tennis net and posts, two table tennis balls, and two paddles.

Best Portable Pool Table: Hathaway Fairmont Portable 6-Ft Pool Table

Its L profile cushions and blended wool felt provide consistent bounce and smooth, long-lasting gaming experience. This pool table comes with a warranty for six months.

What We Like:

• No Assembly Required | This portable pool table requires absolutely no assembly. All you have to do is unfold the legs of the table, and you are ready to get the fun rolling.
• Accessories Included | You also get all the necessary accessories that you need. The package includes two 48-inch pool cues, a set of billiard balls, a pool triangle, and a piece of chalk.
• Portability | The best thing about this pool table is its portability. Its steel legs are very strong and sturdy, and they can be easily folded. You can take this pool table anywhere you want with ease.

Best Outdoor Pool Table: Imperial Outdoor Pool Table 8ft

Additionally, it is made up of 140 layers of Formica sheets. This, in effect, makes it waterproof, fire-retardant, and extremely durable. The bed of this pool table is covered in Camel color taclon cloth.

And of course, it has large leg-levelers that help it adjust to an uneven carpet or ground so you can rest assured that your game will not be disturbed just because you can’t find a flat surface for your pool table.

Another great this about this outdoor pool table is that you can get the game started soon after it reaches your home. Firstly, most of the table is already assembled; you just have to bolt the legs and position it in your preferred location. Secondly, you get all the required accessories with this pool table like pool cues, balls, chalks, triangle, and you also get a playfield cover. So, you and your friends won’t have to wait much for the entertainment after the delivery of this outdoor pool table.

What We Like:

• Assembled Out of the Box| The Imperial Outdoor Pool Table comes mostly assembled out of the box. All you have to do is bolt on the legs and level the table to the surface, and you are good to go.
• Durable | This table boasts all-aluminum parts, tan coating, layers of Formica sheet, and waterproof Camel color taclon cloth. These features together give this pool table the sturdiness and durability that are needed for a pool table to be used outdoors.
• Accessories Included | This outdoor pool table also comes with all the necessary accessories to get the game started. The package includes two pool cues, a set of polyester balls, two pieces of chalk, a triangle, and a playfield cover.

Best Pool Table for Kids: Playcraft Sport Bank Shot 40-Inch Pool Table

This pool table for kids is quite large for a mini table ­– which is great. Overall the Playcraft Sport Bank Shot Pool table is satisfying, fun for the family, and a nice training tool for when your kids are ready for the real deal.

What We Like:

• Easy Set-Up | This Playcraft pool table is extremely easy to set-up. All you have to do is attach the legs, and you’re ready to watch your kids play.
• Durable | This pool table is surprisingly sturdy and feels very much like a real pool table. The pool sticks are lightweight, but that is what you would expect from a small-sized pool table for kids.
• Accessories Included | It comes with all the accessories you need to get the game going. The package includes two 36-inch cues, a set of billiard balls, a cue ball, 15 ball rack, chalks, and a brush.

What to Look for in A Pool Table

Slate

There is no substitute for a billiard table made with slate. Common substitutes include plywood, honeycomb, fiberboard, slatex, slatine, and slatron, but none of those alternatives can match the graceful experience and accuracy that is offered by a slate.

But what is slate? Slate is basically shale or rock that is made over thousands of years from volcanic ash or clay. This rock is then mined, quarried, cut, and leveled into flat sheets ideal for cue sports like billiards or pool.

The best slate is going to have a surface that is diamond-honed. If it is a three-piece slate, you should find out if it is matched. By matching, we mean that a matched slate has all pieces cut out from one single slab. We would recommend a pool table with a slate that is ¾ of an inch.

Wood frame

The wood frame offers support to the slate. The durability of a slate is directly proportional to the quality of the wood frame that supports it. This is because a lack of support can easily cause the slate to crack and become uneven.

You should look for a slate framed with wood that is glued to the bottom. It will also have cross beams for added support.

Legs

A pool table must be supported by strong and durable legs if it is to last long and not lower the game experience over time. Players also often lean or sit against the pool table, which adds even more stress on the legs.

There are two types of legs: post legs and two-piece legs. The post legs are reliable and will certainly pass the test of time. They consist of solid pieces of wood, from the slate down to the feet.

In a two-piece leg system, the legs are attached to the cabinet with an anchor system. Solid legs are avoided here. There are two types of two-piece legs: single anchor system and quad anchor system. As the name suggests, the single anchor system uses a combination of a single nut and bolt. This can loosen over time and negatively affect the game experience. The quad anchor system, on the other hand, uses four nut and bolt combinations. This is obviously more secure and reliable than the single anchor system.

Level

An even level surface is necessary to play properly on a pool table. Some pool tables offer a built-in leg leveling system that adjusts the pool table in case your carpet or ground is uneven. If you have a pool table that does not have a leg leveling system, you can use normal playing cards to adjust the height of each leg as needed. If you decide to do this, you should be careful not to move the table too much as it can fall out of level.

Cloth or Felt

You should ensure a few things when it comes to choosing a billiard cloth, or pool table felt. It is usually made from a wool and nylon that’s coated in Teflon. You should not buy a felt surface if it is lightly glued and/or stapled. A good quality will be glued and screwed into place to provide a surface that lasts.

Quantity of wool also determines the quality of a pool table cloth. Basically, the more wool your cloth has, the more durable it is going to be. You should aim for about 80 percent wool and 20 percent nylon. Wool also helps in speed and accuracy, so that good traction and speed are ensured on the surface.

You can also check the ounce weight per yard of a billiard cloth to estimate its durability. An ounce weight of 18 to 22 per yard is recommended for a long-lasting surface.

Rails or Cushions

Rails or cushions or a pool table are normally made up of two materials: either synthetic or natural gum or blends of gum. Here, you should always look for rails or cushions made from natural gum and not from synthetic material.

Synthetics options use clay fillers to form the rails. This clay will eventually dry out and will lose its bounce, becoming what is called a dead rail. A dead rail is a cushion or rail that is no longer elastic and consequently does not provide enough bounce. On the other hand, a pool table that has the standard K-66 bumpers are ideal. K-66 rails or cushions use natural gum material, and these types of cushions will give you predictable bounce and will last as long as you own the pool table.

Pocket

You have already read all the crucial points about buying a pool table, and there’s not much to say about this one. Just remember that it would be better if the pockets are made up of rubberized plastic, since hard plastic may crack from use.

Warranty

Lastly, after you have considered all the above options and are finally ready to buy the best pool table for you, choose one that has a solid warranty. A high-quality pool table should ideally have a lifetime warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between billiards and pool?

Billiards is a general term that refers to the set of all games played indoors with cue sticks on a table covered with cloth and spherical balls. In these types of games, you basically drive the cue into a ball so that the struck ball may hit other balls in order to accomplish the game’s objective. Snooker, Carom, and Pockets are also particular categories of billiards.

There are two major types of billiards: pocket billiards and carom billiards. As is clear with the names, Pocket billiards are games that are played on a table with pockets, where the objective of the game is usually to pocket the balls. On the other hand, carom billiards are games that are played on a table with no pockets. Here, the objective of the game is mostly moving the balls (with the cue ball) in a particular way.

Now, coming to the pool, it is a type of pocket billiards. The phrase was born from a time when gambling parlors were in existence. They would often have these billiard tables on which people would gamble. The term pool has originated from the “pool” of money that was there at these gambling parlors.

How much space do I need in my room for a pool table?

Ideally, you should have at least five feet of clearance on each side of the pool table, regardless of what size of table you plan on buying. This is simply because a pool cue is just under 5 feet long. If you do not have that much space in your room, then you will need to look for shorter pool cues.

How do I take care of my table’s cloth?

The cloth of your pool table is an essential part of the whole setup and must be taken good care of. We have already discussed what qualities a good table cloth or felt should have, and now it’s time to take care of your cloth.

So, how do you keep your table cloth new? Well, firstly, you should brush the cloth as often as possible. Most pool tables mentioned here come with a table brush already. Also, remember that you can never brush the cloth too often, so simply do it as much as you can. Another thing to keep in mind is that If you vacuum your cloth, you need to make sure that you use the upholstery end and go over your cloth very lightly. You should not use a vacuum with rotating brushes because this will be too hard on your cloth. Periodically, we also recommend that you use a damp lint-free towel to wipe down the cloth.

What maintenance is required for a pool table?

A good-quality pool table should continue to provide entertainment for generations to come, provided it is taken care of reasonably. Let’s look at how you should take care of your pool table so your grandson can play and win on it in your memory.

Firstly, and obviously, the wooden components of the pool table need to be kept dry. Your table cloth may require replacement every few years. If you follow our tips above on maintaining your table cloth, it should definitely last you longer. The cushions of your table will worsen about every ten to fifteen years, and you will need to replace them. Also, you will need to remove your existing table cloth when replacing the cushions. So, you can use this opportunity to replace your billiards cloth as well.

Is it okay to sit on my pool table?

You should never sit on your table or any other billiards table. Doing so has the risk of throwing the pool table out of level, and it can also damage or scratch the finishing of the rails or cause the cushion to separate from the rails.

How much does a pool table weigh?

It depends. Generally, 1 slate pool table will weigh anywhere from 500 to 1200 pounds. The weight of a pool table depends on its size, the type of wood used, and the thickness of the slate. The weight should be kept in mind in case you decide to install your pool table in an upstairs location. If the floor does not have proper support, it might flex due to the weight of the table settling over time. This will cause issues with the proper leveling of the pool table. An unsupportive floor can also cause movement as you and your friends walk around, which will again disturb the table’s levelness.  

What if I spill a drink on my table?

Well, we will start by saying that you shouldn’t. Don’t set your drink on the rail of your table in the first place. Remember the cliched proverb: prevention is better than cure.

However, if you do manage to successfully spill a drink on your pool table, you will need to act quickly. Take clean, dry paper towels, and try to absorb as much liquid as possible. The longer the liquid sits on your cloth, the more it will be stained. Many pool tables offer table cloth embedded with Teflon to help you keep your table clean.

Other Worthy Mentions

These are ones that didn’t quite make the cut as one of the top picks but are still interesting enough to be worth a look.