Ping pong is a sport that requires tons of practice, but you might find yourself without a partner to play with. It’s not easy to get a practice partner with the same schedules, interests, and playing level as you have.
Sure, you can play against a wall, but it will get boring really quickly. You need some variety in speed, angles, and frequency to challenge your reflexes and make improvements. The good news is that table tennis robots are getting better and better every year.
A robot is a brilliant practice buddy, and they’re available for all levels and budgets. We’ve reviewed the best ones to help you with your buying decision.
These are the best table tennis robots:
- Power Pong 3001
- Paddle Palace H2W Touch Pro
- ZXMT Table Tennis Robot
- Shzicmy S6-PRO
- PROMOTOR Table Tennis Robot
- Suz S101 Table Tennis Robot
- Butterfly Amicus Professional
Table Tennis Robots Reviews
We wanted to give you a wide selection of table tennis robots to choose from. That’s why we included beginner options as well as professional ones. Some of them will help you practice responding to basic serves. Others will make you feel like you’re playing against a real player.
None of Power Pong’s robots are affordably priced, so we chose the mid-priced option, 3001, to get a feel for what they can do. The truth is you don’t have to go to the most expensive model to understand what makes this brand stand out. The 3001 is a professional-grade product that’s highly user-friendly and customizable.
The Power Pong 3001 comes with a touch screen that’s easy to manage. It has memory space for 99 different drills, and its speed, trajectory, placement, and spin are all programmable.
One of the best features of this robot is its cluster memory. You can set 33 of your favorite drills in one cluster, and play them back-to-back, even in a random mode.
With the different placements, spins, and trajectory options, it feels like you’re playing an actual opponent. If you’re really looking to improve your game and play seriously, this is a perfect choice.
The Power Pong 3001 also comes complete with all you need, from the net recycling system to the carrying bag and 100 balls.
PROS
- Cluster memory.
- Random mode.
- Ball collection net, carrying bag, and 100 balls included.
- Intuitive touch screen.
CONS
- High price range.
The H2W Touch Pro is among the best ping pong robots on the market. It comes with an easy-to-use touchscreen you can use to program and adjust the settings. You can set it up in just a couple of minutes with the premade sequences.
An appealing addition to this model is the spin indicator panel that helps you anticipate the spin, much like with a human player. The max speed of the ball is 110 mph, which gives a real challenge to even the fastest player.
This robot will give you long and short balls with different frequencies and nine different speeds. It also has different spin options, from topspin and underspin to sidespin and even no-spin. What is lacking is some variability of head height.
The robot comes complete with a net and ball recycling system and 120 balls. Altogether, it’s a versatile option, but not the best in this price range.
PROS
- Intuitive setup and programming.
- Ball recycling system included.
- Great spin variety.
- Spin indicator panel.
CONS
- Not much variety in the speed settings.
- The head height is not adjustable.
This ping pong robot is a complete package value investment for a beginner to intermediate players.
It has adjustable angles that help you create jump balls and nine different spin options. With topspin, backspin, and rotation to the sides, you’re not going to get bored. If you set the machine in oscillation mode, you’ll be even more challenged.
This model comes with a remote control that doesn’t have too many buttons, so it’s intuitive and easy to figure out. It comes with a net that helps you catch the balls. The capacity is reported as 110 balls, but you can easily fit more into the net and get a longer workout without having to interrupt your game.
The setup is easy, but keep in mind that this isn’t a portable ping pong machine. It’s heavy and big and has many parts, so it’s best if you’re able to keep it in one location.
One negative of this machine is its lack of variable speeds, which makes it not the best option for advanced players. The placement is not always consistent, and it’s hard to adjust the settings to get a no-spin ball. However, it’s a superb product for its price.
PROS
- Versatile.
- Nine different spin options.
- Oscillation mode.
- Easy setup and use.
CONS
- No speed adjustments.
- Placement not always consistent.
Shzicmy’s S6-PRO model is a medium-range upgrade from their low-level ping pong robot for beginners and intermediate players.
This robot has all the standard functions you’ll need for your practice. It comes with a ball-collecting system and net that can fit around 300 balls. For this price, it’s a very complete robot that’ll allow you to get a decent workout.
You can adjust the frequency from 30 to 90 balls per minute, and the ball speed from 13 to 130 feet per second. The angle is also variable, so you get some change in the placement and the arc of the ball.
You have normal spin options from topspin to backspin and sidespin, but no lateral spin.
The robot can also give you both short balls and long balls, so you have a nice variety in your game. There’s also an oscillation mode that launches balls at random angles.
PROS
- Adjustable frequency.
- Variable speed.
- Ball collector net.
- Placement variety.
CONS
- The spin speed options are limited.
This is another affordable robot that nonetheless has excellent value. It has a customizable frequency of 40 to 70 balls per minute. The speed can be adjusted from 13 to 130 feet per second.
This robot also has a decent, regular oscillation from right to left, and seven different angles. This is probably enough for most amateur users.
For such a low price, this model feels amazingly well built and solid. Other players we consulted also seemed to think it’s pretty durable. There are no jamming issues in general, like in many other robots in this price range.
Overall, this is a decent, classic robot, and you won’t have to make a massive investment.
PROS
- Good capacity.
- Affordable.
- Easy to set up.
- Portable.
CONS
- The variations are very basic.
- No ball recollection or recycling.
Suz’s S1010 is another brilliant training buddy for players that are just starting out. It’s portable and easy to use and has all the usual functions or a ping pong robot at an affordable price.
You can adjust the ball speed, frequency, and oscillation. This robot can give from 40 to 70 balls per minute, at a rate of 13 to 130 feet per second. The spin options include backspin, topspin, and sidespin. You also get some common placement options and jump balls or two-jump balls.
Overall, it works well and is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable option. It also comes with 100 free balls, so you can get to playing right away. However, with these basic models, you won’t get a ball net, so you’ll have to collect the balls yourself.
PROS
- Affordable, great for beginners.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Small and easy to carry around.
- Adjustable speed, frequency, and oscillation.
CONS
- No ball collector.
- The functions are limited.
The Butterfly Amicus Pro is among the best ping pong ball machines on the market today, and a favorite or many pros. Thanks to its customization, it’s a great buy for any player, independent of their level.
The customizable sequences of this robot are excellent, and you can even modify them in the same drill. It has space for up to 99 different memory positions and can deliver up to 120 balls per minute. The model also includes a cluster memory so you can put together a complete training session with your favorite drills.
Amicus Pro comes complete with a wireless remote that has standard start/stop functions, as well as frequency control. It also has a ball collection system, which makes things a lot easier for you when you’re playing.
This is among the best ping pong robots in the market, but it’s also very pricey. It’s the perfect option for somebody who plays a lot and will give the robot a lot of use.
PROS
- Amazing memory and ball frequency.
- It comes with a net that collects all the balls.
- Many different spin types.
- Easy and intuitive setup.
- Cluster memory.
CONS
- Not consistent with ball placement.
Buying Guide
In this type of product, the range of quality and prices from beginner robots to professional ones is vast. Some of them set you back several hundred dollars, so it’s essential to make sure you’re making the right decision.
Here are some tips to help you get through it and make the best possible purchase.
What Is the Benefit of a Table Tennis Robot?
The obvious benefit is that you’ll be able to practice alone. The more you play, the better you’ll get. While it’s not the same as a human player, you’ll significantly improve your response and reflexes. You’ll be able to build more consistency so you can play better for longer.
The higher prices on some of these robots also imply that they’ll often be a better challenge. Their complex software adds more features and options, from different spins to programmed drills so that you won’t get bored.
How to Choose a Table Tennis Robot
First of all, you should consider your level and how often you’ll actually be using the robot. If you’re a beginner and your goals aren’t too ambitious, you might not want to spend too much. You never know if you’ll actually be playing enough to make up for the expense.
If you’ve already been playing for some time and need some more challenge, invest in a good robot. If you buy a cheaper, more ordinary robot, you’ll end up not using it as much or not really improving your game as much as you’d like. Your money will be wasted, and you might end up buying a more expensive one in the long run.
Things to Look For
These are some of the features you’ll likely find necessary in the long run, so pay attention. Not everybody needs the same kind of robot, but there are some characteristics that are valued by most users.
Ball Spin, Angle and Frequency
Most basic table tennis robots will give you some variety of spin, angle, ball frequency, and oscillation. They can even give you jump balls and two-jump balls, and have many different options for placement on the table or a table tennis conversion top.
Expensive, pro-level robots will give you a more versatile set of options. You’ll be able to customize them for different angles and really crank up the speed to give yourself a real challenge.
You can normally set the balls at a frequency of about 20 up to 100 per minute, depending on the specific model. Anything higher than 60 per minute is already quite a challenge for most players.
Many robots also let you adjust the oscillation and angle. The more expensive robots also offer you numerous spin options, from backspin to sidespin.
Control and Usability
Simpler robots are often easier to use. When you add more specifics, some of the robots can get a little tougher to understand.
Given that China is the leader in this sport, many robots are made there and will only have instructions in Chinese. That’s why it’s crucial that the robot is uncomplicated and easy to figure out.
Some of the models have simple controls, while others even come with a touchscreen display. Pro models may have more switches and buttons for all their many adjustment options.
Memory
Another important feature of the more expensive robots is their memory capacity. They have a memory that allows you to save different drills and even sets of drills. This will help you keep variety in your practice and make you feel like you’re playing against an actual opponent.
Some even have a cluster memory, which means you can program your favorite drills in a sequence. This is a vital feature if you’re looking for a robot that’ll allow you to play for longer with more variety.
Battery vs. Power Outlet
If you’re playing in a place where you don’t have a power outlet nearby, check out the battery-powered options. However, these models tend to be a bit simpler than your average electrical cord-powered one.
The robots that are connected to electricity are usually more powerful and advanced than battery-powered robots. They can also be more reliable in the long run.
Capacity and Recycling
Many basic models have a capacity of about 100 balls and a tray you’ll charge at the beginning of your practice. When you run out, you’ll have to collect the balls and get started again.
If the robot comes with a net and a ball recycling system, you’ll be able to continue playing for a lot longer. They’ll usually fit about 300, and recycle all the balls you manage to keep inside the net.
Portability and Setup
If you’re playing in your garage, this might not be the most important factor. If you’re going to be moving the robot around, pick a size you’ll be able to manage. Some models even include a tote to help you carry them around.
Another thing is the setup. Simpler models take you less than five minutes to figure out and set up every time you’re transporting them. The complex ones might be tougher to deal with, especially when they come with a complete ball recycling system.
Conclusion
After reviewing the best table tennis robots in all price ranges, we’ve reached a conclusion. We found Power Pong 3001 to be the best one of all the options we went through. It’s great for both pro-level ping pong players and beginners, thanks to its amazing customization possibilities.
The robot has a fantastic spin and excellent versatility with a memory that allows you to program 99 different drills. The quality of the build is solid, and players don’t report any jams.
The cluster memory is an excellent innovation that adds difficulty to your training.
If you’re looking for a lower price point, check out the beginner and intermediate options on our list, like the Paddle Palace H2W Touch Pro or ZXMT Table Tennis Robot. Not all affordable robots are worth your money, but the ones on this list are pretty good options that don’t break the bank. There’s one for every taste and playing level.