When it comes to ping pong tables, two of the most well-known brands are Stiga and Joola. Both offer high-quality tables for players of all skill levels, from casual home players to serious competitors.
But which brand is better? Stiga or Joola?
In this guide, we’ll compare Stiga vs. Joola ping pong tables based on build quality, performance, price, and features, so you can decide which brand is right for you!
Stiga vs. Joola: Brand Overview
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at both brands.
🏓 Stiga Ping Pong Tables
✔ Founded in Sweden (1944), known for premium-quality sports equipment.
✔ Official sponsor of world-class tournaments and European Table Tennis Championships.
✔ Offers beginner-friendly, mid-range, and high-end competition tables.
✔ Known for durability, high-quality materials, and excellent bounce.
✔ Typically higher-priced than Joola but built for long-term use.
🏓 Joola Ping Pong Tables
✔ Founded in Germany (1952), used in the Olympics and professional competitions.
✔ Official table sponsor for multiple USATT events and past Olympic Games.
✔ Offers a wider range of affordable models, including budget-friendly options.
✔ Known for quick assembly, smooth playing surfaces, and solid durability.
✔ More budget-friendly than Stiga, making it a great choice for recreational players.
Stiga vs. Joola: Key Comparison Factors
Let’s compare Stiga and Joola based on these essential categories:
- Tabletop Thickness & Bounce
- Frame & Build Quality
- Assembly & Portability
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Tables
- Pricing & Value
- Best Models from Each Brand
1. Tabletop Thickness & Bounce 🎾
Why It Matters:
The thickness of the playing surface is one of the most important factors when choosing a ping pong table. A thicker tabletop provides better ball bounce, making games more consistent and enjoyable.
| Tabletop Thickness | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| <12mm (½ inch) | Casual / Kids – Lower bounce, not suitable for serious play. |
| 15mm (⅝ inch) | Recreational Play – Decent bounce, good for home use. |
| 18-22mm (¾ – ⅞ inch) | Intermediate / Club Play – Excellent bounce, more durable. |
| 25mm (1 inch) | Tournament & Professional – Best bounce, official competition tables. |
🏓 Stiga: Tabletop Thickness
- Higher-end Stiga tables (like the Stiga Advantage Pro) have 22-25mm thick MDF surfaces, offering excellent bounce and consistency.
- Budget Stiga tables have 12-16mm thickness, which is fine for casual play but not ideal for serious players.
- Stiga’s indoor tables have a silk-screened UV-coated finish, providing a smooth surface and reduced glare.
🏓 Joola: Tabletop Thickness
- Joola tables range from 12mm to 25mm thickness.
- Joola Inside 25 and Joola Tour 2500 offer 25mm tabletops, giving tournament-level performance.
- Some Joola models use poly-coated MDF, which enhances ball response and makes play more consistent.
🏆 Winner: Tie (Both brands offer high-quality, thick tabletops at the high-end level).
2. Frame & Build Quality 🏗
Why It Matters:
A sturdy frame ensures that the table remains stable and durable, preventing wobbling during intense games.
🏓 Stiga: Build Quality
- Strong steel frames with powder-coated legs for durability.
- Reinforced undercarriage on premium models for added stability.
- Some models, like the Stiga Expert Roller, feature industrial-strength caster wheels for easy mobility.
🏓 Joola: Build Quality
- High-strength aluminum frames on outdoor models to prevent rust.
- Steel aprons and corner protectors on many models for added durability.
- Slightly lighter build than Stiga, but still very stable and well-constructed.
🏆 Winner: Stiga (Heavier-duty frame and better long-term durability).
3. Assembly & Portability 🔧
Why It Matters:
If you’re setting up a ping pong table at home, you’ll want one that’s easy to assemble and move.
🏓 Stiga: Assembly & Portability
- Preassembled models available, like the Stiga Advantage (takes ~10 minutes to set up).
- Lockable caster wheels on most models for easy movement.
- Foldable playback mode for solo practice.
🏓 Joola: Assembly & Portability
- Many Joola tables arrive 95% preassembled, reducing setup time to under 15 minutes.
- Lighter than Stiga (easier to move for storage).
- Easy fold-up design with dual halves for compact storage.
🏆 Winner: Joola (Faster assembly and lighter design for easier portability).
4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Tables ☀️🏠
Both brands offer indoor and outdoor ping pong tables, but which is better?
🏓 Stiga Outdoor Tables
- Weather-resistant aluminum composite tops on outdoor models.
- Heavy-duty steel legs for stability.
- Best Model: Stiga XTR Outdoor Table (great for home patios).
🏓 Joola Outdoor Tables
- Aluminum-plastic composite tops (more weatherproof than MDF).
- Rust-resistant undercarriage for long-term outdoor use.
- Best Model: Joola Nova Outdoor Table (affordable and durable).
🏆 Winner: Joola (Better weather-resistant materials and more budget-friendly options).
5. Pricing & Value 💰
| Brand | Budget Models | Mid-Range Models | Tournament Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiga | $400 – $600 | $700 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Joola | $300 – $500 | $600 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
🏓 Stiga Pricing
- Higher-end models are pricier, but they offer top-tier performance.
- Great for serious players looking for a long-term investment.
🏓 Joola Pricing
- More budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality.
- Great for casual players and families looking for an affordable table.
🏆 Winner: Joola (More affordable, while still offering great performance).
Best Ping Pong Tables from Stiga & Joola
| Brand | Best Budget Model | Best Mid-Range Model | Best High-End Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiga | Stiga Advantage Lite | Stiga Advantage Pro | Stiga Expert Roller |
| Joola | Joola Inside 15 | Joola Tour 2500 | Joola Inside 25 |
Final Verdict: Stiga vs. Joola – Which One Should You Buy?
🔥 Best for Serious Players: Stiga (More durable, better bounce).
💰 Best for Budget-Friendly Buyers: Joola (More affordable, easy to assemble).
☀ Best Outdoor Table: Joola Nova Outdoor (More weather-resistant).
🏠 Best Home Table for Families: Stiga Advantage (High-quality & sturdy).
👉 If you want the absolute best quality, go with Stiga.
👉 If you want affordability and easy setup, choose Joola.