Furnishing a games room, trying your hand at a new hobby, or recreating a pub or bar environment at home? A pool table is a great piece of entertainment equipment, but with so many options and sizes, it's hard to know what to look for. So, whether you're a pro or just trying your hand at the game, we've broken down all the things you need to consider before making that all-important purchase.
We've got details on table sizing, cue variations, table style, and additional handy features that might improve your overall experience. Whether you're looking for a simple 6ft or 7ft piece, or a fancy folding table with a cover that turns into a dining table, there are plenty of options out there. Plus, we've listed the top 10 best pool tables to buy from UK retailers such as Amazon and Argos.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of pool tables available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Hy-Pro | 2 ![]() VIAVITO | 3 ![]() GRAFICA MA.RO SRL | 4 ![]() Hy-Pro | 5 ![]() Chad Valley | 6 ![]() VIAVITO | 7 ![]() hlc | 8 ![]() GRAFICA MA.RO SRL | 9 ![]() Simba | 10 ![]() Charles Bentley |
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Name | 6ft Folding Snooker and Pool Table | T200 6ft Pool Table | 7 Ft Red Pool Table Billiard Indoor with coverage | 4ft 6in Folding Snooker and Pool Table | 3ft Table Top Pool Table | PT500 7ft Pool Table | 3ft 5 in 1 Game Table | 7Ft Pool Table | 8 Ft Pool Table Billiard | 6ft Premium Pub Style Snooker & Pool Games Table |
Features | A Reasonably-Sized 6 Foot Table Which Folds Away for Easy Storage | Get Style and Convenience From This Modern Table With Automatic Ball Return | Save Space Without Ruining the Game With This 7 Foot Option Which Doubles as a Dining Table | A Perfect Middle-Ground Pool Table Suitable for Both Children and Adults | This Tabletop Option Is Ideal for Casual Games in Small Spaces | Large Size on a Low Budget With This Contemporary Black-Felted Table | Interchangeable Tabletops Transform This Into Five Exciting Games for the Price of One | A Sturdy Modern Option to Rival the Tables at Your Local Pub | Play Professional Games on This 8 Foot Table With All the Required Extras | Foldable Classic Table With Two 48" Cues for Smaller Spaces and Players |
Price | £179.00 | £489.00 | £1,819.00 | £75.00 | £40.00 | £549.00 | £89.99 | £1,099.00 | £1,189.00 | £279.99 |
Size | 6 ft | 6ft | 7 ft | 4 ft | 3 ft | 7 ft | 3 ft | 7 ft | 8 ft | 6 ft |
Dimensions | 184 x 92 x 78.5 cm | 186 x 107 x 24 cm | 213 x 121 x 80 cm | 80 x 74 cm | 91.5 x 48 x 21 cm | 213 x 122 x 79 cm | 91.5 x 48 x 76 cm | 213 x 121 x 80 cm | 249 x 137 x 80 cm | 183 x 91.4 x 78.4 cm |
Cue Size | Not specified | 57-inch | Various | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Various | 48-inch |
Best For | Easy storage | Large spaces, fixed setup | Large spaces, fixed setup | Easy storage, children | Small spaces, children | Large spaces, fixed setup | Interchangable tabletops, children | Large spaces, fixed setup | Large spaces, fixed setup, professional size | Easy storage |
Style | Classic/modern | Modern | Classic/modern | Classic/modern | Modern/contemporary | Contemporary | Modern | Modern | Modern | Classic |
Items Included | 2 x cues, 2 x ball sets, 2 x triangles, 2 x chalk, felt brush | Felt brush, triangle, ball set, 2 x chalk, 2 x cues | 2 x ball sets, 2x chalk, 2 x triangle, 6 x cues, scoreboard, protective blanket | Felt brush, 2 x cues, 2 x chalk, 2 x ball sets | 2x cues, ball set, triangle, felt brush, chalk | Ball set, triangle, felt brush, 2 x cues, 2 x chalk | Felt brush, ball set, chalk, 2 x cues | Felt brush, triangle, ball set, chalk, 2 x cues | 3 x ball sets, 6 x cues, scoreboard, protective cover, felt brush, 2 x chalk | 2 x ball sets, 2 x cues, chalk, triangle, felt brush |
Additional Features | Foldable | Automatic ball return | Dining tabletop, bench storage | Foldable | Tabletop use | - | Basketball, table tennis, hockey, archery board | Automatic ball return | Automatic ball return | Foldable |
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The most important thing you need to consider when shopping for a pool table is the size - it's easy to underestimate how much space is needed! You need to be able to take shots from every angle around the table, so make sure that there'll be enough space to properly manoeuvre your cue without bumping into walls or obstructions.
Table sizes vary from 8-foot all the way down to 3-foot. If you're serious about pool, it's natural to want the largest table you can fit. 8-foot tables are the industry standard and will give you a more enjoyable and professional game. Similarly, 7-foot tables are relatively substantial. These are often found in bars and will create a reasonable challenge without using too much floor space.
Opting for a smaller table between 5 and 3 feet will make for an easier game and may even mean you can get the kids involved! These tables tend to be less robust and only really suitable for casual use. However, if you're just looking for a little light entertainment that can be easily stowed away, this will be ideal.
Don't have much space? Take a look at our list of the best party games!
Pool cues also vary in size, which is another key element in choosing the proper setup for your home. Standard cues are 57-inches, but your perfect cue could vary depending on your table size, body size, experience, and preference. With a 57-inch cue, you need to account for a minimum of 60-inches of additional space around the table in every direction in order to give you enough room to manoeuvre.
Most pool tables have cues included that are in proportion to the table itself. However, if you have your heart set on an 8-foot table but can't quite manage 60-inches of extra space, you could always buy smaller cues separately and save space that way.
Smaller cues are also great for shorter players, so this is important to consider if you'll be playing with children. While the average 57-inch cue is suitable for most people, players between 4'0 and 5'0 may prefer a 42-inch cue, and those between 5'0 and 5'8 may be more comfortable with a 52-inch. Plus, if you're over 6'5, you can size your cue up to 61-inches.
Get everyone in on the fun with our Best Family Board Games!
The larger your table, the more attention-grabbing it will be. While not everyone will be concerned about the aesthetics of their home, chances are, you'll feel much better about your new purchase if it fits in seamlessly with your decor. Table styles generally fall into three different categories.
As mentioned above, most tables tend to come with pool cues and balls, but it's important to double-check this before buying, as you may need to make some purchases separately. These things will prepare you for a basic game, but you can get even more out of your setup with additional features.
One thing to look for is foldable frames, which are great for small spaces and multi-purpose rooms, as they make the table easy to store when not in use. Similarly, interchangeable tabletops will allow you to get multiple games out of the same table, so they save on floor space overall. Some even come with tabletops suitable for dining!
You should also check for automatic ball return. This internal mechanism collects the potted balls and stores them on a rack inside the table. The balls can then be released at the start of a new game. It can be a more expensive option, so if you're on a budget, you may want to try a table with static potting holes where you collect the balls yourself and set them aside while not in play.
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£179.00
Size | 6 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 184 x 92 x 78.5 cm |
Cue Size | Not specified |
Best For | Easy storage |
Style | Classic/modern |
Items Included | 2 x cues, 2 x ball sets, 2 x triangles, 2 x chalk, felt brush |
Additional Features | Foldable |
£489.00
Size | 6ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 186 x 107 x 24 cm |
Cue Size | 57-inch |
Best For | Large spaces, fixed setup |
Style | Modern |
Items Included | Felt brush, triangle, ball set, 2 x chalk, 2 x cues |
Additional Features | Automatic ball return |
£1,819.00
Size | 7 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 213 x 121 x 80 cm |
Cue Size | Various |
Best For | Large spaces, fixed setup |
Style | Classic/modern |
Items Included | 2 x ball sets, 2x chalk, 2 x triangle, 6 x cues, scoreboard, protective blanket |
Additional Features | Dining tabletop, bench storage |
£75.00
Size | 4 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 80 x 74 cm |
Cue Size | Not specified |
Best For | Easy storage, children |
Style | Classic/modern |
Items Included | Felt brush, 2 x cues, 2 x chalk, 2 x ball sets |
Additional Features | Foldable |
£40.00
Size | 3 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 91.5 x 48 x 21 cm |
Cue Size | Not specified |
Best For | Small spaces, children |
Style | Modern/contemporary |
Items Included | 2x cues, ball set, triangle, felt brush, chalk |
Additional Features | Tabletop use |
£549.00
Size | 7 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 213 x 122 x 79 cm |
Cue Size | Not specified |
Best For | Large spaces, fixed setup |
Style | Contemporary |
Items Included | Ball set, triangle, felt brush, 2 x cues, 2 x chalk |
Additional Features | - |
£89.99
Size | 3 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 91.5 x 48 x 76 cm |
Cue Size | Not specified |
Best For | Interchangable tabletops, children |
Style | Modern |
Items Included | Felt brush, ball set, chalk, 2 x cues |
Additional Features | Basketball, table tennis, hockey, archery board |
£1,099.00
Size | 7 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 213 x 121 x 80 cm |
Cue Size | Not specified |
Best For | Large spaces, fixed setup |
Style | Modern |
Items Included | Felt brush, triangle, ball set, chalk, 2 x cues |
Additional Features | Automatic ball return |
£1,189.00
Size | 8 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 249 x 137 x 80 cm |
Cue Size | Various |
Best For | Large spaces, fixed setup, professional size |
Style | Modern |
Items Included | 3 x ball sets, 6 x cues, scoreboard, protective cover, felt brush, 2 x chalk |
Additional Features | Automatic ball return |
£279.99
Size | 6 ft |
---|---|
Dimensions | 183 x 91.4 x 78.4 cm |
Cue Size | 48-inch |
Best For | Easy storage |
Style | Classic |
Items Included | 2 x ball sets, 2 x cues, chalk, triangle, felt brush |
Additional Features | Foldable |
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
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