I enjoy writing these articles for my readers, you guys. I don't accept payment for writing reviews, my opinion on products is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something through one of the links I may be able to receive a commission on that. More information
Practice makes perfect and regular training ensures even better skills, of course this also applies to table tennis!
With a table tennis robot you can practice your stroke technique very effectively.
It happens every now and then that your training partner drops out, and then it is nice to be able to train with a table tennis ball machine.
It doesn't matter if you're a beginner, just want to get some exercise, or if you're a pro.
The main thing is that your hitting technique and fitness are improved, and your reaction time is sharpened.
With a table tennis machine you can train various stroke variants.
The key question, however, is whether table tennis robots are worth the money. In this blog I show you the best robot ball machines, and also tell you what to look for when choosing them.
For me the HP07 Multispin table tennis robot ball machine the perfect choice for training and honing your skills as it is compact and offers adjustable ball speed and rotation to suit your needs. It has a realistic shot pattern that allows you to easily practice counterattacks, high throws, two jump balls and other challenging shots.
I'll tell you more about this machine later. First, let's take a look at my overview:
Best overall
A compact robot that shoots in all directions and with different speeds and rotations.
Best for Beginners
The perfect table tennis robot for the beginner, but also for the expert!
Best for all the family
The table tennis robot that is guaranteed to give the whole family a lot of fun.
Best with safety net
Thanks to the safety net, this table tennis robot saves you a lot of time when collecting the played balls.
Best for kids
The most fun, cheerfully colored table tennis 'playmate' for your children.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
What do you pay attention to when purchasing a table tennis robot ball machine?
Did you know that most table tennis ball machines today can mimic just about all human hitting techniques?
This happens completely naturally, as if you have a real-life player in front of you.
Spicy spins – served in any way – are certainly possible!
We see devices that can easily shoot 80 balls per minute, but we also see ball machines for beginners, with multi-spins and with shooting interval.
Which table tennis robot would be suitable for you and what should you pay particular attention to when purchasing a table tennis robot?
The following points are important:
Machine size
Do you have enough space to store the machine and is it also easy to clean up after playing?
Ball reservoir size
How many balls can it hold? It's nice if you can continue shooting, but then you shouldn't be forced to pause after a few balls.
Instead, use a larger ball reservoir.
With or without mounting?
Is it a stand-alone robot, or does it have to be mounted on the table?
It is important to understand your preference before purchasing.
With or without a safety net?
A safety net is not a superfluous luxury, because looking for and picking up all the balls is no fun.
We see this safety net especially with the more expensive pro ball machines, the balls then automatically go back into the machine.
However, you can also buy a ball catch net separately.
Machine weight
The weight of the machine is also important: do you want a lightweight that you can quickly carry under your arm, or would you prefer a heavier, but much more robust version?
How many skills can you train?
How many diverse strokes or spins does the device have? It is important to be able to practice as many skills as possible!
Swing frequency
Ball frequency, also called Swing frequency; how many balls do you wish to hit per minute?
Ball speed
Ball speed, would you like to return lightning fast balls, or would you rather practice on the less fast balls?
Do you know whether you can actually hold a table tennis bat with two hands?
Best table tennis robot ball machines
You already know exactly what to look for when purchasing table tennis robots.
Now is the time to discuss my favorite robots!
HP07 Multispin Table Tennis Robot
- Adjust the arc of the ball
- 9 Rotation options
- Comes with remote control
- Perfect price-quality ratio
- Must be mounted on the table
My top choice is the HP07 Multispin table tennis robot ball machine, for a number of important reasons; this ball machine is nice and compact and can – just set up at the same point – shoot in all directions.
This boulder gives you both long and short balls with ease, where the ball speed and rotation can be adjusted independently of each other.
Change these functions quickly with the rotary controls on the supplied remote control.
The ball is shot at you in a natural way, you have absolutely no idea that you are playing with a machine.
Get ready for challenging fast balls, left, right, top or low side spins!
During this training you can prepare yourself perfectly for counter attacks, high toss or two jump balls.
By turning the brass knob you adjust the arc of the ball.
The HP07 Multispin table tennis robot machine is a great choice for any serious player looking to improve their game.
It offers a robust set of features such as adjustable ball speed and spin, shot variability and natural movement that will challenge even the toughest opponents.
Its compact design also makes it easy to store between workouts.
All in all, the HP07 Multispin table tennis robot machine is an excellent choice for any player looking to take their game to the next level.
Its impressive set of features make it an excellent training tool that can help you become an even better player than you already are.
- Size: 38 x 36 x 36 cm.
- Ball reservoir size: 120 balls
- Stand-alone: no
- Safety net: none
- Weight: 4 kg
- Ball frequency: 40-70 times per minute
- How many spins: 36
- Ball speed: 4-40 m/s
Also read: Best table tennis bat for any budget – Top 8 rated
B3 Tennis Robot
- Easily adjust the speed
- 3 Rotation options
- Robust machine without table mounting
- Remote control
- Pricey, but room for 'only' 100 balls
I think the B3 Tennis Robot Table is a very good one for the novice table tennis player, but it is also reasonable for the more advanced player.
It is true that this device can only shoot in three ways. That is very little compared to the overall best HP07 Multispin table tennis robot ball machine - which knows 36 ways.
But hey, it does shoot with quite a bit of momentum and the arc of the ball is adjustable!
The power is 40 W compared to 36 W of the HP07 Multispin table tennis robot ball machine.
The operation of this machine is easy with the remote control: adjust the speed, arc and ball frequency in a simple way (with + and - buttons).
Stop your game by pressing the pause button. The reservoir of this robot ball machine can hold 50 balls.
It is easy to move for children, because at 2.8 kg it is quite light.
The B3 robot comes with clear user instructions and a warranty certificate.
- Size: 30 × 24 × 53 cm.
- Ball reservoir size: 50 balls
- Stand-alone: yes
- Safety net: none
- Weight: 2.8 kg
- How many spins: 3
- Ball frequency: 28-80 times per minute
- Ball speed: 3-28 m/s
Check prices and availability here
V300 Joola iPong Table Tennis Training Robot
- Good value for money
- Clear display
- Good for beginners as well as advanced players
- Quick to disassemble and store
- On the light side
- Remote control only works up close
- You can load 70 balls, but with 40+ balls this machine can sometimes get stuck
Improve your table tennis skills with the super light V300 Joola iPong Robot!
It can store 100 tennis balls in its reservoir, and you have this shooter ready to use in no time: just twist the three parts together.
And if you want to store it neatly in the cupboard again, you can take this tower apart in no time. No further instructions for use!
Like Olympic champion Lily Zhang, practice your back and forehand, side to side, as the middle part of the V300 moves back and forth.
Joola is a reliable table tennis brand that has been around for more than 60 years.
This brand sponsors World Table Tennis Championships and other important tournaments, so this company knows everything about ball machines.
This V300 model is suitable for all levels and that makes it a great purchase for the whole family.
The remote control operates your great sparring partner during the training sessions.
A disadvantage is that this remote control does not have a very large range. The Joola has a good price-quality ratio.
- Size: 30 x 30 x 25,5 cm.
- Ball reservoir size: 100 balls
- Stand-alone: yes
- Safety net: none
- Weight: 1.1 kg
- How many spins: 1-5
- Ball frequency: 20-70 times per minute
- Ball speed: adjustable, but not clear what speeds
Ping Pong S6 Pro robot
- Comes with large safety net
- Can have 300 balls
- 9 Types of spins
- Suitable for the pro, but can also be adapted to less experienced players
- At the price
The Pingpong S6 Pro robot up to 300 balls has been used as a training partner for more than 40 international table tennis competitions and that is not surprising: it can shoot in nine different spins, think of backspin, underspin, sidespin, mixed spin and so on.
This robot does this at the frequency you choose and at the various speeds you want, also rotating from left to right.
It's a great device for the professional player, but so is the price: it's in a completely different class than the V300 Joola iPong Table Tennis Training Robot.
The latter is much lighter and a suitable opponent for the whole family.
The Pingpong S6 Pro Robot can be used for any standard ping-pong table and has a handy net that covers the entire width of the table, plus a large part of the sides.
This saves a lot of time when collecting the played balls. The device is equipped with a remote control.
You can adjust the ball speed and frequency and choose strong or weaker, high or low balls.
You can also set it so that children and less good players enjoy it, but if you only use it for occasional fun, the expense may be too large.
- Size: 80 x 40 x 40 cm.
- Bale container size: 300 balls
- Free standing: no, must be mounted on the table
- Safety net: yes
- Weight: 6.5 kg
- How many spins: 9
- Ball frequency: 35-80 balls per minute
- Ball Speed: 4-40m/s
Check prices and availability here
Ping pong Playmate 15 balls
- Suitable for (young) children
- Light and easy to install without assembly
- Easy to clean up
- Well priced
- Made of plastic
- Reservoir is for max. 15 balls
- Not suitable for experienced players
- No special features
The Ping pong playmate 15 balls is a cheerfully colored, light table tennis robot for children.
They can practice their table tennis skills with a maximum of 15 balls, but above all they will have a lot of fun.
With a simple on/off button on the back it is easy to operate and because of its light weight it can be taken to a friend's house.
The device is made of high-quality ABS plastic and will not easily block the balls due to the spacious ball outlet.
It works on 4 AA batteries, which are not included.
A fun toy that provides the necessary exercise, but is not suitable for adults or big children, as the V300 Joola iPong Table Tennis Training Robot is.
- Size: 15 x 15 x 30 cm
- Ball reservoir size: 15 balls
- Stand-alone: yes
- Safety net: none
- Weight: 664 kg
- How many spins: 1
- Ball frequency: 15 balls per minute
- Ball speed: basic speed
How does a table tennis robot ball machine work?
The table tennis robot ball machine is on the other side of the table tennis table, just like where a physical opponent would stand.
We see large and smaller ball machines, some are placed loose on the table tennis table, while others have to be mounted on the table.
Each table tennis robot ball machine has a ball reservoir in which you put the balls; the better machines have a capacity of 100+ balls.
The balls can be played over the net in different curves and at different speeds.
You return the ball and train your hitting technique without the intervention of a physical opponent.
Great, because with your ball machine you can play at any time!
If you go for a machine with a catch net, you save a lot of time in collecting balls, because then the balls are collected and returned to the ball machine.
FAQ
What do I pay attention to when using the ball machine?
Make sure you clean the surface of the table tennis table regularly, but also make sure that the table tennis balls are free of dust, hair and other dirt before you put them in the ball machine.
Do I have to use new balls?
Sometimes the frictional resistance of a new ball is very high, causing the machine to struggle with it.
It is good to lightly wash and dry a new ball before use.
Which size balls should I choose?
The ball machines use international standard balls with a diameter of 40 mm. Deformed balls must not be used.
Why choose a table tennis robot ball machine?
You no longer need a physical table tennis partner!
You can play at any time with this challenging ball machine and you can perfectly improve all your skills through the choice of shooting ways, ball speed and ball frequency.
A table tennis robot for better play
A table tennis robot can therefore help improve your training in many ways.
For starters, you can practice with a robot against a consistent opponent.
Modern robots allow you to adjust the speed, spin and trajectory of the ball, allowing for an incredibly customized training experience.
This kind of precision would be very hard to replicate with a human partner or coach.
The robot also ensures faster learning and greater accuracy due to its consistency.
You can get instant feedback from the robot on the quality of your shots, as well as pinpoint any weaknesses or areas that need improvement.
With this real-time feedback, you can quickly make small changes to fine-tune your technique and perfect your playing tactics.
For those looking to take their game up a notch, robots can provide more advanced levels of practice than what's normally available when playing against another human player.
Many robots come with preset exercises and patterns that challenge even experienced players and provide ample opportunity for experienced players to further develop their skills.
The intensity of these drills can be adjusted to suit players of all levels – from amateur players just starting out to professionals who want extra challenges to further hone their skills
Overall, using a table tennis robot is an effective way to train without another person present.
This gives you more control over the conditions and parameters of your practice session, helping you progress faster in your skills than with traditional non-robot training methods.
Don't have a good table tennis table at home yet? Read here what the best table tennis tables on the market are
