Here I summarize the best ping pong robots out-there. Since the late 1980s, top players have been using robots to train extensively. You can bet yourself that both Ma Long and Zhang Jike use table tennis robots to warm up. They likely use the professional ping pong robot which costs $2000: The Butterfly Amicus. Your game and dedication to the game are going to improve tremendously. Because now you can hit 3000 ping pong balls in half hour and will not need to leave the house. You may still want to go to the local recreational and play but during that dead time when you’re fiddling with your phone, you can now be improving your game without a partner. I think over time this will happen to all sports training, ping pong got their first! In a pure sense, if you are serious about improving your game and end up buying and using the robot, I think you will definitely outperform someone who doesn’t get as much practice.
Conversely, if you play against someone who does actively you use gameplay and robot to train you are likely going to have a poor performance versus them. Newgy is the world leader in table tennis robots. My favorite pick is Newgy Ping Pong Robot 2040. You can find it for a relatively good price on Amazon. The Newgy Robo Pong 2040 table tennis machine features analog control for ball speed, along with the following shot selections available: push, chop, serve, counter, lob and fast loop. I have listed all ping-pong robots, sorted by my preference of function versus cost. For kids or recreational family fun or just want to improve your strokes, I would recommend getting the IPONG V300. For full review of each of the robot see thoughts below!
| Top Table Tennis Robots | Table Tennis Robot Name | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Robo-Pong 2040 (Click to order on Amazon) | $$ | 4.9/5.0 |
 | Robo Pong 2050 (Click to order on Amazon) | $$$ | 4.8/5.0 |
 | Robo-Pong 540 (Click to order on Amazon) | $$ | 4.7/5.0 |
 | iPong V300 Robot (Click to Order on Amazon) | $ | 4.7/5.0 |
Here are some reviews from Amazon on these robots:
Table of Contents
Robopong 2040 or 2050 review
“I’ve had mine for 8 years, so probably a good time to put in a review. This is one of the better pieces of electrical equipment I’ve used; if Newgy ever made a toaster, I’d buy it. I’ve had kids of all age using it, and it doesn’t take long for anyone to understand how it works. I’ve used it in service mode, backspin, sidespin, and topspin, and although it doesn’t beat playing someone who can play, it’s great for getting the best form on your shots. A few years ago I looked at updating to a more versatile robot but the xuafor, which I was looking at, stopped supplying. If you buy this robot, make sure you clean out dust every now and then, as it does end up coating the rubber wheel that flicks out the ball; also clean the rubber wheel to rid the dirt that builds up.”
IPONG V300 review
“This review is specific to the IPONG V300. I received my IPONG V300 over a month ago and it’s a blast. Extremely easy to set up. Still getting on with different settings. The reason I got this was for my 7 year old daughter to learn ping pong. Within a month she has got a stable forehand and backhand. Not entirely maintenance free the need to clean dust and lint off the balls regularly and clean the V300 rollers occasionally. Overall, very pleased! Good value compared to more expensive robots.”
The history of table tennis robots: Why are people searching for the best one?
Since 1959, the Chinese players have emerged victorious 60% of the times. To ease the training procedure and improve the player’s reflexes, the table tennis robots have been introduced in the late 1980s.
A table tennis robot is nothing but a machine that automatically fires table tennis balls from one end of the table in a controlled manner. The table tennis robot has 3 basic elements: a mechanism to load and fire the table tennis balls, a control box to program the firing of the balls, nets to catch the returning ball and supply of electric power. The firing mechanism will be attached or placed at one end of the table pointed towards the end at which the player is present.
The supply of table tennis balls will be loaded into the firing mechanism ready for use. The timing of firing the balls can be controlled by making some fine adjustments in the control box. The mode of delivery can also include top spin, back spin, left side spin, right side spin or even combination of any of the previously mentioned factors. When the robot has been programmed and switched on, a steady supply of table tennis balls will be fired towards the player via the firing mechanism.
This setup usually doesn’t take up much space, which is seen as a key advantage. Practicing against a robot means that you wouldn’t require another player, one can practice for as long as he pleases while working on his footwork, improve a weak stroke and most importantly it helps to improve coordination and stamina. Advancements in technologies have led to significant improvement in table tennis robots.
Newgy ping pong robots are generally the best
Newgy Industries is a world leading producer of table tennis training machines. Newgy is renowned for high quality, smartly engineered that are affordable and user-friendly. Available in five models including two digital models the Robo-Pong table tennis robots fits all the standard ping pong tables and is specifically designed for easy usage. Work on automated table tennis robots started out as a hobby in 1972 by the co founder and owner of Newgy Industries Joseph E Newgarden. The idea of automated table tennis machines was seen as a method to revolutionize the way in which a person learns table tennis and practices the game. Newgy products are designed for home use games for family oriented fun.
This device not only achieved this purpose successfully, it had also caused a significant increase in the interest towards the sport and from then on, its popularity increases multifold. Henceforth, Newgy Robo-Pong machine table can be cited as the sole reason why the sport of table tennis is so popular in the United States. Newgy Industries had also established Table Tennis School Programs and even a Table Tennis Training Centre located in Hendersonville, Tennessee. These developments had caused Table Tennis to become very popular and eventually, it turned out into a mainstream sport in the United States. What happened after that is now history, aided with their prominent success in the Table Tennis matches that followed thereafter.
Top Table Tennis Robot: The Robo-Pong 2040
The Newgy Robo Pong 2040 table tennis machine features analog control for ball speed, along with the following shot selections available: push, chop, serve, counter, lob and fast loop. It fits all standard ping pong tables and it’s easy to set up, take down and transport. This particular table would cost about $675. This is a robot that can deliver every type of spin that exists and can place the ball into one spot or multiple spots on the table, as per the interest of the user. The remote control gives the player control over the speed and frequency of ball delivery.
This machine has similar features to the Robo-Pong 1040 but has a different design and a net to recycle the balls. The Robo-Pong 2040 includes ball thrower with oscillation, recycling net system with side nets to capture the users return, four dozen 40mm Robo-Pong balls along with a setup DVD and training manual. Provided that your aim is good, you should be able to play with the robot forever. The Newgy Robo Pong 2040 table tennis machine works well with both celluloid 40mm balls and new plastic 40mm+ ones.
Top Table Tennis Robot: The Robo-Pong 2050
The Newgy Robo-Pong 2050 table tennis machine has similar functions to the earlier mentioned Newgy Robo-Pong 540 table tennis machine and the Newgy Robo-Pong 2040 table tennis machine table. However, the 2050 machine costs around $900 on average. One user based website even rated the 2050 table an 8.4 on a 10 point scale, for its features.
It’s a mount-onto table type machine. It also comes along with pre-programmable 64 drills and is also consistent with the way in which it places/serves the table tennis ball onto the table. Several users have high regard for this machine as they cite this machine to help drastically improve their game quality in a relatively shorter duration of time. Even if maintenance is required for this machine, the excellent service provided by the Newgy Industries will ensure that their customers will have their issues with their tables quickly attended to and sorted out.
Top Table Tennis Robot: The Robo-Pong 540
The Newgy Robo-Pong 540 table tennis machine also has the following shot selections: push, chop, serve, counter, lob and fast loop. It comes with a well-written instruction manual and what makes it even more popular is that it’s quite affordable, costing an average of $300. The user can adjust the head of this machine to match the opponent’s blade angle. It’s relatively easy to fix this machine if it suffers from any jams. As one user rates it as �it offers the same services as compared to the much more expensive versions while being cheaper and having a smaller number of parts, it has a lower chance of suffering from mechanical wear and tear. It is no wonder why this particular machine has gain widespread popularity over the years.
Top Table Tennis Robot: Ipong V300
The Ipong V300 is a wireless table tennis robot with the stunning structural design. Since it’s wireless, there won’t be any power adapter cables upon which the user may trip on and suffer injuries. This machine is portable and easy to carry. It has 3 main parts and is easy to set up. It can handle up to 100 balls in each loading session. A user can enjoy full control over the machine via a wireless remote controller. This particular feature has brought this machine into a league of its own.
The Ipong V300 has quick rotor flexibility and is aided with the ability to place the ball quickly at different speeds and lengths. This machine comes with a tilt stand that can increase the amount of backspin on the ball and provide very specific placements. For most of the table tennis machines out there, they don’t come along with a side net. But that’s not true, in the Ipong V300 case. The machine can also be programmed so that the user is able to practice one particular stroke time and time again.
Concluding words for the best table tennis machines review…
Lastly, I hope you enjoyed this review of top ping pong robots and hopefully it showed up in google. In summary, there are three key ping pong robots you should consider in terms of price and user skill. If you are a profession player, you should buy Butterfly Amicus ping pong robots. These are some top quality robots and can drastically improve your game. All professionals use these robots and you can see that the game skill for professional player has skyrocketed since advent of robots. Comparatively, for recreational player who plays competitively in a recreational league, I would highly recommend the Newgy 2040 or 2050 robots.
These robots are typically half the price of professional robots and deliver almost the same functionality. In fact, I have always felt that Newgy is way more creative in robot making than other robot makers. Last but not least, for the occasional player who is trying to play competitively among his peers, I would highly recommend that she/he purchase IPONG V300. This robot is very quick and fun to play with. If you use it regularly, you will definitely see your game improving and will also start having more fun because your reflexes will improve and you will start to appreciate the game. This machine comes with a tilt feature, that can improve backspin on the ball and can land in specific spots. I find this very useful personally to practice your weak shot. If you remember all your weak spots during the game, you can program your robot to give you those shots so you can get better at it. This robot also comes with a side net. This can be quite useful in setting up again and again. In summary, whether you are a professional, a town competitor or trying to one up your coworkers or friends, there is a robot for you. I hope you enjoyed reading this review. I know I enjoyed writing this review.
For fun stuff, ITTF recently posted an article about how people are training with this Japanse robots. For our other reviews of table tennis equipment (ping pong balls, ping pong paddles, rubber sheets, table tennis blades), please see the relevant article titles and links below. We have also reviewed Butterfly Amicus Robot here, which is a high-end professional robot.
Newgy Robo-Pong 2055
The Robo-Pong 2055 is more accurate, more reliable and faster than its predecessor, the Robo-Pong 2050+ (discontinued). The Robo-Pong 2055 includes new electronics, new firmware and software, and was designed and engineered in the USA and built with USA sourced components. Below are the key features of this robot.
- Digital Accuracy for ball speed, placement and frequency
- Selectable randomization controls create a more unpredictable robot
- Comes with 64 pre-programmed drills for various playing levels. Train strokes, footwork, transitions and other skills.
- Optional advanced use: Included RP.2.PC software to create, save and share custom drills by USB connectivity to a PC. (PC not required for regular operation)
- User-friendly digital control panel in 6 languages.
- Recycling Net System to capture your returns and recycle the balls for non-stop action
- Available spins: Topspin, backspin, left sidespin, right sidespin, combination spins
- Available shot selection: Push, chop, serve, counter, lob, fast loop
- Manual Head Angle adjustments: From low (serves) to high (lobs)
- Fits all standard table tennis tables, and is quick and easy to setup, take down, store and transport. No assembly or tools required.
- 1-year limited warranty; 5-year service policy. Newgy warranty applies to North American territory only. If the robot is taken out of North America and a replacement is needed, the customer is responsible for costs to ship the robot to the US and back.
- 30-day money back guarantee.
- Ball Thrower (w/Oscillation)
- Recycling Net System
- Rubber Tips Packet
- Full Size Digital Control Box
- Transformer
- Connector Cable
- 48 Orange 40+ mm Robo-Balls
- 1 Pong-Pal
- Quick Start Guide
- Tell-A-Friend/Warranty Form
Butterfly Amicus Prime Review
The Butterfly Amicus Prime is amazing. I love table tennis but have trouble finding people to play. I don’t play competitively or anything like that, but this has really improved my game. It is a ton of fun and you can practice those shots you don’t feel comfortable with trying in games. The robot can literally do anything. Any spin, speed, location. I can’t think of anything I would like it to be able to do that it can’t. The tablet/system is very intuitive and the robot is easy to set up. It is kind of pricey, but it is worth it. I look at it like this…if you like basketball, spending 2k on buying and installing a basketball hoop is an average price…so if table tennis is your thing, get something nice that you will enjoy for a long time. MegaSpin customer service was great. I had a lot of questions that they answered for me quickly and with great detail. I also received the product very quickly. 3 business days I believe.
Amicus Prime is Butterfly’s flagship robot from their Amicus series of 3-wheel head robots.Includes:
• Free Shipping
• Robot and Android Tablet (you can also use your own device)
• Recycling net for continuous play
• Tablet holder to conveniently attach the included table to your table
• Universal power supply, cables, & US Adapter Plug
• 120 Butterfly Training Balls
• Printed Owner’s Manual in English, German, & French
• Official Carrying Bag
• Remote Switch
• Accessory Packet with spare parts & tools
• 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty and 5-year parts availability guarantee
• Manufacturer tech support via Larry Thoman (Butterfly’s robot expert, with 30+ years of experience with table tennis robots, author of 7 different owner’s manuals & holder of 3 table tennis robot patents)
• Megaspin Warranty Plus – our own additional support to assist you in dealing with the manufacturer if needed for any warranty issue.
The new AMICUS PRIME sets out to redefine the possibilities of a table tennis robot and will excite fans all over the world. The innovative PRIME is controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth technology from the AMICUS app running on either the included tablet computer or any smartphone or tablet operating iOS or Android. AMICUS app software offers a multitude of interactive content, improved and added to with regular updates. Creating exercises, changing spin, speed, placement and trajectory has never been easier. Pre-saved exercises created by professional players and coaches are playable at the press of a button with in-app videos by stars such as Timo Boll just waiting to show the correct execution and provide useful additional information from his regular training with the AMICUS robot. Get acquainted to our AMICUS flagship model and discover the new possibilities of the most tireless, and always ready, training partner you will find.
Special features of AMICUS PRIME:
- Ball frequency of up to 120 balls per minute Spin, speed, trajectory and placement can vary from ball to ball.
- Controlled by the application on tablet (or user supplied Android or iOS device) and connected wirelessly to main robot via Bluetooth.
- Software and firmware regularly updated with help of the app. Several robots may be operated by one device (consecutively). Device can be re-charged directly at the robot.
- Left-Right (mirror) switch for reversing drills to match the dominant hand of the user so forehand/backhand placement are correct.
- Sample function to test individual balls within a drill.
- Individual Frequency Control can customize the time interval between any two consecutive balls.
- Cycle function lets you easily incorporate interval training in your table tennis practice sessions.
- Pre-programmed with 20 drills created by German Butterfly Coach Richard Prause. Pre-programmed drills can be modified or replaced.
- Integrated videos show how to properly practice each pre-programmed drill.
- Memory for storing drills limited only by memory of the device used to run the app. You may sequence together several drills by using Cluster Memory so a sequence of drills runs automatically either one after the other or randomly.
- Key-fob-like remote control (small, lightweight and easy to fit in pocket)
Box dimensions: 34″ x 14″ x 15″
Box weight: 24 lbs.
Warranty Butterfly Amicus robots come with a 2-year warranty against factory defects. Warranty does not cover misuse of the robot. If new robot parts are required to resolve an issue, they can only be shipped to a US address.
Return Policy Amicus robots can be returned within 30 days, no questions asked. A restocking fee of 10% of the robot price will apply.
Parts are guaranteed to be available within 5 years of purchase.
Having been so extremely unhappy with the Newgy Robopong 3050XL, I now have the Amicus prime. With the Robopong I was able to train intensively for about 4 weeks from 3 months, so that I can now also compare the two devices directly.
Conclusion: The amicus is extremely much better!
I would give 5 points, if I could switch on the switchable random functions only for a part of the exercises. So, for example 3x forehand, 3x backhand and then 3x random. Unfortunately this is not possible.
Special advantages over Robopong 3050XL
* totally silent in the game breaks (RoboPong whistles unpleasantly)
* Pre-set exercises can be copied, changed etc.
* Programming is extremely simple (RoboPong has two programming modes, one simple, but inaccurate and limited, the second mode is very complicated and exhausting, in simple mode there is no empty serve and short balls are not really available – at least me have not done that at RoboPong)
* Can be programmed offline. I can just start the app (beom RoboPong always had to connect the robot via Bluetooth before programming). I can even e. just open the APP on my mobile phone, program an exercise and then play it home either on my mobile phone or exercise. via email to the tablet supplied with the amicus prime, save there and play from there.
* The amicus man does not recognize the ejection placement in advance. With the RoboPong this was always clearly visible in advance via the robot head position.
* super cool is the following Eibstellungsmöglichkeit. I play a near-play exercise that starts with a serve of the robot. I would like to learn, e.g. attack the serve as soon as possible and practice the resulting additional game situation (e.g., my opening strike will simply be blocked and I complete). Now I can put several different surcharges at the beginning of the exercise and they will be different for every rally.
* At first I thought it was a disadvantage compared to the RoboPong, that fewer exercises are preset. That’s not really true. Example: Insertion exercise forehand. Here Robopong needs several pre-set exercises because he has a practice play for beginners, advanced players and professionals. With the amicus I can do it with simple clicks.
* I can play any exercise with all sorts of cut options. Can change every single ball. Ball frequency and cut I can, for example. also for the complete exercise at once, even while I’m playing, changing.
* Scatter function is awesome. An exercise remains there, but the balls hit intentionally inaccurate (radius of about 40 cm). As in the correct game 🙂
* Cicle function: very motivating and profitable for me. Via a simple “push of a button”, the robot plays an exercise, e.g. 40 seconds, then pause for 20 seconds … then play again for 40 seconds.
For difficult exercises, I count as e.g. my flawless exercise parts and strive for improvement.
In addition, I can motivate myself to longer units of an exercise.
* The price is high. 1,799 euros are neither tradable nor discountable (at least for me). The non-binding price for the RoboPong is similar, but there are also cheaper prices on the way. I had paid 1,518 euros for the RoboPong.
The butterfly amicus prime is worth my money according to my previous findings, from the RoboPong 3050XL I can not say that.
Finally check out this youtube video of 2040 robot in action: One of the top ping pong robots
