Two Industry Titans. One Winner — You.
If you’re looking for a pinball machine for sale, there’s a good chance you’re deciding between Stern Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP).
And for good reason.
These two manufacturers are the giants of the modern pinball world. Both offer stunning design, immersive gameplay, and machines packed with innovation. But depending on your budget, game room vibe, and player preferences, one brand might suit you better than the other.
In this guide, we’ll break down the modern rivalry:
✅ Gameplay Experience
✅ Build Quality
✅ Visuals & Sound
✅ Pricing & Value
✅ Best Machines for Beginners vs. Collectors
✅ Which Pinball Machine You Should Buy
🆚 The Contenders: Stern vs. Jersey Jack
🔧 Stern Pinball
- Founded: 1986 (with roots back to the 1930s via Williams/Bally lineage)
- Known For: Fast gameplay, competitive pricing, licensed themes
- Popular Titles: Deadpool, Jurassic Park, Stranger Things, Foo Fighters, Godzilla
🌟 Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP)
- Founded: 2011
- Known For: High-end machines, immersive storytelling, massive LCD screens
- Popular Titles: The Wizard of Oz, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Godfather, Toy Story 4
🎮 Gameplay: Speed vs. Storytelling
Stern Pinball
✅ Fast, snappy playfield designs
✅ Competitive & tournament-ready mechanics
✅ More approachable for casual and experienced players alike
Best For: Players who love quick reflexes and arcade-style action
JJP
✅ Deep, layered rule sets
✅ Slower, more methodical gameplay
✅ Highly immersive — feels like playing through a movie
Best For: Story-driven players who enjoy long, cinematic game sessions
🛠️ Build Quality & Innovation
| Feature | Stern | Jersey Jack |
|---|---|---|
| Flippers | Consistent, powerful | Smooth, premium-feel |
| Cabinet Finish | Durable vinyl | Hand-detailed artwork |
| Screen Size | Smaller DMD or LCD (depending on model) | Massive HD screens |
| Lighting | LED across most models | Full RGB lighting & light shows |
| Mechanical Toys | Strong presence | Industry-leading interactive toys |
✅ Stern wins on consistency and reliability
✅ JJP wins on wow-factor and artistry
🎨 Artwork, Sound & Theme Execution
Both brands knock it out of the park—but differently.
Stern:
- Licensed themes like Stranger Things, Metallica, Venom, etc.
- Rock-solid animations and voiceovers
- Artwork varies across Pro, Premium, and LE editions
Jersey Jack:
- Cinematic soundtracks, beautiful orchestration
- Screen animations rival modern video games
- Deep integration of theme across sound, visuals, and rules
🎯 If theme is important to you, both deliver—but JJP leans more immersive.
💸 Pricing & Value
| Tier | Stern Pinball | Jersey Jack Pinball |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Pro Models (~$6,999–$7,499) | None—no entry-level machines |
| Mid-Tier | Premium (~$8,999–$9,999) | Standard Edition (~$11,000+) |
| High-End | Limited Edition (~$12,000+) | Collector’s Editions (~$15,000+) |
Stern offers more variety across different budgets. JJP positions itself as a luxury pinball brand.
👉 Looking for affordable machines?
✅ Start with Stern Pro models
👉 Want a collector’s showpiece?
✅ Go with a Jersey Jack Collector’s Edition
🧠 Which Pinball Machine Is Right for You?
✔️ New to Pinball?
- Start with Stern Pro Models like:
- Deadpool Pro
- Jurassic Park Pro
- Star Wars Pro
👉 Shop beginner-friendly pinball machines for sale →
✔️ Collector or Enthusiast?
- Try JJP masterpieces like:
- The Godfather Collector’s Edition
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Wizard of Oz 10th Anniversary Edition
👉 Explore collector-grade pinball machines for sale →
✔️ Want Fast, Fun, and Competitive?
- Stern Premium or Limited Edition models offer high performance with lower price points.
✔️ Want Storytelling, Lights, and Luxury?
- Jersey Jack delivers best-in-class audiovisual experiences.
🏆 Verdict: It’s Not Stern vs. Jersey Jack — It’s Stern and Jersey Jack
Both brands are industry leaders for a reason.
The real winner? You—the buyer.
At House of Pinball, we help you:
- Compare models side-by-side
- Understand the differences in feel, features, and gameplay
- Get access to new and used machines at transparent prices
- Deliver and install your dream machine safely
Whether you’re buying your first pinball machine or your fifth, we make it easy.
👉 Browse all Stern and Jersey Jack pinball machines for sale now →