Stern vs Jersey Jack vs Spooky vs Barrels of Fun vs Chicago Gaming

Every pinball manufacturer has its own personality.

Some focus on fast gameplay.

Others build spectacular collector pieces.

Some push innovation, while others perfect the classics.

Comparing manufacturers isn't always fair because each company has different goals. Instead of trying to crown one overall winner, we thought it would be more interesting to choose the machine that best represents each manufacturer today.

Here's our pick for the flagship game from each of the biggest names in modern pinball.

Stern Pinball – Godzilla

If Stern had to be represented by a single machine, it would almost certainly be Godzilla.

Keith Elwin combined incredible flow, outstanding rules and one of the deepest modern layouts ever designed into a machine that appeals to beginners and tournament players alike. It's become the benchmark against which almost every modern Stern is compared.

Godzilla also happens to be one of our favourite machines to personalise. From WizBlades to LE WizPanels, Premium WizDoors and many other upgrades, it's a machine that responds beautifully to custom artwork.

If you'd like to learn more, don't miss our Godzilla Pinball Review and our Top Stern Pinball Machines ranking.

Jersey Jack Pinball – HP

Every manufacturer eventually produces one machine that feels like the culmination of everything they've learned.

For Jersey Jack Pinball, that machine is HP.

The spectacular lighting, premium sound system, beautiful artwork and ambitious mechanical toys all showcase what Jersey Jack has become famous for. It's an experience that feels cinematic from the moment you press the Start button.

Whether it eventually becomes Jersey Jack's highest-ranked machine remains to be seen, but it already feels like one of the company's defining releases.

If you're interested in the brand, our Best Jersey Jack Pinball Machines article explores the rest of the lineup.

Chicago Gaming Company – Medieval Madness Remake

Some classics simply refuse to age.

Medieval Madness Remake proves exactly why.

Faithfully recreating one of the greatest pinball machines ever built while delivering modern manufacturing quality isn't an easy task, yet Chicago Gaming managed it beautifully.

For many collectors, it's still the remake every other remake is measured against.

It's also home to one of our most popular upgrades: the Medieval Madness Remake WizPanels, which dramatically transform the front of the machine while respecting its iconic artwork.

If you enjoy remakes, don't miss our Top Pinball Remakes ranking.

Barrels of Fun – Winchester Mystery House

Barrels of Fun has quickly earned a reputation for doing things differently.

Instead of relying on licensed blockbuster themes, the company focuses on creativity, storytelling and incredibly immersive presentation.

Winchester Mystery House perfectly represents that philosophy.

From the unique layout to the atmosphere, artwork and constantly unfolding mystery, it's one of the most original machines released in years. It doesn't try to imitate anyone else—and that's exactly why it stands out.

If you'd like to know why we rate it so highly, read our Winchester Mystery House Pinball Review or explore our complete collection of Winchester Mystery House Pinball Mods.

Spooky Pinball – Evil Dead

Spooky Pinball has always embraced themes that larger manufacturers might never attempt.

That's one of the reasons collectors love the company.

Evil Dead captures everything that makes Spooky unique: bold artwork, horror-inspired presentation and a machine that immediately stands out in any collection.

For fans of the franchise, it's difficult not to smile every time Ash appears on the screen.

We've also created a themed Evil Dead WizDoors, inspired by one of the most iconic horror franchises ever brought to pinball.

Five Manufacturers, Five Completely Different Philosophies

What's fascinating about modern pinball is that there isn't a single recipe for success.

Stern focuses on incredible gameplay.

Jersey Jack builds spectacular collector experiences.

Chicago Gaming preserves timeless classics.

Barrels of Fun pushes originality.

Spooky embraces themes that nobody else would dare to make.

Each company contributes something unique to the hobby, which is exactly why modern pinball has never been more exciting.

So... Which One Wins?

Honestly...

There probably isn't a winner.

The best manufacturer depends entirely on what you're looking for.

If gameplay comes first, you may lean towards Stern.

If presentation is everything, Jersey Jack is hard to ignore.

If you love the classics, Chicago Gaming is difficult to beat.

If originality excites you, Barrels of Fun deserves your attention.

And if you're a horror fan, Spooky has carved out a niche that's entirely its own.

The good news?

Whichever path you choose, there's never been a better time to own a pinball machine.