As electronic dart boards have gained more and more popularity in the past few years, the demand for a safe and interactive experience in the comfort of one’s home has increased.

As both children and adults alike can benefit from an interactive darts experience, buying a low-quality electronic dart board can diminish the entertainment level, because nobody likes to see that the darts are constantly bouncing out or not reaching the target at all, as they should, when you want to get a perfect hit. When confronted with having to browse through the wide variety of electronic dart boards on the market, picking out the best product is often difficult.

This is where reviews come in handy, as they focus on a number of various features that are mandatory if you want to buy a reliable and entertaining board. When buying a dartboard, an element of utmost importance is the dimension of the board, as there is a huge difference between a professional diameter and a toy-size, smaller board.

Another feature consists of the accessories that come with the board, included in the package, such as the number of darts and spare tips. The reviews that you will find below will also tell you a little bit about the installation, power, and many other aspects of electronic dart boards.

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Electronic dart board buying guide

When you first start inquiring about electronic dart boards, you might find it a bit challenging, as there are multiple features to examine and understand in order to make a great purchase. That is where this electronic dart board buying guide comes in handy, as it provides you with valuable information on the various features to explore, from the size of the target area to game modes and mechanics of how electronic dart boards function.

Top reasons why you should buy an electronic dart board for your games room

If you are already familiar with playing a traditional bristle dartboard, you will discover that electronic dartboards can be seen as an alternative way of learning to play bristle darts, but in reality, this is a very different board itself, with many deviations from the traditional one.

The rhythm and throwing action, as well as the accuracy with the darts, can be, indeed, practiced with an electronic board. And since the darts included in an electronic dart board set are soft-tipped, this is excellent for beginners and children, who could harm themselves or others with the darts used on a bristle board. Unsupervised children can safely use an electronic dart board.

Another advantage of the electronic dart board is that there are many models on the market that do the scoring automatically.

The large variety of game modes and the fact that you can play against a computer are some of the most sought-after features for this type of board and they make solo play a lot more fun. The fact that an electronic dart board can be connected to an app and that it can accommodate multiple players at once makes it even more appealing for any type of game room environment.

Features to weigh up when buying an electronic dart board

If you plan on buying an electronic dart board, you should be thinking about the following features if you want to make the most out of your budget. Prioritize the features that you think are best for you and look for them while browsing through the dart board models that come with a price tag that you are willing to cover in order to get them.

The diameter of the dart board

A regulation size tournament bristle board measures 18 inches in diameter. For electronic boards, the dimensions from one side to the other of the board is different, as the regulation size for most of the models is 15.5 inches. Even though it is smaller than a traditional dart board, it offers enough space for you to practice your aim.

How many games and variations it includes?

There is a wide array of included games within electronic dart board models. Cricket is an immensely popular darts game, as it is fun in a bar atmosphere because it acts as a leveler regarding the ability level of the players and it can accommodate many people.

Therefore, many of the electronic dart boards available on the market include this particular game. Some models include up to 50 different game modes and hundreds of variations, which guarantees that you and your friends will not get bored with them any time soon. With game mode variations, you can alter the length and the number of players in order to better suit your needs.

Available sound effects

Even if it might not sound like a mandatory feature, since they only serve the purpose of upping the excitement and fun levels during the game, sound effects can be useful. The heckler feature, for example, is included to randomly put players off and adds extra pressure, which can improve your reactions in intense situations.

Other useful sound effects to look for are those who act as a scorekeeper and tell you when it is your go. The sound effects feature is, indeed, a matter of individual preference, since models such as the Arachnid Inter-Active 3000 can be quite noisy and maybe a little bit annoying for some people, while other players could not imagine playing darts without these fun elements. 

Easy to mount

If you do not want to spend a lot of time mounting the board before you start playing, you should check to see if it is easy to install. This will also come in handy when you want to move the electronic dart board to another place. Plenty models can be installed easily, such as the Eagle Darts Bluetooth 4.0 Dartboard, which only takes half an hour to mount.

The models that come with a dart board cabinet can take a little longer to install and the process can be trickier. But if you want a sturdy dart board, like the Arachnid Bullshooter 5.0 Electronic Dartboard Cabinet Set, a longer mounting time may be worth it in the long run.

Power options and adapters

You should pay close attention to how your dart board is powered. Some models have a power adapter included, so you can plug it onto the wall, while others work on batteries alone. The best option is a model that lets you choose between the two alternatives, such as the DARTSLIVE-200S Soft Darts Board. It is great to have an adaptor as a constant power provider so that you do not worry about interrupting the fun mid-game to change the batteries.

The battery power option is ideal when you do not want to worry about letting your kids, for example, play near a power socket. It is also a good choice for people who need a portable model, that can be taken on trips, team buildings, or vacations with friends and family.

However, if you only plan to use it at home or another fixed position, you should take into account the fact that using batteries can drain your budget a bit. If you want to use them, nonetheless, maybe consider using reusable batteries, in order to protect the environment.

Does it have included accessories such as darts or spare tips?

All the models you read about in the reviews above come with at least a set of darts, be it 3, 6, or 12, as is the case for the WIN.MAX Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard Cabinet set, that comes equipped with a full dozen of darts. Make sure that the set also comes with spare tips and even dart flights, as you may need to replace the ones that come loose or in case of breakage.

A good dart board set comes with up to 20 spare tips since you will find out that you need them quite often. You might think that the darts have to be good quality, but you should not stress too much about this aspect, as there are replacement soft tip darts that you can buy later if needed.

Overall dimensions of the dart board

It is probably one of the first things you should check, especially if you have limited space for mounting the dart board. You can start by estimating the available space where you would like it to be installed and mark it with masking tape.

Then measure to make sure you have enough room to move freely from side to side and to step back. It is recommended that you should also put down a marker for the spot where you are going to make your throws.  This way, you make sure that you do not end up buying a dart board that has overall dimensions that do not fit in your game room.

Does it come with a warranty?

As with any other type of electronic device, you would be better off with getting a warranty, even if some of the models do not benefit from substantial warranties. If you get a one-year warranty with the product, it should be enough, as manufacturers usually shy away from guaranteeing a wider lifespan for dart boards.

Why? Because these products put up with a lot of strain and potential damage during gameplay, which reduces the chances of them being as resilient as you would think. The Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield Flaming Electronic Dart Board is one of the lucky purchases that bring you a 12-month warranty.

Electronic dartboard or traditional bristle board – which one is the best bet?

You should carefully evaluate your needs in order to figure out which one is the best for you, individually.

If you think you might want to play in tournaments in the future, you should have a serious start, in which case it might be better to consider buying a regulation size tournament bristle board with an 18 inches diameter target area. You will benefit from practicing on this type of dart boards, as these are the ones that they use in competitions. Of course, you can also find regulation-sized electronic dartboards that can be used competitively, and in this case, you should make sure they have a 15.5-inch diameter.

If what you are looking for is a rather entertaining, bar-style game, that you can use to play with your friends, family, or even compete with players around the world, just choose an electronic board that fits your budget and has at least some of the features mentioned in this buying guide. Safety is a big advantage for this type of dart boards, as they can be used by children, even unsupervised if they are not very young, and you will not have to worry about damaging your furniture and your walls.

Of course, it is not really recommended to let your children use it without an adult around, as the darts, even if they are not sharp or made out of steel, could cause bruising or other types of injury if used incorrectly.

Tips for making the most of your electronic dartboard

Make sure you read the manual first, as you would do with any other electronic device so that you can learn about the different game modes and variations available with your purchased item.

Sharp or heavy darts are not suitable for electronic dartboards, so you should avoid them if you do not want to shorten the life of your board. This means you should not try to play with traditional, steel tip darts on an electronic dart board. Those are for bristle board use only.

Keep in mind that choosing the right weight for the soft tip darts is also important. Although it is usually a matter of individual preference, some dart boards do have a maximum weight they can accommodate, so make sure you consult the manual before purchasing a new set of soft tip darts.

Adjusting for bounce-outs is a clever way to avoid nuisances during the game. Therefore, you should check to see if the dart board has settings that let you manually add or remove points in case a dart happens to bounce.

Something that most first-time players do not know about electronic dartboards is that when you begin to play on a new board, removing the darts should be done very gently and carefully. Why? When buying a new board and using it for the first time, the plastic of both the board and the darts might need a little adjustment period, so they get to be properly worn in.

If you choose a more advanced model, such as the Eagle Darts BlueTooth 4.0 Dartboard, make sure your internet connection is stable in order to access all the features that come with the product. To play against other people from around the world, you will also need a working phone, tablet, or another device with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can link the electronic dart board to an app.

10 Greatest Electronic Dart Boards Review 2020

While researching electronic dart boards, you should try and collect information from various sources. Apart from the brands, it would not hurt to find out the opinion of professionals and amateur players, even if the latter bought their electronic dart board for leisure purposes only. That is why the buying guide included below, along with the detailed reviews of the greatest models on the market, will surely come in handy when you decide whether you need a model destined for professional players or one that can provide a source of entertainment at parties and nothing more, based on your particular requirements.

Reviews

The DARTS DARTSLIVE-200S Soft Darts Board is by far the best all-round electronic dart board. It is a well-rounded product with multiple features that can accommodate serious players as well as amateurs, who play darts only as a hobby. This product also gained a lot of popularity thanks to its compatibility with Dartslive, an amazing app for the darts enthusiasts.

The board diameter measures 15.5 inches and it is a bit smaller than a tournament size board, which is 18 inches. Even so, it qualifies as the standard size for most electronic boards.

Since the fact that it is compatible with Dartslive is one of the most exciting features of this board, you should get to know a little bit about it. Through this app, the player can connect with other users at home, use training modes to gain skills, and also track the progress and improvement levels. By using the training modes, the user can improve his aim, as the app can show him how to hit treble 20 or bullseye more frequently.

At first, you might not be impressed with the included accessories, but along with the two sets of darts, the user gets 10 extra tips, in case of breakages or other issues with the original sets.

Amongst the features that usually win over the players, many mention the fact that it is a very quiet board and that the darts stick in very well. If you know how frustrating bounce-outs are when it comes to electronic dart boards, you will be incredibly happy with this model, as it certainly does not have this issue. Another positive trait, besides the excellent training mode, consists of the board’s compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. Some of the buyers have mentioned that the instructions for installation are mainly in Asian languages, which can render them pretty difficult to understand. Also, others have mentioned that the darts can remain stuck in the holes the first times you use them, as one of the few drawbacks of this electronic dart board.

The Eagle Darts Bluetooth 4.0 Luminous Electronic Dartboard is also a great pick if you are searching for one of the best electronic soft tip dart board options available on the market.

Just like the DARTS DARTSLIVE-200S Soft Darts Board, this one is also compatible with both iOS and Android devices. More than that, you can actually compete with players from any place in the world, through the online play options that allow you to connect with them whenever you feel like showing off your skills. 

If you are new to the scoring system of darts, this product has a feature that will help you understand it faster, as it is equipped with light-up numbers distributed all around the outside of the board.

An excellent feature of this dartboard is the fact that it can be used with just 2 AA batteries, which allows you to set it up wherever you like and take it with you on family trips. Mounting it takes no more than 15 minutes, and you should consider the fact that the AC power option is recommended if you want a full capacity experience. Some buyers mention that the LED lights are not as effective when powered by batteries only.

With a dart board diameter of 15.5 inches and overall dimensions of 21 x 16 X 1.4 inches, though it is a very sturdy, easy to mount and quiet board, the Eagle Darts Bluetooth 4.0 Luminous Electronic Dartboard does not come with darts included.

Also, do not get too carried away about the app. Besides the multiple game modes, which is a lot of fun, the online play feature might not be exactly what you paid for. Finding a match can be a hassle, as some buyers mentioned that there are not too many players available online, in the lobbies, and the waiting time might just ruin your vibe.

You might be surprised to learn that Harley-Davidson makes dart boards, and you will surely be impressed by the wide array of boards and other products they have available in both bristle dart board and electronic dart board categories. Bar & Shield Flaming Electronic Dart Board has a killer design and some features that can easily qualify it as the best electronic dart board for home use.

Besides the exceptional visual effect, this ingenious board benefits from an LCD panel which keeps track of scores for up to eight different players, so everybody can enjoy one of the 48 different available game modes. The product also features the “cricket” mode of play.

With a dart board diameter of 15.5 inches and overall dimensions of 18 x 24 x 2.1 inches, the Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield Flaming Electronic Dart Board is cleverly equipped with a 4-color scoring panel that is also accompanied by some fun original sound effects, such as the sound of a Harley engine roaring, which signals that you have hit a bullseye.

As far as accessories go, this Harley-Davidson board comes with six main darts and numerous spare tips in case you lose or break some of them. An AC adapter is also included in the package, and the product benefits from a 12-month warranty, which is more than generous.

If you worry about the neighbors complaining about the noise, you do not have to, as it is a good-quality board that does not cause too much racket.

The only drawback that buyers have noted is that the automatic scoring system is not always 100% accurate, and you might sometimes notice that 50s record as 25s.

The Gran Board Dash is a sought-after product, that can easily qualify as the best electronic dart board for those who enjoy solo play. The thing that sets it apart from other boards is the fact that it has nine different game modes that can be played against the computer. This way, you can enjoy a darts game even when your friends are not around and there are not any available competitors online.

 If you know a bit about this board, you probably noticed that it went through many improvement stages over time. The latest version of the product is equipped with a fresh impact mat, which makes it less noise-producing, unlike the previous generations of this board.

One of the best features of this electronic dart board is the fact that it has an app that it connects to and it also has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect it to your preferred device, be it a smartphone, a tablet, or even a Smart TV. The app is free, and it runs on both iOS and Android. You will also notice that the app is regularly updated with new games. If you like to track your games and your performance over time, you will surely appreciate the fact that the app can even tell you statistics such as how many games you have won lately.

Among some of the similarities between this product and other models available on the market, there is the 15.5-inch diameter and the fact that it works both on batteries and AC power. The accessories consist of six darts and spare tips.

Since it is not a pricey product and does not suffer from the noise issues it has had in the past, due to the softer pad that does not resonate as much when you throw the dart, Gran Board Dash has probably the most balanced benefit-cost ratio.

Despite all the perks that come with purchasing a Gran Board Dash, some buyers noticed that the darts tend to stick sometimes, which may in turn lead to issues with the scoring accuracy level. Another drawback could be related to the instructions for the app, which are mostly in Asian languages, so it might make them a little bit tricky to understand and use.

By far the best electronic dart board with a price under $100, the DARTSLIVE-100S is otherwise a pretty basic model, since it lacks app and online features. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a decent budget-friendly option to add to your games room, this product is the right choice for you.

The lack of Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with various devices makes it ideal for situations where real social interaction needs to be encouraged. And even if you can’t play against people from all corners of the world, you can still use it when you are alone, since it comes equipped with some game modes that allow you to play by yourself or against the computer.

DARTSLIVE-100S has a standard 15.5 inches diameter, just like other excellent electronic dart boards on the list, with overall dimensions of 21.3 x 21.3 x 2 inches, it is equipped with a reliable scoring system, and it does not have frequent bounce-outs. To use it you need four AA batteries and you should probably get some spare tips since it only comes with six darts. On the plus side, it does come equipped with mounting hardware.

Since it is affordable and reliable, you could probably look past the only drawback that some of the buyers of this model have noticed. It is related to the noise level that this board makes, compared to other high-priced models. You should be advised that it is probably one of the loudest models out there. If your neighbors are fussy or if there is a baby sleeping somewhere in the vicinity, you will probably hear some complaints.

With extra features that include 38 games and 167 level variations, 9 backlit scoring windows, and mounting hardware, this is probably the best available option for someone who wants an electronic dartboard with a traditional cabinet appearance.

Though the cabinet is not mandatory for an electronic board, as you don’t really need it to protect the walls and to keep score, as it does for bristle boards, it sure has a certain appeal that will enhance any game room or other environments, like an office rec room or a home bar section. It can also serve as storing space for the darts when not in use.

Even if the actual playing area is just like any other, with a diameter of 15.5 inches, it is not suitable for small areas, since it takes up more space, due to the overall dimensions of 27 x 22.5 x 5.5 inches.

This dartboard cabinet set has an extra feature that many will enjoy. It has 9 backlit scoring windows that gather the scores and show them very clearly, based on the game type that is selected.

If you are worried that you will soon get bored with your new dartboard cabinet set, you should probably keep in mind that this model comes equipped with 38 different game modes. Also, there are in total over 100 different variations, so instead of being bored, you will probably have a hard time picking which type of darts game to play first.

The built-in sound effects of the board are funny, especially the heckler mode that can put the sore losers off and amuse the general audience if there are any.

Despite all the cool features of this Arachnid Bullshooter Marauder 5.9 Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard Cabinet Set, many buyers have complained about the accessories, the darts especially, as they get stuck and have an overall cheap build. Another irritating thing that buyers sometimes report about this product is that it has some issues with the sound effects.

A great choice for those who like to play a lot with their friends and family or by themselves, the Viper 850 Electronic Dartboard is perfect for those who do not fancy online competitions, as it does not come with an app or with other features that allow you to connect it to other devices.

Even if it is not a modern model in that sense, the actual playing area is resilient and really worth your money for a good number of reasons. This product comes with a practical redesigned scoreboard display that allows you to clearly see the score without always squinting or bending forward, as is the case of other electronic boards.

This helps keep the game flowing smoothly, as do the controls that are equally simple and straightforward. But the board itself cannot be considered basic, as it has over 50 game modes available for the user to enjoy.

As we have already mentioned, it is a durable product, due to the tough segments included in the build of the board, such as the “locking holes” that are designed to lower the bounce-out frequency of soft-tipped darts during the game. The thin spider also helps with this aspect.

Along with six darts, this set comes with another useful accessory, which is a measuring tape. You can use this to mark a throwline so that all players have the same chance of success.

The only thing that might put you off about this product, besides the fact that it does not have an online play mode, is the fact that it lacks any sort of lighting or sound effects, which might make it appear a bit boring in comparison to other flashy models.

The main reason why this model is a good choice, even if it is not perfect, is the fact that it comes equipped with a cabinet and lots of accessories, which can be quite useful when you are playing in a big group, as it can accommodate up to four people with their own set of darts. The set also has 40 spare tips, in case of breakage or fraying.

The controls are located at the top of the board, and the LED scoring system, which is obvious and straightforward, can easily track the score of a group of up to four players at a time.

Besides the fact that this dartboard set includes 27 games and 195 scoring options, it is also equipped with adjustable volume, which can come in handy if your game evening stretches out well past midnight and you don’t want to bother anyone.

Even though the design of the cabinet is quite large, with overall dimensions of 24.4 x 20 x 2 inches, this electronic board is easy to install and comes equipped with the necessary mounting hardware.

Apart from the extraordinary features it does possess, this WIN.MAX Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard Set with Cabinet is far from perfect. The first thing that players notice is the high rate of bounce-outs for this dartboard. It might have to do with the design of the playing surface, that is not compatible with the darts for some reason, so they do not always stick as they should. If you already decided you would like to buy this dartboard set, you might consider using different darts, as the ones included are not the best quality and have high breakage chances, according to the opinion of many buyers.

If you are looking for a more compact model and do not have a large budget to spend, the Arachnid Inter-Active 3000 Electronic Dartboard has a 13-inch target area, and this makes it a good choice for children and teenagers. You can even mount it lower so that they can play comfortably.

As it has smaller dimensions than a traditional board, at an overall of 22 x 7 x 2 inches, this dartboard set comes with a micro-thin spider, designed to lower the chances of the darts bouncing out. And if the darts do not stick, there is also a bounce-out amend feature, so you can change the score if you consider the bounce-outs to be unfair.

The board has 3 score displays and 27 games with 123 variations. There are also five different cricket games, a popular type of game amongst larger groups. As opposed to other electronic dartboards, this one can accommodate up to 8 players, but if you prefer some alone time, it is perfect for solo mode as well.

You cannot miss the heckler option, which can be great to add a bit more amusement to the game, but you can manually turn it on or off at the beginning of each game.

Another positive aspect of this set is the game instructions manual, which includes all the different available modes, so you can easily understand the rules of every one of them.

All in all, this is a very well-balanced model, as it has very few drawbacks, and some of you might not even consider them as annoying as other buyers have mentioned. As noted by some of the users, the sound features can be annoying and not very easily turned off.

This dartboard comes with exclusive NylonTough Segments for improved durability and playability, and Micro Thin Segment Dividers, in order to reduce bounce-outs. Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dartboard is a tournament-quality electronic dartboard with a 15.5 inches target area, 39 games with 179 variations, of which 7 are cricket games, that can accommodate 8 players. It also has a 4-player jumbo X/O LED score display, a current player indicator, a large scrolling display for easy selection of game and options menus.

With this electronic dartboard, there is a maximum scoring potential, as it has square holes that guide dart tips into the board, and the scoring system has unmatched accuracy, due to the highly responsive sensors.

Here are some of the games that are available with this Arachnid Cricket Pro 800: 301, 501, 601, 701, 801, 901, 301 dart league, GOTCHA!, quick cricket, cricket, cut-throat cricket, scram cricket, double only cricket, low ball cricket, wild card cricket, double down, high score, ace, count up round the clock, shoot out, horse, Bermuda triangle, Shanghai, Golf, and many others.

At the end of each player’s round, the Cricket Pro 800 helps them track and evaluate their game, by presenting the average point per dart (PPD).

For those who appreciate sound effects, this dartboard comes with a 3-level heckler feature, that will make players feel bad when they miss and applaud them when they reach an impressive score. You can choose between three levels of “harassment”, from mild to unforgiving.

The main reason why the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dartboard offers the best playing experience is the improved player performance and fewer frustrating bounce-outs, due to the Micro Thin Segment Dividers that increase the scoring potential of the board. Another compelling argument is the fact that the NylonTough Segments, included for outstanding durability through years of abuse and exceptional playability, are proven to play quieter than traditional materials.

As for the accessories included in this set, there are 6 soft tip darts, extra dart tips, an AC adapter, mounting hardware, game instructions, and an operating manual.

One of the downsides of this dartboard that buyers have noticed is the fact that is is a bit noisy, while others report some errors that might occur while using it, but it is not a frequently reported issue, as very few buyers have mentioned it.