Best Electronic Dart Boards (Reviews)
Best High End
Gran Board 3 LED Bluetooth Dartboard
Best Overall
Arachnid Cricket Pro 800
Best Inexpensive
Biange Electronic Dart Board
Last Updated: 6th Mar, 2023
After 40 hours of extensive testing and playing with over a dozen electronic dart boards, we have finally rounded up 6 of the very best models in the market, which are sure to meet your needs. Check them out below!
With everything going the tech way, it was only time that your ordinary bristle dart game got an electronic makeover too. And must we add, it's fast becoming popular. The reasons are not hard to see. These soft tip dart boards are much safer, user-friendly and more convenient for players across all skill levels. And if you are competitive to the core, know that these e-boards track your score automatically and accurately.
There's more. You can play multiple games on the same board – from $110 to $300. Plus, you have the option to play against the computer or with multiple players online.
All these features have put the electronic dart board in a league of its own, especially in America. More and more professional soft tip tournaments are coming up. The game now has its own regulatory body. And it's a hit among hobby players.
That said, the electronic dart board is not an average gaming board. It's a lot more sophisticated in terms of construction and design when compared to the traditional bristle dart boards. So, here we say it, choosing a good electronic board is not straight-up easy. For instance, if you get home a poor or sub-par quality electronic board, it might see a lot of bounce-outs, it might calculate the score inaccurately and worse, it might not last long. Plus, it doesn't help that there are so many different brands to choose from!
But don't worry! You have come at the right place. Up next, we have reviewed the very best electronic dart boards of 2023 across different prices. So whether you are looking for a pro board to play online or a budget board for house party, we have you covered.
Our Top Picks for the Best Electronic Dart Boards
- Gran Board 3 LED Bluetooth Dartboard - Pro Pick
- Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 - Best Overall
- Biange Electronic Dart Board - Budget Pick
- WIN.MAX Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard Set - Comes with a cabinet
- Gran Board Dash- Budget Pick (Online)
- Soft Darts Board DARTSLIVE-200S - Best for heavy darts (20 gms+)
1. Gran Board 3 LED Bluetooth Dartboard
If you're looking for the very best electronic dart board, look no further! It's one of the only few boards that comes with an online play option that allows you to play and compete online with any other dart player around the world who uses the same board. But that's not the only reason the Gran Board 3 tops our list. It comes with several features not seen and found in any dart board currently available.
For starters, it's the quietest soft tip dartboard that we have personally come across. All electronic dartboards make the irritating and loud thud sound when the darts hit the board. Some make more, and some make less. For instance, the first electronic board I got was Anarchind 650, and it used to be loud as hell. My wife could hear the sound of the darts even downstairs; obviously, it's collecting dust now. However, the Glan board 3 comes with acoustic dampening material, which vastly reduces the noise.
Next, the segments are sharp, precise, and capture most darts thrown its way with little to no bounce outs. Also, the individual segments are replaceable in case of damage. It also comes with an out sensor, which registers out darts or darts which don't hit the board. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the board to your liking. The dartboard itself is made of sturdy plastic material with a wooden backing. The whole package is well-built and sturdy enough to last you for years and years to come.
Software and usability is the strongest aspect of the product. You can pair the board with your iPhone, Android phone, or smart TV using Bluetooth. You can also use the phone's camera to stream live games and view other player's game feed at the same time. As Gran was the first to introduce the online play option, it already has a vast user base. At any point, you can find several players online. Each player has a profile showing important stats like average, winning %, and current ranking. This allows you to play and compete with players of similar ratings and keep the game more interesting.
The board supports almost all games imaginable. Cricket, cutthroat, and all 01 games from 301 to all the way to 1501 with options like double in/out, master in/out, bulls in/out. There are a variety of practice games as well to improve your accuracy. What more, you also have the option to play with the computer and hone your skills (animal battle). But keep your ego out of the door when you play against the computer at level 5+, it's too good to defeat!
The board is powered by 2 AA batteries, and the hue lights are powered by a USB cord. The batteries should easily last you over four months with 2 to 3 hours per week playing.
Final note:
If you're looking for a pro-quality regulation electronic dartboard, you can't go wrong with Gran Board 3. The board lets you enjoy and compete with anyone from the comfort of your home. Add to that the build quality and durability are next to none.
2. Arachnid Cricket Pro 800
Arachnid is the market leader and pioneer in electronic dartboards. They have been manufacturing electronic dartboards since 1975. You can absolutely count on the quality of their dart boards.
The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is currently the best-selling and the best value model in their lineup.
It's the fourth iteration of the product, following Arachnid Pro, 350 and 650, offering improved playability and durability. This tournament-quality soft tip dartboard meets the 15.5'' regulation target requirement and comes with 39 different games with 179 variations, including 7 Cricket Games. The board surface is made of NylonTough brand segments designed to take a beating and hold up to game standards for the long haul. They also took the time to make micro-thin segment dividers specifically to reduce bounce-outs and to increase the scoring areas. I particularly liked the accuracy of the sensor. Not once the board counted wrong. However, it does not come with an out sensor to track darts that don't hit the playing surface. The optional 3 level heckler feature makes the game more interesting.
Choosing the game and setting up the board is as easy as it gets. Up to eight players can play at the same time, and the front Jumbo X/O digital LED displays the score of individual players. At the end of each round, the average points per dart are displayed for all the players. However, it does not come with an online play option.
The downside of this otherwise excellent product is that it makes quite a bit of noise. Unlike Gran board 3, it does not come with sound dampening pads to reduce the noise, something to keep in mind. Few users complained about the board going dead or malfunctioning, but the problem seems to date back to 2017 and 2018. The latest models and the one I tested did not have this issue.
Final note:
In all, Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is an excellent board offering a perfect blend of performance and pricing. It's by far the best electronic dartboard for the money currently available.
3. Biange Electronic Dart Board
Budget Pick
The Biange Electronic Dart Board makes it onto the list because of its excellent playability and reliability while still being reasonably priced. The board is primarily designed for fun and recreational play with family and friends. The board measures in at 13.5'' slightly smaller than the regulation size of 15 1/2'' but still good enough for casual games. That said, if you're looking for a professional quality board, we don't recommend going for this model. The Gran board 3 or Arachnid 800 would be better suited for professional play, although they both are around $100 costlier than it.
The board pre-loaded with 27 games with 243 variations, including the cricket and 01 games. Up to 16 players at a time and the front led scoreboard displays the individual points. You also have the option to compete with the computer and play solo.
The ultra-thin segments are quite sturdy and reduce dart bounce outs while increasing the scoring areas. The board also comes with built-in storage for the darts so that you can keep them safe and organized. However, the best part of the board is the dual power option. You can either use two AA batteries or mains supply to power the unit making it portable when you need it to be.
The board comes all-inclusive with six 18gm soft darts and 20 extra replacement tips.
Final note:
The board is well-designed, user-friendly, and super fun to play. Priced just under $110; the Biange Electronic Dart Board offers the best bang for your bucks without compromising on the quality.
4. WIN.MAX Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard Set with Cabinet
Let's admit it, the sight of a dart board hanging on the wall might look great in a man cave or rec room but not in the hall or doorways. As in most cases, it does not go with the home's decor. If you're in a similar situation, you should consider this model.
This electronic dartboard from Win Max comes in a classic cabinet with black and wooden finish side tones that looks elegant and stylish. The other benefit of the cabinet is that your walls won't get dents and chips from the occasional errant throws. Although soft tip darts don't damage the wall as steel darts, they still can leave visible cosmetic marks.
The board supports 27 games with 195 scoring options, and up to 8 players can play at the same time. It features an LCD display that keeps track of the score and player's turn. The board is capable of keeping score for team play and up to four individual players and has a vocal announcer that keeps you up to date with the scoring and turn. Additionally, inside the cabinet, there are 12 slots to store the darts safely.
I found the construction quality and playability to be decent for the price. The board catches almost all darts thrown its way. However, due to the slightly larger holes, occasional odd angled throws might not stick.
Moreover, you get everything you need to play, including 12 starter darts, 40 extra tips, mounting hardware, an instruction manual, and a power adapter.
Final note:
Overall, if you're looking for an electronic dartboard with cabinet, the WIN.MAX Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard Set won't disappoint.
5. Gran Board Dash – Budget Pick (Online)
The Best Looking
If you're looking for a dart board with an online play option in a tight budget, nothing comes close to the Gran Board Dash. Although it lacks the bells and whistles of the top variants, what you get here is a functional and reliable board at half the price. It does not come with fancy led lights or sound-dampening pads to reduce the noise. Also, the individual segments are non-replaceable. Leaving these asides, the board is similar in the rest of the aspects, including the APP with the Gran board 2 or 3.
As you would expect in any Gran board, the built quality and design are near-perfect. You can either play online or play locally with your friends or computer. The board supports every imaginable game with all possible combinations. From 01 to cutthroat and everything in between, you can play any game. It does not come with any screen; instead, it's controlled using the paired phone or tablet. You can connect the board with any Android or iOS device. However, it's still not compatible with Amazon Fire. The app gets regular updates, and new features are added regularly. The board is powered by 2 AA batteries making it portable and convenient to use.
The playing surface is regulation sized and supports up to 20gm darts. I don't recommend using darts heavier than 20gm; otherwise, you might end up damaging the spider or the segments. You get two sets of standard weighted darts along, which are quite decent. But you might want to replace them with something to your liking.
Final note:
Dollar for Dollar, the Gran Board Dash, is the best and the most affordable electronic dartboard with an online play option - highly recommended for budget-conscious buyers.
6. Soft Darts Board DARTSLIVE-200S
Most electronic dart boards are designed to handle less than 20gm darts. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, 18 to 20gm is the most common weight of darts used by soft tip players. Secondly, lighter darts require a relatively less sturdy spider to capture the darts, resulting in cost-saving for the manufacturer. That said, if you use heavier darts than the most common ones, you would mostly end up damaging your segments.
But DARTSLIVE-200S is an exception. It can handle up to 25gm darts thrown its way, and it's rare to find a player who uses a dart heavier than this. So, if you're used to playing with heavier 20gm+ darts, the DARTSLIVE-200S is your best bet. The segments are sturdily built and the best I have come across. You can be quite certain there would be little to none bounce-outs on the board.
What's included:
- 1x Darts board
- 2x sets (6pcs) Soft tip darts
- 10x Extra tips
- 1x USB cable
- 5x Attaching screw
- 5x Anchor
- 1x instruction manual
The board does not come with any in-built digital display. You can pair the board with any Android or iOS device via Bluetooth. Using the App, you can select the gaming modes (single or multiplayer), view scores, and check ratings. However, it does not come with an online play option. The board comes with extensive games from cricket, 01 to cutthroat, and more.
The board measures 15.5'' in diameter as per the regulation specs. Similar to other models that we have listed, it can either be powered by 2 AA batteries (not included) or via the USB cable. Installing the board is also easy, thanks to the supplied template. All you need to do is drill four holes and hang the board.
Final note:
The pricing is slightly on the higher side, but the premium is justified considering this is the only board that supports 20gm+ darts. Choose this board if you play with heavier darts.
Buyer's Guide to Electronic Dart Boards
As we told you before, there's an electronic dart board for everybody out there – from casual gamers to weekend warriors and seasoned professionals.
The built-up is more or less standard. They come with LED lights, sound effects, solo play against the computer, features for the physically-disabled, so on, so forth. However, what these boards can vary in are: build quality, design, construction and features like changing/choosing the settings using an app.
So you see, there are quite a few factors to be considered before you settle the bill. To help you make an informed call, we have done that homework for you and compiled this handy buyer's guide.
Key Considerations
<Size>
If your use case is recreational and family games, look for smaller boards that come with soft tip darts in the size range of 12" to 13.5". On the other hand, if your aim is to compete (and yes, win!), choose a pro board with a soft tip dart that's 15.5" in diameter. That's the size recommended by the World Soft Darts Association for tournaments.
<Supported games>
Almost all electronic boards come pre-loaded with 01 games (301, 501, 701, 901) and popular ones like Cricket, Baseball, and Cut-Throat. Each game further comes with variations. Which means, you have plenty to keep yourself busy and excited.
However, if you are somebody who's done and darted this collection already and are in search of Bermuda or Bowling, you would need to check the board's product description to see if it supports the particular game or not.
What's more? Some boards also come with practice modes like shot-out or count-up to practice and improve your accuracy.
Solo or Computer Play [Only in Mid-range or higher boards]
So you want to play the darts but got nobody to compete with? No sweat! One of the biggest advantages of electronic boards is that it allows you to play against the computer. If that's not a perk already, remember that you can change the difficulty level and play the game as you normally would against the computer. That's variety, entertainment and competition all rolled into one feature.
<Max. Supported Players>
Playing with the computer is alright but playing with friends, family, colleagues is another level of fun. And the good news is, as less as four and as high as 16 players can play on an electronic board at the same time.
So if you want a board for small gatherings at home, get one that can host 4 to 6 players. For office and pub games, the board must support at least 8 players. The LCD display at the bottom of the board keeps track of the turns and the individual scores, so there's no room for confusion.
<Led Lights & Sound Effects>
Some may dub light and sound as an unnecessary feature but we think it makes the playing experience immersive. Imagine this. As soon as your dart hits the board, the contact point (called 'segment') lights up and the voice-assistant announces your score as well as the turn of the next player.
Make note that the voice-assist option is available in all the mid-range boards while LED lights are fitted only into the high-end variants.
<Bounce Outs>
The way electronic or soft tip dart board work, it's not free of issues. Bounce-outs are one of them. No matter how top-grade your board is, you'll still face odd bounce-outs. To minimize these annoying bounce-outs, manufacturers are thinning the segment while increasing the size of the individual holes. This helps the dart tip to land in the individual holes smoothly.
However, bounce-out is not always a flaw of the board design. It also depends on the kind of dart tip you use and how you throw it. For instance, soft tips penetrate the segment perpendicularly, so you must throw the dart straight or direct instead of the lob-style throwing technique that steel-tip dart users make use of. What's also worth noting down is that each board is compatible with a specific-shaped dart tip, which may vary from round to triangular.
<Power option>
Electronic dart boards can either be powered by battery or mains supply, or both. Given that you can carry battery-powered boards wherever you want, you'd think it's the best option. Not really. Simply because you'd need to buy batteries from time to time. And so, we recommend you to go for boards that can run on both battery and mains supply. This will give you more flexibility, plus save the recurring cost you'd spend on batteries.
<Segments>
It's almost a no-brainer that segments are the most critical part of the board. After all, they are responsible for capturing the incoming darts. So the segments must check three boxes: 1) It should be durable. 2) It should have symmetric holes cut out on the entire surface. 3) The segment dividers should be thin as that increases the scoring area.
Keeping these in mind, it's best to go for the nylon segment board because it's both sturdy and flexible. Plastic or PVC segments, on the other hand, tend to break easily.
<Darts Weight>
As electronic dart boards use a particular type of darts with plastic tips (also known as soft darts), it's equally critical to choose the right darts set. Typically, the boards are designed to capture darts under 20gm. Now, if you use a heavier dart in this case (more than 20gm), chances are it will damage the plastic segment and even the individual holes of the board faster. Having said that, the newer lot of boards can handle the weight of up to 25 gm darts. So first decide the weight of the soft tip dart you wish to play with, then choose a board that can support it.
<Online Play>
Some of the newer electronic dart boards come with the feature of online play. This allows you to play and compete with random players and even your friends right from the comfort of your home. They even come with a built-in webcam that streams the match online and also prevents anyone from cheating.
Also, no matter you're a professional or someone new to the game, the software is intelligent enough to match you to other players of the same or almost the same skill level. This makes the game interesting and competitive. Furthermore, each player is given an online rank based on the performance, as well as detailed statistics about your overall game and accuracy. All this not only helps you get better but also allows you to meet and interact with different players online.
Such dart boards seamlessly connect to any smartphone (Android/iOS) via Wifi and keep track of all match data and ranking. The app also allows you to chat with players, play random matches, or even challenge someone in particular.
The online play feature is suitable for all kinds of players, be it a beginner or an expert. A beginner or a starter can play a fun round of matches while serious players can join pro-leagues and tournaments online. So getting an online-enabled board is totally worth it even if it comes for a premium, running into $200 and more.
<Accessories>
Don't overlook the accessories. Most boards come with two full sets of soft tip darts, with others also come with an extra flights, shafts, and tips. Then some boards come with a cabinet that looks aesthetically pleasing, keeps the playing area organized and prevents the back wall from damage.
If you're looking for a board for home use, choose an all-inclusive board. However, if you're an advanced or intermediate player looking to up your game, it's best to buy the darts and the board separately - not as a package. An intermediate quality soft tip dart set would cost anywhere from $30 to $50, and professional-grade darts go above $100.
<Budget>
The electronic dart boards can come for as little as $60 or as much as $300. The difference boils down to the build quality of the segments and add-on features. The costlier ones ($300-$290) generally come with nylon segments that are durable and are specifically designed to reduce bounce-outs. Feature-wise, they support more games as well as online play, they come with a mobile app, and they offer highly accurate scores. The mid-range models fall between $100 and $200. While these do not have the online play feature, they let you compete with the computer and offer a decent all-round build quality. As for the models under $100, their scoring is a bit off and they tend to make a lot of noise.
So what should you buy?
If you are serious about the game, shell out a little more and get a high-end model. If casual games are what your intention is, look up a mid-range model. We won't recommend low-end boards as they are flimsy and certainly not enjoyable. Still if you must, options are aplenty.
Electronic Dart Board Issues/Disadvantages
As we told you earlier, while the electronic board has many pluses, it has few minuses too. Let's talk about the two big issues - noise, and touch and feel of the darts.
Electronic dart boards are significantly louder than traditional bristle boards. So if you live in an apartment
or if your partner doesn't approve of that thud-like noise, probably electronic boards aren't the best option for you. While there are ways to cut down that sound like using a dartboard stand or mounting it on an unshared wall rather than a common one and using foam backing, there is no way to fully mute it. The costlier boards that come with sound dampening systems can still be quite loud! So you either have to live with the sound or go for bristle boards. This is, you can say, a design flaw. In electronic boards, soft tip darts directly hit the plastic backing of the board and the loud noise is created because of that contact. On the bristle boards, however, sisal fibers gradually capture the darts and so, the sound generated is lower.
Up next is the issue concerning soft tip darts that are used on electronic boards. They are quite light in comparison to steel tip ones, which are used on bristle boards. For this reason, many traditional players often struggle to play with soft tips initially. So players need to adjust their technique and throwing style to account for the reduced weight. That said, it's more of a matter of making subtle changes in the technique, and it's entirely doable. So it would be really wrong to say soft tip darts do not feel like real darts. It's all about preference.
Summing Up the Guide
So there you have it, our lowdown for the best electronic dart boards currently available, and everything you need to consider while choosing one. We tried recommending boards across all price ranges, so no matter you're looking for a professional board or a budget unit, you're sure to find something worthwhile.
While all the products that we have listed above are value-for-money in their own categories, but if we really had to single one out, it would be - Arachnid Cricket Pro 800. It offers a perfect blend of top performance, user-friendliness, and affordability.
