The 13 Best Electronic Dart Boards

Searching for the best electronic dart board? We’ve made it easy to choose the best electronic dart board for you, no matter what your needs or budget. Electronic dart boards make a great addition to any game room (and are MUCH safer than traditional darts), and with modern technology, some can create a true arcade through your phone or let you play online with friends around the world!

Peruse the categories below to find the best electronic dart board for your family game room, office space, or man cave. Electronic dart boards offer several benefits over traditional bristle dart boards– from safety to auto scoring– and we give an overview of the differences between them as well.

To learn more about what makes a quality electronic dart board and what to look for when shopping, visit our buyer’s guide section. Be sure to read the FAQs (how high should you hang that board?) and the Tips & Tricks section to make life with your best electronic dart board simpler and more enjoyable (ex: how to keep your tips from breaking easily and how to have fewer bounce-outs).

Table of Contents

Best Electronic Dart Boards: Reviews	Electronic Dart Board Information:
Standard/Classic Best Electronic Dart Boards	7 Benefits of Electronic Dart Boards
Best Internet & App Connected Electronic Dart Boards	Best Electronic Dart Board Buying Guide: What to Look For
Best Electronic Dart Boards on a Budget	Electronic vs. Bristle (traditional) Dart Boards
Best Electronic Dart Boards with Cabinets	Electronic Dart Board Tips & Tricks
	Electronic Dart Board FAQ
	Common Popular Dart Games

Classic Style Best Electronic Dart Boards

In this category, we’ll review the standard best electronic dart boards. These boards have no cabinets and no internet connectivity; they’re exactly what comes to mind when thinking about a typical electronic dart board. We’ll break down the features of each to help you choose. Our overall best electronic dart board falls into this category as well, so we’ll start there.

Best Internet &/Or App Connected Electronic Dart Boards

Whether you want an arcade gaming experience through an app on your phone or to play against a friend across town or around the world, these are the best electronic dart boards with internet and/or app connectivity.

Best Budget Electronic Dart Boards

The options below are our choices for best electronic dart boards on a budget. These won’t have the features or the quality of more expensive boards, but they’ll be a great starting place to learn or test family engagement/enjoyment!

Best Electronic Dart Boards with Cabinets

If you’re looking for the best electronic dartboard set with an included cabinet, we’ve got you covered. Many people prefer dart boards with cabinets because they look quite nice, and the cabinet doors provide a little more wall protection for darts that fly awry. While you can always purchase one of the best electronic dart boards from the classic/standard list and purchase a nice cabinet separately, we wanted to include all-in-one options for those interested. These also make very giftable dart board sets.

7 Benefits of Electronic Dart boards

1. Safety
   Perhaps the biggest benefit of the best electronic dart boards is the safety factor. Electronic dart boards use soft-tipped darts instead of steel-tipped. Soft-tipped darts are much safer, making these best electronic dart boards ideal options for families and kids. Honestly, I prefer the safety of soft-tipped darts even with adults, especially in a party setting
   
   
2. Automatic Scorekeeping
   It’s just so much easier to let the machine handle all the scoring for you, especially with all the different games! Of course, not all boards keep score accurately, which is why we’ve created this best electronic dart board list; you know you’re choosing from the best quality options.
   
   
3. Less Wall Damage
   To be clear, errant soft-tipped darts, if thrown hard enough, can still dent walls; however, the damage is going to be significantly less than what would occur with steel-tipped darts.
   
   
4. So Many Games!
   You may already know a few classic dart games, but with the best electronic dart boards on this list, you’ll have access to dozens of games and hundreds of variations! There are so many fun options, and you don’t have to remember all the rules since the board keeps track of turns and scores.
   
   
5. Accuracy
   With electronic sensors behind a target area covered in precise, tiny holes, you’ll know exactly where a dart landed, and you won’t have to worry about remembering to score doubles or triples. Of course accurate sensors, like the overall scoring systems, aren’t great on all boards; choose from the boards on this best electronic dart boards list for boards with better accuracy!
   
   
6. Easy Multiplayer Options
   Many electronic dart boards accommodate up to 8 players (often in 2 teams of 4), and some even allow up to 16 players. With larger groups, it’s much easier to let the board handle all tracking turns and scoring.
   
   
7. Internet & App Connectivity
   If you’re looking for a board that allows you to play with others around the world or a board that turns your phone, tablet, or TV into the ultimate arcade experience, you’ll need a specialized electronic dart board. For these features, check out the Internet & App Connected category of our best electronic dart boards.

Best Electronic Dart Board Buying Guide: What to Look For

If you’re ready to start shopping for your best electronic dart board but aren’t sure what’s important, we’ll walk you through what to look for before making your purchase.

Number of Players

Some electronic dart boards support only 2 players, while others accommodate 8 players (often in 2 teams of 4), and still others can handle up to 16. Know how many people you want to be able to play before choosing your best electronic dart board.

Thin Segments

Dart boards are divided into sections by the spider. On a traditional dart board, that’s the metal part, whereas on electronic dart boards, it’s often plastic, like the rest of the board. However, unlike traditional boards, electronic dart boards are covered in tiny holes, and the thickness of the segments surrounding the holes plays an important role in bounce-outs.

You’ll hear the term “bounce-out” frequently when looking into dart boards; this refers to when a dart hits the board but bounces out instead of sticking. Lots of bounce-outs lead to a frustrating dart playing experience, so you want a thinner spider and thinner segments around all those tiny holes, giving you more opportunity for your dart to find a hole. Look for terms like “thin,” “micro-thin,” or “ultra-thin” segments/spider as you search for your best electronic dart board

Large Playing Area

It’s always easier to hit a larger target, right? The best electronic dart boards tend to come in two general sizes: 15.5” or 13.5”. Regulation playing field (playing area/target face) for electronic dart boards is considered 15.5 inches, and that extra space is helpful, especially for beginners, casual players, and kids.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the 13.5” options; it’ll just be a bit more challenging. Anything smaller is going to be more a kids toy than a quality dart board. All of our best electronic dart boards have a target area of at least 13.5 inches.

Score Displays

Some boards display only 2 player scores at a time, while others show you 4 simultaneously, making it easier to keep track of larger competitions. Some boards may also have large x/o cricket displays that are easier to read from the toe line (throw line).

Consider also LED vs. LCD displays: LED colors tend to be brighter and easier to read, especially at a distance and may have multiple colors for different players or other game information. LCD displays, on the other hand, tend to be a bit duller and just a touch harder to read from the toe line.

Metrics/Data Tracking

Do you like to know your average score per throw? Do you enjoy keeping stats in your gaming? Then your best electronic dart board might be one that includes some form of data tracking.

Voice Features

Many electronic dart boards have some form of voice prompts, where the board indicates player turns, etc. This helps players stay engaged and keeps the party moving. For those that like a little electronic mockery in the mix, some boards even have a “heckler” feature that’ll pop up on your less-than-amazing throws. Voice features (and volumes/mute options) differ on each of our best electronic dart boards, so know what’s important to you as you search. Some boards also offer bilingual, usually English/Spanish, voice features.

Solo or vs. Computer Play

If you want to improve your game on your own, you might want to consider a board with multiple levels of competition against the computer AI (also called cyber play). Most electronic boards have some solo play options, but not all have challenge modes or competition against the computer designed to help you improve.

App & Internet Connectivity

In the modern era, it’s no surprise that some dart boards connect to your phone, letting you turn your tablet/phone/TV into an arcade, or even allowing you to compete in real time with people around the world. If you want these features, check out the App & Internet category of our best electronic dart boards. You can get a high quality board with some seriously cool tech features.

Power Source

Unlike bristle dart boards, you’ll need to consider the power source when purchasing and hanging your best electronic dart board. Electronic dart boards are either powered by batteries or AC power, and some can function either way.

We recommend using AC power if possible for these best electronic dart boards, as you’ll never have to mess with changing batteries, dulling colors, or electronics dying mid-game. However, that does mean you’ll have to hang it near power.

Not all boards include a power supply; you may have to buy it separately.

Games

One of the best parts of an electronic dart board is the tremendous number of included games, often listed like “34 games and 184 options/variations”, meaning 34 basic games and 184 scoring variations or versions of that game.

We love that with all these best electronic dart boards, you’ll have the chance to learn and play so many different games. Even if you choose a best electronic dart board from this list that has fewer games (it’s always still a lot), you’ll have plenty of variety.

Cricket is one of the most popular dart games, and you might see some boards that boast a certain number of cricket games; you can get an overview of a few of the most popular dart games a few sections below this.

Lights

This is a more minor feature (and you may want better external lighting), but some boards do have more built-in lighting, making it helpful if your room is dimmer.

Warranty

Though we’ve done our best to guide you to the best electronic dart boards, there is always the possibility of some sort of malfunction when electronics are involved. Look into a board’s warranty before purchasing as well.

Electronic vs. Bristle Dart Boards

Construction & Darts

Electronic dart boards are made of plastic and covered in small holes into which soft tipped darts will fit. Traditional boards are either made from softer woods, which accept the steel-tipped darts nicely, or more modernly, from sisal fiber. Called bristle dart boards, these are used in professional settings, as the sisal material is durable, high quality, and allows for tighter groupings.

Electronic dart boards (with a very few exceptions) use soft-tipped darts and are thus much safer, making them the best choice for families with kids (and pets!) that could accidentally end up on the receiving end of a poorly thrown dart.

Bristle boards are utilized by professional dart players, and they require steel-tipped darts, which are sharper and more dangerous; they also do more damage to walls.

Overall, steel-tipped and soft-tipped darts have the same basic construction. There are multiple barrel shapes and metal choices depending on player preferences. The big differences lie in the overall weight and tip. Soft-tipped darts have a plastic tip and generally weigh between 16-20 grams. Steel-tipped darts have, well, a steel tip that’s sharper and can weigh as much as 50 grams.

Features

Electronic dart boards have more features than their bristle counterparts. They keep score automatically and numerous included games, making it easier for amateur and recreational players to enjoy darts from home. Some electronic boards even allow you to track stats, connect to your phone, or play with friends around the world with scores synced in real time. Check out our Apps & Internet Connected category for your best electronic dart boards with these kinds of features.

Bounce-Outs

Due to their inherent construction (tiny holes to receive the darts), the bounce-out rate is generally higher on electronic dart boards. If you hit the space between the holes, your dart will simply bounce out and hit the ground. This is where those “ultra thin” segments come in handy, as they leave more space for more holes, making your bounce out rate lower. With a bristle board, you have more surface area in which the darts can stick as well as sharper darts.

Of course, you can do a lot to improve your bounce-out rate while using any of these best electronic dart boards; look below for more tips on this.

Cost

Also, electronic dart boards can be more expensive, though there’s a range for sure. Granted, your cheapest non-electronic boards are often made of low-quality materials like cork or wound paper, but these are not durable at all, making them only cheap at first since you’ll have to replace them quickly. Bristle dartboards are still generally less expensive than their electronic counterparts, though, due to the fact that sisal is inexpensive to manufacture (comes from the agave plant!).

There is no rotation of the board to worry about with electronic dart boards, though, so once you hand it up, you’re done. Bristle boards need to be rotated for improved longevity.

Size

The actual playing field of regulation bristle boards is 13 ¼” (sometimes listed as 13.5”) whereas the target area of a regulation electronic dart board is considered 15.5”; however, some electronic dart boards are 13-13.5” as well. The smaller boards just mean less surface area to hit, and the larger face on the electronic dart board may help compensate for the inherently lessened dartable surface area.

Best Electronic Dart Board Tips & Tricks

1. Spend some time learning to throw correctly.
   If you find your bounce out rate is pretty high, consider your throwing technique. It’s worth the time to do some research online; you’ll become more accurate and reduce your bounce-outs. Keep this in mind reading online reviews, too; while bounce-outs are higher on electronic dart boards, how a dart is thrown is critical to reducing them on any board.
   
   On that note, remember that you need to throw with enough force that the dart hits the board and registers, but know that throwing excessively hard (or from too close and very hard) or using darts too heavy for your board can cause damage to the electronic sensors behind the target area.
   
   
2. Remove darts by twisting
   Twist your darts while gently pulling straight out to free them from their holes. Avoid pushing into the dartboard while you remove the dart. Don’t brace your hand on any part of the playing field, as you might trigger a score, and excess pressure can damage the sensors. Make sure you don’t pull a dart out at a sharp angle, as that can more quickly bend or break the tips.
   
   
3. Buy better darts
   If you’re dissatisfied with the darts that come with your chosen best electronic dart board (very common), you can purchase better quality ones with more weight/heft and different body shapes. You can also bey better dart flights to improve your dart game. Just make sure what you choose is still compatible with your board (soft tipped, correct tip size, not darts too heavy that might damage the board).
   
   
4. Keep extra tips on hand
   One of the more common complaints with soft tipped darts is that they bend or break more quickly; remove them correctly to minimize this, but keeping extra tips on hand is always a good idea. Many of the best electronic dart boards on this list even have space to store extras within the board or cabinet.
   
   
5. Extra flights won’t hurt either
   You can also purchase new and better flights (the wings on the back end of the dart) if you find the ones that came with your board don’t seem as sturdy or long-lasting.
   
   
6. Shared walls can be loud
   Consider carefully where you’re going to hang your board, as playing darts isn’t the quietest of activities. Shared walls, especially in apartments, might be places to avoid. You may also consider looking for a quieter board (like the Gran Board 3 or DartsLive board), and some players like to add cork or other backing behind the board to dampen sounds.
   
   We recommend hanging boards as instructed by the manufacturer, but if you want to add something extra, do so carefully (and with research) to make sure your board still hangs properly and safely!

Best Electronic Dart Board FAQ

How much does an electronic dart board cost?

For an electronic dart board of any quality, we think the lowest you can expect to spend is generally somewhere around the $50 mark, and depending on their features, construction, cabinets, and quality of electronic components, costs can go upwards above $300.

We’ve got a few best electronic dart board choices on a budget that are still quality boards, and if you can’t swing those, the Fat Cat 727 costs even less, but it’s inherently got more issues, from durability to accuracy to consistent electronics functionality. It didn’t make the best electronic dart board list for good reason, but you could consider it a limited budget runner-up.

Can I use any type of dart in an electronic dart board?

For the most part, you can only use soft-tipped darts. These are designed to fit into the holes of the electronic dart board. Steel-tipped darts, intended for wooden or bristle boards, can quickly damage your electronic dart board and cause more damage to walls and people, making them less safe for family game rooms.

However, there are some electronic boards on which you can use either soft or steel tipped darts; just keep in mind, all safety and wall-protecting benefits of soft-tipped darts will be eliminated if you choose to use steel-tipped. You’ll have to be sure you choose a dartboard with this option, if you want to use steel-tipped or want to switch between the two. The Bullshooter E-Bristle 1000 is one such option, but honestly, we just don’t recommend these boards.

Soft tipped darts just won’t work as well in the bristle board; the steel tipped do better, of course, but there seem to be more malfunctions in these hybrid boards as well. For all these reasons, you’ll only see soft-tipped dart boards on our list of best electronic dart boards.

How do I choose the best electronic dart board?

Remember, you want to choose the best electronic dart board for you, so the first thing to do is consider who will use the board and how. Are you playing with family and friends just for fun? Are you an amateur dart thrower wanting to improve your game but also save your walls? Do you throw parties and need a board that handles lots of players? Go through the buying guide above to learn the basics, and know what your most important criteria are when browsing our list of best electronic dart boards.

Next, consider things like budget (acknowledging that you’re really not going to get anything worthwhile under $50 or so), features, included games, and appearance. If you’ve got a classy bar vibe going on, you might want a more classic looking board and cabinet to match your style instead of a bright, multicolored version hanging on the wall looking all sorts of out of place

How high should you hang an electronic dart board?

Hang your best electronic dart board at the same height as a bristle dartboard: 5 feet, 8 inches from the ground to the center of the bullseye.

How far back do you stand to throw?

Stand a little farther back than you would for a bristle board. For electronic dartboards, you’ll usually stand 8 feet back from the board.

Are there non-electronic soft-tipped dart boards?

Yes; if you’re interested in the safety aspect but don’t really care about the games, scoring, or other features, you can get a safety dart board for very little. These have a different overall construction but could be an inexpensive alternative to an electronic dart board for kids’ rooms, for example.

Common Popular Dart Games

When you’re looking for the best electronic dart board, you want game options; after all, that’s the whole point, but it can seem overwhelming. Let’s break down a few common games you might see:

Cricket

Traditional Cricket involves trying to hit the 15-20 segments and the bullseye three times each to “close out” each number. Hitting other numbers does nothing; hitting the outer ring of a number (a double) counts for two, and hitting the inner ring (a triple) counts for three.

The first player/team to close out 15-20 + bullseye wins! Some boards include cricket variations, like Scram and Bowlers and Batters, where the rules/objectives change up a bit.

01 Games

In this category, 301 and 501 are the common varieties: you’ll start with the titular score (301 or 501) and work your way down to zero, removing the number you hit each throw. All numbers are in play in this game, and the first to zero wins.

There are some additional rules in these games too (Straight In, Doubling Out, etc.) as well as other variations (701, 901, 1101, 1501) that you can learn and play with many of the best electronic dart boards too.

Around the World

Your goal is to work your way around the board in ascending numerical order; instead of aiming for anything, you have to hit the next number in order, forcing you to aim at specific spots on the board. Variations include adding the bullseye, or requiring doubles or triples

Legs

You’ll want the most points each round here. Every player starts with 3 “legs.” Player 1 throws 3 darts for his/her score; then player 2 must score the same or greater not to lose a leg. If Player 2 shoots less, he/she loses a leg, but then Player 3 must match or exceed Player 2’s score, even though it was lower than that of Player 1. It’s all about shooting higher than the person before you. Last one with a leg to stand on wins!

Shanghai

You play this game over 7 innings, trying to score as many points each inning with your 3 darts. In each inning, you can only gain points by hitting the appropriate number 1-7 (1st inning, you have to hit 1, 2nd inning you have to shoot at 2, etc.). Doubles and triples of the appropriate number still count for double/triple the points.

Win by having the most points at the end of  innings or by scoring a “Shanghai” (hitting a single, double and triple of the given number) in any single inning.

Killer

This one is interesting; you’ll start by throwing a dart with your non-dominant hand, choosing a random number for yourself. Then, you’ll have to try to hit a double of your number to become a “killer.” Once you’ve done that, your goal is to “kill” your opponents by hitting doubles of their numbers. Each player gets three lives, and the last player standing wins!

Of course, there are many, MANY more games out there and included in these best electronic dart boards, but hopefully this gives you an idea of some of the great variety of games available! You can also always play simply for a high score too, but we think it’s fun to learn and play new games!

Final Thoughts on Best Electronic Dart Boards

Whether you’re looking to spice up the family rec room, update the man cave, or start a new office activity, we hope you’ve found the best electronic dart board for your needs and budget! Do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Do you have more dart questions we can answer for you? Let us know!

We’ll leave you here with our favorite picks for overall best electronic dart board, our recommendation for best online and app electronic dart board, as well as our best electronic dart board gift bundle!