What to Consider
Board Surface
The dartboard surface will determine a great deal. After all, you want those darts to stay put once they’ve hit their mark. There are a few popular options here, from suction cups to bristle boards and more contemporary options. No one material is exceptionally better than another, it’s more about preference and making sure the darts stick and hold. And as we mentioned earlier, an electronic dart board removes the sharp darts that can put pinholes in drywall (and skin).
Style
Dartboards can vary quite a bit stylistically, ranging from the cabinet-like setup with swinging doors to a full-sized machine you might associate with the favorite corner of your local watering hole. The style is important as it dictates ease of setup and will inform where the piece will go (or if you have enough room in the first place). Plus, there’s an aesthetic angle for what will go with your space and decor.
Additional Features
Who doesn’t love additional features? Electronic dartboards can come with extra functions, some more fun and useful than others. These can add to the fun of the game and make the experience more dynamic. Examples range from a variety of dart game types and sibling games like cricket to pro-level lighting to illuminate your gaming experience.
Scoreboard
Another big benefit of the electronic dartboard is for the thing to do the math for you. Most keep score, albeit in different ways, from simply tallies to more involved breakdowns depending on the type of game you’re playing. Perhaps more important than how exactly the machine keeps score is how visible the screen is and how accurately it keeps tabs on the game at hand.
How We Selected
Over the course of the summer, we tested out more than a dozen electronic dart board models. We experimented with all of their features and invited fellow editors of all skill levels to join in on the testing. In addition to the above considerations, we played from various distances, assessing the quality of both the darts and the board itself. We analyzed set up requirements and overall functionality and paid attention to reputable reviews online.
For all the sharp shooters out there, here are the best electronic dartboards in 2024.
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Best Overall
Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dartboard
A great value with all of the features you’d want and more, this dartboard excels. In testing, there was so much to like, from the ultra-thin segment dividers that prevent bounce backs to the legible and high-functioning scoreboard. The size is also ideal, the board itself is tournament quality, and is a cinch to install.
There are 39 different games in all that can be played by up to eight players. That means fun for your whole crew in the basement or garage. We were impressed by how well the darts affixed to the board and the additional seven cricket game options make for entertaining, more-tactical takes on traditional darts.
While the sound effects are OK and add to the bar atmosphere of the game, they can be a bit on the loud side. But that’s about our only complaint with the Cricket Pro 800. From 9 feet and change, the regulation distance for pro darts, one can still make out the reader board quite clearly. This is a fine option for both those looking to dabble in the sport as well as those looking to perfect their game. Note that a dart set is not included.
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| Board Surface | Plastic bristles |
|---|---|
| Syle | Standard wall-mounted |
| Additional Features | 39 games with 179 variations |
| Scoreboard | Superior |
Most Stylish
Pottery Barn Teen Neon Dart Board
Pros
- Minimalist acrylic surface
- Dorm room friendly
- Includes 6 darts
Cons
- No extra features
Easily the coolest-looking dartboard out there, this one from Pottery Barn Teen offers a soothing neon glow. The suction cup darts throw and stick surprisingly well and the color coded scoring sections are easy on the eyes. We found turning this thing off to be rather pointless as it doubles as a cool light fixture worthy of your room, reminiscent of a neon bar sign you might find hanging alongside a dart board in lots of pubs.
While this one is pretty minimalist, the sharp design and unique look afford it a spot on the list. Ideal for a dorm or kids room, this dartboard is great for all ages. A half dozen darts are included.
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| Board Surface | Acrylic |
|---|---|
| Style | Standard wall-mounted and plug-in |
| Additional Features | No |
| Scoreboard | No |
Best Cabinet-Style
Accudart Nova Electronic Dartboard
Pros
- Dual LED screens
- Slick darts that throw well
- Top-mounted lighting (which shuts off automatically when doors close)
Cons
- More bounce outs than expected
The Accudart Nova is a cabinet-style board that’s even great when you’re not playing—you can close up shop with the swinging doors. With 580 variations of 35 different game modes, there’s something for every type of player. The dual LED scoring displays are a nice touch and up to eight folks can play at once.
Because you can power this dart board with batteries, you don’t have to worry about an unsightly cord. There are handicap features and the lighting up above is great for playing in darker environments. Six soft-tipped darts are included and kudos to the brand for thinking to throw in some replacement tips.
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| Board Surface | Fine plastic bristles |
|---|---|
| Style | Cabinet |
| Additional Features | 35 games with 580 variations |
| Scoreboard | Dual LED screens |
Best Looking
Viper Neptune Electronic Dartboard
The Viper Neptune boasts a fetching color scheme befitting of the best wall in your den. You get plenty of contrast between the black and vibrant red and the scoreboard, while a small display crunches the numbers well. All of the hardware is included for a breeze of an install and the darts really seem to like the board surface, rarely bouncing off.
One additional bonus is that you have to hold the power button for a few seconds to truly power the thing off. Having cut a few games short accidentally on other machines, we greatly appreciate this feature.
| Board Material | Nylon bristles |
|---|---|
| Style | Cabinet |
| Additional Features | 57 games and more than 300 scoring options |
| Scoreboard | Quality LCD display |
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