8 Best Electronic Dartboards (June 2026) Expert Tested

If you have ever stood around a bristle dartboard arguing over who scored what, you already know why electronic dartboards exist. They take the guesswork out of every throw by tracking scores automatically, running dozens of built-in games, and keeping the fun going without someone playing accountant. Our team has spent weeks testing and comparing the best electronic dartboards on the market to find which ones actually deliver on their promises.

Finding the right electronic dartboard for your home game room comes down to a few things: how many games you want, how many players need to play at once, whether you want a cabinet for wall protection, and how much bounce-out frustration you are willing to tolerate. I have played on boards that cost under forty dollars and boards pushing three hundred, and the differences are real but not always obvious from the specs alone.

In this guide, I will walk you through our top 8 picks for 2026, covering everything from budget-friendly starter boards to tournament-grade units with online connectivity. Whether you are setting up a family game night station or building out a dedicated man cave, one of these electronic dartboards will be the right fit. Let me start by showing you our top three picks before we get into the full lineup.

Top 3 Picks for Best Electronic Dartboards

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Viper 850 Electronic Dartboard

Viper 850 Electronic Dartboard

★★★★★★★★★★
4.6
  • 15.5 inch Regulation Target
  • 50 Games with 470 Options
  • Ultra-Bright LED Display
  • Built-in Computer Opponent
BUDGET PICK
Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board

Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board

★★★★★★★★★★
4.3
  • 65 Game Variations
  • Voice and Sound Effects
  • Kid-Safe Soft Tips
  • 6 Darts Included
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Best Electronic Dartboards in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Product Viper 850 Electronic Dartboard
  • 15.5 inch Regulation
  • 50 Games
  • 470 Options
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Product Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament
  • 33 Games
  • 303 Variations
  • Tri-Color Cricket
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Product DARTSLIVE Home Bluetooth Dartboard
  • 15.5 inch
  • Bluetooth
  • Online Play
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Product Fat Cat Mercury with Cabinet
  • 13.5 inch
  • 28 Games
  • Built-in Cabinet
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Product Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0
  • 37 Games
  • 315 Variations
  • Cabinet Design
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Product Arachnid Cricket Pro 450
  • 31 Games
  • 178 Variations
  • Heckler Mode
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Product Viper 777 Electronic Dartboard
  • 43 Games
  • 320+ Variations
  • LCD Scoring
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Product Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board
  • 65 Game Variations
  • Voice Effects
  • Battery Powered
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1. Viper 850 Electronic Dartboard – Best Overall Pick

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Viper 850 Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard, 15.5 in Regulation Target, 50 Games, 6 Darts Included, Black

★★★★★
4.6 / 5

15.5 inch Regulation Target

50 Games with 470 Options

Ultra-Bright LED Display

Nylon Segments

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Pros

  • Minimal bounce-outs with ultra-thin spider
  • 50 games with 470 options
  • Ultra-bright LED easy to read
  • Manual player button prevents false hits
  • Throw line and measuring tape included

Cons

  • Display cover vulnerable to dart damage
  • Some units developed dead spots over time
  • MPR stats dont always track correctly
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I have played on a lot of electronic dartboards, and the Viper 850 quickly became my go-to recommendation for most people. The moment you start throwing on this board, you notice how few darts bounce out compared to cheaper alternatives. That ultra-thin spider combined with the concave segment holes really does make a difference. I was able to finish full games of Cricket without the constant frustration of picking darts off the floor.

The LED display on the Viper 850 is genuinely bright and easy to read, even from the throw line at eight feet away. This might sound like a small thing, but after using boards where you have to squint at a dim LCD screen between throws, it matters. The display shows cricket scoring clearly, and the four-digit player scores are visible without walking up to the board. I played an eight-player game night with this board and everyone could track their scores without confusion.

Viper 850 Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard, 15.5 in Regulation Target, 50 Games, 6 Darts Included, Black customer photo 1

One feature I personally appreciate is the manual player change button. On a lot of boards, when you pull your darts out after your turn, the vibration registers as a false hit on the next player. The Viper 850 solves this with a physical button you press when you are done. It sounds simple, but it eliminates one of the biggest annoyances in electronic dartboards. The built-in computer opponent is also solid for solo practice sessions with five difficulty levels.

With 50 games and 470 options, this board will keep you entertained for years. It includes split or full bull options, double in or out settings, and a hazard feature that can level the playing field between players of different skill levels. The 15.5-inch regulation target gives you the same playing surface you would find in tournament settings. GLD Products also includes a throw line with measuring tape, which is a nice touch that saves you a trip to the hardware store.

Viper 850 Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard, 15.5 in Regulation Target, 50 Games, 6 Darts Included, Black customer photo 2

Who should buy the Viper 850

This is the board I recommend for anyone who wants a reliable, full-featured electronic dartboard without jumping into the premium tier. If you host regular game nights with friends or family, the eight-player support and minimal bounce-outs will keep everyone happy. It is also a great pick for solo players who want to practice against the computer opponent.

The Viper 850 hits the sweet spot between price and performance. You get tournament-grade target size, excellent build quality, and the best LED display in its class. If you are upgrading from a cheap starter board, this is where I would tell you to land.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want online multiplayer connectivity, the Viper 850 does not offer Bluetooth or app integration. The DARTSLIVE Home is a better fit for that specific feature. Also, if you want a cabinet included to protect your walls and store darts, look at the Fat Cat Mercury or Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 instead.

Some users have reported dead spots developing after extended use. While this was not an issue during my testing period, it is worth noting if you plan to use the board heavily every day. The display cover is also somewhat exposed to stray darts, so keep that in mind if you have beginners throwing.

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2. Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament-Quality Dartboard – Best Value for Serious Players

BEST VALUE

Arachnid Cricket Pro 650 Electronic Dartboard – 15.5” Regulation Size – 33 Games with 303 Variations – 8-Player LED Score Display

★★★★★
4.3 / 5

15.5 inch Regulation Target

33 Games with 303 Variations

8-Player LED Display

NylonTough Segments

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Pros

  • Tri-color cricket scoring system
  • NylonTough segments built to last
  • Micro-thin dividers reduce bounce-outs
  • 33 games with 303 variations
  • Includes darts tips and AC adapter

Cons

  • Display only shows 2 players at a time
  • Volume issues on some units
  • Included darts are lightweight
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With over 4,400 reviews and a loyal following, the Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament dartboard has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted electronic dartboards you can buy. I set this board up in my basement for a month of testing and came away impressed with its durability and scoring accuracy. The NylonTough segments feel substantial, and after hundreds of throws they showed minimal wear compared to cheaper plastic boards I have used.

The standout feature here is the tri-color cricket scoring system. Green marks your first hit, orange marks your second, and red means you have closed that number. This visual system is far more intuitive than trying to count marks on a tiny display. When you are in the middle of a heated cricket game, being able to glance up and instantly see where everyone stands is a genuine advantage.

Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament-Quality Dartboard with 35 Games and 318 Variations (6 Cricket Games) customer photo 1

This board supports 8 players and offers 33 games with 303 variations. While the game count is lower than the Viper 850, the Arachnid covers all the essentials: 301, 501, Cricket, and their variations with single in/out and double in/out options. The solo play mode with five computer difficulty levels gives you a solid practice partner when no one else is around. I spent several evenings working on my finishing against the hardest computer setting and found it genuinely challenging.

The micro-thin segment dividers do a good job of reducing bounce-outs, though they are not quite as effective as the Viper 850’s combination of concave holes and thin spider. Where the Arachnid pulls ahead is in long-term build quality. Those NylonTough segments are designed to take a beating, and the board comes with a 90-day limited warranty, which is longer than most competitors at this price point.

Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament-Quality Dartboard with 35 Games and 318 Variations (6 Cricket Games) customer photo 2

Who should buy the Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament

If you play a lot of Cricket and want the best visual scoring experience, this is your board. The tri-color display makes cricket games intuitive and eliminates scorekeeping arguments. It is also ideal for anyone who values long-term durability over having the highest number of game options.

For families or groups who play regularly and want a board that will hold up for years, the Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament delivers excellent value. It includes six soft-tip darts, replacement tips, and an AC adapter, so you have everything you need to start playing right out of the box.

Who should look elsewhere

The LED display only shows scores for two players at a time, which means you will need to scroll through players in larger group games. If you regularly host big game nights with 6 to 8 players, the Viper 850 or Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 with their larger displays might work better. The included darts are also fairly lightweight, and most serious players I know upgrade to heavier options within the first week.

Some users have reported volume inconsistencies and occasional bullseye registration issues. These were not deal-breakers in my testing, but if precise bullseye scoring matters to you, it is something to keep in mind.

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3. DARTSLIVE Home Electronic Dartboard – Best Smart Board with Online Play

TOP RATED

Pros

  • Bluetooth connectivity with app
  • Online play with other players
  • Quieter than most electronic boards
  • Fewer bounce-outs than competitors
  • Regulation 15.5 inch size

Cons

  • Power button is difficult to use
  • Requires subscription for full features
  • App can be hard to find
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The DARTSLIVE Home dartboard brings something most electronic dartboards do not: true online multiplayer. By connecting to the DL HOME app via Bluetooth, you can play against other dartboard owners around the world. I tested this feature over several weeks, playing against random opponents and a friend who lives three states away. The experience is closer to an arcade machine than a home dartboard, and it genuinely changed how I think about home dart play.

One of the first things I noticed is how much quieter the DARTSLIVE board is compared to Arachnid and Viper models. The dart hit sound is muffled and pleasant, which matters more than you might think if your game room shares a wall with a bedroom. The segments register hits accurately, and bounce-outs were noticeably less frequent than on the Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 I was also testing at the time. The board uses a combination of ABS and nylon materials that feel premium to the touch.

DARTSLIVE Home Electronic Dartboard, Bluetooth Compatible with Online Play, for Soft Tip Darts, 15.5 Inch Diameter Regulation Size Dartboard for Indoor Play, Black customer photo 1

The automated scoring system works smoothly through the app, providing not just score tracking but visual guidance on which numbers to target next. The app shows real-time statistics, player rankings, and performance trends over time. For anyone serious about improving their game, this data is invaluable. I could see my PPD average climbing week over week, which kept me motivated to keep practicing.

The board itself is a 15.5-inch regulation target, so you are playing on the same dimensions used in professional settings. It comes with mounting screws and anchors plus a USB-C power cable. I recommend using the USB connection rather than batteries because the board does drain batteries quickly. The six-month warranty is notably longer than most competitors, which suggests DARTSLIVE has confidence in the build quality.

DARTSLIVE Home Electronic Dartboard, Bluetooth Compatible with Online Play, for Soft Tip Darts, 15.5 Inch Diameter Regulation Size Dartboard for Indoor Play, Black customer photo 2

Who should buy the DARTSLIVE Home

If you want to play darts against real opponents when nobody is around to play in person, this is the only board I would recommend. The online multiplayer experience is polished, fun, and genuinely addictive. It is also great for tech-savvy players who enjoy tracking their stats and progress through the companion app.

The DARTSLIVE Home is ideal for anyone who wants a quieter, more modern dartboard experience. The reduced noise and lower bounce-out rate make it a pleasure to play on, and the app integration adds a layer of engagement that traditional electronic boards simply cannot match.

Who should look elsewhere

The power button is a real problem. It is recessed and requires a specific angle to press, sometimes taking several attempts to turn on. If you want a board that powers on instantly without fumbling, this will test your patience. The app also requires some hunting to find the correct DL HOME version, and a subscription is needed to unlock the full library of game varieties.

If you prefer playing without a phone or tablet nearby, much of what makes the DARTSLIVE special becomes irrelevant. In that case, the Viper 850 gives you a better standalone experience for less money.

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4. Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dartboard with Cabinet – Best with Built-in Storage

TOP RATED

Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard with Cabinet, 13.5 in Target, 28 Games, 6 Darts Included, Black

★★★★★
4.2 / 5

13.5 inch Target

28 Games with 150+ Options

Built-in Cabinet Storage

Backlit LCD Display

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Pros

  • Built-in cabinet stores up to 12 darts
  • Backlit LCD easy to read
  • PPD and MPR stat tracking
  • Handicap mode for fair play
  • Cabinet doors protect walls

Cons

  • 13.5 inch target smaller than regulation
  • Power connector durability concerns
  • Darts tight and hard to remove
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The Fat Cat Mercury solves a problem most electronic dartboards ignore: where do you put the darts when you are not playing? This board comes with a built-in storage cabinet that holds up to 12 darts, keeping them organized and off the floor. I set this up in a shared family room, and having the darts tucked inside the cabinet when not in use made a real difference in keeping the space tidy.

The cabinet doors also serve as wall protection. If you have ever seen the damage an errant dart can do to drywall, you will appreciate this feature. When the cabinet is closed, it looks like a clean, discrete wall-mounted unit rather than a permanent game room fixture. The hinges allow the cabinet to close fully, which is a nice aesthetic touch if the board lives in a multipurpose room.

Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard with Cabinet, 13.5 in Target, 28 Games, 6 Darts Included, Black customer photo 1

The backlit LCD display tracks scores for up to 8 players and shows PPD (Points Per Dart) and MPR (Marks Per Round) averages after each game. These statistics are useful for tracking improvement over time, and they add a competitive element that goes beyond just winning or losing. I found myself trying to beat my own PPD average during solo sessions, which kept me playing longer than I planned.

With 28 games and over 150 options, the Fat Cat Mercury covers the essentials without overwhelming you. The handicap mode is particularly well-implemented, letting players of different skill levels compete on even footing. The board runs on the included AC adapter and comes with six soft-tip darts and six spare tips. The voice announcing feature calls out numbers clearly, though it cannot compete with the bilingual prompts found on the Viper 777.

Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard with Cabinet, 13.5 in Target, 28 Games, 6 Darts Included, Black customer photo 2

Who should buy the Fat Cat Mercury

If wall protection and dart storage matter to you, the Fat Cat Mercury is the clear winner. The built-in cabinet keeps everything contained and looking sharp, which makes it a great fit for living rooms, shared spaces, or anywhere you want the board to look presentable when not in use.

This is also a strong pick for families who want to track player improvement over time. The PPD and MPR statistics displayed after each game give everyone a personal metric to work on, regardless of who wins. The handicap mode ensures younger or less experienced players can compete with seasoned throwers.

Who should look elsewhere

The 13.5-inch target is noticeably smaller than the 15.5-inch regulation size found on the Viper 850 and Arachnid boards. If you are practicing for tournament play or want the authentic regulation experience, the smaller target will feel cramped. Some users have also reported durability issues with the power connector, so handle that part with care during setup.

If game variety is your priority, boards like the Viper 850 with 470 options or the Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament with 303 variations offer significantly more variety than the 150 options on the Fat Cat Mercury.

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5. Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 – Premium Cabinet Pick

PREMIUM PICK

Pros

  • CricketMaxx XL pub-style scoring display
  • 4 LED displays for simultaneous player scores
  • Cabinet doors for wall protection
  • Includes 4 sets of darts and extra tips
  • 37 games with 315 variations

Cons

  • High bounce-out rate with included darts
  • Heckler cannot be easily turned off
  • Only 30-day warranty
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The Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 is the board you buy when you want the full arcade experience at home. It comes with a cabinet that protects your walls and houses four LED displays for simultaneous scoring of up to 8 players. The CricketMaxx XL display uses a pub-style X/O scoring system that will feel familiar to anyone who has played in a bar league. I hosted a weekend tournament with this board and the four separate displays eliminated the constant player-switching confusion you get with single-display boards.

The cabinet doors close to protect the board and look clean on the wall when not in use. Arachnid includes four sets of darts and extra tips, which is more than most boards provide. That means you can have eight players throwing with two darts each, or four players with the full three-dart complement, right out of the box without buying accessories separately.

Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 Electronic Dartboard Set, Black customer photo 1

With 37 games and 315 variations, the Cricket Maxx 4.0 covers every standard dart game and plenty of creative variations. The solo play mode offers five computer difficulty levels, and the handicap mode helps balance games between players of different abilities. The Heckler feature provides entertaining commentary during games, adding personality that gets laughs during casual play sessions.

Where this board falls short is bounce-out prevention. The included darts are lightweight and prone to bouncing out at a frustrating rate. I tested with upgraded heavier darts and the bounce-out problem decreased significantly, so plan on investing in better darts if you pick this board. The Heckler feature also cannot be easily turned off, which becomes less charming after the fiftieth game.

Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 Electronic Dartboard Set, Black customer photo 2

Who should buy the Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0

If you want a cabinet-style board with multiple displays for large group play, the Cricket Maxx 4.0 delivers the most polished experience at this price point. The four LED displays showing simultaneous player scores is a genuine advantage for big game nights where waiting for the display to cycle through scores kills the momentum.

This is also the best pick for families who want everything included. Four sets of darts, extra tips, a cabinet, and wall-mounting hardware all come in the box. You will not need to buy any accessories to start an eight-player game immediately.

Who should look elsewhere

The 30-day warranty is the shortest of any board in this lineup, which is concerning for a premium-priced product. If long-term reliability is a priority, the Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament offers a 90-day warranty for less money. The bounce-out issue with included darts is also frustrating, and the 13.5-inch target is not regulation size.

If you are a more serious player focused on game variety and regulation specs, the Viper 850 gives you a 15.5-inch target with 470 game options for less. The Cricket Maxx 4.0 is best suited for casual, social play rather than serious practice.

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6. Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 Electronic Dartboard

TOP RATED

Pros

  • Excellent Cricket scoring with dual X/O displays
  • 5 backlit LED screens
  • Interactive Heckler mode adds fun
  • 5 difficulty levels for solo play
  • AC adapter included no batteries needed

Cons

  • Heckler feature can be annoying
  • Some reports of random shut-offs
  • Darts hard to remove from segments
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The Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 sits right in the middle of the Arachnid lineup, offering a regulation 15.5-inch target with five vivid backlit LED screens. I spent time with this board and came away impressed by how well it handles Cricket games specifically. The dual X/O cricket displays show exactly where each player stands, and the five separate LED screens mean you can see multiple player scores simultaneously without waiting for the display to cycle.

The interactive Heckler mode is one of those features that sounds gimmicky until you experience it with a group of friends. The board dishes out commentary and sound effects based on your throws, booing bad shots and cheering good ones. During a weekend gathering, this feature had everyone laughing and added energy to games that would have been routine on a standard board. You can turn it off when you want a quieter session.

Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 Electronic Dartboard customer photo 1

With 31 games and 178 variations, the Cricket Pro 450 covers all the standard formats plus plenty of creative options. The computer opponent with five difficulty levels provides solid solo practice, and the Game Guard feature prevents accidental score resets during active games. The board runs on the included AC adapter, so there are no batteries to worry about.

The checkout assist feature is a nice touch that calculates your remaining score and suggests optimal finishes. For players learning 01 game strategies, this built-in coaching helps develop the mathematical side of the game without needing a separate scoring app.

Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 Electronic Dartboard customer photo 2

Who should buy the Arachnid Cricket Pro 450

If Cricket is your primary game, the dual X/O displays and five backlit LED screens make this board hard to beat at its price point. The Heckler mode adds a social element that makes it perfect for parties and casual gatherings where entertainment matters as much as the game itself.

The included AC adapter and checkout assist feature make this a complete package for solo practice too. If you want a regulation-size board with strong Cricket features and do not need a cabinet, the Cricket Pro 450 delivers excellent value.

Who should look elsewhere

Some users have reported random shut-offs during play, which is frustrating if it happens mid-game. While I did not experience this during my testing, it is a recurring theme in user reviews. If reliability is your top concern, the Viper 850 has fewer reported issues.

The darts included are basic and can be difficult to remove from the segments. If you want a board that works great with the included accessories out of the box, the Viper 850 or Franklin Sports board might save you the trouble of buying upgraded darts immediately.

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7. Viper 777 Electronic Dartboard

TOP RATED

Viper 777 Electronic Dartboard – 15.5" Regulation Target, 43 Games, LCD Scoring, 8 Players, Soft Tip Darts Included

★★★★★
4.2 / 5

15.5 inch Regulation Target

43 Games with 320+ Variations

LCD Scoring for 8 Players

Bilingual Voice Prompts

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Pros

  • Concave holes reduce bounce-outs
  • Bilingual voice prompts English and Spanish
  • 43 games with 320+ variations
  • Accurate hit detection
  • Runs on batteries or AC adapter

Cons

  • Starter darts are low quality
  • Screen hard to see in certain lighting
  • Auto player switch causes false hits
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The Viper 777 is one of those boards that has been around for years and continues to sell well because it delivers solid performance at a fair price. I tested this board alongside more expensive options and was pleasantly surprised by how well the concave holes and ultra-thin spider reduced bounce-outs. It does not match the Viper 850 in that department, but for the price, the bounce-out performance is impressive.

The bilingual voice prompts in English and Spanish are a thoughtful feature that makes this board accessible to more households. The voice calls out scores and game prompts clearly, and the LCD scoring display tracks up to 8 players. I did find the LCD screen harder to read in bright room lighting compared to the LED displays on the Viper 850 and Arachnid boards. If your game room has a lot of natural light, this is worth considering.

Viper 777 Electronic Dartboard - 15.5

With 43 games and over 320 variations, the Viper 777 offers plenty of variety for casual and intermediate players. The hit detection proved accurate during my testing, correctly registering scores across all segments including doubles and triples. The board can run on either 3 AA batteries or an AC adapter, though the adapter is sold separately. I recommend buying the adapter since batteries drain quickly with the voice features active.

The six starter darts and 24 replacement tips give you enough to start playing immediately, but most users upgrade the darts within the first week. The included darts are lightweight and do not penetrate the segments as cleanly as heavier options, which contributes to the bounce-out issues some users report.

Viper 777 Electronic Dartboard - 15.5

Who should buy the Viper 777

If you want a regulation 15.5-inch board with decent bounce-out reduction and do not want to spend over a hundred dollars, the Viper 777 is a strong contender. The bilingual voice prompts make it a great pick for bilingual households, and the battery option means you can set it up anywhere without worrying about outlet proximity.

This board is also ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward dartboard without too many bells and whistles. The game selection covers all the standards, the scoring works well, and the setup is simple. For a first electronic dartboard, the Viper 777 is a sensible starting point.

Who should look elsewhere

The auto player switch feature can register false hits when you remove your darts, which is the same issue many electronic boards face. The Viper 850 solves this with a manual player change button, so if that specific annoyance bothers you, spend a bit more for the 850. The LCD display is also less readable than the LED screens on competing models.

If you want a cabinet included or online multiplayer features, the Viper 777 does not offer either. Look at the Fat Cat Mercury for cabinet storage or the DARTSLIVE Home for online play capabilities.

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8. Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board – Best Budget Pick

BUDGET PICK

Franklin Sports FS1500 Electronic Dartboard

★★★★★
4.3 / 5

15 inch Target

65 Game Variations

Voice and Sound Effects

Battery Powered

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Pros

  • Most affordable board we tested
  • 65 game variations included
  • Voice and sound effects add fun
  • Kid-safe soft tip darts
  • Easy wall mount setup

Cons

  • No mounting template included
  • Bullseye may have registration issues
  • Speaker volume is low
  • Darts included are basic quality
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The Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board proves that you do not have to spend a fortune to get automatic scoring and game variety. At its price point, this board delivers 65 game variations, voice and sound effects, and six soft-tip darts with replacement tips. I set this up in my garage for casual throwing sessions and found it genuinely fun for what it costs. The automatic scoring works, the voice effects add personality, and the soft-tip darts are safe for kids.

Setting this board up is straightforward, though I do wish Franklin included a mounting template. You will need to measure and mark your own drill holes, which takes an extra 10 minutes. Once mounted, the board runs on 3 AAA batteries, which means no power cord to manage. At just 2 pounds, it is light enough that one person can mount it solo without help.

Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board Sets - Soft Tip Electric Dartboard with Digital Scoreboard - (6) Darts Included customer photo 1

The 15-inch target is slightly smaller than the 15.5-inch regulation standard, but for casual play the difference is barely noticeable. The digital scoreboard displays clearly, and the 65 game variations give you plenty to explore. My kids especially enjoyed the sound effects, which make every throw feel like a mini celebration. For family game night where the priority is fun over precision, this board delivers.

Where the Franklin board shows its budget nature is in the details. The speaker volume is low, making it hard to hear announcements from the throw line. The bullseye occasionally fails to register hits, which is frustrating during Cricket games. And the included darts are very basic, with tips that bend easily. I upgraded to a set of mid-weight soft-tip darts and the experience improved noticeably.

Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board Sets - Soft Tip Electric Dartboard with Digital Scoreboard - (6) Darts Included customer photo 2

Who should buy the Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board

If you are buying your first electronic dartboard and want to spend as little as possible to see if you enjoy it, this is the board. It is also ideal for families with kids who want a safe introduction to darts. The soft-tip darts will not damage walls or hurt anyone, and the automatic scoring eliminates arguments.

For basement corners, garage setups, or vacation homes where you want occasional dart entertainment without a big investment, the Franklin board serves its purpose well. At this price, it is hard to complain about the few shortcomings.

Who should look elsewhere

If you have played on electronic dartboards before and are looking for an upgrade, skip this one and go straight to the Viper 777 or Viper 850. The registration issues with the bullseye, the low speaker volume, and the basic darts will frustrate experienced players. The 90-day warranty is decent for the price, but the overall build quality reflects the budget cost.

This board also lacks an AC adapter option, running solely on batteries. If you plan to play frequently, the cost of replacement batteries adds up. For regular use, a board with included AC power like the Viper 850 or Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 makes more financial sense over time.

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Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Electronic Dartboard

Choosing the right electronic dartboard is not just about finding the highest-rated model. It is about matching the board to how you plan to use it. I have tested boards in garages, basements, living rooms, and dedicated game rooms, and the best board for each space is different. Here is what I consider the most important factors when shopping for an electronic dartboard.

Target Size and Regulation Standards

The standard regulation target size for competitive dart play is 15.5 inches in diameter. Boards like the Viper 850, Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament, DARTSLIVE Home, Viper 777, and Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 all meet this standard. Smaller boards like the Fat Cat Mercury, Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0, and Franklin Sports board use a 13.5 to 15-inch target, which is fine for casual play but will not give you the authentic tournament experience. If you are practicing for competition or want to play on the same surface as professional venues, insist on 15.5 inches.

Number of Games and Variations

Game count ranges from 28 on the Fat Cat Mercury up to 50 on the Viper 850. More games means more variety, but honestly most players settle into five or six favorites and rarely explore the rest. The key is making sure the board includes the games you actually want to play. Cricket, 301, and 501 are essentials. If the board offers interesting variations like Shanghai, Killer, or Halve-It, that is a bonus that keeps game nights fresh.

Display Quality and Scoring Features

LED displays are superior to LCD screens for readability, especially from the throw line at eight feet. The Viper 850 has the brightest display I tested, while the Viper 777’s LCD was the hardest to read in well-lit rooms. Multi-display boards like the Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 with four separate LED screens are excellent for large groups because you can see all player scores simultaneously without cycling through them.

Stat tracking features like PPD (Points Per Dart) and MPR (Marks Per Round) are valuable if you want to measure improvement over time. The Fat Cat Mercury and DARTSLIVE Home both display these statistics after each game, giving you a personal benchmark regardless of who wins or loses.

Power Options: AC Adapter vs Batteries

Most mid-range and premium boards include an AC adapter, which is the better option for regular use. Battery-powered boards like the Franklin Sports model and the Viper 777 offer portability but the cost of replacement batteries adds up quickly if you play often. Some boards like the Viper 777 offer both options, letting you run on batteries when no outlet is nearby and switch to AC when available. I strongly recommend boards with included AC adapters for anyone setting up a permanent game station.

Cabinet vs Standalone Boards

Cabinet-style boards like the Fat Cat Mercury and Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 offer two advantages: wall protection and dart storage. The cabinet doors shield your drywall from stray darts, and built-in storage keeps darts organized between sessions. Standalone boards like the Viper 850 and Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament take up less space and are easier to move, but you will need to handle wall protection and dart storage separately. If your board will live in a shared or visible space, the cabinet style is worth the extra investment.

Bounce-Out Prevention

Bounce-outs are the number one frustration electronic dartboard owners report, and I experienced this firsthand across all the boards I tested. Three design features help reduce bounce-outs: concave segment holes that catch darts, ultra-thin spiders that leave more target area, and quality segment materials that grip dart tips. The Viper 850 performs best in this category with its combination of concave holes and thin spider. Upgrading to heavier, higher-quality soft-tip darts also makes a significant difference across all boards. Most included darts are lightweight and prone to bouncing, so budget for an upgrade set regardless of which board you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electronic Dartboards

Are electronic dartboards any good?

Yes, electronic dartboards are excellent for home use. They provide automatic scoring that eliminates arguments, offer 28 to 50 built-in games with hundreds of variations, and use safe soft-tip darts that will not damage walls or injure children. Modern boards like the Viper 850 and Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament offer regulation 15.5-inch targets with accurate hit detection and bright LED displays that make them competitive with traditional bristle boards for casual and intermediate play.

What is the best electronic dart scorer?

The best electronic dart scorer depends on your needs. For overall scoring quality, the Viper 850 offers the best LED display with minimal false hits thanks to its manual player change button. For Cricket scoring specifically, the Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament with its tri-color scoring system (green, orange, red) provides the most intuitive visual feedback. For stat tracking, the Fat Cat Mercury displays PPD and MPR averages after every game.

Do electronic dart boards use real darts?

Electronic dartboards use soft-tip darts, which have plastic points instead of the steel points used on traditional bristle boards. These soft-tip darts are lighter and safer, making them ideal for homes with children. You cannot use steel-tip darts on an electronic board because the metal points would damage the sensor-equipped plastic segments. However, many players find that upgrading to heavier soft-tip darts (16-20 grams) significantly improves the throwing experience and reduces bounce-outs.

What brand dartboard do professionals use?

Professional dart players typically use bristle dartboards from brands like Winmau (Blade series) and Unicorn for steel-tip competition. For electronic dartboards specifically, Arachnid is the most recognized brand in tournament settings and is used in many organized soft-tip dart leagues. DARTSLIVE is another brand gaining popularity in competitive electronic dart play, particularly in Asia, thanks to its online tournament features and regulation-size boards.

Conclusion

After testing and comparing eight electronic dartboards, the Viper 850 stands out as the best overall pick for most buyers. It combines a regulation 15.5-inch target, minimal bounce-outs, an ultra-bright LED display, and 50 games with 470 options into a package that hits the sweet spot between price and performance. For serious Cricket players, the Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament offers unmatched tri-color scoring and NylonTough durability that will last for years. And for anyone wanting to explore online multiplayer, the DARTSLIVE Home brings Bluetooth connectivity and global matchmaking to your game room.

The best electronic dartboards in 2026 give you automatic scoring, safe soft-tip play, and enough game variety to keep every session fresh. Whether you go with our top pick or choose a cabinet model like the Fat Cat Mercury for its built-in storage, you are investing in years of entertainment. Pick the board that matches how you play, upgrade the darts, and start throwing.

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