Electronic dartboards have become a lot more popular recently, especially in the United States.
The best electronic dart boards have a ton of built in features such as numerous game variations, multiplayer options, scoring data, and even interactive features.
The extra entertainment value is appealing, especially to millennial and younger generations. This has caused the electronic dartboard market to surge in recent years.
Electronic dartboards are now found everywhere, from bars to leagues and tournaments. Even professionals have added an electronic dartboard game to their tour to capitalize on some of that popularity. They're also great in dorm rooms and finished basements because they are less likely to cause damage.
There's just so many options out there that it can be hard to decide what is good or not for your dart room.
Comparison of The Best Electronic Dartboards
#1 Arachnid Cricket Pro 800
Arachnid makes a number of the best electronic dartboards in the industry. In fact, they started making them in 1975.
The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 electronic dart board is high quality and perfect for tournaments. It's great for serious players and enthusiasts as well as beginner players. It's perfect for everyone really.
It's also regulation size which is huge because a lot of electronic dartboards are smaller.
Pros of The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dartboard
Cons of This Electronic Dartboard
Games Available and Programs
The Cricket Pro 800 comes with 39 games with 179 variations for all skill levels. There are also 7 cricket games
There's even a solo feature that lets you play against the board.
Heckler Feature
The Cricket Pro 800 electronic dartboard has a 3-level heckler feature.
You might like this feature (this reviewer does not). But, it could be entertaining when there are a lot of friends and copious amounts of alcohol involved.
Dividers and Bounce Outs
Soft tip / electronic dartboards are notorious for bounceouts. They just can't work as well as a traditional board. So, having a good board that reduces bounce outs is key.
The Arachnid Pro 800 uses micro square hole technology. Because the round dart has to push and spread the square hole, it creates more friction and allows the dart to be caught and held better.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, this is an excellent electronic dart board for both serious and occasional players. It has all the great features you'd want in your mid ranged electronic dartboard... and most importantly bounce outs are reduced.
You can also check out the:
#2 Viper Ion Illuminated Electronic Dartboard
The Viper Ion electronic dartboard gives a new twist to an old concept.
They do this by using the LED illuminated scoring dividers as part of the game. A series of sections will light up to show what's open and closed during a cricket game, or sections will light up to indicate the best 3-dart out combination during the game.
The lights add 17 new game options to what's normally included with an electronic dartboard.
The Viper Ion electronic dartboard gives a new twist to an old concept.
They do this by using the LED illuminated scoring dividers as part of the game. A series of sections will light up to show what's open and closed during a cricket game, or sections will light up to indicate the best 3-dart out combination during the game.
The lights add 17 new game options to what's normally included with an electronic dartboard.
Pros of The Viper Ion Illuminated Electronic Dartboard
Cons of This Electronic Dartboard
Size and Design
The Viper Ion Electronic Dart board is a regulation 15.5" dartboard which is key, because a lot of electronic dartboards are 13". The 15.5" dartboard is the standard size used around the world.
It's also surrounded by a large catch ring to protect your wall or dartboard cabinet from missed shots.
This electronic dart board has durable thermoplastic segments with concave dart holes to catch and hold your darts.
There is also an ultra thin spider wiring system which allows more holes to fit in the same area which means fewer bounce outs for you.
Control Interface and Game List
It has a super easy to use and intuitive interface. So, no messing around for 15 minutes just to get a game started.
Another cool feature is there is a game list right on the board for easy reference.
Battery or Electric
It seems obvious, but it's not. Electronic dartboards obviously need power, and some are only powered by one source.
This board is powered by either an AC adapter to plug into your wall, or by battery. So, you can play when the power is out (or plug it in if you run out of battery).
Overall Impression
In a market where it's hard to differentiate one product from another, the Viper Ion Illuminated Electronic Dartboard has done a good job as being different.
It is a solid board at a reasonable price with a lot of features. That, along with it's unique spin on a classic sport, we give this a strong recommendation.
Hathaway Magnum Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard
This not as sexy as the other two options, but it's also 1/3 the price of the Arachnid and 1/2 the price of the Viper. We usually include a less expensive option because any "best of" lists will always have the most expensive options, simply, because the best stuff is always the most expensive.
Something like the Hathaway Magnum electronic dartboard is perfect to have and take to your friends house for a party or game night.
It's lightweight and inexpensive, so if something happens to it, you won't care as much as if someone dropped your $200 board.
Pros of The Hathaway Magnum Electronic Dartboard
Cons of This Electronic Dartboard
Overall Thoughts
This electronic dartboard is easy to carry and light. Overall it has the functions you need in order to enjoy a good game, without breaking the bank.
This product is perfect for beginners or someone who wants a travel board and doesn't want to risk breaking their expensive one.
Why Get an Electronic Dartboard Instead of a Traditional Bristle Dartboard
Bristle dartboards are generally higher quality, have a more authentic feel, and are the preference of the pros. Also, a bristle dartboard is generally less expensive.
So, why does anyone like electronic dartboards?
Safety is #1
The #1 reason is safety. Steel tip darts can be dangerous and they are very dangerous for young children. In fact, you should never play around children, period, because bounce outs are unpredictable.
So, soft tip darts and electronic dartboards are the most family friendly.
Soft Tip Darts Cause Less Damage
The #2 reason is because they are less damaging to your walls, floors, and other items in the house or area. Most people protect their wall with a cabinet or backstop, but people often forget that a bounce out can be catastrophic to a nice floor.
Electronic Dartboards Have More Features
The third reason is features. Electronic dartboards include features like:
Additional Considerations
Besides the things we have already covered, there are a few more things to consider before making your purchase.
Popular Electronic Dartboard Brands
As with everything else in life, it's important to know the brands you are dealing with so it can help you find the best product.
Popular brand names of electronic dartboards and soft tip darts are:
Arachnid is one of the original players in the electronic dartboard niche, and started way back in 1975.
Another player is Viper. Both of these brands had a product recommended in this article.
Games Available
There are a ton of options here, and electronic dartboards always come preloaded with different games and variations. In fact, some boards have 50+ games with 200+ variations. It's crazy!
They all have the basic games and variations, but make sure the games you want are included before you purchase.
LED vs LCD Display
LED is preferred, but some manufacturers still use the LCD. LED has better color, lasts longer, and is more durable than LCD.
With an LED light you'll be less lightly to have to squint to see scores or get close.
LCD is a lote more dull and harder to read. It's adequate, but you might want to opt for the higher quality LED option.