The game of darts is an age-old pursuit that provides an addictive, challenging, and exciting way of competing with friends and family. According to most people, playing darts offers a fun way of enjoying time with friends and loved ones. While most people prefer to go out in the bar to play darts, some prefer to buy a dartboard and use it for home parties. If you’re the latter, the best home dartboard is the perfect candidate you can consider.
But, while it’s easier said than done, the process of choosing a home dartboard can turn out to be a surprise to many. That’s because there are some loads of factors you’ll have to consider such as your level of experience, number of players, and whether you want a bristle or an electronic board.
Since these factors are a tad overwhelming to most, this guide has done all the hard work for you by compiling a list of ten high-standard dartboards that will make a difference in your playing demands. So, if you’re ready, then let’s commence.
Contents
Best Home Dartboard: Editor’s Top Picks
Top 10 Best Home Dartboard Reviews:
1. Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dartboard
Product Specifications
- Size: 15.5”
- Number of Players: Up to 8
- Material: NylonTough
- Game Variation: 40 games with 179 options
- Heckler Function
The first dartboard we’ll be looking at in today’s discussion is the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800. To those that have played darts for long, then you’re aware of how authentic Arachnid are when it comes to producing quality dartboards. In fact, this model is designed to offer a lot of legitimacy due to its regulation-sized 15.5” target area and the classic red, black, and yellow colors.
When playing darts at home, you’re likely to play with kids and newcomer players. Since most of them are unaware of the rules, the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 offers you a simpler way of recording the scores thanks to its digital scoreboard. Players will enjoy an expansive range of games up to 40 with 7 being Cricket games.
Besides, there are nearly 179 variations to pick from if you’re looking to customize your gaming experience. This dartboard allows 8 players to play simultaneously with the LED display showing the scores of 4 players at a time. Made from Nylon, the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is one of the best home electronic dartboards you can’t afford to miss out on.
Highlighted Features
- It has NylonTough segments that provide immense durability to the dartboard
- The segment dividers are thin enough to reduce the chances of bounce-outs
- Comes with 6 soft tip darts, an AC adapter, a manual and mounting hardware
- Has a heckler feature that scolds or applauds you when you make a shot
- Has a large 15.5” tournament regulated target area
2. Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dartboard
Product Specifications
- Size: 13.5”
- Material: Thermoplastic
- Games: 28 with 150 variations
- Number of Players: Up to 8
One advantage of picking an electronic dartboard over a manual one is the amount of explosive fun it offers. To those that can’t bear the messy chalk work, an electronic dartboard offers a smarter way of recording the scores using the digital dart scorer. This is exactly what you’ll be getting the moment you pick the Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dartboard.
First and foremost, this dartboard comes with a built-in cabinet that has lockable doors and convenient storage space on the sides. The target area is made from durable thermoplastic that withstands the rough abuse from the darts. It has an ultra-thin spider and precision-engineered concave holes that direct the darts inside the target without bouncing out.
Unlike the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 that has a target size of 15.5”, the Fat Cat Mercury has a size of just 13.5”, which is smaller hence better for home use. It has 28 games and over 150 variations making it one of the best dartboard cabinet in the business.
Highlighted Features
- It has a wide scoreboard with a bright LED-backlit
- There are 5 skill levels to choose from including Player vs. Computer
- The intuitive interface allows you to control the panel in a convenient way
- Built-in cabinet offers a convenient way of storing the board and the darts
- The package comes with 6 soft tip darts, 6 spare tips, and an AC adapter
3. Viper 800 Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard
Product Specifications
- Size: 15.5”
- Games: 57 with 307 variations
- Material: Thermoplastic
- LaserLite laser beam
- Players: Up to 16
The Viper 800 Electronic Dartboard is among those boards you won’t miss finding in any dartboard review guide. That’s because the board is equipped with some of the best features that suit both professional and beginner players. One of these features is the thermoplastic segments that offer exceptional durability to the board.
The second feature is the regulation-sized target area that stands at 15.5”. With such a size, players will enjoy the game of darts with a feeling of legitimacy knowing that they’re using a tournament-regulated board. Besides, this dartboard comes with ultra-thin spider and concave holes that minimize chances of bounce-outs when playing.
To offer you an unbeatable darting experience, the Viper 800 features 57 games with 307 gaming options to pick from. It also accommodates up to 16 players meaning you can play with multiple friends and family members at the same time.
Highlighted Features
- Comes with a LaserLite laser beam to mark the oche
- Has built-in storage for 2 sets of darts
- The LCD scoring display is large enough to offer a crisp view of the scores
- The 4mm spider is thin enough to prevent bounce-outs
- Offers a maximum of 57 games with 307 variations to choose from
4. Winmau Blade 5 Bristle Dartboard
Product Specifications
- Material: Fiber
- Thin wiring system
- Carbon diffused bullseye
When it comes to playing darts professionally, the Winmau Blade 5 is one of those professional dart boards that will serve as the perfect candidates. Unlike most bristle boards, the Winmau Blade 5 has pushed the boundaries to another level due to the technology it has incorporated.
One of those smart features you’ll expect to find here is the sharp angle wiring that makes the segment wiring 10% thinner than before. The spider is also angled at 60° to make it steep enough to direct the darts to the target. In addition to the spider, the double and triple scoring areas have also been increased significantly to improve the scoring potential when playing the 01 games.
The Winmau Blade 5 doesn’t stop there. The dynamic sector wire is equipped with an Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) that makes it 20 times stronger. The fibers are closely packed to prevent chipping while the bullseye is designed using carbon diffusion technology to make it ultra-hard. The Winmau Blade 5 has been endorsed by the British Darts Organization making it one of the best professional boards in the market.
Highlighted Features
- The Rota-Lock feature allows you to mount this dartboard in an upright position without shifting
- The radial wires are 10% thinner to improve your chances of scoring
- The double and triple sections have been increased to make it easier for you to score
- The bullseye is 20 times stronger thanks to the carbon diffusion technology
- The fibers have a self-healing advantage that improves the life of the board
5. WIN.MAX Electronic Dart Board Soft Tip Dartboard Set
Product Specifications
- Size: 13.8”
- Games: 21 with 65 options
- Number of Players: Up to 8
- Voice announcer
If you’re a fan of electronic dartboards, then you’ll love the convenience offered by the WIN.MAX Electronic Dartboard. In fact, one of the factors you’ll truly love about this board is its affordability which is much better than some of the models we’ve discussed here. Now, the WIN.MAX has an internal diameter of 13.8”, which is quite smaller than the regulated size of 15.5”.
However, this electronic board doesn’t fail to deliver as it offers 21 exciting games and 65 gaming options to pick from. It comes with a manual and several tutorials to guide you through the various games such as the 01, Cricket, Killer, Football, Bowling, Shanghai, and Double Down among others.
Just like the rest of the dartboards we’ve discussed, the WIN.MAX is equipped with an ultra-thin spider that doesn’t interfere with the darts when playing. It also has a wide catch ring that provides a safe landing zone for stray darts. It’s also equipped with a bright LCD screen that lets you view the scores after you make your throw.
Highlighted Features
- Comes with 4 sets of beautifully crafted darts, 100 tips, 12 extra flights, and an AC adapter
- Offers up to 21 games and over 65 gaming options to customize your games
- The game is limited to 4 individual players though it can be structured to feature up to 8
- The voice announcer keeps the game lively by announcing the scores
- It has a wide catchment area that prevents the darts from damaging the wall
6. IgnatGames Professional Dart Board Set
Product Specifications
- Material: Sisal Fibers
- 6 steel tip darts
- Staple-free wiring
- EBook and a measuring tape
To those that enjoy playing quality games with friends and family, the IgnatGames Professional Dartboard is one of the best dartboard for home use that will never disappoint your effort. Just like the Winmau Blade 5, the IgnatGames is a bristle dartboard that’s a perfect pick for professional use.
Unlike most regular boards, the IgnatGames is equipped with a staple-free wiring system that reduces the chances of bounce-outs. This technology also increases the size of the target area by 15% making it easier for you to score. The spider wire comes with an ultra-thin cutting-edge design that makes it 65% thinner than most contemporary wires.
The sisal fiber used is premium-grade as it doesn’t chip off when the darts penetrate too deeply. In fact, this sisal fiber used is closely packed to improve its self-healing ability, which offers unsurpassed durability to the dartboard. The IgnatGames Professional Dartboard comes with 2 sets of steel tip brass darts, an eBook, and a measuring tape for measuring the oche.
Highlighted Features
- A staple-free wiring system increases the target area and reduces the chances of bounce-outs
- The premium-grade sisal used has superb self-healing properties
- Comes with 2 sets of steel-tip darts to improve your gaming experience
- Comes with an eBook and a measuring tape to improve your gaming experience
- Easy to mount thanks to the available mounting hardware
7. Unicorn Eclipse Pro Bristle Dartboard
Product Specifications
- Size: 18”
- Material: Sisal Fibers
- PDC endorsed
- Staple-free construction
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro is very similar to our former IgnatGames Professional Dartboard in so many aspects. The only slight difference is the price range where the Unicorn seems to cost a bit lower than the IgnatGames dartboard. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a traditionally styled board that gives you a feeling of legitimacy, then the Unicorn is a model that fits the bill.
First and foremost, this dartboard is endorsed by the PDC and the World Champions Federation making it a championship quality board. In fact, if you’re a fan of watching televised darts tournaments, then one of the boards you’re likely to see on the TV is the Unicorn Eclipse Pro. So, what makes this dartboard such a success?
First, Unicorn has used a unique staple-free construction to mount the wiring system and the bullseye. They’ve also used thin spider wiring to reduce the chances of bounce-outs while still increasing the target area. The double and the treble section have also been increased significantly making it easier for you to score. So, if you’re looking for a dartboard to use for both competitive and practice purposes, then the Unicorn Eclipse Pro is a worthy pick you can’t afford to neglect.
Highlighted Features
- It’s made from sisal fibers that have exceptional self-healing properties
- The bulls ring and the wiring system is staple-free to reduce chances of bounce-outs
- Ultra-thin segmentation wires increase the size of the target area to improve scoring
- Endorsed by the World Champions and the PDC
- A highly visible number ring makes it easier to view the segments
8. Winmau Blade 5 Dual Core Bristle Dartboard
Product Specifications
- Size: 18”
- Material: Sisal fibers
- BDO endorsed
- Dual-Core Technology
- Ultra-thin wiring
If you’re a serious darts player looking for a worthy dartboard that will suit your professional playing demands, then the Winmau Blade 5 Dual Core Bristle Board is exactly what you need. In fact, most of the reviews on the internet have nicknamed it the “Undisputable King” due to the number of quality features it offers.
Now, if you view this board from far, it’s easy to mistake it with the Winmau Blade 5. However, if you get closer, you’ll be surprised to discover it’s an upgrade of the former Winmau Blade series. Some of the features, such as the ultra-thin radial and dynamic sector wires are pretty much the same as those of the Blade 5. The angle of the razor wire and the density of the sisal fiber is also similar to that of Blade 5.
The difference, however, comes in the composition of the backboard where the Blade 5 Dual Core features an extra layer of board to prevent the darts from piercing through the backboard. This technology is further supplemented with a triple wheel lock-and-level system that lets you mount this board firmly without shifting.
Highlighted Features
- This dartboard is endorsed by the British Darts Organization
- Dual Core Technology provides more cushioning on the board for the darts to land on
- Staple-free wiring reduces chances of bounce-outs
- The angled razor wire helps to direct darts more firmly on the target area
- Ultra-thin radial and dynamic sector wire increases the size of the target area
9. Viper Orion Electronic Dartboard
Product Specifications
- Size: 15.5”
- Material: 100% Plastic
- Games: 43 with over 300 variations
- Number of Players: Up to 8
- Display: LCD
When playing darts at home, safety is always a major concern especially if you have kids around. So, instead of picking a steel tip dartboard, an electronic alternative such as the Viper Orion Electronic Dartboard can be an immaculate pick. The best thing about this dartboard is that it uses soft tip darts making it a safer prospect for kids and drunken players during house parties.
But, other than its safety, the Viper Orion has a lot to offer to the darting community. First, this board has a regulation-sized 15.5” target area that makes it a perfect candidate for professional play. Secondly, it has dual LCD screens that offer a crisp view of the scores when playing. Two keypads are fitted just below the displays to allow you to customize the games depending on your demands.
About the gaming experience, the Viper Orion is equipped with an ultra-thin spider and precision-engineered concave holes that guide the darts right inside the target without bouncing out. It also comes with 43 games and over 300 variations for up to 8 players to enjoy. Equipped with 2 sets of starter darts and multiple spare tips, the Viper Orion is one of the best home soft tip dartboards that will never put your efforts to shame.
Highlighted Features
- Comes with a regulation-sized 15.5” target area
- Dual LCD screens offer a crisp view of the scores when playing
- Dual keypads offer a convenient way of customizing your game
- Perfect for up to 8 players
- Comes with convenient storage space for the extra tips
10. EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboards and Cabinet Sets
Product Specifications
- Size: 18”
- Material: Sisal Fiber
- Included cabinet
- 6 steel darts
- 2 chalk pieces
If you’re a fan of playing darts in a game room or a bar, then you can consider adding the EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard in your man cave, garage, or basement. Now, when you hear of a cabinet set, the first thing that comes to mind is an electronic dartboard. The EastPoint, however, doesn’t feature an electronic board but rather a bristle dartboard that’s well secured inside a cabinet.
Just like some of the most advanced boards we’ve already discussed, the EastPoint comes with a combination of a staple-free bull ring and ultra-thin spider wiring to increase the target area and reduce chances of bounce-outs. The sisal fiber used is closely packed to improve the self-healing advantage thus allowing it to last longer.
Now, the EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard comes with two hinged lockable doors that lock the board away when not in use. When open, the two doors reveal two scoreboards that can be used for playing 01 and Cricket games. They also offer convenient storage space for the darts and chalk thus reducing chances of misplacing them. Designed with an 18” tournament-regulated size, the EastPoint is one of the best home dartboard that deserves a shot.
Highlighted Features
- Comes with a built-in cabinet for convenient storage
- The doors have two scoreboard printings that make it easier to record the scores
- The sisal fibers are closely packed to improve the self-healing advantage
- The staple-free bullring and ultra-thin spider reduce chances of bounce-outs
- Very easy to hang on the wall
Things to Consider When Choosing a Home Dartboard
In our previous section, we took ample time to discuss ten of the leading dartboards for home use. In this section, we’ll be turning our focus to some of the key factors and considerations you’ll have to focus on when picking a dartboard. So, here are some of those key parameters you have to consider.
1. The Purpose:
The first factor you have to focus on when choosing a dartboard is the purpose, or rather how you intend to use it. Are you planning to use it for professional play, casual play, or just for kids to enjoy while at home?
If it’s for casual play, then an electronic dartboard is the best candidate. If it’s intended for kids, a magnetic board is the best and if it’s for professional play, then a bristle board is what you should get.
2. Size:
Other than your intentions, another factor that demands serious consideration is the size of the dartboard you’re intending to buy. Here, the size of the dartboard will be influenced by many factors such as the number of players you’ll be playing with, the type of games you’ll be playing, and lastly, the amount of space that’s available.
If you’ll be using the dartboard for casual play, the best electronic dartboard is exactly what you’ll need. That’s because this dartboard has a relation size of 15.5” that will be enough to fit your garage or basement wall.
If you’re intending to play professionally, or with multiple friends, then perhaps a bristle board can be a worthy candidate as it’s large (18”) and perfect for professional gaming.
3. Material:
The material your dartboard is made of can have a huge influence on its longevity. For that reason, you need to be very keen on the type of material your specific board is made from. If you’re getting a bristle dartboard, you need to ensure it’s made from premium-quality sisal fiber that has self-healing properties.
If it’s a wooden board, you need to check the type of wood used to ensure it lasts longer without demanding frequent maintenance. In the case of electronic boards, you need to ensure it’s made from tough nylon or thermoplastic material that withstands the rough abuse of the soft tip darts.
4. Design:
The design of the specific dartboard you’re planning to get can have a very huge impact on your overall playing experience. For instance, some of the premium bristle boards we discussed in the review section have staple-free bullring segment wiring. This design success prevents chances of bounce-outs thus allowing you to score more.
Others have ultra-thin wiring system that increases the size of the target area. Some models have a wide landing zone that prevents stray darts from landing on the wall causing damages. So, all these are basically design improvements that have been set up to correct some previous flaws to make the boards more functional than before.
5. Display:
To those that prefer to take the electronic route, you need to be very keen on the display when picking a dartboard. In most cases, the best home dartboard will use either LED or LCD backlit to display the scores.
In most cases, LED is preferably the best as it has vibrant colors and high pixels that allow players to view the scores from far. This is quite different from LCD, which is a bit dull and less vibrant making it harder to view the scores.
Other than the pixels, the size of the display also plays a huge role as it can also make it easier or harder for you to view the scores.
6. Depth and Density:
Although this factor is often overlooked, it plays a very huge role when deciding which type of dartboard to buy. In the case of bristle boards, the depth of the board and the density of the sisal fibers can tell whether your darts will be constantly bouncing out or not.
For electronic boards, the depth and the density of the segment holes will tell whether your soft tip darts will be bouncing out or not. For that reason, you need to ensure that the pre-existing segment holes are deep and dense.
For bristle boards, the depth of the board should be at least 1.5”. This way, the darts will not pierce through the backboard. Also, the sisal fibers should be closely packed to improve the self-healing properties.
7. Power Source:
Just as their name suggests, electronic dartboards require a source of power to operate the electrical parts. For that reason, you need to consider the source of power before you purchase these types of boards. In most cases, electronic boards are powered by either AC or AA batteries.
If you’re planning to use the dartboard indoors, then one that relies on AC power will be okay. All you’ll need is to find a convenient location to mount it, especially close to a power outlet. On the other hand, if you’re planning to shift with your dartboard more often, then a battery-powered alternative will be the best prospect.
To those that have opted to take the bristle board route, then this factor will be less of a concern as bristle dartboards don’t require any source of power to function.
8. Extra Features:
If you’re a newcomer in the dartboard business, telling the difference of each dartboard by just looking at it can be very difficult. But, if you dig deeper, you’ll be amazed to discover a wide array of features that distinguish premium dartboards from their regular counterparts. So, here are some of the extra features you’re supposed to pay close attention to when making your choice.
- Game Variation:
The number of games and variations can tell a lot about the amount of fun you’re likely to get when playing. Electronic dartboards that offer anywhere from 30 to 50 games and over 300 variations are considered the best as they offer lots of playing options while at home.
- The number of players:
Again, the number of players that are allowed to play per game can have a huge impact on the type of dartboard you’re choosing. The best boards allow up to 16 players while others allow up to 8.
- Online Mode:
If you’re planning to procure the best home online dart board, then the online mode is a primary factor you must consider. This feature allows you to play with your friends wirelessly via Bluetooth or WIFI. It also allows you to connect with other professional players to play in major online tournaments via the internet.
- Light and Sound Effects:
Since your dartboard is for home use, light and sound effects will be necessary to create some fun and excitement when playing. For that reason, you need to get an electronic dartboard that has light and sound options.
Types of Dart Boards
When buying a dartboard, it’s important that you get equipped with all the necessary information. One of these is to understand the different types of dartboards that are available. So, in this section, we’re going to cover some of the common dartboard categories that are available.
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Electronic Dartboards
Our today’s discussion has been all about electronic and bristle dartboards. In fact, the entire guide was more like a comparison between these two popular categories. Electronic dartboards on their side are designed to focus more on beginner and intermediate players as they have smart features that let you learn the rules of darts much faster.
These boards are made from plastic materials, mostly nylon and thermoplastic. They have tiny concave holes on the target area that allow darts to stick on. When the darts hit the holes, the data is sent to the central computer that calculates the scores for you thus eliminating the tedious paperwork.
Electronic dartboards come in two sizes that include the regulation size of 15.5” and the regular casual size of 13.5”. Most parents consider these boards as they offer the safest way for kids to enjoy darts without causing accidents.
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Bristle Dartboards
Bristle dartboards are some of the most popular in most pubs and game rooms. They’re considered for both recreational and professional play and are mostly used by veteran players who are well aware of the various rules of playing darts.
Although they’re called bristle dartboards, these boards are made from sisal fibers that are closely packed together. The fibers are then bound together by a metal ring that runs around the outside of the board. These boards have a soft touch and are mostly used alongside steel tip darts.
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Magnetic Dartboards
Unlike bristle and electronic dartboards, magnetic boards offer a completely different way of playing darts. Instead of having sharp tips, these boards use flat darts that only stick on the surface of the dartboards using a magnetic force.
For that reason, these boards are considered to be both safe and long-lasting. In fact, a magnetic board can serve as the best dartboard for outside as it doesn’t have any fragile parts that can be ruined by the elements.
They’re usually the best options for kids and not for professional players or those aspiring to play darts seriously.
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Cork Dartboard
These types of boards are very rare to find in recent times and that’s because they wear out faster. They resemble bristle boards in terms of looks and are very soft just like paper boards. Cork dartboards are played using soft tip darts and are the best pick for kids and occasional dart players.
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Wooden Dartboards
These types of dartboards used to be the favorite and the standard types of boards before the discovery of the bristle and the electronic boards. They were mostly made out of elm or poplar wood that was very demanding to maintain.
Due to this reason, wooden dartboards have fallen out of favor among most dart players leaving the battle to bristle and electronic boards.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
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Which Dartboards Do Professionals Use?
In most cases, professionals use bristle dartboards. The reason for using these types of boards due to their premium construction that consists of closely packed sisal fibers. These fibers are strong and very durable and have special self-healing properties that allow them to withstand the rough abuse of steel tip darts.
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Why Do Bristle Dartboards Bulge?
Although bristle dartboards are the best, sometimes they can give up if they’re ill-maintained. Earlier, we mentioned that bristle boards are made from compressed sisal fibers that have been glued to the back of the board.
If the board is exposed to humid environments, these sisal fibers can dislodge from the back due to the high pressure that’s pushing them. As a result, the face of the board bulges forward causing permanent damage.
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Do I Need Internet to Operate an Electronic Dartboard?
Now, if you prefer to install the best electronic home dart board in your garage or basement, then you’re likely to ask this question. In most cases, electronic dartboards will not demand any internet connection to work. Instead, what you’ll need is a source of power to operate the board.
However, if your specific model has an internet option, this will be an added advantage, as you’ll need to use Bluetooth or WIFI to connect to the internet to link up with other online players globally.
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Can I Use Steel Tip Darts on Electronic Boards?
The answer is NO. Electronic dartboards should not be used with steel tip darts but rather soft tip darts. You see, unlike bristle boards that contain sisal fibers, electronic boards have closely packed segment holes. If steel tip darts get into these holes, they can easily damage the board, especially the touch-sensitive electronics that sense the hits to calculate the scores.
Final Verdict
As you can see, the world of darts is very expansive with lots of great products to choose from. One of these is the best home dartboard. Here, you’ll have the option to choose between an electronic and a bristle board.
If you’re planning to play darts professionally, then a bristle dartboard is the best candidate. On the other hand, if the board is meant for kids or recreational purposes, then an electronic board is a worthy investment.
In our today’s guide, we’ve managed to discuss at least ten of the best dartboards that suit your everyday home use. We’ve also added a detailed buyer’s guide section where you can get in-depth information on what you need to look out for when deciding which board to buy.
That said, we believe that this guide has offered immense information regarding dartboards. In case you’ve got anything else to add, don’t fail to mention it in the comments section.