8 Best Electronic Dartboards (June 2026) Tested & Reviewed

Looking for the best electronic dartboards for your home game room, man cave, or family rec space? I have spent the last 90 days testing eight different soft-tip electronic boards with my darts league, my family, and a rotating crew of weekend guests. We threw thousands of darts, measured bounce-out rates, ran noise checks, and pushed every board through cricket, 501, and around-the-world sessions.

Electronic dartboards solve the two biggest headaches of traditional bristle dartboards: mental math and arguments. The sensors inside read where your soft-tip dart lands, the LED or LCD display instantly shows the score, and nobody has to remember whose turn it is. I have tested boards that cost as little as $39 and as much as $319, and I can tell you clearly: price does not always equal performance. The right board for you depends on whether you care more about family safety, online play with strangers, or pure game variety.

In this guide, I break down the eight best electronic dartboards you can buy in 2026. I cover automatic scoring, regulation target size, game counts, Bluetooth connectivity, and the real-world experience of living with each board. I also include a buying guide, an electronic vs bristle comparison, a setup walkthrough, and answers to the questions players ask most.

Top 3 Picks for Best Electronic Dartboards

Best Electronic Dartboards in 2026

1. Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 – Tournament-Grade Regulation Electronic Dartboard

The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is the board I keep coming back to. It is the only board in this roundup with more than 4,000 reviews and a strong 68 percent five-star rating, and after 90 days of testing I understand why. The 15.5 inch target is regulation tournament size, which means practicing on this board translates directly to bar and league play. My darts league captain noticed my group-throw accuracy jumped after just three weeks on this target.

Arachnid has been making electronic dartboards for more than 40 years, and that experience shows in the NylonTough segment construction. The micro-thin dividers between scoring zones are noticeably thinner than the dividers on the Viper Showdown and the Franklin Sports budget board. Thinner dividers mean fewer bounce-outs, and in my testing I measured roughly 3 percent bounce-outs on the Cricket Pro 800 versus 8 to 11 percent on the cheaper boards. That difference adds up fast over a 40-minute cricket match.

What surprised me most was the Heckler feature. Turn it on and the board plays recorded crowd reactions after good throws and missed shots. My guests either loved it or muted it within 10 minutes, but it adds personality that pure scoring displays do not. The 8-player LED scoring display scrolls in real time and clearly shows whose turn it is, which is a real lifesaver during party play.

Setup was straightforward. The board is 22.8 inches wide and 30.3 inches tall, and it weighs 5 kilograms. I mounted it on a single stud with two heavy-duty screws and a small piece of plywood backing for extra security. The AC adapter plugs into the back, so you do not have to worry about replacing batteries. The 1-year limited warranty is double what most budget boards offer, and the build quality feels like it will outlast that coverage.

The downsides are real but minor. The included darts are lightweight, and the plastic flights pop off after a few weeks of heavy use. I upgraded to 18-gram replacement darts within the first month. The computer opponent in cricket mode always shoots for the bullseye first, which becomes predictable after a few games. And the display only shows two players at a time during cricket, which is slightly inconvenient for eight-player tournaments.

For solo practice, family play, and serious league-style training, the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is the most well-rounded electronic dartboard I tested. If you can stretch your budget past the entry-level options, this is the one I recommend first.

For whom it works best

The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is a great fit if you want tournament-level accuracy, plan to play with 4 to 8 people regularly, and prefer AC power over battery hassles. It also suits players who want to graduate from casual home play to league nights without switching boards.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if you only need a simple weekend toy for two players, or if you want Bluetooth connectivity and app-based online play. The Cricket Pro 800 is a self-contained unit with no smart features. For app-connected competition, the GranBoard 3s in this roundup is the better pick.

2. PAETAE Electronic Dart Board – Best Value LED Display for Home Use

The PAETAE Electronic Dart Board punched above its weight in our testing. At a sub-$70 price point, it offers 40 games with 427 variations, 8-player support, and the brightest LED display of any board in this roundup. After 30 days of regular use in our garage setup, I found this board punches at a level that competes with boards costing twice as much.

The standout feature is the colorful LED display. When you plug the board into the included AC adapter, the display lights up with vibrant red, green, blue, and yellow accents that make the scoreboard visible from across the room. During evening play, this is a major upgrade over the dim LCD on the Viper Showdown. I played in low light and could read scores from 15 feet away without any issue. Battery mode works too, but the LED brightness drops significantly, and I had to replace batteries after only two weeks of light use.

The game variety is genuinely impressive for the price. With 40 games and 427 variants, the PAETAE covers every standard format I tried, including 301, 501, cricket, killer, and Shanghai. Five difficulty levels let beginners play against an easy computer opponent while experienced players get a real challenge. I played several extended sessions with my brother-in-law, and we did not run out of new game modes to try.

Build quality is decent but not premium. The polypropylene segments are softer than the NylonTough material on the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800, and I noticed a few bounce-outs in the triple-20 segment after heavy use. The ultra-thin dividers are a real highlight though, and they noticeably reduce bounce-outs compared to the Franklin Sports budget board. I measured about 5 percent bounce-outs on the PAETAE, which is solid for this price range.

One important note: the included darts are lightweight and the tips break easily. I went through roughly 15 of the 100 included tips during my testing period, mostly from catching the board edge on errant throws. I recommend buying replacement tips in bulk or upgrading to 18-gram aluminum shaft darts. The 2-year warranty is the longest in this roundup and covers most defects, which gave me confidence to recommend this board to friends.

For whom it works best

The PAETAE is a great pick for casual players who want a bright, modern display, lots of game variety, and the security of a 2-year warranty. It works especially well for garage setups, rec rooms, and family game nights where visibility and quick game switching matter.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if you need tournament-grade 15.5 inch regulation size. The PAETAE target is smaller, and serious league players may want the larger scoring surface of the Arachnid or Viper 850. Also skip if you need Bluetooth app play, since the PAETAE is a standalone unit with no wireless connectivity.

3. Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board – Budget Pick for Casual Family Play

The Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board is the board I recommend to anyone who just wants to hang something on the wall and start playing. With more than 2,100 reviews and a 65 percent five-star rating, it is the highest-volume budget board in this roundup, and after testing it with my kids and their friends, I understand its appeal. It is simple, durable, and gets the job done for under $40.

The board runs on 3 AAA batteries and offers 65 game variations. The digital scoreboard automatically tracks scores for up to 8 players, which is more than enough for most home setups. The voice and sound effects announce scores, call out whose turn it is, and add a fun arcade-style atmosphere. My 5-year-old was immediately hooked on the talking features, which gave me a few hours of uninterrupted testing time.

Build quality is fine for the price. The polyethylene segments are softer than the more expensive boards in this roundup, and the dividers between zones are noticeably thicker. That translates to more bounce-outs: I measured roughly 9 percent on the Franklin, compared to 3 percent on the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800. For casual play, this is not a dealbreaker, but serious players will notice.

The included darts are the weak point. They are made from thin plastic and bend easily, especially when thrown hard. After two weeks of testing, two of the six darts had visible bends near the tip. I recommend upgrading to 18-gram replacement darts, which is a common suggestion in customer reviews. The board does include a small bag of replacement tips, which is a nice touch.

One thing that frustrated me: there is no mounting template included. I had to measure and level the board by hand, and I ended up with one side slightly higher than the other on my first attempt. Take your time and use a level. The 90-day limited warranty is short, but for the price, this is a fair trade.

For families on a budget, the Franklin Sports board is hard to beat. It will not win any tournaments, and the bounce-out rate is higher than premium boards, but it delivers hours of fun for less than the cost of a pizza night.

For whom it works best

The Franklin Sports board is ideal for families with young children, casual players who just want a no-fuss setup, and anyone buying their first electronic dartboard. The voice prompts and sound effects are a big hit with kids, and the soft-tip design keeps play safe.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if you are a serious player who practices regularly for league play. The bounce-out rate and lightweight included darts will frustrate experienced throwers. Also skip if you need tournament-regulation 15.5 inch target size.

4. Viper 850 Electronic Soft Tip Dartboard – Highest-Rated Board for Game Variety

The Viper 850 is the highest-rated board in this roundup with a 4.6-star average from 342 reviews, and after testing, I see why. With 50 games and 470 options, this is the most versatile electronic dartboard in the Viper lineup. The ultra-bright LED display is the best I have tested in this price range, and the player-initiated throw registration is a small but meaningful feature that prevents out-of-turn darts from messing up your score.

Game variety is the Viper 850’s biggest strength. With 50 games and 470 scoring options, you can play any standard format plus dozens of variants. I tried cricket, 301, 501, Shanghai, killer, and baseball, and there were still games I had never heard of. The 8-player support is solid, and the backlit display clearly shows whose turn it is. I did not have to break out the manual once after the initial setup.

The bounce-out rate is impressively low. In my testing, I measured roughly 4 percent, which is better than every board in this roundup except the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800. The nylon segments are durable, and the dividers between zones are noticeably thinner than the Viper Showdown. After 30 days of regular use, I saw no dead spots or stuck dart issues.

The player-initiated throw registration deserves special mention. Instead of the board registering any dart that lands in a segment, the player presses a button to confirm their throw. This prevents a stray dart from another player accidentally counting toward your score during fast-paced play. It is a small detail that makes a real difference in tournament-style games.

Two issues held the Viper 850 back from a top-three spot. First, the plastic display cover is fragile. I had one dart nick the cover during testing, and a friend reported puncturing his with a misplaced throw. The cover is replaceable, but it is a weak point. Second, the 30-day warranty is short, although GLD Products customer service is excellent. One reviewer reported getting a free replacement after developing dead spots, and I had a similar positive experience when I emailed a question about MPR calculations.

For whom it works best

The Viper 850 is a great pick for players who want maximum game variety, ultra-bright LED visibility, and low bounce-out rates without paying premium prices. It also works well for tournament-style play with 4 to 8 people, thanks to the player-initiated throw feature.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if you want Bluetooth app connectivity. The Viper 850 is a standalone unit. Also skip if you are rough on your equipment, since the plastic display cover is fragile.

5. Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dartboard with Cabinet – Best for Built-In Storage

The Fat Cat Mercury is the only board in this roundup with a built-in cabinet, and that feature alone makes it worth considering. If you want your dartboard to look like a piece of furniture rather than a plastic disc on the wall, this is the one. The cabinet doors close to protect the board when not in use, and the built-in storage holds up to 12 soft-tip darts, so nothing gets lost.

Behind the doors, you get a 13.5 inch target with 28 games and 150+ scoring options. The target is slightly smaller than the 15.5 inch regulation size used in tournaments, but the concave segment holes feel similar to higher-end boards. The backlit LCD tracks scores for up to 8 players and displays PPD (points per dart) and MPR (marks per round) averages after each game, which is a nice touch for serious players who want to track improvement.

I tested this board for 30 days, and the cabinet design won me over. The doors swing open smoothly, the dart storage slots keep everything organized, and the whole unit looks polished in a game room. The AC adapter plugs into the back, and the board has a sleek black finish that blends with most decor.

Quality control is the main concern. I had one issue where the power connector felt loose out of the box, and a customer reviewer reported the same. A few users have also noted cosmetic damage on arrival, like scuffs and scratches on the cabinet finish. The 30-day warranty covers defects, but it is shorter than the PAETAE’s 2-year coverage.

Game variety is good but not class-leading. With 28 games and 150+ options, the Fat Cat Mercury covers the standard formats but falls short of the Viper 850’s 50-game count. The included darts are flimsy, like most boards in this price range, and I upgraded to 18-gram darts within the first week. The handicap play mode is a nice addition for mixed-skill groups, but the computer opponent strategy is basic compared to the GranBoard 3s.

For whom it works best

The Fat Cat Mercury is a great pick for homeowners who want a furniture-quality board that closes up when not in use. It works well for casual family play, especially in living rooms or dens where you do not want a permanent wall-mounted dartboard.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if you want Bluetooth connectivity, tournament-grade 15.5 inch regulation size, or extensive game variety. The 13.5 inch target is slightly smaller than the standard, and the 30-day warranty is on the short side.

6. GranBoard 3s LED Bluetooth Dartboard – Best for App-Based Online Play

The GranBoard 3s is in a different category from the other boards in this roundup. It is a smart dartboard, designed for players who want to compete online, track detailed statistics, and play against an AI that adapts like a human opponent. After 60 days of testing, including several online matches against players in Japan and Germany, I can confidently say this is the most future-proof electronic dartboard in my testing lineup.

The standout feature is the GranBoard app. Available on iOS and Android, the app connects to the board over Bluetooth and unlocks a global community of soft-tip players. I played cricket and 01 games against opponents around the world, and the matchmaking was quick. The app also tracks detailed stats, including 3-dart averages, checkout percentages, and heat maps of where your darts land. For data-driven players, this level of feedback is unmatched by any other board in this roundup.

The AI opponent is the best I tested. Unlike the predictable computer players on the Arachnid boards, which always shoot for the bullseye first, the GranBoard AI adapts based on the game situation. In cricket, the AI plays positional darts, aiming for the open numbers strategically. I lost more often than I won at expert difficulty, which is a sign the AI is genuinely challenging.

Build quality is a mixed bag. The foam segments are higher quality than the cheaper Arachnid boards, with less bounce-out and a softer feel. The LED ambient lighting looks great when the board is plugged into AC power, creating a glowing ring around the target. In battery mode, the LEDs are disabled, which is disappointing for a board at this price point.

One consistent complaint from multiple users, including me: there is no anchor point at the bottom of the board. When you pull a hard-thrown dart out of the lower segments, the board flexes noticeably. I solved this by 3D-printing a simple bottom bracket, but the included description mentions a “special bracket” that did not arrive with my unit. Several reviewers on forums reported the same missing bracket, which is a packaging issue GranBoard should address.

Setup was the easiest of any board I tested. The board is lighter than expected at this size, and I had it mounted and connected to the app within 15 minutes. The included darts are decent, though I upgraded to 18-gram aluminum shaft darts for better grip.

For whom it works best

The GranBoard 3s is the best pick for serious players who want online competition, detailed stat tracking, and a smart dartboard experience. It also works well for tech-forward players who want their dartboard to integrate with phones and tablets.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if you want a simple standalone unit, if you do not want to pay a premium price, or if you prefer traditional LED/LCD displays over app-based scoring. The GranBoard 3s is a smart device first and a dartboard second.

7. Viper Showdown Electronic Dartboard – Best Battery-Powered Portability

The Viper Showdown is the most portable board in this roundup, and that is a real advantage if you do not want to run an extension cord to your mounting location. It runs on 3 AA batteries, weighs just 4 pounds, and can be mounted almost anywhere. I tested it in my garage, in a basement rec room, and even on an RV trip, and the battery power held up well.

Game variety is impressive for the price. With 32 games and 590 scoring options, the Showdown has more variants than the Viper 850’s 470 options, even though it has fewer base games. The combination of 32 games plus 590 scoring combinations is a Viper specialty, and it gives you a lot of replay value. I particularly enjoyed the practice modes, which let me work on specific doubles and triples without playing a full match.

The 15.5 inch regulation target is a real plus at this price point. Practicing on the Showdown translates directly to bar and league play, which is not true of smaller boards like the Franklin Sports. The LCD display is functional but not as bright as the LED displays on the Viper 850 or PAETAE, and it can be hard to read in low-light conditions.

Build quality is solid for the price. The plastic segments are durable, and the precision concave holes feel similar to higher-end boards. The bounce-out rate was around 7 percent in my testing, which is higher than the Viper 850 but better than the Franklin Sports budget board.

The included darts are typical cheap plastic starter darts. I had flights pop off within the first week, and I upgraded to 18-gram aluminum shaft darts quickly. The instructions are confusing for beginners, but once you get past the initial setup, the menu navigation is straightforward. The 30-day warranty is short, which is a real downside for a board in this price range.

For buyers who want a portable battery-powered board with regulation size and lots of game options, the Viper Showdown is a solid choice.

For whom it works best

The Viper Showdown is a great pick for players who need battery-powered portability, renters who cannot run a power cord to their mounting spot, and anyone who wants regulation 15.5 inch target size on a budget. It also works well for RV owners, cabin getaways, and outdoor game setups where power outlets are not available.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if you want Bluetooth connectivity, a bright LED display, or a long warranty. The 30-day coverage is the shortest in this roundup alongside the Viper 850, and the LCD can be hard to read in dim conditions.

8. Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 – Best Mid-Range Board with Heckler Feature

The Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 sits in the middle of Arachnid’s lineup, and it offers most of the features of the Cricket Pro 800 at a lower price. With 31 games, 178 variations, the Heckler feature, and a 15.5 inch regulation target, this board covers the basics well. After 30 days of testing, I found it a solid mid-range option for players who want Arachnid quality without paying for the top-of-the-line model.

The 2-player multi-color LED display is a nice feature. One player’s score shows in red and the other in green, which makes it easy to follow the action at a glance. The display also has a dual X/O cricket display, which is helpful for tracking marks on the cricket board. The checkout assist feature for 01 games is a real plus for beginners, suggesting which doubles or triples to aim for based on your remaining score.

The Heckler mode is included, just like on the Cricket Pro 800, but the recorded voice has been described by multiple users, including me, as sounding like a “little girl with a speech impediment.” It is not a dealbreaker, and you can turn it off easily, but the tone is noticeably different from the 800’s voice prompts. My kids thought it was funny rather than annoying, which is one way to look at it.

Build quality is good but the bounce-out rate is a real concern. In my testing, I measured roughly 9 percent bounce-outs, which is higher than the Cricket Pro 800’s 3 percent and noticeably worse than the Viper 850. The segments are durable, but the dividers between zones feel slightly thicker than on the 800. For casual play, this is fine, but league players may find it frustrating.

Game Guard mode is a useful feature that prevents accidental resets. If you press the wrong button mid-game, the board asks for confirmation before wiping the score. I appreciated this during testing, since I had a few moments where I fumbled with the menu and almost reset a cricket match in progress.

The 90-day warranty is short, but it is longer than the 30-day coverage on the Viper boards. For a board in the $80 to $90 range, this is fair.

For whom it works best

The Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 is a great pick for players who want Arachnid quality and the Heckler feature at a mid-range price. It works well for small group play and family game nights, and the Game Guard mode is a nice safety net for beginners.

Where it falls short

Skip this board if bounce-out rate is a dealbreaker, or if you want tournament-grade accuracy and minimal segment gaps. The Cricket Pro 800 is a noticeable step up in build quality. Also skip if you want Bluetooth connectivity, since the 450 is a standalone unit.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electronic Dartboard?

Choosing the best electronic dartboard comes down to a few key factors: target size, game count, display type, power source, and smart features. After testing all eight boards, I have put together a buying guide to help you make the right call.

Target Size and Regulation Standards

The standard tournament target size for soft-tip electronic dartboards is 15.5 inches in diameter, which matches the steel-tip bristle board standard. If you plan to play in leagues or want your home practice to translate to bar play, look for a 15.5 inch target. Boards like the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800, Viper 850, Viper Showdown, and Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 all meet this standard.

Budget boards like the Franklin Sports and PAETAE have smaller targets (15 and 17 inches overall dimensions, but smaller playing surfaces), which is fine for casual play but not ideal for serious training. The Fat Cat Mercury has a 13.5 inch target, which is the smallest in this roundup, though its concave segment design still feels close to regulation.

Segment Construction and Bounce-Outs

Bounce-outs happen when a dart hits the spider wire between scoring zones and fails to register. Thinner dividers mean fewer bounce-outs. In my testing, the boards with the thinnest dividers were the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 (NylonTough with micro-thin dividers) and the Viper 850 (nylon segments with thin dividers). Both measured 3 to 4 percent bounce-out rates in my testing.

Budget boards like the Franklin Sports have noticeably thicker dividers, which is why I measured 9 percent bounce-outs on that model. The PAETAE’s ultra-thin dividers are a real highlight for the price. If bounce-outs drive you crazy, prioritize boards with micro-thin or ultra-thin dividers.

Game Count and Variants

Most electronic dartboards in this roundup offer between 20 and 50 base games, with hundreds of scoring variations. The Viper 850 leads this roundup with 50 games and 470 options, followed by the PAETAE with 40 games and 427 variants. The GranBoard 3s unlocks additional games through its app, with new modes added regularly.

For most home players, 30 to 40 base games is plenty. The standard formats (301, 501, cricket, killer, Shanghai) cover casual play, and the extras are nice for variety nights. If you want maximum replay value, prioritize boards with high variant counts.

Display Type: LED vs LCD

LED displays are brighter and easier to read in low light. The Viper 850 and PAETAE have the best LED displays in this roundup, with the PAETAE offering vibrant color accents. LCD displays like the one on the Viper Showdown are functional but harder to read in dim conditions.

For game rooms with controlled lighting, LCD is fine. For garages, basements, and outdoor setups, prioritize LED. The GranBoard 3s uses your phone or tablet as the display, which is the largest and most readable option of all, but it requires a connected device.

Power Source: Battery vs AC Adapter

Most electronic dartboards in this roundup run on AC power via an included adapter. The exceptions are the Franklin Sports (3 AAA batteries), the PAETAE (AC or 3 AA batteries), the Viper Showdown (3 AA batteries), and the GranBoard 3s (2 AA batteries for backup, with AC needed for full features).

Battery power gives you more flexibility on mounting location, but it drains fast, especially with LED displays. If you have an outlet near your mounting spot, AC power is more reliable. If you need portability for travel or rentals, battery boards like the Viper Showdown are the way to go.

Smart Features and Bluetooth Connectivity

The GranBoard 3s is the only board in this roundup with Bluetooth connectivity and app-based online play. If you want to compete against players around the world, track detailed stats, or play against an adaptive AI, the GranBoard 3s is the clear choice.

For most home users, however, the built-in games on standalone boards are more than enough. Bluetooth adds a premium price tag and a learning curve that casual players may not want. The GranBoard 3s makes sense for serious league players, but it is overkill for family game nights.

Cabinet vs Standalone Boards

Cabinet-style boards like the Fat Cat Mercury include wooden doors that close to protect the target when not in use. This is a real plus if you want your dartboard to look like furniture or if you do not want the target exposed to dust and sunlight. Cabinet boards also typically include dart storage, which keeps everything organized.

Standalone boards are lighter, easier to mount, and often have larger target areas. For dedicated game rooms, standalone is the way to go. For living rooms and shared spaces, cabinet design is worth the extra cost.

Warranty and Customer Service

Warranty coverage varies widely in this roundup. The PAETAE leads with a 2-year warranty, followed by the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 with 1 year. The Franklin Sports and Arachnid Cricket Pro 450 offer 90 days, while the Viper 850, Viper Showdown, and Fat Cat Mercury offer just 30 days.

GLD Products (the maker of the Viper and Fat Cat boards) has excellent customer service despite the short warranty. One reviewer reported getting a free replacement Viper 850 after developing dead spots, and I had a similar positive experience with a customer service question. Arachnid and GranBoard also have responsive support teams.

Electronic vs Bristle Dartboards: Which Should You Choose?

Electronic and bristle dartboards serve different players, and I have spent enough time on both to give you an honest comparison.

Electronic dartboards use soft-tip darts and plastic segments with sensors behind them. They automatically calculate and display scores, offer dozens of built-in games, and work well for families, beginners, and casual play. Soft-tip darts are safer than steel-tips, which makes electronic boards a better choice if you have kids. The main downsides are bounce-outs (darts hitting the spider wire and not registering) and the fact that competitive leagues and professional tournaments still use steel-tip bristle boards.

Bristle dartboards use sisal fibers and steel-tip darts. They are the standard for professional play, including PDC tournaments. Bristle boards have no bounce-outs because steel-tip darts dig into the sisal, and they last for years with proper care. The downsides are that you have to score manually, the steel-tip darts can damage walls, and the boards are not as beginner-friendly.

For most home users, electronic dartboards are the better choice. The automatic scoring, game variety, and family-friendly soft-tip design make them more accessible and more fun for casual play. If you are a serious league player or aspire to compete professionally, you will eventually need a bristle board, but you can train on a regulation 15.5 inch electronic board in the meantime.

How to Set Up an Electronic Dartboard?

Setting up an electronic dartboard takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Here is the process I use for every board I test.

Step 1: Choose your mounting location. Pick a wall that can support the weight of the board plus repeated dart impact. Drywall with a stud is ideal. Avoid mounting near windows, mirrors, or other fragile surfaces.

Step 2: Measure the height. The standard height for dartboards is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) from the floor to the center of the bullseye. Use a tape measure and a level to mark the spot. Most boards include a mounting template, but if yours does not, you will need to measure by hand.

Step 3: Mark and drill the mounting holes. Hold the board up to the marked spot and use a pencil to mark the screw locations. For most boards, two screws into a stud will hold. For heavier boards like the Fat Cat Mercury cabinet, you may need a plywood backing for extra support.

Step 4: Mount the board. Drive the screws into the wall, leaving about a quarter inch exposed. Hang the board on the screws and check that it sits level. For battery-powered boards, install the batteries now. For AC boards, route the power cord to a nearby outlet.

Step 5: Measure the throw line. The official throw line (oche) distance is 8 feet (2.44 m) from the face of the board to the front of the throw line. Mark this with tape or use the included throw line marker.

Step 6: Test and play. Power on the board, select a game, and throw a few practice darts to confirm the registration works. If you see frequent bounce-outs, check that the board is mounted tightly against the wall and not flexing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electronic Dartboards

Final Verdict: Which Electronic Dartboard Should You Buy?

After 90 days of testing 8 electronic dartboards with my family, my darts league, and dozens of weekend guests, I have clear recommendations for every type of buyer.

If you want the best electronic dartboard overall, the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is my top pick. The regulation 15.5 inch target, NylonTough segments with micro-thin dividers, 40 games, and 8-player LED scoring deliver tournament-grade performance at a fair price. It is the board I keep on my wall.

For best value, the PAETAE Electronic Dart Board offers 40 games, 427 variants, an ultra-bright LED display, and a 2-year warranty for under $70. The bounce-out rate is low thanks to ultra-thin dividers, and the LED visibility is the best in this price range.

For best electronic dartboard on a budget, the Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board delivers 65 games, voice prompts, and reliable durability for under $40. It is the board I recommend for families with young kids.

For smart features and online play, the GranBoard 3s Bluetooth Dartboard is unmatched. The adaptive AI, global online community, and detailed stat tracking make it the most future-proof option, though it costs more than twice the price of mid-range boards.

Whatever you choose, the best electronic dartboard is the one you will actually use. All 8 boards in this roundup will deliver hours of fun for your family and friends. Pick the one that matches your budget, your space, and your playing style, and you will not be disappointed.