7 Best Electronic Dart Boards 2026 — Smart Boards Tested & Reviewed
From Bluetooth smart boards with online play to budget-friendly electronic boards for families — we've tested and reviewed the best electronic dart boards you can buy in 2026.
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Why Choose an Electronic Dart Board?
Electronic dart boards have come a long way from the cheap, noisy boards of the past. Modern electronic and smart boards offer features that traditional bristle boards simply can't match:
- Automatic scoring — no mental maths, no arguments. The board tracks every throw and calculates scores instantly
- Built-in games — most boards come with 20-40+ games including 501, Cricket, Around the Clock and party games
- Safe for homes — soft tip darts won't damage walls, floors or furniture if you miss (and you will miss)
- Kid-friendly — soft tips are much safer than steel tip darts for families with young children
- Online play — smart boards let you play against opponents worldwide from your living room
- Stats tracking — smart boards track your averages, checkout percentages and improvement over time
- LED displays — bright, colourful scoring displays that look great in game rooms and man caves
Electronic dart boards are perfect for casual players, families, beginners and anyone who wants hassle-free scoring. If you're training seriously for league or competition darts, a traditional bristle board is the better choice since all professional events use bristle boards with steel tip darts.
Smart Boards vs Electronic Boards — What's the Difference?
This is the most common source of confusion. Not all electronic boards are "smart" boards. Here's the difference:
| Feature | Standard Electronic Board | Smart Board (Bluetooth/WiFi) |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | Built-in LCD/LED display | Phone/tablet app |
| Connectivity | None | Bluetooth or WiFi |
| Online play | ❌ No | ✅ Yes — play worldwide |
| Stats tracking | Basic (current game only) | Detailed (history, averages, progress) |
| Game variety | 20-40 built-in games | Unlimited via app updates |
| Price range | £30-120 | £80-200+ |
| Best for | Casual play, families, parties | Regular players who want tracking & online play |
The 7 Best Electronic Dart Boards in 2026
1. Gran Board 3
The Gran Board 3 is the undisputed king of smart dart boards. It connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth and uses the excellent GRAN BOARD app to handle everything — scoring, statistics, online multiplayer and even video chat while you play.
The app experience is where this board truly shines. You get detailed stats tracking including three-dart averages, checkout percentages, heat maps of where your darts land and progress charts over time. It's like having a personal darts coach built into your phone.
Online play is seamless. Match with players worldwide, join tournaments or play friends remotely. The global community is huge — you'll never struggle to find an opponent at any time of day.
The board itself features a high-quality segmented surface with thin spider wires to reduce bounce-outs. It's quieter than most electronic boards and the regulation 15.5" target face means you're practising on the same size as a real competition board.
What We Love
- Best-in-class app with detailed stats and progress tracking
- Online multiplayer with massive global community
- Video chat while playing — great for remote play with friends
- Regulation size target face
- Thin spider wires reduce bounce-outs
- Regular app updates add new features and games
- Quiet operation compared to other electronic boards
What Could Be Better
- Premium price — most expensive board on this list
- Requires phone/tablet for scoring (no built-in display)
- Battery life could be longer with heavy use
2. GRANBOARD Dash
The GRANBOARD Dash is the smart choice for players who want the Gran Board app experience without the premium price tag. It uses the exact same GRAN BOARD app as the Gran Board 3, which means you get the same online play, stats tracking and game library.
So what's different from the Gran Board 3? The board surface. The Dash uses a slightly simpler segment design and the spider wires are a touch thicker. In practice, this means a slightly higher chance of bounce-outs — but the difference is minimal for casual to intermediate players.
Everything else is identical. Same app. Same online community. Same Bluetooth connectivity. Same regulation size. You're getting 90% of the Gran Board 3 experience for significantly less money.
What We Love
- Same excellent GRAN BOARD app as the Gran Board 3
- Full online multiplayer access
- Significantly cheaper than the Gran Board 3
- Same stats tracking and progress features
- Regulation size target face
- Great entry point into smart boards
What Could Be Better
- Thicker spider wires than Gran Board 3 — slightly more bounce-outs
- Board surface not as premium-feeling
- Still requires phone/tablet for scoring
3. Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament
The Arachnid Cricket Pro is the board for players who take their electronic darts seriously. With 35 built-in games and a whopping 318 variations, you'll never run out of ways to play.
What sets this board apart is the build quality. The NylonTough segments are designed to withstand thousands of throws and the micro-thin spider wires are among the thinnest on any electronic board. This means fewer bounce-outs and a more satisfying playing experience.
The large LED display is easy to read from throwing distance and shows all the information you need — scores, game stats, whose turn it is and which numbers are open in Cricket. The display brightness is excellent even in well-lit rooms.
While it lacks smart features like Bluetooth and app connectivity, it makes up for it with sheer game variety and tournament-grade build quality. If you want the best standalone electronic board that doesn't need a phone, this is it.
What We Love
- 35 games with 318 variations — massive game library
- Tournament-quality NylonTough segments
- Micro-thin spider wires reduce bounce-outs
- Large, bright LED display
- Regulation size target face
- AC adapter included — no batteries needed
- Supports up to 8 players
What Could Be Better
- No Bluetooth or app connectivity
- No online play
- No stats tracking or history
- Slightly louder than smart boards when darts hit
4. Viper Ion Illuminated Electronic Dartboard
The Viper Ion is the showstopper of electronic dart boards. The entire board face is backlit with LED illumination that makes it glow in any lighting condition. It looks absolutely stunning in a dimly-lit game room or man cave.
But it's not just about looks. The Viper Ion is a seriously capable electronic board with 48 built-in games and 315 variations — even more games than the Arachnid Cricket Pro. The Ultra Thin Spider wire system keeps bounce-outs to a minimum.
The illumination serves a practical purpose too. You don't need separate dartboard lighting because the board lights itself. This saves money on lighting accessories and eliminates shadows on the board face.
The concave segment holes are designed to hold soft tip darts firmly in place, reducing fall-outs. Combined with the LED illumination, every throw feels satisfying as you watch your darts land in the glowing segments.
What We Love
- Stunning LED illumination — looks incredible in any room
- 48 games with 315 variations
- No separate dartboard lighting needed
- Ultra Thin Spider wires reduce bounce-outs
- Concave segment holes hold darts firmly
- Regulation size target face
- Great conversation piece and room feature
What Could Be Better
- No Bluetooth or app connectivity
- No online play or stats tracking
- LED lights can be distracting for some players at first
- Higher power consumption due to LEDs
5. Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dartboard with Cabinet
The Fat Cat Mercury is the ultimate "buy it and you're done" package. It comes with everything — the electronic board, a stylish wooden cabinet, six soft tip darts, extra dart tips and all the mounting hardware. Open the box, hang it on the wall and you're playing darts in minutes.
The cabinet is the standout feature. When closed, it looks like a classy piece of furniture rather than a dart board. The cabinet doors fold open to reveal the board and built-in dart storage. It's perfect for living rooms, game rooms or offices where you want the board to blend in when not in use.
The board itself is solid with 34 games and 183 variations. The LCD display handles scoring well and supports up to 8 players. It's not as feature-rich as the Arachnid or Viper Ion, but it doesn't need to be — this is about convenience and style.
What We Love
- Complete package — board, cabinet, darts, tips all included
- Stylish cabinet looks great in any room
- Cabinet doors provide built-in dart storage
- Board hidden when cabinet is closed — great for living rooms
- 34 games with 183 variations
- Supports up to 8 players
- Excellent gift option — everything in one box
What Could Be Better
- No Bluetooth or app connectivity
- LCD display not as bright as LED displays
- Cabinet adds significant weight — needs solid wall mounting
- Fewer game variations than standalone boards
6. Winmau Ton Machine Electronic Dart Board
The Winmau Ton Machine carries one of the most trusted names in darts. Winmau make the Blade 6 — the board used in PDC events — so they know a thing or two about dart boards. The Ton Machine is their entry into the electronic market and it doesn't disappoint.
What you get is a no-nonsense, well-built electronic board at a budget-friendly price. 21 games with 65 variations covers all the essentials — 501, 301, Cricket, Around the Clock and more. The LED display is clear and easy to read.
The board quality is where Winmau's expertise shows. The segments are durable, the sensor accuracy is reliable and the overall build feels solid in a way that cheaper brands often don't. You're paying for the Winmau name — and it's worth it.
If you already play on a Winmau bristle board and want an electronic option for casual play or to introduce friends to the game, the Ton Machine is the natural choice.
What We Love
- Trusted Winmau brand — same company behind the Blade 6
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Reliable sensor accuracy
- Clear LED scoring display
- Regulation size target face
- Battery or mains powered — flexible
- Great budget price point
What Could Be Better
- Fewer games than other boards (21 vs 35-48)
- No Bluetooth or app connectivity
- No online play
- Spider wires slightly thicker than premium boards
7. WIN.MAX Electronic Dartboard with LED Scoring
The WIN.MAX Electronic Dartboard is the budget champion. At the lowest price on this list, it packs in a surprising amount of value — 27 games, 243 variations, support for up to 16 players (yes, sixteen!) and it comes with 12 darts and 100 extra tips included.
This is the board you buy for family game nights, birthday parties and getting kids into darts. The soft tip darts are safe, the auto-scoring means no arguments about who hit what, and the huge player capacity means everyone can join in.
The LED display handles scoring automatically and the board includes party-friendly game modes alongside the standard 501, 301 and Cricket formats. It's simple to set up, easy to use and fun for everyone.
Is it as refined as the Gran Board or Arachnid? No. But at this price point, nothing else comes close to the value the WIN.MAX offers. It's the perfect starter board and an excellent gift.
What We Love
- Unbeatable price — cheapest board on this list
- Comes with 12 darts and 100 extra tips
- Supports up to 16 players — perfect for parties
- 27 games with 243 variations
- LED auto-scoring display
- Safe soft tip darts for families with children
- Simple setup and easy to use
What Could Be Better
- Build quality reflects the lower price
- More bounce-outs than premium boards
- No Bluetooth, app or online play
- Included darts are basic — consider upgrading
- Can be louder when darts hit the surface
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Here's every board compared at a glance. Scroll sideways on mobile to see all columns.
| Board | Type | Games | Bluetooth | Online Play | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Board 3 | Smart | Unlimited (app) | ✅ | ✅ | 🥇 Best overall |
| GRANBOARD Dash | Smart | Unlimited (app) | ✅ | ✅ | 🥈 Best value smart |
| Arachnid Cricket Pro | Electronic | 35 (318 vars) | ❌ | ❌ | 🏆 Serious players |
| Viper Ion | Electronic | 48 (315 vars) | ❌ | ❌ | 💡 Best illuminated |
| Fat Cat Mercury | Electronic | 34 (183 vars) | ❌ | ❌ | 📦 All-in-one setup |
| Winmau Ton Machine | Electronic | 21 (65 vars) | ❌ | ❌ | 💰 Best budget |
| WIN.MAX Electronic | Electronic | 27 (243 vars) | ❌ | ❌ | 👨👩👧👦 Families & kids |
Buying Guide — What to Look For
Not sure which type of electronic board is right for you? Here's what to consider before buying:
Smart Board or Standard Electronic?
This is the biggest decision. Smart boards (Gran Board 3, Dash) connect to your phone via Bluetooth and offer app scoring, online play and detailed stats. Standard electronic boards (Arachnid, Viper, Fat Cat, Winmau, WIN.MAX) have built-in scoring displays and work independently. Smart boards cost more but offer a significantly richer experience.
Number of Games
All electronic boards come with built-in games. More isn't always better — you'll mostly play 501, 301 and Cricket. But having variety is nice for parties and trying new formats. The Viper Ion leads with 48 games while the Winmau Ton Machine offers 21 focused essentials.
Board Size — Regulation Matters
Look for boards with a 15.5 inch target face — this is the regulation size used in all competitive darts. Smaller boards might be cheaper but they won't help you develop accuracy that transfers to a real board. All 7 boards on our list are regulation size or close to it.
Spider Wire Thickness
The spider wires are the dividers between segments. Thinner wires = fewer bounce-outs. Premium boards like the Gran Board 3 and Arachnid Cricket Pro have the thinnest wires. Budget boards tend to have thicker wires which cause more bounce-outs.
Power Source
Some boards run on batteries, some need mains power and some offer both. Battery-powered boards are more flexible for placement but need regular battery changes. Mains-powered boards are more reliable but need to be near a power outlet. Boards with both options give you the most flexibility.
Noise Level
Electronic boards are louder than bristle boards because soft tip darts hitting plastic segments creates more noise. If you live in a flat or play late at night, noise matters. Smart boards tend to be quieter than standard electronic boards. The Gran Board 3 is among the quietest options.
Included Accessories
Check what comes in the box. Most boards include a basic set of darts but quality varies. The WIN.MAX stands out with 12 darts and 100 extra tips included. The Fat Cat Mercury includes a full cabinet. Some boards include nothing extra — you'll need to buy darts separately.
Quick Decision Helper
| If you want... | Get this board |
|---|---|
| The best overall experience | Gran Board 3 |
| Smart features on a budget | GRANBOARD Dash |
| Tournament-quality standalone board | Arachnid Cricket Pro |
| The best-looking board in your room | Viper Ion |
| Everything in one box (board + cabinet) | Fat Cat Mercury |
| A trusted brand at a low price | Winmau Ton Machine |
| The cheapest option for family fun | WIN.MAX Electronic |
Electronic vs Bristle Dart Boards — Which Should You Choose?
Still deciding between electronic and traditional? Here's the honest comparison:
| Feature | Electronic / Smart Board | Bristle Board |
|---|---|---|
| Dart type | Soft tip (plastic) | Steel tip (metal) |
| Scoring | Automatic | Manual (mental maths or app) |
| Noise level | Louder (plastic on plastic) | Quieter (steel in sisal) |
| Wall damage | Minimal (soft tips) | Significant (steel tips miss) |
| Safety | Safer for kids & pets | Sharp steel tips — caution needed |
| Professional use | ❌ Not used in PDC/WDF | ✅ Used in all pro events |
| Durability | 2-5 years | 3-8 years |
| Price range | £30-200 | £25-80 |
| Best for | Casual, families, tech lovers | Serious players, pub/league |
Get both. Seriously. Many darts enthusiasts have a bristle board for serious practice and an electronic/smart board for casual play, online matches and fun with friends. They serve different purposes and complement each other perfectly. Set up your bristle board at regulation distance and height for practice, and your electronic board wherever is convenient for social play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electronic dart board?
The Gran Board 3 is the best electronic dart board in 2026. It features Bluetooth connectivity, a companion app with online play, automatic scoring and a large global community. For a budget option, the GRANBOARD Dash offers the same app experience at a lower price.
What is the difference between a smart board and an electronic board?
A standard electronic board has built-in games and displays scores on an LCD/LED screen. A smart board connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, uses a companion app for scoring and statistics, and supports online multiplayer. Smart boards offer a richer experience but cost more.
Are electronic dart boards good for beginners?
Yes, electronic dart boards are excellent for beginners. They handle all scoring automatically, use soft tip darts which are safer, and include multiple built-in games that help new players learn different formats. They remove the intimidation of manual scoring so beginners can focus on throwing. Check out our How to Score Darts guide to learn the scoring basics.
Do electronic dart boards use soft tip or steel tip darts?
Electronic dart boards use soft tip (plastic tip) darts. The board surface has small holes that soft tips press into, triggering sensors to register your score. Never use steel tip darts on an electronic board — they will damage the surface and sensors. For steel tip darts, use a bristle dartboard instead.
Can you play online with an electronic dart board?
Only smart boards with Bluetooth or WiFi support online play. The Gran Board 3 and GRANBOARD Dash both connect to the GRAN BOARD app for worldwide online play. Standard electronic boards without connectivity only support local play.
How long do electronic dart boards last?
A quality electronic dart board typically lasts 2-5 years with regular use. The main wear point is the board surface where dart tips press into the holes. Higher-end boards use more durable materials and last longer. For comparison, bristle boards typically last 3-8 years.
Are electronic dart boards as good as bristle boards?
They serve different purposes. Bristle boards are used in professional darts and offer the most authentic experience with steel tip darts. Electronic boards are better for casual players, families and beginners because they score automatically and use safer soft tip darts. Many players own both — a bristle board for practice and an electronic board for fun.
What should I look for when buying an electronic dart board?
Key features to consider: Bluetooth connectivity (for app scoring and online play), number of games, board size (15.5" regulation), spider wire thickness (thinner = fewer bounce-outs), power source (battery vs mains), noise level and included accessories (darts, tips, cabinet).
How far should you stand from an electronic dart board?
The official throwing distance for soft tip darts is 8 feet (2.44m) — slightly further than the steel tip distance of 7ft 9¼in. The board height remains the same at 5ft 8in (1.73m) to the bullseye. See our full Dart Board Distance & Height guide for detailed setup instructions.
Are electronic dart boards noisy?
Electronic boards are louder than bristle boards because soft tip darts hitting plastic segments creates more impact noise. Smart boards tend to be quieter than standard electronic boards. If noise is a concern, the Gran Board 3 is among the quietest options. Adding a dartboard surround can also help reduce noise from missed darts hitting the wall.
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