7 Best Electronic Dart Boards 2026 — Smart Boards Tested & Reviewed
Electronic dart boards have come a long way. The good ones now connect to your phone, let you play people online and track every stat you can think of. The bad ones? Still out there, still a waste of money. Here's which ones are actually worth buying in 2026.
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Why Choose an Electronic Dart Board?
If you'd asked me about electronic dart boards five years ago, I'd have said don't bother. They were clunky, inaccurate and felt like toys. But the newer ones? Genuinely impressive. Here's what makes them worth considering now:
- Automatic scoring — no mental maths, no arguments about whether that was a treble or a single. The board handles everything
- Built-in games — most come loaded with 20-40+ games. 501, Cricket, Around the Clock and a bunch of party games you've never heard of
- Safe for homes — soft tip darts won't destroy your walls, floors or furniture when you inevitably miss. And you will miss
- Kid-friendly — plastic tips are much safer than steel points if you've got little ones running around
- Online play — the smart boards let you play against people worldwide from your living room. It's properly addictive
- Stats tracking — smart boards track your averages, checkout percentages and show you exactly how you're improving (or not)
- LED displays — bright, colourful scoring that looks great in a game room or man cave
Electronic dart boards are ideal for casual players, families, beginners and anyone who just wants hassle-free fun. If you're training seriously for league or competition darts though, you'll want a traditional bristle board — that's what every professional event uses.
Smart Boards vs Electronic Boards — What's the Difference?
This trips a lot of people up. "Electronic" and "smart" get used interchangeably but they're not the same thing. Here's the actual 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 |
1. Gran Board 3 — Best Overall Smart Board
The Gran Board 3 — the one everyone recommends, and for good reason.
The Gran Board 3 is the board that keeps coming up whenever anyone asks about electronic dart boards, and honestly it deserves it. Connect it to your phone via Bluetooth, open the GRAN BOARD app and you've got automatic scoring, detailed stats, online multiplayer and even video chat while you play. It's like having a darts setup from the future.
The app is where this board really pulls ahead of everything else. It tracks your three-dart averages, checkout percentages, shows you heat maps of where your darts are landing and charts your progress over time. If you're the type who likes seeing numbers go up, you'll be hooked.
Key Features
- Excellent companion app — detailed stats, heat maps, progress charts and a massive game library that keeps growing
- Online multiplayer — play against people worldwide, join tournaments or challenge your mates remotely
- Video chat while playing — actually see your opponent's face when you hit that clutch double. Or when they miss it
- Thin spider wires — noticeably thinner than budget boards, so fewer bounce-outs
- Surprisingly quiet — much less noise than most electronic boards, which matters if you're playing at midnight
- Regulation 15.5" target face — same size as a proper competition board
- Regular app updates — new features and games added all the time
Pros & Cons
- The app is genuinely brilliant — best in class by a mile
- Online multiplayer with a massive global community
- Video chat during games is a great touch
- Regulation size target face
- Thin spider wires keep bounce-outs low
- Quieter than most electronic boards
- Constant app updates keep it feeling fresh
- Most expensive board on this list — you're paying for the smart features
- No built-in display — you need your phone or tablet nearby for scoring
- Battery life isn't amazing if you play a lot
2. GRANBOARD Dash — Best Value Smart Board
The GRANBOARD Dash — same app, same online play, less money.
Here's the thing about the GRANBOARD Dash — it uses the exact same app as the Gran Board 3. Same online play, same stats tracking, same game library, same global community. The difference is the board itself, not the software.
So what's actually different? The board surface is a bit simpler and the spider wires are slightly thicker. That means a few more bounce-outs compared to the Gran Board 3. But we're talking a small difference — for most people it won't matter at all, and you're saving a decent chunk of money.
Key Features
- Same GRAN BOARD app — identical experience to the Gran Board 3. Same stats, same online play, same everything on screen
- Full online multiplayer — same massive global community and matchmaking
- Much cheaper — roughly 90% of the Gran Board 3 experience for significantly less
- Same Bluetooth connectivity — reliable connection to both iOS and Android
- Regulation size target face — 15.5" playing area, same as competition boards
- Best entry point into smart boards — if you're not sure about smart boards, start here
Pros & Cons
- Same excellent app as the Gran Board 3
- Full online multiplayer — no restrictions
- Noticeably cheaper than the Gran Board 3
- All the same stats tracking and progress features
- Regulation size target face
- Perfect if you want to try smart boards without going all in
- Thicker spider wires — slightly more bounce-outs than the Gran Board 3
- Board surface doesn't feel quite as premium
- Still needs your phone or tablet for scoring — no built-in display
3. Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament — Best for Serious Players
The Arachnid Cricket Pro — built like a tank with 35 games and 318 variations.
Not everyone wants or needs Bluetooth and apps. If you just want a really solid electronic dart board that works straight out of the box without faffing around with your phone, the Arachnid Cricket Pro is the one to get.
35 games with 318 variations — you could play a different game every day for nearly a year without repeating one. The NylonTough segments are genuinely impressive too. This board can take a beating and keep going. The micro-thin spider wires are among the thinnest on any electronic board, which means fewer bounce-outs and less frustration.
Key Features
- Massive game library — 35 games with 318 variations. 501, Cricket, Count Up and dozens more you'll discover along the way
- NylonTough segments — seriously durable. These can handle thousands and thousands of throws
- Micro-thin spider wires — among the thinnest on any electronic board. Bounce-outs are rare
- Large LED display — easy to read from the oche. Shows scores, stats and game info clearly
- AC adapter included — no batteries to worry about, just plug it in
- Regulation size target face — 15.5" for proper practice
- Supports up to 8 players — more than enough for any session
Pros & Cons
- 35 games, 318 variations — you'll never get bored
- NylonTough segments are incredibly durable
- Micro-thin spider wires mean very few bounce-outs
- Large, bright LED display that's easy to read
- Regulation size target face
- AC adapter included — no batteries
- Just works. No phone needed, no setup, no fuss
- No Bluetooth or app — what you see is what you get
- No online play
- No stats history — it only tracks the current game
- A bit louder than smart boards when darts land
4. Viper Ion Illuminated — Best Looking Board
The Viper Ion — this thing glows. Properly glows.
If you want people to walk into your room and immediately say "what is THAT" — this is your board. The Viper Ion has full LED illumination across the entire board face. It glows. In a dimly-lit game room or man cave, it looks absolutely class.
But it's not just a pretty face. 48 games with 315 variations gives you more game options than any other board on this list. And because the board lights itself up, you don't need to buy a separate dartboard light — saving you money and hassle. The concave segment holes grip soft tip darts nicely too, so darts stay put when they land.
Key Features
- Full LED illumination — the whole board face glows. It's a genuine centrepiece in any room
- 48 games with 315 variations — the most games of any board on this list
- No separate lighting needed — the board is its own light. No shadows, no extra accessories
- Ultra Thin Spider wires — keeps bounce-outs to a minimum
- Concave segment holes — darts press in and stay in. Very satisfying
- Regulation size target face — 15.5" playing area
- Conversation starter — everyone notices this board
Pros & Cons
- Looks absolutely stunning — the LED glow is a real wow factor
- Most games on the list — 48 games, 315 variations
- Don't need separate dartboard lighting
- Ultra Thin Spider wires reduce bounce-outs
- Concave holes hold darts firmly
- Regulation size target face
- Guests will want to play the moment they see it
- No Bluetooth or app — it's a standalone board
- No online play or stats tracking
- The LEDs can take a bit of getting used to at first
- Uses more power than non-illuminated boards
5. Fat Cat Mercury — Best All-in-One Setup
The Fat Cat Mercury — open the doors and you've got a complete darts setup. Close them and it disappears.
The Fat Cat Mercury is the "I don't want to think about it" option. It comes with everything — the electronic board, a proper wooden cabinet, six soft tip darts, extra tips and all the mounting hardware. Open the box, hang it up, play darts. Done.
The real selling point is the cabinet. When you close the doors, the whole thing just looks like a nice piece of furniture. No dart board visible, no mess, nothing. Perfect if you've got it in a living room or an office and don't want it on display 24/7. Open the doors and suddenly it's game time.
Key Features
- Everything in the box — board, wooden cabinet, 6 darts, spare tips and mounting hardware. Nothing else to buy
- Proper wooden cabinet — looks like furniture when closed. Your other half won't complain about it on the wall
- Built-in dart storage — the cabinet doors have holders for your darts. Nice and tidy
- 34 games with 183 variations — all the essentials covered
- LCD scoring display — handles scoring for up to 8 players
- Dual power — AC adapter or batteries, your choice
- Brilliant gift — everything in one box, ready to go. Hard to beat as a present
Pros & Cons
- Complete package — literally everything in one box
- Cabinet looks great and hides the board when not in use
- Built-in dart storage keeps things tidy
- 34 games, 183 variations
- Supports up to 8 players
- One of the best gift options for darts fans
- No Bluetooth or app
- LCD display isn't as bright or sharp as LED displays
- The cabinet makes it heavy — you'll need a solid wall and decent fixings
- Fewer game variations than standalone boards
6. Winmau Ton Machine — Best Budget Electronic Board
The Winmau Ton Machine — the name behind the PDC, at a price that won't hurt.
Winmau make the Blade 6 — the board used in every single PDC event worldwide. They know what they're doing with dart boards. The Winmau Ton Machine takes that expertise and puts it into an affordable electronic board.
It's not flashy. It doesn't have Bluetooth or apps or LED lighting. What it does have is reliable sensors, solid build quality and the Winmau name behind it. 21 games with 65 variations covers everything you'll actually play — 501, 301, Cricket, Around the Clock. You don't need 48 games. You need a board that works properly, and this one does.
Key Features
- Winmau quality — from the same company behind the Blade 6 used at Ally Pally
- Reliable sensors — accurate scoring without the ghost hits that plague cheaper boards
- 21 games with 65 variations — everything you'll actually play. No filler games you'll never touch
- Clear LED display — easy to read from the throwing line
- Regulation size target face — 15.5" playing area
- Battery or mains — runs on 3x AA batteries or plug it in. Your choice
- Budget-friendly — Winmau quality without the Winmau premium price
Pros & Cons
- It's a Winmau — that name means something in darts
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Sensors are reliable and accurate
- Clear LED scoring display
- Regulation size target face
- Battery or mains — flexible placement
- Great price for what you get
- Fewer games than other boards — 21 vs 35-48
- No Bluetooth or app
- No online play
- Spider wires are a touch thicker than premium boards
7. WIN.MAX Electronic — Best for Families & Kids
The WIN.MAX — 12 darts, 100 spare tips and change from a takeaway. Hard to argue with that.
Right, let's talk about value. The WIN.MAX Electronic Dartboard is the cheapest board on this list by quite a margin, and it comes with 12 darts and 100 spare tips in the box. Twelve darts. That's four full sets. For the whole family, straight out of the box, ready to go.
Is it going to compete with the Gran Board 3? No. But that's not what it's for. This is the board for family game nights, birthday presents, kids who want a dart board in their room, or anyone who just wants something fun on the wall without spending much. And for that purpose, it's brilliant.
Key Features
- Ridiculously good value — cheapest board on this list and it's not even close
- 12 darts and 100 spare tips included — four full sets out of the box. The whole family can play immediately
- Supports up to 16 players — sixteen. That's a house party sorted
- 27 games with 243 variations — party modes alongside all the standard games like 501, 301 and Cricket
- LED auto-scoring display — handles everything automatically
- Safe soft tip darts — ideal for families with young children
- Dead simple setup — out of the box and on the wall in minutes
Pros & Cons
- Unbeatable price — nothing else comes close for the money
- 12 darts and 100 spare tips — incredible bundle
- 16 player support — perfect for parties and big groups
- 27 games with 243 variations
- LED auto-scoring display
- Safe soft tips for kids
- Takes minutes to set up
- Build quality is what you'd expect at this price — fine, not amazing
- More bounce-outs than pricier boards
- No Bluetooth, no app, no online play
- The included darts are basic — they work but don't expect much
- Louder than most when darts hit the surface
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
All seven boards in one place. Scroll sideways on mobile to see everything.
| 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 Actually Matters
There's a lot of marketing nonsense around electronic dart boards. Here's what you should actually care about when choosing one:
Smart Board or Standard Electronic?
This is the big one. Smart boards (Gran Board 3, Dash) connect to your phone and give you app scoring, online play and detailed stats. Standard electronic boards (everything else on this list) work on their own with built-in displays. Smart boards cost more but the experience is genuinely different. If you'll play regularly, the extra money is worth it. If it's mainly for parties and casual fun, save the cash and go standard.
Number of Games
Be honest with yourself here. You're going to play 501, Cricket and maybe Around the Clock. That's what everyone plays. Having 48 games sounds impressive on the box but you'll probably try 5 of them and stick with your favourites. Don't let game count be the deciding factor — the Winmau has 21 games and that's plenty.
Board Size — Get Regulation
Look for boards with a 15.5 inch target face — that's the regulation size used in competition. Smaller boards might save you a few quid but your accuracy won't transfer if you ever play on a proper board. All 7 boards on this list are regulation size or very close to it.
Spider Wire Thickness
These are the dividers between segments. Thinner wires = fewer bounce-outs. It's that simple. The Gran Board 3 and Arachnid Cricket Pro have the thinnest wires. Budget boards tend to have chunkier wires which means more darts bouncing off the dividers. Frustrating, but expected at lower price points.
Power Source
Battery boards are great because you can hang them anywhere. No messing around with extension leads. But you'll be changing batteries, which gets annoying. Mains-powered boards are more reliable but you need a socket nearby. Boards that offer both give you the most flexibility — start with batteries, switch to mains when you find the right spot.
Noise Level
This one catches people off guard. Electronic boards are louder than bristle boards — soft tip darts hitting plastic makes a proper clack. If you're in a flat with thin walls, or you like playing late at night, this matters. Smart boards tend to be quieter. The Gran Board 3 is one of the quietest. Budget boards are usually the loudest.
What's in the Box
Some boards come with everything. The WIN.MAX gives you 12 darts and 100 spare tips. The Fat Cat Mercury includes a full wooden cabinet. Others come with the bare minimum — board and a couple of basic darts. Check what's included so you know if you need to budget for extras.
Still Can't Decide? Here's the Short Version
| If you want... | Get this board |
|---|---|
| The best experience money can buy | Gran Board 3 |
| Smart features without the premium price | GRANBOARD Dash |
| A solid board that just works, no phone needed | Arachnid Cricket Pro |
| Something that'll make your room look class | Viper Ion |
| Everything in one box, cabinet included | Fat Cat Mercury |
| A trusted brand at the lowest price | Winmau Ton Machine |
| Cheapest option for the family | WIN.MAX Electronic |
Electronic vs Bristle Dart Boards — Which Should You Choose?
This is the question that comes up every single time. Here's the honest answer:
| 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. No, seriously. A lot of darts fans end up with a bristle board for proper practice and an electronic board for casual sessions and playing online. They're different experiences and complement each other perfectly. Set up your bristle board at the correct distance and height for serious throwing, and stick an electronic board wherever is convenient for a quick game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electronic dart board?
The Gran Board 3. It's got the best app, the best online community, the best stats tracking and it plays really well. If it's out of your budget, the GRANBOARD Dash uses the same app and costs less — it's the smart choice if you want the smart experience without paying full whack.
What is the difference between a smart board and an electronic board?
A standard electronic board has games built in and shows scores on a display on the board. A smart board connects to your phone via Bluetooth and does everything through an app — scoring, stats, online multiplayer, the lot. Think of it like the difference between a basic phone and a smartphone. Both make calls, but one does a lot more.
Are electronic dart boards good for beginners?
They're brilliant for beginners. The board handles all the scoring so you can just focus on throwing. No mental maths, no arguments about who hit what. The soft tip darts are safer around the house too, especially with kids about. And most boards come loaded with different games so you can try everything while you're learning.
Do electronic dart boards use soft tip or steel tip darts?
Soft tip only. The plastic tips press into tiny holes on the board to register your score. Don't throw steel tip darts at an electronic board — you'll damage the surface and wreck the sensors. If you want steel tips, get a bristle dartboard.
Can you play online with an electronic dart board?
Only if it's a smart board with Bluetooth. The Gran Board 3 and GRANBOARD Dash both connect to the GRAN BOARD app which lets you play against people all over the world. Standard electronic boards without Bluetooth are local play only — you and whoever's in the room.
How long do electronic dart boards last?
Roughly 2-5 years with regular use. The surface gradually wears down as dart tips press into the same holes over and over. Higher-end boards use tougher materials and last longer. Budget boards show wear sooner but they're cheap enough to replace. For comparison, a good bristle board lasts 3-8 years.
Are electronic dart boards as good as bristle boards?
Different tools for different jobs. Bristle boards are what the pros use — they're in every PDC event and every pub league. Electronic boards are better for casual players and families because they handle scoring and use safer darts. A lot of players end up owning both. Bristle for practice, electronic for fun.
What should I look for when buying an electronic dart board?
The things that actually matter: does it have Bluetooth for app scoring and online play? How thin are the spider wires — thinner means fewer bounce-outs? Is it regulation size — 15.5 inch target face? What power does it need — battery or mains? How loud is it? And what comes in the box — some boards include darts and accessories, others give you the bare minimum.
How far should you stand from an electronic dart board?
The official soft tip throwing distance is 8 feet (2.44m) — slightly further than steel tip which is 7ft 9¼in. The board height stays the same at 5ft 8in (1.73m) to the bullseye. Check our full Dart Board Distance & Height guide for step-by-step setup instructions.
Are electronic dart boards noisy?
Louder than bristle boards, yes. Soft tip darts hitting a plastic surface makes a noticeable clack. Smart boards like the Gran Board 3 tend to be quieter than standard electronic boards. If noise is a concern — flatmates, thin walls, late night sessions — go for a smart board or add a dartboard surround to dampen the sound from missed darts.
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