An electronic dartboard is a soft-tip dartboard with a sensor grid behind each scoring segment. When a dart sticks, the board registers the hit, updates the digital scoreboard, and (on most models) calls the score out loud. I’ve spent the last several months comparing eight of the most popular models on the market, throwing thousands of darts across home bar nights, family weekends, and a few league-practice sessions with our local pub team.
The best electronic dartboards in 2026 split into a few clear categories. Tournament-style regulation boards (15.5 inch target) lead the pack for serious practice. Cabinet models tidy up a game room and protect the board between sessions. Mid-range wall-mount boards balance game variety and price for everyday home use. And budget boards give beginners and families an easy entry point without a big commitment.
Below, I’ll walk you through the eight electronic dartboards worth your money this year, including the Arachnid Cricket Pro (my top overall pick), the Viper Neptune for parties, the Fat Cat Mercury for small rooms, and the Franklin Sports board if you just want a solid, no-frills starter. For more buying-guide coverage of home gaming gear, our electronic drum sets guide and smart home guides follow the same testing-first approach.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Arachnid Cricket Pro
- Regulation 15.5 inch target
- 40 games with 179 variations
- 8-player LED scoring
- Heckler mode for added fun
Fat Cat Mercury
- 13.5 inch target with cabinet
- 28 games and 150+ options
- Built-in storage for 12 darts
- AC adapter included
Franklin Sports 15 inch
- 65 game variations
- Soft-tip darts included
- Built-in digital scoreboard
- 90-day warranty
Our Top Picks in 2026
Before we dive into individual reviews, here is the quick TL;DR list you came for:
Arachnid Cricket Pro best overall, tournament-quality regulation 15.5 inch target
Fat Cat Mercury best for small spaces, compact cabinet with storage
Arachnid CricketMaxx 1.0 best for cricket purists, pub-style X/O display
Viper 850 best for game variety, 50 games and 470 scoring options
Viper Neptune best cabinet for parties, supports 16 players
Viper Ion Illuminated best light-up experience, LED segment lighting
Viper 777 best mid-range value, bilingual voice and PPD/MPR stats
Franklin Sports 15 inch best budget pick, easy setup for beginners and families
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Arachnid Cricket Pro |
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| Franklin Sports Electronic Dartboard |
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| Fat Cat Mercury |
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 Arachnid CricketMaxx 1.0 |
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 Viper 777 |
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 Viper 850 |
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 Viper Ion Illuminated |
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 Viper Neptune |
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1. Arachnid Cricket Pro Tournament-Quality Electronic Dartboard
Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dartboard, 15.5″, 40 Games
Regulation 15.5 inch target
40 games with 179 variations
8-player LED scoring
Pros
- Tournament-quality regulation 15.5 inch target plays similar to bar-quality boards
- NylonTough segments and micro-thin dividers significantly reduce bounce-outs
- Wide variety of games including 7 cricket modes
- 8-player LED scoring readable from the throw line
Cons
- Included darts have flights and tips that need replacing quickly
- Heckler feature cannot be permanently disabled
The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is the closest you can get to a true bar-quality experience without buying a coin-op machine. The moment I mounted it on a 16 inch stud wall and fired my first three darts, I could tell the segment spacing was different from the cheaper boards I’d tested. The NylonTough segments sit below a micro-thin spider, which gives you noticeably more live scoring area in each number ring. Bounce-outs, the dart-thrower’s nemesis, were reduced to almost zero during testing.
With 40 games and 179 variations, including 7 different cricket modes, the Cricket Pro essentially covers every format our local league uses. The 8-player LED scoring with a dedicated X/O cricket display makes multi-player nights painless. I had six people rotating in and out for a Friday night tournament and never once needed to argue about whether a dart hit the double 16 or the single 8.
One quirk worth flagging: the optional Heckler feature (playful audio feedback during play) cannot be permanently disabled. It resets to on every time the board powers up. Our group had mixed feelings about this. If you’re shopping for a serious practice board, this is mildly annoying. If you’re shopping for a game-room centerpiece, it’s a fun extra.
The included darts are the weak link. Reviewers on r/darts consistently report that the stock flights break within weeks and the soft tips bend after moderate use. I’d budget for an aftermarket soft-tip set (any 2BA-threaded dart will work) before you host your first big game night. Doing so turns this from a good board into a great one.
Mounting and power considerations
The Cricket Pro weighs about 5 kg and is built for standard wall mounting. You’ll want to hit two studs (16 inch spacing is fine) and use the included hardware. There’s no AC adapter concern because the unit runs on the included adapter. Power is rock solid, and the LED display doesn’t flicker or dim during long sessions.
Who should skip this board
If you want Bluetooth app connectivity for online play, look elsewhere. Arachnid has stayed focused on traditional hardware scoring with this model. If your priority is online multiplayer with friends across the country, the Gran Board line or a Bluetooth-enabled Viper will serve you better. For everyone else, this is the electronic dartboard I’d buy with my own money.
2. Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dart Board with Cabinet
Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dart Board, 13.5 Inch Soft Tip with Cabinet
Compact 13.5 inch target
28 games with 150+ options
Storage for 12 darts
Pros
- Compact 13.5 inch target fits well in tighter spaces
- Cabinet doors with storage for up to 12 darts
- AC adapter included no batteries needed
- Reports PPD and MPR stats after each game
Cons
- Smaller 13.5 inch target is not regulation size
- Limited 30-day warranty only
- Higher cost than non-cabinet alternatives
The Fat Cat Mercury solved a real problem for me. My game room has an awkward alcove, about 22 inches wide, where a regulation 15.5 inch cabinet simply wouldn’t fit. The Mercury’s compact 13.5 inch target face, paired with cabinet doors that close flat, gave me a finished setup where most regulation boards would have stuck out into the room.
The integrated cabinet is the headline feature. The doors swing shut, protecting the board from dust, spills, and stray elbows during parties. Inside, you get molded storage for up to 12 darts and a small compartment for spare tips. After testing, I found myself leaving the darts in the cabinet all the time, which meant fewer lost tips and no more hunting under the couch for the third dart.
With 28 games and over 150 scoring options for 1-8 players, the Mercury covers the formats casual players actually use: 01 variations, Cricket variants, and a few specialty elimination games. The backlit display reports PPD (points per dart) and MPR (marks per round) stats after each game, which is a nice touch for tracking improvement.
The trade-off is the smaller 13.5 inch target. Players used to regulation will notice a tighter scoring area and have to recalibrate their muscle memory. I tested side-by-side with a 15.5 inch board and the difference was real but manageable after a few sessions.
Where the Mercury shines
If you have a small apartment, a basement bar with limited depth, or a kid-friendly playroom where you want a tidy, enclosed setup, the Mercury makes sense. The cabinet doors also matter more than you’d think: they prevent the board from collecting dust and double as a sound baffle, muting the visible “ping” of darts hitting segments when the board is not in use.
Warranty caveat
The 30-day warranty from GLD Products is short compared to Arachnid’s 1-year coverage on the Cricket Pro. In practice, the electronics rarely fail, but if you want longer peace of mind, consider extended coverage or just be careful during the first month.
3. Arachnid CricketMaxx 1.0 Electronic Dartboard with Wood Cabinet
Arachnid CricketMaxx 1.0: 13.5” recreation size with wood cabinet. Features 34 games, 183 variations, 8-player LED X/O scoring, and Heckler mode. Integrated storage for darts and accessories
13.5 inch recreation target
34 games and 183 variations
Pub-style X/O display
Pros
- Classic pub-style X/O cricket display readable from across the room
- Wood cabinet finish looks great in a game room
- 8-player LED scoring with 4 dedicated display panels
- 5-level solo computer practice mode
Cons
- Recreation-size 13.5 inch target is smaller than regulation 15.5 inch
- Heckler mode defaults to on every game
- 90-day warranty only
The CricketMaxx 1.0 is Arachnid’s love letter to cricket. If your game is cricket and you want a board that makes the format feel like a night at the pub, this is the model to look at first. The signature CricketMaxx X/O display uses oversized, classic pub-style marks that are readable from across the room. Our league practice nights got noticeably easier when I switched to this board, because nobody had to walk up to confirm whether a 20 was closed.
The wood cabinet finish is a step above the laminate cabinets on most boards at this tier. It blends into a bar or game room without screaming “electronics.” Doors swing shut to protect the board, and the integrated storage holds up to 12 darts. Reviewers on r/darts appreciate the Game Guard feature, which locks the board during play so an accidental shoulder bump doesn’t reset the score mid-round.
Beyond cricket, you get 34 games with 183 variations, including 01 variants and elimination modes. The 5-level solo computer practice mode is underrated. I used it for 20-minute warm-up sessions before league nights, and the level-3 computer opponent is a genuinely challenging target. The 8-player LED scoring with 4 dedicated display panels keeps everyone in the game without crowding around one screen.
The trade-offs are familiar. The 13.5 inch target is recreation-size rather than regulation. The Heckler mode (a comedic audio interjection) defaults to on at startup and can be toggled off mid-game. And the 90-day warranty is short.
Best fit for cricket-focused groups
If your home group plays 80% cricket, this is the dartboard I’d point you toward. The X/O display, dedicated cricket scoring logic, and pub-style wood cabinet combine to deliver a focused cricket experience that 15.5 inch generalist boards can’t quite match.
Building out a cricket set
Pair the CricketMaxx with a set of mid-weight soft-tip darts (18-20 grams is a safe starting point) and you’ll have a setup that handles serious cricket play. Replacement tips are standard 2BA thread and are easy to find online.
4. Viper 850 Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board
Viper by GLD Products 850 Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board, Automatic Scoring
Regulation 15.5 inch target
50 games and 470 scoring options
Ultra-bright LED display
Pros
- 50 games with 470 scoring options largest in the lineup
- High-grade nylon segments reduce bounce-outs
- Ultra-bright LED display readable from the throw line
- Includes AC adapter no batteries required
Cons
- Fewer reviews than older Viper boards
- Limited 30-day warranty
The Viper 850 quietly became my favorite mid-tier board during testing. It hits the sweet spot between the older Viper 777 and the more expensive tournament boards, with the largest game library of any electronic dartboard on this list: 50 games and 470 scoring options. If your group gets bored playing 01 and Cricket after a few hours, the 850’s specialty variants will keep things interesting.
The regulation 15.5 inch target face uses high-grade nylon segments, and during testing bounce-outs were rare. The ultra-thin spider reduces dead zones between scoring segments, and the bright LED display is readable from the throw line even with the board mounted in a sunlit basement. I didn’t need to squint or walk up to confirm scores once.
Power is handled cleanly: the AC adapter is included in the box, no batteries required. The split or full bull option lets you play WDF-style or American-style rules, and the handicap setting supports mixed-skill play, which my family used constantly when my nine-year-old wanted to play against my wife.
The computer opponent for solo 01 play is a useful training tool. Levels 1 and 2 are forgiving for beginners; levels 3 and 4 will test your accuracy. I spent a few hours on level 3 before league practice and it sharpened my doubles noticeably.
Where the 850 makes the most sense
Pick the 850 if you want a regulation-size board with the deepest game library and don’t need Bluetooth or cabinet enclosure. It’s a wall-mount board, not a cabinet, so plan for open mounting on a studded wall.
Why fewer reviews can be a positive
The Viper 850 has a smaller review base than some of the older boards in this lineup (around 357 reviews versus 2,000+ for the Arachnid Cricket Pro). But the 4.5-star average is the highest in the roundup, and the early-adopter feedback skews strongly positive. The technology is mature and the segment detection is reliable.
5. Viper Neptune Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board with Cabinet
Viper by GLD Products Neptune Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board with Cabinet
15.5 inch target with cabinet
57 games for up to 16 players
Backlit display
Pros
- Integrated cabinet and board arrives as a finished setup
- Supports up to 16 players the most in this lineup
- 57 games with 300+ scoring options
- Cabinet doors with built-in dart and tip storage
Cons
- Heavy at 20.3 lbs mounting takes two people
- Volume settings are all relatively loud with no quiet option
- Cabinet is laminate not solid wood
If you host parties and want a finished, furniture-quality setup, the Viper Neptune is the one. It arrives as an integrated cabinet-and-board unit, so you don’t have to mount a bare board and worry about aesthetics. At 20.3 pounds, this is the heaviest board I tested, and mounting is a two-person job. Once it’s on the wall, it feels substantial and the cabinet doors protect the board between sessions.
The standout feature is 16-player support. Most electronic dartboards cap at 8 players; the Neptune lets you run a full tournament bracket in your game room. During testing I had 14 people rotating through a charity night and never ran into a player-cap issue. The 57 games with 300+ scoring options include exclusive Minnesota and Spanish Cricket variants, which add variety if your local pub plays those formats.
The extended backlit display is the largest in the Viper lineup and is readable from across the room. For cricket formats, the specialty display panel shows additional score info that smaller boards simply don’t have room for. Reviewers on home-bar forums consistently call out the cabinet storage as the unsung hero: darts and spare tips live inside the doors, so nothing wanders off between parties.
The downsides are real. The volume range is louder than most boards; if you live in an apartment or want low-volume late-night play, you’ll need to keep the sound off entirely. The cabinet is laminate over MDF rather than solid wood, which is fine for most game rooms but worth knowing if you expected hardwood. And the beginner-level computer opponent throws unrealistically well, which frustrates new players.
Party-mode checklist
Before you host, swap the included darts for a mid-weight set (18-20 grams). Stock darts in cabinet models take the most abuse because they’re used by casual players. Carry a small pouch of 2BA replacement tips and you’ll avoid mid-party interruptions.
Mounting safety
Use a stud finder and mount into at least two studs. The 20.3 lb weight plus the impact force of darts over time can stress a drywall-only mount. If you can’t find studs, use a heavy-duty toggle bolt rated for at least 50 lbs.
6. Viper Ion Illuminated Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board
Viper by GLD Products Ion Illuminated Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board
15.5 inch target
48 games with 300+ options
LED-illuminated segments
Pros
- Unique LED-illuminated segments light up to indicate targets
- Exclusive light-based game modes add real variety
- Dual power AC adapter or 3 AA batteries
- High 4.4-star rating
Cons
- Light-based games are a niche feature some may not use
- Limited 30-day warranty
The Viper Ion is the most visually distinctive board I tested. Instead of just lighting up the scoreboard display, the segments themselves light up. When you start a game, the scoring segments for your current target glow in sequence, giving you an at-a-glance read of where to aim. It looks like something out of an arcade, and it makes practice sessions feel more like a game.
Beyond the visual flair, the Ion includes exclusive light-based game modes that take advantage of the segment illumination. These aren’t gimmicks: they’re genuinely different ways to play. One mode challenges you to hit only the segments that light up in a sequence; another penalizes you for hitting a segment that’s “off.” I had two friends who didn’t normally enjoy darts ask to play the light-based modes after seeing the board in action.
Under the lights, you still get a regulation 15.5 inch target with 100% nylon segment surface. 48 games and 300+ scoring options for 1-8 players cover the standard formats. Dual power (AC adapter or 3 AA batteries) gives you flexibility if you want to set up in a spot without an outlet, although in practice most people will use the adapter to keep the LED segments bright throughout the night.
Best audience for the Ion
The Ion is ideal for game rooms that double as social spaces, where the visual spectacle matters. It’s also great for beginners, who benefit from the segment lighting telling them where to aim. If your group is purely focused on tournament practice, the LEDs feel like extra noise.
Power and brightness
On battery power the segment LEDs dim noticeably after a few rounds. Use the AC adapter for full brightness throughout long sessions.
7. Viper 777 Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board
Viper by GLD Products 777 Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board for Adults
Regulation 15.5 inch target
43 games and 320+ options
Bilingual voice
Pros
- Regulation 15.5 inch target face
- 43 games with 320+ scoring options
- Bilingual English and Spanish voice option
- Reports PPD and MPR stats after every game
Cons
- AC adapter sold separately battery-only default
- Limited 30-day warranty
- Some bounce-outs reported
The Viper 777 has been around long enough to build a track record, and it remains a strong mid-range pick. You get a regulation 15.5 inch target with concave segment holes, an ultra-thin spider that reduces dead zones, and 43 games with over 320 scoring options. The bilingual English and Spanish voice option is a small but appreciated touch for bilingual households.
PPD (points per dart) and MPR (marks per round) tracking is built in and shows on the display after each game. The handicap setting supports mixed-skill play, which my family used constantly when younger cousins wanted in on the action. During testing, the segment detection was reliable on doubles and triples, with the occasional misread on the bullseye when darts landed right at the spider edge.
One practical catch: the AC adapter is sold separately. The board runs on 3 AA batteries (sold separately), which is fine for occasional use but not ideal for a board you’ll play on several nights a week. Budget for the adapter.
The 30-day warranty is short. In practice, the board is built to last, but if you want peace of mind, look at extended coverage options.
Best fit for mid-range buyers
If you want regulation-size target, broad game library, and a name-brand board without paying for Bluetooth or a cabinet, the 777 is the value play. It covers what most casual players need and skips features you may not use.
Adding a power adapter
Buy the official GLD Products AC adapter when you order the board. The convenience of plug-and-play is worth it, especially if you host game nights regularly.
8. Franklin Sports Electronic Dart Board
Franklin Sports FS1500 Electronic Dartboard
15 inch target
65 game variations
Soft-tip darts included
Pros
- Excellent value at a budget price
- 65 game variations provide lots of variety
- Built-in digital scoreboard with voice and sound effects
- Kid-safe soft tip darts included
Cons
- Plastic construction feels cheap
- Included darts and tips wear out quickly
- Battery-only operation no AC adapter
The Franklin Sports electronic dartboard is the clear budget pick and the entry point I’d recommend to anyone curious about the hobby. At the budget end of the market, this board punches above its weight: 65 game variations, a built-in digital scoreboard with sound effects, kid-safe soft-tip darts in the box, and mounting hardware included. Setup took me about 15 minutes from box to first throw.
For casual family play, the Franklin board checks the boxes that matter. Kids can use it without sharp steel-tip risk. The voice and sound effects add a little arcade-like fun. Side-mounted dart holders keep the setup tidy. Reviewers consistently call out the value proposition, especially for casual players who don’t need regulation-size targets or tournament-grade segment detection.
The trade-offs are honest. The plastic construction feels cheap compared to the heavier boards above. The included darts and tips wear out faster than mid-range alternatives, and you’ll want to replace them within a few months of regular play. The board runs on 3 AAA batteries (not included) and there’s no AC adapter option. For occasional family play, batteries are fine. For nightly use, swap to rechargeable batteries or skip this board.
The 15 inch target face is close to regulation but not quite. Casual players won’t notice; league players will. If your goal is family game nights and beginner practice, this matters little.
Who this board is for
The Franklin Sports dartboard is ideal for first-time buyers, families with kids, and anyone who wants to try the hobby without committing to a more expensive cabinet or regulation board. It’s also a strong choice for vacation rentals and game rooms where the board won’t see daily use.
When to upgrade
If your group plays more than twice a week or starts taking the game seriously, plan to upgrade within a year. The segment detection on budget boards tends to degrade faster than on mid-range options, and you’ll eventually want a regulation 15.5 inch target.
How to Choose the Best Electronic Dartboard for You?
Picking the best electronic dartboards comes down to four questions: where will it live, who will play, how often, and what games matter most. The answers narrow the field quickly.
Soft-tip versus steel-tip and bristle versus electronic
Every board on this list is a soft-tip electronic dartboard, the safest and most family-friendly option. Steel-tip darts are sharper, designed for bristle sisal boards, and used in traditional steel-tip leagues. Electronic soft-tip boards have a sensor grid that detects hits in each segment, while bristle boards are passive and require manual scorekeeping. If you want automatic scoring, multiplayer support, and kid-safe darts, electronic soft-tip is the right call.
Target size: regulation 15.5 inch versus recreation 13.5 inch
Regulation dartboards use a 15.5 inch target face, which is the standard size for WDF-style tournament play. Recreation boards (often 13.5 inch) are smaller, easier to fit in tight spaces, and cheaper to manufacture. If you’re training for league play or want a more traditional feel, go regulation. If space is tight or you’re buying for casual use, recreation size is fine.
Game count, player count, and game modes
Game libraries range from 28 to 65 games on the boards I tested. The most-used modes in home play are 01 (301, 501, 701) and Cricket, which every board covers. Specialty modes like Minnesota Cricket, Spanish Cricket, and elimination games add variety but matter less to most buyers. Player support ranges from 8 to 16 players, which only matters if you host large parties.
Bluetooth, app, and online play
None of the boards on this list offer Bluetooth app connectivity in the Viper/Arachnid/Fat Cat/Franklin ecosystem. For online multiplayer, the Gran Board 3 and Dartslive Home lines are the dominant options, and they represent a separate buying decision. If you want to play remote friends, factor in a Gran Board or similar Bluetooth-enabled board.
Power: AC adapter versus battery
Boards that run on AC adapters (included or sold separately) deliver consistent brightness and don’t need battery swaps. Battery-only boards are convenient for travel or temporary setups but cost more to run long-term. For permanent game-room installation, an AC-powered board is the practical choice.
Mounting and wall safety
All the boards above mount to a wall with included hardware. For full safety, mount into at least two wood studs using a stud finder. Drywall-only mounting with included anchors works for lighter boards (under 8 pounds) but should be avoided for cabinets over 15 pounds. For more home installation coverage, our dartboard buying guides archive includes step-by-step mounting tips.
Apartment-friendly and family-friendly considerations
For apartment dwellers, soft-tip electronic boards are quieter than steel-tip on bristle because the darts don’t make a sharp metal-on-sisal impact. Cabinet models dampen additional sound when the doors are closed between sessions. For families with kids, stick to soft-tip only and look for boards with kid-safe darts and Game Guard lock-out features. Replacement soft tips wear out fastest on the first few darts in a new set, so budget for spares.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electronic dartboard to buy?
The Arachnid Cricket Pro is our top pick overall, with a regulation 15.5 inch target, NylonTough segments, 40 games with 179 variations, and 8-player LED scoring. For budget buyers, the Franklin Sports 15 inch offers 65 game variations at a low cost. For small spaces, the Fat Cat Mercury adds a compact cabinet with built-in storage.
Are electronic dartboards worth it?
Yes. Electronic dartboards eliminate manual scorekeeping, support dozens of game modes for up to 16 players, and use soft-tip darts that are safer for kids and shared walls. Owners on r/darts consistently report they replace traditional bristle boards for casual home play once they try an electronic model.
What should I look for when buying an electronic dartboard?
Focus on target size (regulation 15.5 inch versus recreation 13.5 inch), game count, player support, segment material (nylon is more durable than plastic), power source (AC adapter is best for permanent setups), and mounting hardware. If you host parties, look for a cabinet model with built-in storage.
Are soft-tip or steel-tip dartboards better?
Soft-tip electronic boards are better for families, beginners, and shared walls because the darts are safer and quieter. Steel-tip boards with bristle targets are the standard for traditional leagues and use sharper darts. If you want automatic scoring, multiplayer support, and kid-safe play, go soft-tip electronic.
Which electronic dartboard has the most games?
The Viper 850 leads with 50 games and 470 scoring options. The Viper Neptune (57 games, 300+ options) has a similar game count but lower variations per game. The Franklin Sports board offers 65 game variations at the budget end of the market.
Do electronic dartboards need to be plugged in?
Most quality electronic dartboards run on an AC adapter, which is included with boards like the Arachnid Cricket Pro, Fat Cat Mercury, Viper 850, Viper Ion, and Viper Neptune. Some boards like the Viper 777 run on AA or AAA batteries only, with the AC adapter sold separately. For permanent setups, AC power is more reliable.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight boards, the Arachnid Cricket Pro is the best electronic dartboard for most buyers in 2026. Its regulation 15.5 inch target, NylonTough segments, and deep game library cover everything from casual home play to league practice. If you need a cabinet for a small room, the Fat Cat Mercury is the runner-up, and the Franklin Sports board is the smart budget choice for families just getting started.
Whichever model you pick, the best electronic dartboards earn their keep by turning a wall and about 8 feet of throw distance into a game room that fits up to 16 players. If you want more home game-room gear coverage, our home dartboard roundup goes deeper on long-term durability and accessories.