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The Spruce / Lecia Landis
No pub, bar, game room, or play room is complete without a dartboard. It's an easy way to pass the time between drinks and to engender friendly competition between buddies, or in some cases, an international professional sport with varying rules and regulations.
We researched the best dartboards for your space, considering the price, material, wire thickness, and dimensions of each.
Below, here are the best dartboards.
Best Overall
Viper by GLD Products Viper Hudson Dartboard
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Courtesy of Amazon
Thin wire
Includes whiteboard for scoring and darts
Comes in protective cabinet
Expensive
A good dartboard offers a number of handy and professional features that most budget options lack. More than anything else, the best dartboard allows you to play the game without the worry of darts bouncing off of the wires or edges. That is why the top pick on this list is where it is: great durability and customization come together in a protected cabinet to offer you an excellent playing experience.
The Viper Hudson Dartboard is an all-in-one dartboard bundle that comes with everything you need to get up and playing. This is a great choice for first-timers and experienced players alike since it is easy to set up and start playing right off the bat. Equipped with a dry erase board for score-keeping and different premium versions with better darts, everything is contained within a protective cabinet that folds up for easy carrying. The cabinet also looks classy and distinguished enough for any room in your house.
Reviewers note that the darts are great for beginners, but they are lesser quality than more expensive professional sets. But still, this cabinet is attractive and functional for all players, all for a reasonable price.
Price at time of publish: $110
Dimensions: 3.13 x 21.25 x 23.25 inches | Diameter: 18 inches | Material: Pine | Weight: 21 pounds
Best Budget
Viper by GLD Products Viper Razorback Dartboard
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Rejects bounce outs
Good for casual players
Does not heal as well as users expected
The Viper Razorback Dartboard is a basic dartboard that is perfect for beginners or anyone needing an inexpensive replacement board. The sisal bristle is self-healing so you can keep using the board for years before needing a new one. Choose between steel and soft tip darts depending on your playing style. For more longevity, the removable number ring can be rotated to promote self-healing.
Price at time of publish: $56
Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 20 inches | Diameter: 18 inches | Material: Sisal | Weight: 12.05 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed
Best Cabinet
Trademark Games Solid Wood Dart Cabinet
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Included scoreboard and markers
Elegant cabinet
Durable
Can be difficult to hang and assemble
For extra protection and an added level of elegance, a dartboard housed in a wooden cabinet is the way to go. A well-built cabinet will keep the dartboard out of sight and away from dust when not in use. The extra space a cabinet offers can also hold a dedicated scoreboard and holders for darts so you are not losing precious equipment each time you go to play a new game after a long break.
The Trademark Games Dartboard is the ultimate option to choose when you want a dartboard that makes for classy and elegant game room decor. Coming in a solid wood cabinet with a curved top, the surface is durable and modern. On the inside, you will find a high-quality dartboard with removable number ring and placeholders for six steel tipped darts. The cabinet is easy to hang and secure on virtually any wall space you may wish.
Price at time of publish: $90
Dimensions: 23.25 x 21.25 x 3 inches | Diameter: 18 inches | Material: Wood, sisal | Weight: 20.2 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed
Best Electronic Dartboard
Arachnid Titanium 5400 Electronic Dartboard And Cabinet
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Easy scoring
Suitable for solo or team play
38 different variations included
Some reviewers found issues using the on and off switch
While playing darts is not the most complicated task in terms of keeping the score, an electronic dartboard can make life a little easier. In addition to advanced, sometimes automatic scoring features, electronic dartboards also come with extra perks their analog counterparts lack. From practicing drills to fun games and solo play, an electronic dartboard is something to consider if you do not need a pure, traditional playing experience.
Offering the benefits and convenience of most electronic dartboards, the Arachnid Titanium 5400 Electronic Dartboard also offers a little bit of extra protection normally found on high-end cabinets. The outer cabinet sports two folding doors with room for twelve individual darts. The electronic features of the dartboard include an LED scoring display, solo scoring and gameplay, and 38 individual games for some variation. The whole board is powered by a standard AC wall adapter so you can plug it in and hang it virtually anywhere.
Price at time of publish: $205
Dimensions: 26 x 4.4 x 21.7 inches | Diameter: 13.5 inches | Material: Not Listed | Weight: 15.3 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed
Best Bluetooth
Gran Board LED Bluetooth Dartboard
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Gran Board
Graphics and scoring included on the app
Available on a variety of devices
Lights up
Dart quality falls short
Upgrade from a traditional dartboard to a high-tech one with Bluetooth capabilities. This one from Gran Board is an application-driven dartboard compatible with Android or iOS. You can use a phone, tablet, or Smart TV to view graphics and scoring while playing the game. Combine the best of playing a video game with the physical dartboard for an immersive experience.
Play different version of the classic game against the computer for solo play or gather friends for a tournament. To charge, choose between two AA batteries or a micro USB charging cable as you try to master the nine different levels of play against the dart expert (the computer).
Price at time of publish: $329
Dimensions: 23.9 x 23.58 x 2.48 inches | Diameter: Not Listed | Material: Wood, Plastic | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed
Best for Kids
Marky Sparky Magnetic Dart Board
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Amazon
Perfect for young children
Durable darts
Realistic look
The board can be a bit flimsy
It is no secret that darts have an inherent risk in the gameplay. When you are flinging sharp tipped projectiles around, the possibility of injury is always there. If you do not want to expose young children to this risk, the best thing is a dartboard specifically designed for safe and fun gameplay. While you will not get the same level of gameplay as the real thing, a kid-friendly board is the perfect way to have some family time fun or add a fun decor piece to a kid's room.
To keep play safe and fun, the Marky Sparky Doinkit Dartboard does away with the traditional soft or steel-tipped darts and uses a magnetic head/board combination instead. As a result, the darts are larger and easier to use without the worry of someone getting hurt. The board is sized accordingly so the rules and gameplay remain the same as the real thing. The darts come in different colors and are flexible so they will not break.
Price at time of publish: $38
Dimensions: 16.25 x 15.75 x 1.5 inches | Diameter: 16 inches | Material: Not listed | Weight: 1 ounce | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Best Outdoor
RaboSky Roll-up Magnetic Dartboard
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Courtesy of Amazon
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Easy to store
Double-sided
Sometimes the magnetic darts do not stick
Playing darts is usually done inside where the only thing that threatens the quality of the board is the game itself. Outside, however, is a different story. Weather alone can quickly destroy most dartboards if left unattended, so you'll need one that can withstand wind and rain.
The RaboSky Roll-Up Magnetic Dartboard might not look like your typical dartboard, but it will get the job done regardless of the weather. Using magnetic heads and a roll up magnetic board, the board can withstand the abuse of being outside without the extra bulk of a cabinet. Best of all, the magnetic heads make the gameplay safe for small children as well.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 16.9 x 17.7 x 1.5 inches | Diameter: Not Listed | Material: Not listed | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Best Bristle
Winmau Bristle Dartboard
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Courtesy of Amazon
Increased scoring area
Beginner-friendly
Thin wiring
Mounting can be difficult
The game of darts can take years to truly master, but it can be more beginner-friendly with the right board. This type of board makes it easy to learn the basics of the scoring and throwing technique on a surface that does not take professional-level skill to hit. Best of all, most beginner-friendly boards, including this next one, are friendly to the wallet as well.
The Winmau Bristle Dartboard will not make you a star player overnight, but if you are new to the game, it will lower the challenge a bit. With an increased scoring area due to thinner wiring, it is easier to land your darts onto the intended target. The board is extremely durable as well so you can miss without the worry of creating any unintended holes around the edge of the board itself.
Price at time of publish: $81
Dimensions: 17.75 x 17.75 x 1.5 inches | Diameter: 17.75 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: 10.7 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed
Best Sports-Themed
Trademark Global NBA Wood Dart Cabinet
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Trademark Global
Personalized touch
Regulation board
Comes with six darts
Expensive
If you are a lover of both darts and basketball, this next dartboard is just for you. Offering the same level of quality and gameplay as other high-end options, this board also gives you a chance to display the colors and logo of your favorite sports team from the National Basketball Association.
To proudly display your team spirit, the Trademark Global NBA Themed Dartboard will display your favorite NBA team logo right on the folded front of the cabinet doors and scoreboard. In addition to the team markings, the cabinet contains a fully regulation-size scoreboard and dartboard for standard gameplay. Six metal darts fit within the pine cabinet, remaining safe and organized until the next time you are ready for an exciting game.
Price at time of publish: $117
Dimensions: 3.5 x 20.5 x 24.75 inches | Diameter: 18 inches | Material: Wood, sisal | Weight: 20.9 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed
Best Magnetic
Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board
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Amazon
Safe for children
Easy to hang up
Darts won't damage floors or walls
Magnetic darts don't always stick as well
Magnetic darts are a safer alternative to traditional pointy ones that may become dangerous. This magnetic dartboard from Toysmith makes it safe for the whole family to play.
While safe for young ones to play, the unique mix of cork, red, and gree. makes this the perfect addition to any room decor, whether a game room or not. This set comes with six lightweight darts and a dry erase marker for keeping score. For such an affordable price, this is a worthy investment for kids just starting out or adults looking for an inexpensive game to add to their decor.
Price at time of publish: $11
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12 x 1.5 inches | Diameter: 12 inches | Material: Not Listed | Weight: 0.06 pounds | Recommended Age: 6 years and up
What to Look for When Buying a Dartboard
Price
Dartboards can be an expensive addition to a game room, especially those that come with add-ons like a wooden cabinet, storage space, or scoring section. Also, electronic or Bluetooth dartboards are guaranteed to be more expensive, but they have many capabilities. Professional dartboards will be pricier than beginner or kid-friendly ones, but the high price may be worth the splurge thanks to their advanced features.
Material
Professional dartboards are typically made from sisal bristleboard, a durable material that is made to last. Some less expensive dartboards are made from materials such as cork or plastic. Dart enthusiasts prefer a thicker sisal board, which is more compatible with steel-dipped (rather than soft-tipped) darts. Steel-tipped darts make a satisfying thud when they land in a sisal bristle board, and they are less likely to bounce out of a board made of sisal. But if you’re playing at home, keep in mind that steel-tipped darts can also damage walls or floors more easily.
Beginners or kids may opt for a safer alternative magnetic dartboard and dart set. Or upgrade your gameplay, perfect for tech lovers, with an electronic dartboard or one with Bluetooth capabilities for a smart-home experience.
Wire Thickness
The 20 sections of a dartboard are separated by wiring. Thicker or stapled wiring can warp and cause darts to bounce off the board more easily, which is every dart player’s number one pet peeve. Look for staple-free blade wiring that is thinner and allows for more scoring surface area.
Dimensions
A standard dartboard is 18 inches in diameter; however, there are many other options on the market that may better fit your space and lifestyle. Dartboards made out of cork or plastic may have different dimensions than classic bristle, and oversized dartboards may be a good option for kids because they have a larger surface area to hit. Consider who is playing and how much wall space you have before choosing your perfect board.
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How big is a dartboard?
A standard size dartboard, known as a clock board for its resemblance to a wall clock, is 18 inches in diameter. It is divided into 20 equally sized numbered segments that resemble slices of a pie, and include single, double, and triple scoring rings. In addition, dartboards have a central bull’s eye with an inner (50-point) and outer (25-point) area.
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How heavy is a dartboard?
Dartboards can vary in size, construction, and therefore weight, but a quality standard dartboard usually starts at about 10 pounds. (Dart players are generally more concerned with the weight of darts themselves, which have an effect on performance, and can vary in weight from 16 to 50 grams.) When hanging a dartboard, be sure to secure it firmly to the wall so that it won’t loosen from repeatedly pulling out darts. And keep in mind that dartboards should be hung so that the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor.
Why Trust the Spruce?
Austin Fracchia is a freelance writer specializing in home design, DIY projects, and technology. His articles have appeared on The Drive, Best Reviews, and WikiHow, among others. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, expert-focused articles, and more.