When everyone's keeping track of their score manually, and only one person keeps winning, you have to wonder:
Are they truly that good or is it time for me to invest in the best dart scorer?
I'm not pointing fingers here. All I'm saying is there's a much simpler way to track everyone's points and keep things fair and square.
Keep on reading, and you'll see what I mean!
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Before we dig any deeper, let’s check out the top 3 models in a side-by-side comparison
Interested in learning more?
Oh, what am I saying – of course, you are!
And luckily for you, I have some detailed dart scorer reviews in store for you – so, stay tuned!
Best Dart Scorer Money Can Buy: My Top 7 Favorites
The first one up is a model by Viper – these guys know what it takes to make exceptional darting equipment!
Anyhow, what first got my attention was the fact that it not only allows you to choose between 40 different games and several hundred game options (including custom handicaps, of course) but tracks results for up to eight players, as well.
The unit is battery powered, and although you don’t have the option of using an AC adapter with this one, I don’t think battery life will be an issue – the scorer has both sleep mode and auto shut-off features.
I'm not sure if I should count this as a downside - I should've checked the product's dimensions before ordering - but it's worth mentioning, anyway:
It’s way too small – the entire thing is probably the size of a large calculator!
- Suitable for up to eight players
- The LCD is backlit and reasonably large
- It comes with 40 games and allows you to set custom handicaps
- Visible from the throw line
- Sleep mode and auto shut-off features save battery life
- It’s the size of a large calculator
Another pick from Arachnid is the LCD electronic touchpad dart scorer. If the previous version of our review was a bit too steep for you, let's see if this is a better choice.
Firstly the dart scorer unit is so easy to use!
It's excellent for beginners as well due to the convenient scoring system. When you hit the mark, press that segment and the unit will automatically calculate your score.
Plus, they are an absolute delight to follow! Since the dart scorer allows eight players, the LCD screen rotates the easy tracking system scores.
Oh, and you can also choose between 18 game variations, including Count Up, Count Down, Round The Clock, League 301, and many more!
Listen to this; the dart scorer also includes voice prompts. Whether you are using it for cricket games, player rankings, or sleep mode, the voice option will always notify you.
As for the installation, you can mount this dart scorer on the wall and run it via AC power or three AA batteries.
- Easy installation
- Includes voice prompts
- Beginner-friendly
- LCD screen
- Convenient score-tracking system
- Includes 18 game variations
- Cheaply build
Seriously, is there anything better than the good-old chalk scoreboard? No fancy installations, no worrying about a spare battery set or the nearby power unit.
With the Viper scoreboard, you are already in a familiar field and have nothing to worry about. Starting from the use, I was impressed that the scoreboard can be used both for darts and cricket!
You don't have to purchase a separate set for each game when you have everything you need in this one! The simplicity of it is simply amazing.
Many satisfied dart players have complimented the smooth surface.
Although chalk scoreboards can be straightforward, they sometimes have uneven surfaces that can give you a headache! But, not this one.
Tracking the score is even more comfortable when you have everything you need at arm's reach. Thanks to the attached wood ledge on the scoreboard, your writing essentials will always be nearby.
Now, when it comes to mounting, there is no tricky business. The scoreboard already comes with mounting hardware that makes the building so much easier!
Due to the convenient size, you can install the scoreboard in the cabinet or by the dartboard.
- Smooth writing surface
- Easy installation
- The surface is “too smooth” for some and makes the writing challenge
Can we all agree that simpler is sometimes better?
Every darts player – be it a beginner or an intermediate-level one – needs a good, old-fashioned dry-erase scoreboard – and the one I picked for you today is a budget-friendly model by Piero Lorenzo.
From the smooth, white surface to the visible, necessary labeling, it’s clear that this scoreboard is all about simplicity.
Oh, and it comes with a reusable magnetic sticker base, too, which not only makes the installation easy but allows you to move it around whenever you want, as well!
And while it is, by far, one of my favorite dry-erase scoreboards on the market, there’s one thing that bugged me:
It doesn’t have a marker tray.
You could always buy one of those markers with a magnetic cap, but I still think a tray would’ve been a nice touch.
- Works for both cricket and 01 dart games
- The smooth surface is compatible with all dry-erase markers
- The offer includes a magnetic sticker base
- It’s easy to install and reusable
- It’s an excellent budget-friendly choice
- A marker tray would be nice
I admit – I was in love from the first moment I laid my eyes on the Viper Dry-Erase Scoreboard!
Much like the previously reviewed best dart scorer, the overall focus is on simplicity, but there’s something about its design that tipped the scale for me.
Of course, looks aren’t everything, which is why I’m excited to say that it performs exceptionally well, too:
You can use it for both 01 dart games and cricket, and the smooth surface makes it compatible with any dry-erase marker of your choice.
What I'm about to say could seem harsh, but in the spirit of keeping it real with you, guys, it has to be done:
The dry-erase marker that comes with the scoreboard is absolute junk.
Don’t even bother using it, as it could stain the scoreboard’s surface permanently!
- Suitable for both cricket and 01 dart games
- Its smooth surface works with all dry-erase markers
- Mounting hardware and dry-erase marker are included in the offer
- The installation is easy
- The design is simple, yet beautiful
- The marker doesn’t work
If, by any chance, you ever wondered what it would be like if a dry-erase scoreboard and an electric scorer had a kid together, the Viper Illumiscore might be the answer you were looking for – the perfect crossover between old-school and modern.
So, here’s how it works:
Power it up with batteries or an AC adapter – yes, both options are available – and use the specially designed grease pencils to note down your scores on the surface.
It's like having the simplicity of a dry-erase scorer, minus the smudging, chalk dust and what not. Plus, it looks cool!
Most importantly, clean-up is a breeze – all you need is a dry cloth!
I did have a problem with visibility, though.
Don’t get me wrong, the scores are "readable," but I was hoping to get more than that, you know?
- Suitable for cricket and 01 games
- The surface is smooth and smudge-free
- Mounting hardware and oil pencils are included in the offer
- Clean-up is a breeze
- It has two power options – battery or AC
- The visibility could be better
If you want something that’s both eye-catching and useful, look no further – with its boat-load of handy features, the Arachnid TouchPad Dart Scorer will put pretty much any other model to shame:
I’m talking choosing between 24 different game types, tracking and automatically calculating scores for up to eight players at a time, showing the results on four separate LEDs, handicapping, ranking players – and more!
I almost forgot to mention that it talks, too – well, at least the voice prompts for players make you feel like it does.
Admittedly, it does cost a bit more than the other models on this round-up.
That said, if money isn’t an issue for you, and you want something that will completely transform your game room, and give it that professional feel, then the Arachnid could be the perfect choice for you!
- Works for up to eight players
- It will calculate your scores automatically
- Plenty of adjustable game options
- It features a voice prompt for players
- It has two available power sources – AC and battery
- Suitable for traditional bristle boards
- It’s a bit expensive
In Search Of The Best Dart Scorer: A Detailed Buyer's Guide
How are you supposed to pick the best dart scorer with so many options available?
Keep on reading and find out!
1. Dart Scorers 101: Know Your Options
It's mostly a matter of preference, but here's what you need to know about different dart scorer types before you make the final choice, anyway:
a. Digital Dart Scorers
If you’re thinking of upping the stakes and going pro, at least do it right and get yourself one of these digital dart scorers!
I could go on and on about how convenient these things are, but these three key benefits sum it up pretty nicely:
b. Dry-Erase Dart Scoreboards
They might not be as cool-looking as their digital counterparts, but they’re surprisingly popular, nonetheless – and not without good reason, either:
So, if you're a beginner or an intermediate-level player, and you don't mind doing the calculations yourself, dry-erase dart scoreboards might be a perfect choice for you!
c. Darts Scorer Apps
Can you remember the last time you left the house without your smartphone?
Yeah, I thought so – and if it makes you feel any better, I can’t, either.
You can use that to your advantage – download a dart scoreboard app on your phone. It’s one of the most portable, convenient – and accurate – solutions out there!
But here’s the kicker – well, two, actually:
2. Watch Out For The Size
You’ve seen enough in my dart scorer reviews to know the importance of checking the scoreboard’s dimensions before you place the order. It’s one of those "do as I say, not as I do" moments.
All jokes aside, though, if it ends up being too small, visibility could become a problem – and that’s something you should avoid at all costs.
3. Are There Any Neat Additional Features – And Do You Need Them?
Promise me you won’t let the flashy advertising trick you into buying a model you don’t need, okay?
However, there are a few features you’ll probably find useful:
4. Can You Afford It?
It’s a buzz-killing question, I’ll give you that, but it also helps put things in perspective:
If you’re not that serious about playing darts, and it’s more of a fun way to spend the evening with a few buddies, there no point in paying the big bucks on the fanciest, most advanced scoreboard out there – a "dry erase" or a budget-friendly digital one would do just fine.
You – and your budget – can thank me later.
FAQs
How do you score in darts?
Depending on the dart game, it has a different score.
Below is how to score 501 games - one of the most popular dart games. You can learn more about dart games and how to scoring in the detailed article here.
Each player starts with a 501 score in total. With three dart throws, each time they score, the number is deducted from the 501 one. The goal is to be the first dart player that mounts the score down to zero.
So, the bull's eye has a value of 50 points, outer ring 25, and the dart that lands on double or treble rings double the segment's score.
What is the best electronic dart scorer?
The best electronic dart scorer is the Viper ProScore Dart Scorer.
This exceptional dart scorer has around 40 different games and over a hundred gaming options! It's suitable for a large friend group of eight and battery-powered!
With the sleep mode and shut-off features, you will be using this one for more than a few dart games.
What is the best dart scoring app?
One of the best dart scoring apps out there is Score Darts.
It's completely packed with innovative features and includes scoring from a variety of darting games. Whether you are playing against an opponent or just practicing, Score Darts will be your best helper.
So, Which One’s The Best Dart Scorer?
I know you’re dying to hear which one’s the best dart scorer of the bunch, so I won’t make you wait any longer:
Even with its shortcomings regarding size, the Viper ProScore Digital Dart Scorer still managed to perform flawlessly – and without any visibility issues, too.
Most importantly, it has player’s needs in mind and gives you plenty of room for customizations – from different game types to hundreds of settings; it’s all there!
Before you go about your day, don't forget to drop a comment below and let me know what you think!
- Brings all of the exciting games you find with electronic dartboards, and makes them available for steel tip dartboards
- Features a large, backlit LCD monitor that can easily be seen from the throw line
- Fun for up to 8 players, with 40 games to choose from and 655 game options, including setting custom handicaps
- Designed with an auto-off mode and a sleep mode to help save battery power; The soft keypad allows for clear and easy operation
- Measuring 5" L x 1.5" W x 10.25" H, the Viper ProScore is battery operated, which requires 3 AA batteries (not included)