Darts and the board itself are usually the top priorities when a newcomer invests in a game room at home.
But your set won't be complete until you attach good dartboard lights into it, especially when you intend to play this exciting game at night time or in your basement.
If you're still clinging to the idea that the general lighting of your room can cast enough light across your board, we have some bad news for you.
Typical room lights can't illuminate properly and provide enough visibility. On top of that, you won't have a gaming vibe that a dedicated lighting system can give.
With the best dartboard lights we’re going to introduce to you here, those sources of headaches for darts players will go away immediately.
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Best Dartboard Lights Money Can Buy: My Top 7 Favorites
Many have said that Target was the pioneer of dartboard lighting, and, truth be told, that statement is not over the top.
The Vision 360 Lighting System from Target is the first model that features a halo ring of 125 LEDs to eliminate dart shadow and provide an even light on the dartboard.
It has even been approved by the WDF (World Darts Federation) thanks to its efficiency.
The Corona Vision shares the same design.
The only difference is that this newer version comes with a magnet attachment, allowing you to attach it to the steel ring on your dartboard.
This mechanism makes the installation process a million times easier. If you're already familiar with dartboard lights, it may even take you longer to open the box than set up this light system.
Thanks to the Titan locking brackets, it can fit nicely to any standard dartboard and remains fixed on your wall.
Additionally, the feet are adjustable so you can balance it on an uneven wall (you can learn more about setting up your dartboard here.)
With the 360-degree lighting approach, the Target Corona Vision gives a consistent light across the face of the dartboard.
The LEDs also don't suffer from flickering - a common issue for many systems, especially short-lifespan halogen bulbs.
On top of that, this innovative design blows fresh air into the look of your dartboard.
The frame surrounding the LED lights are made from sturdy steel and last several years with no issue.
Even in case you miss the mark, and the stray darts hit this lighting system, they won't result in any serious damage. This frame doesn't interfere with your shots and gives you plenty of room to play with.
But there are a couple of things you must keep in mind.
This is in no way a budget lighting system, so unless you are really into darts, it'd be a much wiser choice to go for a cheaper model.
Plus, as the Corona Vision uses magnets for mounting, you have to make sure that your dartboard has a metal ring on the outside before installing it.
- A proven design from a reputable brand
- Durable frame
- Magnetic attachment
- No shadow, glare or flickering
- Fit to any standard-size dartboard
- Pricey
- The dartboard must have a metal ring
As we have said, Unicorn Dart has introduced its own dartboard lighting system that was inspired by the design of the Target Vision from Target.
And such a pleasant coincidence, the Solar Flare is the combination of this 360-degree lighting approach and other unique features, making it a worthwhile choice if you're seeking an alternative to the Corona Vision.
The Unicorn Solar Flare requires no assembly from you after unboxing.
It's a lighting system that is ready-to-use right out of the box and can fit into most bristle dartboards, like Winmau Blade 5. Just attach it around your dartboard, then plug it into a power outlet, and you're ready to go.
To add to that, it can even work on a portable stand with no wall mounting. However, make sure that your dartboard can support the weight of the Unicorn Solar, and don't forget to clip it for a secure attachment.
Like the Corona Vision, the brightness of this Unicorn model goes beyond expectations of a dartboard lighting system.
With the ring of LEDs surrounding your dartboard, it offers an evenly bright illumination with no glare across it. As a result, you won't face an eye-piercing light that may ruin the game for you and your friends.
In order to support the LED lights, the robust frame is manufactured with the injection molding process and equipped with aluminum cover. This makes sure that the system can withstand any dart that has gone wrong.
In addition to the ability to provide extra lighting in low-light conditions, the Solar Flare Surround also puts some nice touches into the aesthetics of your dartboard.
A major improvement of this lighting system compared to Target's model above is that it comes with a multi-adapter, allowing it to work with any power system in any region.
However, the ring isn't as wide as that of the Corona Vision, which is a big issue if you want to target double scoring zones. Throwing the darts into this ring may even damage them a bit.
- Fit most dartboards
- Ready to use, no assembly required
- 360-degree lighting design
- Sturdy aluminum cover
- Small ring; may damage your darts
- Still quite expensive
Apart from the simple dartboards that are installed on the back of your door or on the wall, dart cabinets are also popular among expert players.
To fully take advantage of this equipment, a good lighting system is a must.
Luckily for you, Viper - one of the most reputable darts cabinet brands - has a great display light model.
Designed to be attached on top of your dartboard, the Shadow Buster can quickly transform and highlight your darts cabinets, making it the centerpiece of your game room.
There are 3 adjustable light pods on each unit that release a powerful light into the dartboard below. You can move these bright lights to adjust the coverage depending on the size of your dartboard. You can even flip it up to close your cabinet.
The Viper Shadow Buster is available in both versions: battery-operated, which brings a convenient cordless experience, and AC model. Remember that you need to purchase the power adapter separately.
However, you may face some troubles while installing this because Viper apparently provides no instructions in the box.
This lighting system also creates some weird shadows across the dartboard and will vibrate every time your darts hit it.
- Suitable with darts cabinets
- Inexpensive
- Convenient design
- Available in both corded and cordless versions
- No installation instruction
- Have shadows
Who says that you must use a lighting system designed specifically for dartboards to play a game in the dark?
A versatile picture light like this model from BigLight proves that you have many more options than sticking with traditional design without compromising its functionality.
The BigLight wireless wall light is operated by batteries.
It is a multi-purpose product and originally intended to be used for your bookshelf, kitchen display, artwork, and pictures.
But with the amazing illuminating capability and mounting, it can cast light on your dartboard just fine.
This picture light is made from lightweight tubes that you can freely rotate to your desired direction.
Since it's designed for wall-mounting, your dartboard doesn't need any special feature to work with it. You can just attach this wall light to any surface above your dartboard with screws.
Each BigLight unit has 12 super bright 100-lumen LEDs and 3 lighting modes with different color temperatures (Cool White: 8000K, Natural White: 4300K, Warm White: 3000K).
They are also totally dimmable: on the remote control, you can immediately switch the brightness between 100% and 50%, and if you need smaller adjustments, just press the "+" and "-" buttons.
However, the lack of 360-degree design means you may see shadows on the surface of your dartboard.
Additionally, be aware that the dimensions provided by BigLight are not correct.
This picture light is just 13 inches wide, meaning you may need a second one to cover a large area.
- Cheap
- Versatile with multiple purposes
- Wireless
- Easy to install
- Many features with remote control
- Small light coverage
- May have shadow and glare
- Not suitable for professional players
Did you like the BIG LIGHT LED Picture Light we reviewed previously? Just wait!
We have prepared another pick for those of you who want a dartboard light you can use all around!
There is no need to settle down for only one when you can get the versatile use out of LUXSWAY as well!
Let’s cover the technical parts first, and then we will move on to the good stuff. The LUXSWAY rechargeable light is a gallery light with 12 pcs of insanely bright LED powered by a 4400 mAh lithium battery.
All of your dart sessions will be supported by this gallery light since the runtime is around 60 hours.
Plus, you can customize the atmosphere in your gaming room with three modes of lighting. You can choose from warm white, natural white, and cool white lighting and set the tone for your next dart match.
No matter where you install the dartboard, this light will follow it! It has a rotatable light tube, which can be adjusted from 180 degrees to your desired position.
If you tend to forget the lights in your bathroom, the chances of forgetting to turn this one off are high!
For this reason, the LUXSWAY includes a timer button. You can set the desired time and choose between 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes or runtime.
After that, the light will turn off and save you from a high electricity bill.
- Rotatable light
- Auto timer
- Different lighting variations
- Easy installations
- Not bright enough for some
Another pick from LUXSWAY is slightly different from the previous one but highly effective during late-night dart matches.
Like the previous LUXSWAY, this one is as well versatile. You can use it anywhere in the house or workshop where you need light support the most.
With the spotlight design, this light’s head can be rotated from 160 degrees and down. Or, you can turn it 330 degrees in left or right and enjoy your relatively lighter dartboard area. However, I advise you don’t go ‘too crazy’ with the turning and damage of the product.
What truly impressed most of the customers and myself is the lifespan!
The spotlight is supported by the triple AA batteries and can offer up to 30,000 hours of a run! How impressive is that?!
The spotlight has an auto timer for wise energy savings that allows you to set the timer for 1,2,3 or 4 hours. Not only will you save up on the bill, but you will also prolong the life of the battery.
Since the LUXSWAY spotlight has only one light setting (warm white), it’s worth mentioning that it also features a dimmable button. You can either decrease or increase the light and enjoy the atmosphere you created.
Not everybody likes to be bothered with the tricky installation. This is one of the reasons I was impressed by this product. It comes with hook and loop tapes that can stick to any surface!
Plus, the product is super inexpensive! You can enjoy your darts even if you are on a tight budget.
- Affordable
- Dimmable lighting system
- Easy installation on any surface
- Auto timer
- Cheap design
Winmau is another company that has followed suit and made its own 360-degree illuminating system for dartboards - Winmau Plasma.
But this time around, it doesn't use the magnet bracket mounting like the Target Corona Vision or Unicorn Solar Flare. Instead, you can insert the Plasma system with screws securely into your dartboard.
The installation process is actually easier than it may sound: just follow the setup instructions from Winmau, and the bracket will fall perfectly into place.
Apart from this mounting mechanism, the Winmau Plasma doesn't bear any huge difference from the models from Target and Unicorn.
Thanks to the 360-degree lighting design, it provides a bright illumination on the surface of your dartboard.
Even in a completely dark room, not even a single shadow can creep into your game - the powerful light will tear through them all.
The aluminum makes the entire system not only lighter but also more durable in case you hit it accidentally with your darts. You can fit it into any standard dartboard on the market.
Similarly, no matter what kind of power outlet you have at home, the Winmau Plasma will have no trouble working with it thanks to the included international plug adaptor kit.
With almost the same design and build, it's not a surprise that this lighting system is sold at the same price range as the models above.
But if you can afford it and prefer a high-quality system, then why not?
Just keep in mind that while the screwing creates a more secure attachment, it needs more effort and also creates some dirt around your wall.
- Inserting with screws instead of magnets
- 360-degree surrounding lights
- Robust build
- Work with most dartboards and power outlets
- Not significantly cheaper than the Target and Unicorn models
- Need to screw manually
Buying Guide For Best DartBoard Lights
Before buying any recommended product, you should grasp the bigger picture of how to determine the right dartboard lights for you.
Even though lighting systems for dartboards don't carry too many features and specifications, there are still some factors you should not ignore.
1. Brands
A reputable brand doesn't only provide a higher-quality product but also has a better warranty policy and customer service.
Listen here; you don't buy dartboard lights just for just about a week or a month of illumination, which is sometimes the lifespan of unknown brands.
And if you want a system that can provide great visibility and last long enough, always opt for a renowned brand like Viper, Target, or Winmau.
Another important advantage these top-notch companies have is the experience they have gained over time.
Most of them also make dartboards, so as a result, they understand darts through and through, something cannot be found in those brands that have just been around for a year or two.
2. Design
The most popular design of dartboard lights is the 360-degree lighting system.
This sometimes utilizes more than a hundred LED lights to illuminate your dartboard, resulting in an even glow with no shadow or glare.
But this kind of lighting system is also more expensive, not to mention it is so complicated to repair by yourself.
Another common type is the simple picture lights, which usually consist of fewer LEDs that you can mount on top of your dartboards.
Of course, fewer bulbs means less manufacturing costs, and they are a lot cheaper.
Another trait that we have to give credit for is that they come in more sizes and offer various features.
However, shadows and inadequate lighting are two common issues with this kind of design.
3. Corded or Cordless
Some models are battery-powered, meaning you will not have to work out the trouble of freeing the tangled cords out of the mess they are often in.
But they also increase the chance of losing your board illumination if you don't notice the remaining capacity of their life source.
There are systems that use an AC adapter, but even these have their own issue too.
Some only come with a single type of plug that isn't compatible with the outlet you have.
4. Price
The cost of a lighting system for dartboards can range from a few dozens to more than one hundred dollars.
This huge gap in price often comes from the differences in lighting capacity and how their frame is made.
Our advice is to follow the cost and quality of your existing darts equipment.
If you already have a high-grade dartboard and want to have a whale of a time playing it in the dark, don't mind spending some money in a high-end lighting system.
FAQs
How to light a dartboard?
The cheapest way to light a dartboard would be to purchase a spotlight like LUXSWAY Wireless LED Spotlight and mount it above the dartboard.
However, if you want something specifically designed for dartboard lighting, we recommend the TARGET Corona Vision Lighting and create the ultimate atmosphere in your man cave.
How to light a dartboard in a cabinet?
For cabinet lighting, our best recommendation is the Viper by GLD Products Viper Shadow.
It is designed to be mounted above the dartboard with three adjustable light pods.
You can also move them lower or higher, depending on your preference, and flip them up when you close the cabinet.
What is the best dartboard light?
The best dartboard light is the TARGET Corona Vision Lighting.
This model features 125 LED’s that eliminate shadow and offer great lighting to your favorite dartboard.
Due to its high efficiency, the product has been approved by the World Darts Federation.
Final Words
As you can see, there is a huge difference in the design and price of all the dartboard lights that have ever come to the market.
Some provide a simple and cheaper system that can be used in other situations, while others are more expensive dedicated systems that work perfectly with any standard-size dartboards.
Our top choice is the TARGET Corona Vision Lighting System.
It features a proven design from a reputable brand, has a durable frame, magnetic attachments, and many other features that make it one of the best dartboard lights on the market.
At the end of the day, the choice of the best dartboard lights is totally upon you.
The right system is the one that provides adequate lighting without producing game-ruining shadow or burning a hole in your pocket.
- LED DARTBOARD LIGHT SURROUND: The lighting system boasts a 360-degree LED design that provides complete and even illumination for your dartboard. This design eliminates shadows and enhances visibility.
- QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: Installation is hassle-free, requiring no additional tools. The magnetic feet allow you to easily attach the Corona light to your dartboard within seconds.
- FITS ALL DART BOARDS: The lighting system is designed to fit seamlessly with all types of dartboards, including cabinet sets, surrounds, and professional setups. It's versatile and can be attached to various systems.
- SHADOWLESS LIGHTING SYSTEM: With 123 built-in LED lights, the Corona Lighting System ensures there are no shadows cast on your dartboard. This consistent lighting is effective in both well-lit and darker rooms.
- DURABLE QUALITY: The system is constructed using robust materials, making it capable of enduring direct hits from stray darts. This durability contributes to its long-lasting performance.