Keeping score for a darts game sounds simple, in theory.
Sure, keeping score for one or two players might not really be that challenging. But when you throw in 4, 5 or even 8 players into the mix, things can get quite challenging.
Unfortunately, you really don’t want to have to rely on each player to keep his or her own score, because there is always that one person in the crowd that might cheat. And manually tracking each throw can get tedious, real quick.
There's no better way to keep people honest than by taking advantage of a dart scoreboard.
If you want to make keeping score significantly easier, you need to get a good dart scorer. Below, I’ll provide you with tips and suggestions for getting your money’s worth.
Top Dart Scoreboards
1. Arachnid Touch Pad Dart Scorer
The Arachnid Touch Pad Dart Scorer is far superior to the Viper ProScore and pretty much every other digital scorer I've tried.
This product utilizes a four slot LED, which ensures you’ll always be able to see the scores. It's also versatile and capable of keeping track of scores for up to 8 players simultaneously.
The way it works is cool. You simply touch the pad of where the dart went, and it keeps the score for you. So it's kind of like playing with an electronic board, even if you're actually using a bristle. Here's a video of it in action.
You can power it with either AA batteries or AC power.
The Arachnid scorer also features 24 different games, and you can also play the solo mode as well.
Pros
Cons
Overall review: The Arachnid Touch Pad Dart Scorer is a great investment for hobbyists and even bars. If you want to host a party and play darts with your friends, this scoreboard will definitely make the experience so much better.
2. Viper DigiScore Digital Dart Scorer
If you want a Viper dart scorer, this is the one to get, not the Proscore one.
The Viper DigiScore is incredibly affordable, but it gets the job done exceptionally well. In fact, I found it to be just as versatile as many of its much more expensive counterparts.
It tracks scores for up to 8 players at the same time and offers 40 games.
The scoreboard might be small, but it features a large LCD monitor to ensure that you’ll be able to see your score at any given time. Another great thing about this product is that it features an auto-off and sleep mode. This can really help you save batteries.
And speaking of saving battery life, you'll need 3 AA batteries to run this scorer.
Pros
Cons
Overall review: Despite a few minor cons, I can still recommend the Viper DigiScore Digital Dart Scorer to darts hobbyists. This product gets the job done right, yet won’t break the bank. If you’re interested in saving money and don’t want to keep score manually, this is the scorer for you!
3. ActionDart Magnetic Dry Erase Scoreboard
The ActionDart Scoreboard might not be high-tech or digital, but it's still convenient. If you prefer tracking your score manually, this is the best scoreboard for you.
The product measures in at 14” by 10”, so you’ll be able to see your score from the throw line or anywhere else in the room.
Plus, this uses dry erase markers. This means that you’ll be able to use the board over and over again. With the magnetic backing, you can install this scoreboard pretty much anywhere.
Pros
Cons
Overall review: It is really difficult to complain about the ActionDart Magnetic Dry Erase Scoreboard. You’ll agree once you’ve tried it out for yourself. If you don’t mind keeping score manually, this scoreboard will save you money!
4. Stuart Cooper Pro Darts Scorer App
If you want the convenience of having a dart scorer on your phone, the Stuart Cooper Pro Darts Scorer app is worth checking out.
It doesn't come with a bunch of fancy non-essential features. It does what it's supposed to do, keep score.
One of the standout features of the app is the SmartBot. Not only will the SmartBot analyze your recent performances, but also you can update and share your progress online with friends and family. Plus, you can play a game against the SmartBot if you want to practice but don't have someone to play against.
Pros
Cons
Overall review: Like I mentioned in the beginning, I'm not a big user of apps to score dart games, but I found this one to do exactly what I needed it to do. Aside from the Dartbot being extremely random when playing against it, this app definitely gets the job done.
5. Andy Pandy Sports Darts Scoreboard App
The Andy Pandy Sports Darts Scoreboard App has a very user-friendly interface. In fact, the app is laid out in a simplistic manner, where even beginners can catch on in minutes. The app will tally scores for an endless number of players and scores can be recalled in seconds.
It allows throwers to play against 20 computer opponents or with real players.
Pros
Cons
Overall review: As far as free scorer apps go, you will not find a more reliable and accurate app than the Andy Pandy App Scoreboard. With the unlimited amount of players and the ability to track stats for each player and team, you can truly match yourself up against anyone. If you don't mind dealing with ads, then it's a good free option.
Types of Dart Scorers
Before I get to my recommendations, I want to explain the different options you have for dart scorers.
Digital Dart Scorer
Whether you are competing in a tournament or practicing, accurate scoring is crucial. To add convenience to this task, a digital dart scorer is needed.
Digital dart scorers keep tally of scores for up to eight players in most cases (some can keep score for even more).
While there's a broad range of digital dart scoreboards available on the market, some offer more unique features than others. If you're like me, I like to switch up my game, which is why I opted for a scoreboard that offers different game options with setting custom handicaps.
Some electronic dart scorers even include an auto shutoff feature. This means the scorer will automatically switch off, when inactivity is detected for a specific period of time. Bright visibility is also important, since you will not be sitting right next to the scoreboard.
One of the main reasons why people prefer these types of scoreboards is because they eliminate chalk dust and the need for chalk, dry erase markers, and erasers.
One of the downsides to digital scorers is that some of them only show the last score for each player, which can make it extremely difficult to check previous scores. Of course, these scores can be recalled, but it is usually quite a process.
Some electronic scoreboards will go as far as to show the last five previous scores made by each player, so the option is available if this is something you are interested in.
At the end of the day, electronic scoreboards are easier, quicker, and you don't have to worry about making calculations in your head or mathematical errors.
Dart Scoreboard Apps
As an avid dart thrower, I know the importance of keeping accurate scores. Everyone involved in the game will want to have access to the scores throughout the competition.
This is exactly what dart scoreboard apps offer, but so much more. You can download the app on your smartphone and enjoy the convenience of monitoring the most accurate scoring.
The biggest downside to dart scoreboard apps is some of the best ones are not free, costing you anywhere from $1 to $5. Plus, with so many to choose from, there's a chance that not everyone you're playing with will have the same app.
But you can just have one person keep score on their phone.
Personally, I like having a physical scoreboard over an app, because I like to look up and see where everyone stands. It just adds a little more thrill and excitement to the game.
Dry Erase Scoreboard
When it comes to dart scoreboards another option that you have available is the dry erase scoreboard. These scoreboards are extremely popular and are probably one of the most common types used by beginners and intermediate players.
These boards are not only extremely affordable, but they are easy to install and extremely versatile.
While they are handy, you should know that they do come with some downsides.
For instance, you always need dry erase markers and erasers, which is something extra that you're going to have to invest in.
Along with this, you will have to make calculations in your head or have access to a calculator.
So as you can probably tell, my personal preference is a digital dart scorer. It handles the math for you, and they look extremely cool when they're hung up in a game room. Not to mention, it makes the game so much more fun to have the scoreboard up for everyone to see.
Avoid This Dart Scorer
It pains me to have to say this, but Viper really let me down with their digital dart scorer. I'm a huge fan of the brand (they make great darts and boards) but they missed the mark here.
While the product looks pretty cool on the surface, they have some issues that really need to be addressed. The concept is there, but the execution is really disappointing.
First and foremost, the LCD is really problematic. It is difficult to see when used outside or in bright lighting. It's also nearly impossible to see the numbers when the LCD screen is at eye level with you. Plus, it's much smaller than it looks on Amazon.
If you want an actual dart scoreboard that you can use, you’ll need to look elsewhere. The ProScore Digital Dart Scorer doesn’t cut it.
Now that I got that out the way, let's take a look at the dart scorers I do recommend.
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