While darts is a fun activity for the whole family, there is a certain risk involved with the traditional steel-tip darts. The safer alternative to that is having a magnetic dartboard. Not only will these keep your kids away from danger but will also help spark their love for darts and keep them entertained for hours!
The best magnetic dartboards should be durable, lightweight, highly portable, and most importantly – accurate. One of the most important factors in any of the magnetic models is for the darts to actually stick and not move once landed on the dartboard. To help you filter through the countless models on the market, I’ve compiled this list with some of this year’s top models along with their pros and cons. Below, you’ll see a side by side comparison with their most notable features!
Magnetic Dartboards Comparison Chart
Product | Size | Style | Darts | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Doinkit Darts Kid-Safe | 16 in | Hang up | 6 | |
Street Walk Kids Board | 13.5 in | Hang up | 12 | |
CX L Sum Board | 15 in | Roll up | 12 | |
CUKU Dart Board | 13 in | Hang up | 12 | |
Funsparks Magnetic Dartboard | 14.5 in | Hang up | 12 | |
Power Your Fun Board | 17 in | Roll up | 6 | |
Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board | 11.5 in | Hang up | 6 | |
Rabosky Magnetic Dart Board | 17 in | Roll up | 12 | |
Squad Hero Light-UP | 14 in | Hang up | 6 | |
Aywewii Dart Board | 18 in | Roll up | 12 |
Doinkit Darts Kid-Safe Indoor Magnetic Dart Board
One of the best-selling models for this year is the Doinkit Darts Kid-Safe Indoor magnetic dartboard. It is a fun and engaging option for people that don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on an electronic model. And while it certainly is cheaper than an electronic or bristle dartboard, it still has plenty of features that make it a solid choice for anyone looking to surprise their kids.
This board is specifically designed for the younger generations but is also perfect for the whole family. The board itself is durable and lightweight, so it’s highly portable and designed to handle plenty of wear and tear. The included darts are made out of neodymium, which is the exact type of soft-tipped darts you want. These darts have a reputation for sticking to the board’s surface like glue, so you won’t have to worry about them sliding off the surface with harder throws.
Additionally, the darts are well-balanced and basically indestructible. The board measures 16 inches and comes with a total of six darts. And while the darts are quite unique-looking and perform well, they aren’t 12 just like on some other competing models in this price class. That 16-inch playing field is actually quite decent especially
Pros
- Comes with a set of six darts
- Designed for kid use
- Darts are made out of neodymium
- Low price
- Highly portable
- Durable design
- Decent size
Cons
- Not designed for serious dart players
- Other similarly-priced models have more darts
Conclusion
This board is a great buy for the kids, although parents can also join in on the fun. This is a smaller dartboard, so it’s not a great choice for the serious player who is in search of a board they can use to train on for an upcoming competition. Reasonably priced, durable, and designed specifically with kids in mind, this is a must-have board for the family that loves to play darts together!
Street Walk Kids Board Magnetic Dart Game
The Street Walk Kids Magnetic Dart Game is another competitor in the same price range as the Doinkit dartboard. It has tons of features that make it a good all-rounder that will keep your kids entertained for hours at a time. Thanks to the 12 darts that come with it, it will also allow the adults to join in at the fun without adding unnecessary wait times to the game. The darts are quite magnetized and stick well to the surface of the board. They have a flat front just like any other magnetic dart out there, making them much safer than steel-tip or plastic ones.
The board itself isn’t the largest out there. The reason for that is that it measures just 13.5 inches. And while that is far smaller than most 16-20 inch models out there, it still is good enough for most kids. Size aside, one of the coolest features of this particular model is the fact that it has two aiming surfaces on both sides of the board.
On the front side, it is a true dartboard with regular (and official) zones. On the flip side, it has an Olympic-styled aiming surface with white, black, blue, red, and yellow circle zones. Both zones can take a beating as the board is generally sturdy and durable. In general, magnetic dartboards are far better in terms of longevity since there is no penetration going on when your kids hit the target.
Being a hang-up model, the Street Walk dartboard can be literally attached anywhere. Whether it is a nail in the wall or a wire that is hanging down, you only have to thread it through the top ear of the board and let the kids play. Price-wise, this is also on par with some other models that have fewer darts or are of worse quality.
Pros
- Decently priced
- Practical size
- Great for kids
- Comes with 12 darts
- Has two target sides
- Strong magnets
Cons
- Very small
- Not ideal for adults
- Very loud
Conclusion
When it comes to budget dartboards that will be a great gift for your kids, few are the models that come close to this one. It is fairly small but super practical when it comes to moving it around. It comes with all the accessories you need and is safe enough for your kids to spend hours at a time on it. If you’re looking for something affordable, safe, and plenty fun, this should be at the top of your shortlist!
CX L Sum Magnetic Dart Board
The CX L Sum magnetic dartboard offers something slightly different from the rest of the competitors. Apart from being cheaper than most other magnetic models, this one is also rollable. What that means is that it comes in a soft form-factor that can roll up and be carried along with your and your kids anywhere you go. Additionally, once deployed, the surface of this dartboard is quite a bit bigger than other hard models. This makes it easy to hit and a much safer option for people that want to preserve the wall behind.
Another cool thing about this board is that it comes with 12 magnetic darts. They are all flat-tipped and have quite a strong magnetism when it comes to sticking to their target. There are a total of 4 colors – blue, green, red, and yellow, for each 3 of the darts. That makes this game ideal to play by 4 kids or the whole family. On the front side of the board, you have a classic dartboard layout with the classic scoring zones. However, on the backside, you have bull’s eye target zones. This means that you are essentially getting two games for the price of one on top of everything else.
Size-wise, this board is 15 inches but it is super compact once rolled up. It attaches to basically anything that sticks out via a durable string. The material from which the board is made is flexible and quite durable so you shouldn’t worry too much about the kids damaging it due to extensive playing.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Highly portable
- Rollup design
- Has two game faces
- Comes with 12 darts
- Strong magnets
- Perfect for kids
Cons
- Not as sturdy as some solid round models
- Bounce-outs are frequent
- The darts aren’t of the best quality
Conclusion
As a whole, this is a unique-looking board that will come loaded with darts enough for the whole family to have fun together. The rollup design is another cool feature that allows you to take the board with you anywhere you travel. All in all, at this price, with that many accessories and that level of practicality, there are virtually no reasons to skip this model other than you looking specifically for a solid round dartboard.
CUKU Magnetic Dart Board
The CUKU magnetic dartboard is very similar to the Street Walk kids one. They share the same platform and features, although this one is slightly more expensive which is why I put it slightly lower on my rankings. The CUKU board is a durable and lightweight option that comes with tons of darts and two playfields on both sides. It is ideal for large families or people that want to surprise their kids with an engaging and fun game!
As with most other models in this price range, this model comes with 12 individual darts. They are all colored red, yellow, or green, allowing for intense 3-player games. Other games often color-code their darts in pairs of 3, allowing them to be played by 4 players at the same time. Still, the darts are fairly sturdy and their magnets work well, even though there are bounce-outs from time to time. One thing that I don’t like is that the board is quite noisy, so have that in mind when you’re choosing a wall to mount it on. And speaking of mounting, there is a single hole at the top of the board that allows you to attach it anywhere you want.
In terms of its size, this dartboard is 13 inches which is one of its biggest downsides. I personally prefer 15 or 16-inch boards since they will allow the kids to get used to the overall dimensions of official dartboards. This is especially important if you want your kids to start participating in local tournaments and become better at the sport. One last thing to mention is that there are two playing surfaces on both sides of this board – one is a traditional darts one and the other one is a bull’s eye game with circular zones scored from 1 to 10.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to hang
- Comes with 12 darts
- Magnets work fairly well
- Decent build quality
- Has two playing fields
Cons
- Bounce-outs aren’t uncommon
- Fairly loud
Conclusion
The CUKU magnetic dartboard copies what many other companies use as a winning formula. It comes at a fairly reasonable price, includes 12 color-coded magnetic darts, and has two faces with different games on both sides. If you really think about it, this is pretty much all your kids will need. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to real dartboards for your kids, this is something worth considering!
Funsparks Magnetic Dartboard Game
The Funsparks Magnetic Dart Board Game is one of the better all-rounders out there that has one quality to its advantage – it is super cheap. Compared to other similar models, this one is almost half the price and offers little to no compromises. Perhaps one of its biggest downsides is that it doesn’t come with a second playing surface on its back like some other more expensive models. Still, this is a solid choice for anyone looking for a durable and fun magnetic board for their kids!
This board comes with a set of 12 soft-tipped magnetic darts that are safe for kids to use. The darts are designed to easily stick to the board’s surface, without sliding, while the durable board itself is highly portable and easy to install. Additionally, they are color-coded in two sets of 6 darts – one set is green and the other one is red. This is good if you want your kids to easily identify their darts and count their scores easier.
This board can be used by the entire family and is perfect for users of all skill levels. The board measures 14.5 inches and comes with an easy mount design that will allow you to install the board in just five minutes. The size is actually fairly decent, even though I personally prefer having a larger 15-17 inch dartboard that will help kids get used to the official size easier.
Pros
- Includes a set of twelve darts
- Durable
- Very affordable
- Color-coded darts
- Strong magnets
- Easy to install
- Perfect for players of all ages
Cons
- Small playing surface size
- Can be loud
- Doesn’t come with 2 sides as other similar models
- Bounce outs are common
Conclusion
This board is a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels. The included darts will stick solidly to the playing surface, so you won’t have to worry about bounce-outs or the darts sliding. This model is lightweight, durable and a great buy for the family on a tight budget or those who are searching for a kid-friendly board that’s able to handle plenty of wear and tear!
Power Your Fun Magnetic Dartboard for Kids
The Power Your Fun Magnetic Dart Board is another popular roll-up style magnetic dartboard that’s specifically designed for kids. The board is highly portable and comes with six magnetic darts, six dart balls, and one two-sided dartboard, complete with an alien theme on one side and the traditional dartboard design on the other. As a whole, it offers a ton of entertainment for your kids and has a practical design that makes it a must-have for families that are often on the go!
On both sides, the board itself is very colorful. The graphics are unique and will truly “wow” your kids when they first see it. Thanks to the rollup design, the game is also easy to install and can be taken down at the end of the day if you don’t have the room to set up a dedicated dartboard space in the home.
This is also helpful if you like to bring a little bit of entertainment when you travel with your kids. Apart from the aliens and darts games, there are also two bullseye boxes at the bottom of the board. You can compete with your kids for who will hit the small dots in these boxes which is a ton of fun.
The board is recommended for children ages six and up and can be a great way for the whole family to enjoy a fun game of darts at home or on vacation, thanks to the highly portable design. And while there aren’t 12 darts in this set, the 6 dart balls more than makeup for that. Actually, having 2 games in one is often the better solution as it will keep your kids engaged for longer. This is especially true if the second game is something quite different and unique as the Throwing aliens game here.
Pros
- Two-sided design
- Very affordable
- Has a bullseye game
- Large 17-inch playing field
- Designed for kids ages six and up
- Includes six magnetic darts and 6 balls
- Highly portable
Cons
- Not designed for older children or adults
- Not as sturdy as a hard board
- The build quality isn’t stellar
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a board that you can use to teach your younger child how to throw darts, then this model is the perfect buy. It features a colorful two-sided design, is highly portable, and easy to hang. The lightweight design makes it perfect for vacation use or it can be taken down and stored when not in use. While this model is not designed for older children and adults, it’s the perfect size for young children who have shown an interest in learning how to throw darts like mom and dad!
Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board
The Toysmith magnetic dartboard is one of the smallest models on this list. However, it is also one of the cheapest making it a pretty good alternative for people on a tight budget that wants something small and practical for their kids. That being said, this particular model is truly geared towards the youngest generations and is specifically designed for smaller kids. If you’re looking to buy something interesting for kids aged above 8 years old, I would recommend looking at 15-inch models or bigger.
Despite its size, the Toysmith board has plenty of things going on for it. It is super lightweight and can be put on any surface presuming you have the means. In general, it is meant to be laid flat with your kids throwing the darts at it. While that isn’t ideal, it still works very well since you can virtually put the board anywhere around the house. Another thing that I like about it is that it mimics the more expensive and professional bristle dartboard color schemes. This will allow your kids to get accustomed to what you’re eventually going to get them later on!
The board comes with 6 color-coded magnetic darts. While they aren’t of the best quality, they do stick well to the board and are safe for smaller kids thanks to their flat tips. There are no two-sided games here, nor additional darts for the whole family to play with which makes this a pretty stripped-down kids board that is mostly geared towards kids aged 5-8 who are just now starting to find interest in sports such as darts.
Pros
- Portable
- Extremely cheap
- Won’t damage any surface you put it on
- Color-coded darts
- Bounce-outs are hard
- Perfect for younger kids
- Mimics a true bristle dartboard
Cons
- Only has 6 darts
- Very small target
- No way to hang it on a wall
- A bit loud
- The build quality isn’t great
Conclusion
As a whole, the Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board does everything that it is supposed to do. It has a fairly strong magnetic field that will allow the darts to stick easily to it. And while the size and amount of darts you get is underwhelming, remember that this is also one of the cheapest magnetic kids dartboards out there, making it the perfect choice for someone who is on a tighter budget but still wants to introduce their young kids to the great game of darts!
Rabosky Magnetic Dart Board
The RaboSky Magnetic dartboard for kids is one of the biggest dartboards on this list. Despite it being a rollup board, it still features not one but two huge playing surfaces for your kids. I particularly enjoy the large since it gives you two advantages – it makes for an easier target and it protects your walls far better than smaller 11-15 inch models. On top of all that, this board is actually a solid bang for the buck, considering it is cheaper than most smaller models out there!
This is another great buy for the kids and is designed for children ages six and up. The board is made out of thick, durable material and comes with a total of twelve darts that are equipped with high-quality magnets. The darts are color-coded into two groups – yellow and red. This allows your kids to track their scores much easier. The tips of the darts are flat, so you shouldn’t worry about unintentional injuries too much. The magnetics of the board and the darts’ are decent but there can be some sliding around and bounce outs if the darts doesn’t hit too good.
This being a roll-up board, it makes it highly portable and perfect for those road trips to grandma’s house, homes that are tight on space, or vacation use. This is a two-sided board, so it can be used to play a traditional game of darts on one side-and other dart-based games on the other.
Pros
- Quite durable
- Portable
- Very affordable price
- Two-sided design
- Comes with 12 darts
- Large playing surface
Cons
- Not as sturdy as a solid dartboard
- The build quality of the darts is mediocre
- The magnets aren’t as strong as some other models
Conclusion
This model comes with a thirty-day money-back guarantee, which will be a big selling point for parents. This portable, lightweight dartboard is a steal for the price and a perfect choice for the kids. The biggest drawback is the soft-tipped darts, which have a reputation for sliding on the surface of the board, which can be frustrating for players of all ages. However, this won’t be an issue for many younger players who are just learning how to throw. This is a great buy for younger children, and for homes that don’t have the room to set up a dedicated dartboard space!
Squad Hero Light-UP Magnetic Dartboard
The Light-UP Magnetic dartboard from Squar Hero is one of the most unique-looking models out there. It goes without saying that its standout feature is the fact that it actually glows in the dark. This makes it one of the most attractive (at least visually) games for young kids that love playing darts. On top of all that, the board itself isn’t even that expensive, making it quite the competitor to other models in its price bracket.
This is a fun, eye-catching light-up magnetic dartboard that’s perfect for both kids and adults. The board features a backlit LED design, with lights that are powered by four AAA batteries or it can be recharged via a USB cable. The set comes with six glow-in-the-dark soft-tipped magnetic darts. It measures at around 14 inches which isn’t ideal but is still larger than most 11-13 inch models out there. This light-up magnetic dartboard, complete with glow-in-the-dark darts, can add a whole new level of excitement to a fun family game night and it’s a great option for players of all ages.
Apart from the slightly smaller footprint, there are a few things that I don’t like about this board which is why it is so deep down on my top 10 list. First of all, it takes a ton of time to recharge. Secondly, the darts are only 6 so your kids won’t be able to play with more than 1 or 2 friends at a time. When the darts break you also won’t have replacements, and they will break eventually.
Pros
- Glow in the dark darts
- LED powered dartboard
- Portable
- Affordable price
- Magnets are decent
- Safe for kids
- Looks really cool
Cons
- Smaller size makes this model a poor choice for the serious dart player
- Must be charged for three hours
Conclusion
This unique magnetic dartboard allows you to enjoy a fun and challenging game of darts with the use of soft-tipped glow-in-the-dark darts. The board is battery-powered or it can be recharged via a USB cable. The charge time may seem a little lengthy to some, but the board can be used for at least five hours per charge. This is definitely a board that both kids and parents will love, however, the smaller playing surface may make this a poor choice for the serious dart player!
Aywewii Magnetic Dart Board
Last on this list is the Aywewii Dart Board. It is one of the cheaper models out there that features two unique games and a rollup design that makes it highly portable and convenient for people that like to bring their kids’ favorite toy along.
Even despite being one of the cheapest models on this list, this is ironically the biggest board here. It measures 18 inches across and has two huge playing surfaces on both sides. One of the surfaces features a traditional darts layout while the other has a cool-looking graphic of a baby shark eating a bull’s eye game. The board comes with 12 darts divided into two color groups – red and green. The darts aren’t particularly well-built but their tips are safe for kids and tend to stick fairly well to the board when thrown correctly. Still, you should expect a few bounce-outs or slides here and there.
On the side of the traditional darts game, there are also two additional boxes for a bull’s eye game. That will train your kids’ accuracy by making them hit one of the 6 dots on each side of the board. This might even prove to be a challenge for the adults in the room!
Pros
- Quite cheap
- Two individual games
- Comes with 12 darts
- Rollup design is very practical
- Two bull’s eye rectangles
- Easy to carry around
Cons
- Darts don’t always stick well
- Bounce-outs are common
- Build quality is mediocre
Conclusion
To mention some of the downsides of this board, it isn’t built to last and the magnets in it aren’t the strongest out there. However, it is priced very competitively and, as I already mentioned, it has a huge playing surface. These features alone are the reason it is in my top 10 list, even despite being last. Add to that the fact that you get 12 darts and two individual games on both sides and you get quite the compelling game to consider along with the rest of the models at this price!
Magnetic Dartboards Buyer’s Guide
These types of dartboards are among the most affordable on the market. As I mentioned earlier, they’re also considered the safest option for children and family use, since these boards use soft-tipped darts, not the steel-tipped darts that traditional boards use.
These boards use darts that come equipped with magnets on one end that are designed to stick to the surface of the board. However, not all magnetic boards are created equal, so it can be challenging to find a board that comes with high-quality darts that will stick well to the surface.
Features to Look For
Fortunately, there are many options on the market to choose from, but if you’re new to darts, you may not know which features matter, what size of board to get, or what you can expect from one of these boards, in terms of performance. Here are the main features that we will go through now:
- Size
- Material
- Types
- Darts
- Installation
- Dart protection
- Price
I’ll start off by going over the size options available and how to choose a model based on the player’s age and skill level…
Size
According to dart rules, a regulation-sized dartboard measures in at eighteen-inches in diameter. However, the magnetic dartboard usually measures in at sixteen inches. You can also find these boards available in larger or smaller sizes, but the sixteen-inch sized board is the most common.
If you’re choosing the board for a kid’s present, I suggest sticking to a smaller size. That will be cheaper, easier to carry with you on a trip, and will even improve the kid’s accuracy. With time, you can get a bigger dartboard and even switch to soft tip and then steel-tip darts!
Material
These boards are made out of a thin sheet of metal. A type of thick material, such as velvet will cover the circular metal base. On top of the velvet is the numbered segments, which are made out of metal and rubber. Most models feature a lightweight design that makes them highly portable and easy to install.
These boards are significantly lighter than other types of dartboards such as electronic and bristle, which makes them easier to install and transport.
Types
These boards are available in a couple of standard design options; hang-up and roll-up. Roll-up boards are two-sided and can be hung up pretty much anywhere. They’re the most affordable style of magnetic dartboard and are not designed for the serious dart player.
Hang-up dartboards feature a single hole located on the top, which you can use to hang it. This type of dartboard is more durable than the hang-up model and comes with a higher price tag.
There’s also a standalone style magnetic board, however, these boards are not quite as common as the other two options. A standalone board comes with its own base and can be moved from room to room.
Darts
These boards usually come with a total of six to twelve darts that are available in a variety of designs, such as flat-headed or bottlecap. If you’re looking for a top of the line magnetic board, make sure the board uses neodymium magnetic darts, which have a reputation for sticking well to the board’s surface. Low-quality soft-tipped darts will slide or easily bounce off the board’s surface.
Most companies will also sell sets of darts separately, so you can purchase extra sets directly from the manufacturer.
Installation
Hanging one of these boards is pretty easy, especially when compared to heavier, larger traditional boards. However, you’ll still need to carefully measure the available space in your home and determine if you have enough room to accommodate a dartboard setup. When you’re setting up a board, make sure there is adequate space and a sufficient distance between the player and the board. The official distance from the board to the thrower is seven to nine feet when playing with steel-tipped darts.
For soft-tipped darts, the distance should be eight feet. If you have small children who are practicing dart drills, you can move the throwing line closer, gradually increasing the distance once they’ve learned how to land a shot.
Dart Protection
Of course, you won’t have to worry about the same type of wall damage that you would if you were using a steel-tipped dart set, but even soft-tipped darts can ding or nick the walls and ruin the paint job. I recommend using a dart mat, which can be hung behind the board and works to protect the walls and any surrounding objects.
Price
Last but not least, you should consider the price of these dartboards. Even though most models are far cheaper than most bristle and electronic models out there, there still are magnetic dartboards that can easily be outside of your initial budget. Make sure that you know where you’re money is going when buying a premium model, since these often take advantage of their brand name for quite the price mark up.
Magnetic Dartboard Benefits
Darts can be a fun and exciting sport that the whole family can participate in. However, if you have younger children, it’s important that you choose the safest type of board on the market, which is the magnetic dartboard. Below, you can learn more about the many benefits linked to this style of dartboard and why it will be the best option for families with smaller children.
- These boards can be a better option than a traditional board for many reasons.
- First, they’re a more affordable option compared to traditional dartboard sets, so they’re a great choice for the family on a tight budget.
- Additionally, they’re a much safer option for the kids, compared to steel-tipped darts, so you can play darts as a family, without the fear of injury. Using one of these boards can help your child become more interested in the sport, allowing you to start teaching your child how to consistently hit the bullseye at a young age. As your child grows older, you can upgrade the board to a traditional bristle dartboard.
- Installing one of these boards is a cinch and will not require any serious hardware that can damage your wall.
- Most of these models are highly portable, so you can take the board from room to room or bring it along on your next family vacation.
- If you don’t have much space to work with in the home, then you can easily take down one of these boards at the end of the day or when not in use. This is a great choice for homes that don’t have room for a dedicated dartboard setup.
FAQ
What dartboards do professional darts players use?
Most professional dartboard players use bristle dartboards. However, as there are plenty of tournaments out there, other types of dartboards also get included. Apart from bristle dartboards, the most common one used in local games is the electronic dartboard.
Do magnetic dartboards work well?
Depending on their quality, magnetic dartboards can be surprisingly effective as simulating an electronic dartboard. Their darts are rarely well-balanced but higher-end models tend to mimic steel-tip dart weights pretty good. And while accuracy is slightly compromised, the fun factor is definitely still there!
How long do magnetic dartboards last?
As a whole, these types of dartboards tend to outlast the others since. The reason for that is that there is no piercing of the darts when you’re aiming. On top of that, expensive models are still made with a bristle top layer which can last quite a long time.
Final Thoughts
The best magnetic dartboards should be durable, lightweight, and should come equipped with high-quality darts that have a reputation for sticking to the board’s surface without sliding. The boards that I’ve included in my top 10 lineup are all known for their durability, portability, and overall quality. If you’re new to the world of darts, then this buyer’s guide will help you choose a model that will work for you, your family, and your budget!