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Starting your darts journey is an exciting step — but one question almost every beginner asks is: “How much should I spend on my first darts setup?”
The truth is, there’s no single right answer, but here at Throw For 180, we are going to do our best to guide you in the best direction!
First Darts Setup: How Much to Spend?
Ultimately, It depends on your budget, your commitment level, and how seriously you want to take the game.
For some, a simple starter home darts setup is all that’s needed to enjoy throwing darts at home. For others, investing a little more into quality gear makes the game more enjoyable right away.
In this guide, we’ll break things down into three realistic tiers for your first darts setup, budget, intermediate, and advanced, and give you an idea of what you get at each level.
By the end, you’ll know which setup makes the most sense for you right now, and how you can upgrade over time.
Budget Setup (£20–£50) – Perfect for Beginners
If you’re brand new to darts, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with starting small. A budget setup can give you everything you need to play casually at home without breaking the bank, and the types of dartboard include budget options.
What you’ll get in this price range:
- A basic dartboard (often a paper-wound or entry-level bristle board) — £20–£30
- A starter set of darts — £10–£20
- Sometimes bundles with darts and a board included at the lower end
Who this is for:
- Complete beginners who just want to try darts out
- Kids and families looking for casual fun at home
- Players who aren’t sure if they’ll stick with it long term
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy way to get started
- Low risk investment if still unsure
Cons
- Lower durability on boards
- Limited room to progress before upgrade
If you’re testing the waters, there’s no shame in going budget. It’s better to start simple and upgrade later than overspend upfront and realise the game is not for you.
Intermediate Setup (£50–£150) – Best for Hobby Players
This is the sweet spot for most people. If you already know you’ll enjoy darts, or if you want a reliable setup that will last, the intermediate range is a great balance between cost and quality with your first darts setup. It is at this stage where our darts buying guides can highlight additional extras for you to add to the basics.
What you’ll get in this price range:
- A good-quality bristle dartboard (the type used in pubs and clubs) — £40–£60
- One or two sets of darts, possibly with different weights/styles — £20–£40
- Extra gear like a dartboard surround, throw line marker, or storage case — £20–£30
Who this is for:
- Casual players who want a proper dartboard setup at home
- Pub players looking to practice with similar gear to what’s used in matches
- Beginners who know they’ll be playing regularly and want durability
Pros
- Much higher durability that budget setup
- Same board style used in most venues
- Surrounds can protect walls and improve look
Cons
- Higher initial cost than budget setups
- Still not as good as a pro setup
For most players, this is the “best value” option. It’s affordable enough for a home setup, but gives you equipment you won’t outgrow quickly.
Advanced Setup (£150+) – For Dedicated Players
If you’re serious about darts and want a first darts setup that feels like the real deal, then investing in advanced equipment makes sense. This level is aimed at enthusiasts who want their setup to not just function well, but also look and feel professional.
What you’ll get in this price range:
- A top-quality bristle dartboard, similar to those used in televised tournaments — £60–£100
- Premium darts, used by pro darts players, often with specialized grips, coatings, or custom designs — £50+
- A professional stand, cabinet, or wall mount — £50–£100
- Additional extras like electronic scorers, lighting systems, or even a full “darts corner” setup
Who this is for:
- Dedicated darts players looking to practice seriously at home
- Those who want a setup that looks sharp and professional
- Players preparing for local leagues, competitions, or just big enthusiasts
Pros
- Tournament quality feel
- Durable gear, built to last
- Looks impressive & creates darts atmosphere
Cons
- Expensive compared to beginner setup
- Overkill for occasional players
This level isn’t for everyone — but if you’re committed to darts as a long-term hobby or competitive pursuit, the investment is well worth it.
Upgrade as You Go
One of the best things about darts is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to start enjoying the game. You can begin with a first darts setup costing £30, and still have a great time throwing at home, using our darts tips and tutorials to help you improve as a player.
Then, as you play more and get more serious, you can upgrade piece by piece, a better board here, a new set of darts there, until you’ve built a setup that suits you perfectly.
The most important thing is to match your spending to your current interest level. Start small if you’re not sure. Spend more if you know you’re hooked. Don’t make a mistake, as you’ll only buy your first darts setup once!
And remember: the gear matters, but it’s practice that turns 26s into 180s!