Comparison

Hardware-First Turn Trackers vs. App-Based Turn Trackers

App-based turn trackers can be excellent for session management, stats, profile data, tournaments, and phone-based workflows. Hardware-first trackers are better when the main problem is shared table visibility.

01

Hardware-first strengths

A physical beacon is visible to the whole table, does not require everyone to check a screen, and makes turn handoffs part of the tabletop experience.

02

App-based strengths

Apps are strong when the table wants rich session data: play history, stats, tournaments, profiles, and deep digital records.

03

The practical answer

Use an app-first tool when the data is the product. Use a hardware-first tool like Game Beacons when the table needs to see whose turn it is.

Available now

Buy the Game Beacon Tabletop Turn Tracking System

Finished hardware is the main purchase path. DIY digital files are available for makers who want to build their own beacons.

Game Beacons 4-Beacon Bundle

4-Beacon Bundle

$299

A ready-to-play 4-beacon starter pack for smaller board game nights.

Available now - US only View option
Game Beacons 6-Beacon Bundle

6-Beacon Bundle

$457

A finished 6-beacon setup for groups that often play 5-6 player games.

Available now - US only View option
Game Beacons DIY Digital Files

DIY Digital Files

$65

Firmware, printable housing files, and activation for makers building their own Game Beacons.

Available now - US and international View option