There are many elements that separate trivia game shows from regular trivia games. Some of these elements, like a live studio audience with a celebrity host, are not easy to recreate at home. Usually, it’s the little things that are easy to recreate and can take your quiz to the next level, like a charming (even if not celebrity) host, audio and video rounds, as well as unique categories. But there is one thing that many people disregard. Can you guess what it is?
Assuming you have read the title of this article, you know that we will be talking about buzzers. Specifically, game show buzzers that can elevate your at-home trivia game and make you feel like you are on stage with Alex Trebek. Remember that buzzers are not suitable for just any trivia game. TV game shows usually only have a few contestants, like three on Jeopardy! or two teams on Family Feud. Thus, buzzers are not suitable for games with many players. If you want to turn your trivia game into a game show, divide players into teams!
We have found four game show buzzers that will be perfect for your at-home trivia events. Check them out, read about their capabilities, compare their prices, and pick the set that will work best for you!
Quiz Answer Game Buzzer Standalone System
Quiz Answer Game Buzzer Standalone System is a whole system of buzzers that was made for at-home trivia games. It’s a bigger set, with eight buzzers! This is probably the biggest set you will find on the internet that still looks appealing. Right off the bat, I should mention that there is no point in getting this set if your trivia games are tailored to three people or teams. However, if you like to host bigger parties, you won’t find a better buzzer system anywhere!
The way it works is that all the individual buzzers are connected to the central hub via a cable. The host is in charge of the hub, so they can also control all the individual buzzers. As the host, you can choose to lock out a buzzer, thus preventing the player from participating in the next round. You can immediately tell which buzzer was pressed first because it will flash. Additionally, the number of the buzzer that was the first to buzz in their answer will show on the display of the central hub.
In an ideal scenario, all the players would have to sit pretty close to each other in a circle. However, that’s not always comfortable for the sake of the quiz. To combat this issue, you can purchase extension cords that will allow the players to spread out through the room whichever way they like. The set comes with three extension cords. If you need more, you will have to buy them separately.
- ✔Lockout Feature! Wrong Answers gets Locked out !(see video).
- ✔First buzz-in button flashes! Also digitally display the buzzer number on the master console.
- ✔Includes Master Console, 8 LED buttons, 8 3ft removable cable (Extension cable available sold separately, search for "trebisky extension")
- ✔Quick and Easy to set up(see video), Unit requires only 2 AA batteries. Batteries are not included.
- ✔Stand-alone "buzz-in" gameshow buzzer system that will add excitement to any quiz style game!
Educational Insights Wireless Eggspert
Educational Insights Wireless Eggspert is meant primarily for small kids. If you disregard the shape of the buzzers and the fun colors alluding to it being a kids’ toy, this set is actually great for trivia! It might not look like a set of game show buzzers, but it can sure serve that purpose. One of the main benefits of this set is that the buzzers are wireless. If you’re playing at home or at a venue, you can give each player or team a buzzer and let them sit wherever they please. There is no need to gather around in a circle and rub elbows with strangers.
There are six buzzers. Each buzzer has a corresponding light on the control panel. When you press your buzzer, the corresponding light on the panel will light up, thus alerting the host that you are ready to answer the question. This is a very handy system because nobody needs to get up or argue about who pressed their buzzer first. The host can see everything, so they don’t need any further input.
If you want to mix it up, you can try out the “Scrambled Eggs” mode. Obviously, it was designed for children, but it might come in handy during your trivia game. The way it works is that one player is chosen at random to answer the question. Their lights on the control panel indicate which player’s turn it is.
Educational Insights Wireless Eggspert is battery-powered, so you don’t need to worry about charging it or finding a plug. Because of that it is also very mobile. Make sure that you always have a backup set of batteries just in case. If you ever need more buzzers, you can buy an extra set without the central panel. Those can be hooked up to the hub with ease. The host also gets a remote that allows them to control all the players’ buzzers.
- CLASSROOM REVIEW: Quickly and easily transform classroom review sessions into an interactive quiz-off, with no tangled wires wrapping around the room!
- TWO WAYS TO PLAY! Students race to press their buzzers in "Quiz Show" mode, or Wireless Eggspert chooses a student at random in "Scrambled Eggs" mode.
- ENGAGE STUDENTS! Engages students by making review sessions and quizzes fun and interactive! Perfect for classroom and homeschool learning games.
- INCLUDES: Wireless Eggspert, 6 wireless student buttons, wireless teacher remote, and guide. Additional student buttons sold separately.
- BATTERIES REQUIRED: Unit requires 4 AA batteries; student buttons require 2 AAA batteries each; wireless teacher remote requires 3 AAA batteries. No batteries included.
Zingers Attention Bell
Some of the greatest tools for trivia lovers were intended for students. Don’t let that stop you from using them in your trivia games! Zingers Attention Bell buzzers are a great example of how you can take some tools from the classroom and implement them at home. This set of five doorbells can double as a set of buzzers for trivia games.
The fun begins when you can assign a different sound to each buzzer. This way you can easily distinguish between the sounds and determine who pressed their buzzer first right away. There are over 50 sounds to choose from, so you’ll never get bored of your sound. The buttons are wireless and don’t need to be connected to a power source. That should give you the freedom to move around the room during the game and find a comfortable spot.
Zingers Attention Bells are reasonably priced, which is another great benefit of this product. What really takes the cake is the design. The buttons look very modern and unique. They can elevate your trivia game and make you the talk of the town! Of course, if you can spring for a set of professional buzzers for trivia games, you’re better off doing so. However, if you want to save a little bit of money, this multifunctional tool is great too.
- ASSIGN A DIFFERENT RINGTONE TO EACH BUTTON
- RECOMMENDED FOR TEACHERS: Looking for classroom learning resources? These are must-have school supplies for teachers for classroom that will help avoid yelling during class. It comes with with variety of colorful, vibrant push buttons. These teacher supplies for classroom are great for classroom organization.
- CONDUCT FUN CLASS QUIZ CONTESTS: This easy to install wireless doorbell for classroom device is used for fun educational games to organize class activities from kindergarten games to math games for first grade.
- LISTEN TO THE RING CHIMES BEFORE YOU BUY - Just SCROLL DOWN below to the Specification Guide link and click to DOWNLOAD the PDF file. Open the PDF and play all 52 ringtones.
4 Packs Game Answer Buzzers
When you think of game show buzzers, 4 Packs Game Answer Buzzers are probably exactly what you have in mind. This set brings you four wireless game show buzzers. The buzzers are battery-powered, so you can easily transport them and use them anywhere. If you’re organizing a small trivia game show at a bar, you can take them to the venue and use them there. Just make sure you have backup batteries!
The design of the buzzers is perfect. Each box is black, with a red button on top and a big white X on the front. The size is excellent for the purpose; it’s not too big or too small. The buzzers are very easy to use. All you have to do is press the button on top to make the buzzer light up and make a buzzing sound. This way the host can know that you are ready to answer the question.
If you’re planning to recreate a trivia game show, you will not need more than four buzzers, so this kit of 4 Packs Game Answer Buzzers will do just fine. As the host, you have to pay attention to determine who buzzed in their answer first. There is no central panel that will indicate which buzzer was first.
- Game answer buzzers: you will receive 4 packs buzzer light buttons with light and sound, the shell color is black and red, and one side is blue with a big white "x" on top, increase lots of fun to the games and easy to use (recommended age: 12 ages and up)
- Funny game props: game answer buttons are ideal for fun pranks, desk gadgets, home game at night, club revelry, gags and more; Also can be applied as party competition props for adults, boys and girls, the participants can be actively encouraged to participate in the competition by using quiz buzzers
- Make quizzes more interesting: use the game button buzzers in class, can mobilize the enthusiasm of students, help them get involved and positive thinking, that will make classes much more entertaining and activity
- Durable and portable: buzzer sound buttons are made of durable and resistant ABS material, even dropped many times that still work, lightweight and easy to carry, measures approx. 3.74 x 4.13 x 4.72 inches/ 9.5 x 10.5 x 12 cm (L x W x H), dimension not too small or too large, suitable for any ages
- Easy to use: contest buzzers are powered by 2 AA batteries (batteries not included), after installing the batteries, simply press the red buzzers to light them up, and game answer buzzers have appropriate volume, loud enough without sounding too loud
DIY Game Show Buzzers
A DIY buzzer can be anything you find lying around the house. Perhaps you have a bell hidden somewhere? A bell can work just as well as a buzzer. It won’t be electronic, but it can serve the same purpose. If you have more than one bell, even better! Another alternative would be anything that makes a sound when you touch it. Get creative! Do your kids have any musical toys? Maybe your pet has a squeaky toy that you find really annoying? Believe it or not, that can come in handy!
If you’re good with your hands and have an extensive collection of tools and wires, you can try building your own buzzer from scratch. Find a YouTube video explaining the process, check if you have all the necessary equipment, and get to work! I must warn you; this is not a quick and easy solution. However, if you’re up for a challenge, why not make your own buzzer?
Finally, if nothing comes to mind, you can use your own voices and bodies. Clap to indicate that you are ready to answer the question. Smack the table or create your own sound effect. Allow each player to come up with a unique buzzing sound that they will use to show their readiness to answer. It’s not the most professional and “game show-like”, but it’ll get the job done. You’ll know to prepare better for next time!
You Could Always Use an App
Using a buzzer app is probably the cheapest and easiest option. One major benefit of buzzer apps is that they are often free, or, at the very least, significantly cheaper than physical buzzers. The downside is that the experience is not the same. Using an app is not nearly as fun as using physical buzzers. However, if you’re throwing a trivia night together last minute, this is a great element to add.
Check this article for a detailed list of the best buzzer apps for Android and iOS. If you are stuck with no buzzers and your trivia night is fast approaching, don’t hesitate to download one of these. For the best experience, get all the players to download the app and buzz in their answers individually instead of getting everyone to gather around one device. Beware that this solution will not work for especially large events, but it is a great solution for small gatherings.
Buying Guide
Picking the right product may be difficult. We have some tips that should help you decide which set of buzzers is for you. For starters, if you’re looking for game show buzzers that light up, then you should probably go with the last option: 4 Packs Game Answer Buzzers. The X on the front of the buzzers lights up every time a player presses the button.
Educational Insights Wireless Eggspert and Zingers Attention Bell are both game show buzzers for classrooms. The two were specifically developed for educational purposes. Of course, you can use them outside of the classroom too! However, if you’re looking for something for the classroom specifically, these two are great options.
If you’re looking for cheap game show buzzers, we recommend going with one of the last two: Zingers Attention Bell or 4 Packs Game Answer Buzzers. Whether or not they are cheap is up to interpretation, but they are certainly the most reasonably priced products on this list. Alternatively, you can download a buzzer app or use an online buzzer that will cost you even less. Some are free! If you’re only looking for a set of buzzers to use once or need a quick solution, downloading an app may be the best option.
Final Words
Game show buzzers can take your game to the next level, but they can also create complications. For that reason, we recommend starting with an app before you’re ready to commit to a physical set. When you’re not used to buzzers, it’s easy to forget to press the button. Practice a few times before you start playing with buzzers.
Have you ever tried playing with buzzers? If so, what buzzers did you use? Do you like playing with buzzers more than without? Do you prefer wired or wireless buzzers? Let us know in the comments!
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