If you’ve competed in a quiz bowl, chances are you’ve used a lock out buzzer system. They’re the standard amongst most national quiz organizations and are relied upon to smooth out gameplay and guarantee a dispute-free competition. A lock out buzzer system can make any amateur game night seem professional, making them a sought-after commodity for many a quiz club or school organization.
All of your favorite quiz shows—Jeopardy! included—use lock out buzzer systems to make sure competitors’ eager thumbs don’t fumble and inadvertently delay the game. And, of course, since lock out buzzer systems are nationally recognized by the trivia community, there are plenty of great ones available to buy out there.
If you’re running a quiz night, or if you’re simply a big ol’ game show nerd, you might be interested in learning about lock out buzzer systems. And you’re in luck, because we’ve taken the time to find the highest quality lock out buzzer systems on the market. Maybe you’re in the mood to make a purchase or you’re just here to peruse, but either way, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of the very best lock out systems money can buy. Read on to find out our picks!
What Is a Lock Out Buzzer?
A lock out buzzer is one that prevents other players from buzzing in when one is taking a turn. That way, there’s no question of fairness if multiple players seem to have pressed their buzzers at the same time. A transmitter device, whether it be centrally connected to the buzzers via wires or handheld by the host, will usually play a part in this, and will often display a number that corresponds to the buzzer that was pressed first. The host can read this number to determine which player should answer. Sometimes, lock out buzzer systems will feature light or sound as further evidence of buzzing in.
So, what makes a lock out buzzer system so great, anyway? Well, for starters, a lock out can smooth out a game and cut down on transition time considerably. Systems that allow lock outs can greatly simplify whatever game you’re playing by clearly showing which player buzzed in first. Additionally, a lock out means the host doesn’t have to make a close call between two players who buzzed in within a split second of each other. This means there will be fewer disputes between players and the host (hopefully!) won’t have to devote their precious time to mediating.
Lock out buzzer systems usually set a time limit during which other players can’t buzz in to give the answering player their full and fair turn. In other cases, these systems allow a host to open up buzzing again after a competitor has finished their answer. This is another way in which they help to limit arguments between players and keep the game rolling.
Ready to read about our picks for the best lock out buzzer systems? Keep on scrolling!
3 & 4-Player Quiz Game (Gameshow Features)
Looking for a totally standard lock out buzzer system? Particularly one that closely replicates a traditional Jeopardy! setup? We’re here to tell you that this customizable system from major quiz game supplier BuzzerSystems takes the cake. It’s our number one recommendation for lock out buzzers you can find online.
This system comes with four rod-shaped handheld buzzers, just like those used on Jeopardy!. These buzzers are hooked up to console boxes that light up and make a buzzing sound when their buttons are pressed. And there’s no need to worry about purchasing batteries—this system is operated with wires only.
Oh, and those customizations that we alluded to earlier? Let’s just say there are a lot of them. First of all, you can order up to as many as 16 buzzers per system, if that suits the needs of your game. And if you prefer to hit a buzzer on a table instead of pressing a rod held in your hand, you can change that up, too.
You can even alter the brightness and color of your console box light. How cool is that? We love to see that attention to detail!
This is a pretty traditional buzzer system, but that doesn’t mean it’s a run-of-the-mill one. It operates exceptionally well with little setup required on your part. You don’t have to worry about a shaky Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection interrupting your game because these buzzers are connected via wires and their own transmitter. Additionally, all the possible customizations we went over earlier are clearly pretty great, too.
BuzzerSystems’s website states that they’re the leading supplier of game show buzzers for the National Science Bowl, a.k.a. the U.S.A.’s foremost science quiz competition. In other words, they’re a pretty big deal in the world of buzzers and their products are definitely worth trusting.
However, recognition comes at a price—for you, the consumer, at least. Their buzzer prices fluctuate depending on the features you choose, but the one we’ve linked is currently priced at $335 for only four buzzers. There’s no bang for your buck with BuzzerSystems, but if you’d like to make the investment to ensure that your quiz game has the lock out feature, it’s worth it to check them out.
Quiz Answer Game Buzzer Standalone System w/ LED Light Buttons
Another great option is the Quiz Answer Game Buzzer System made for up to eight players. Its bright LED light buttons come in handy by flashing when a player has buzzed in. That way, you can tell whose turn it is to answer.
This system employs the lock out feature a little differently than a traditional lock out system. Usually, these systems will lock out players based on who buzzed in first, so that the player who gets the turn is the one with the agency to affect who is locked out. But with this system, the host has the power to lock out players, as well.
This unusual feature makes this standalone system ideal for different game types, such as those in which players are eliminated as the game progresses. In other words, if your game is going to shrink from eight to four (to three, to two…) players as gameplay continues, this is the system for you.
Switching up the traditional lock out feature might sound a little dicey, but not to worry! The system’s central console will clearly exhibit the number of the buzzer that was pressed, so you’ll know which player to award a turn. Additionally, the buzzer button that was pushed first will flash, so all players can clearly see whose turn it should be.
Each of the eight neon green buzzers is attached to a backlit central console with a wire that’s three feet long. That’s not a lot of space!
It might be a little tricky for you to figure out a podium setup or seating arrangement that won’t have every player elbowing another when they go to press their buzzer. In other words, if the competitors aren’t close friends with one another, or you’re looking to practice social distancing during your game, then the Quiz Answer Game Buzzer System might not be for you.
- 8-button set of light up game buzzers with master console. Winner buzzer makes sound, flashes and light up with the bright led color, The master console will also display the winner number!
- When multiple buzzers are pressed, first buzz-in button beeps and flashes! All other buzzers turn red. The game host will always know who buzzed in first. Get it and host your next competitive game.
- Unique lockout feature allows the game host to lock out the player who got the answer wrong and let others try. This unique function adds more fun and competition to the quiz games! (see video)
- This game show buzzers system is a great teacher supply and a classroom must-have to perform educational learning games and quiz. Use it for family feud, game nights, trivia, jeopardy, spelling bees.
- Quick and Easy to set up, whole system only requires 2 AA batteries(included). Each button has multi color LED, Cords are 3-ft long each. (Extension cable available, search for "trebisky extension")
Teacher’s Choice 8 Player Light Up Game Buzzer System
Much like the previous system on the list, this Teacher’s Choice game buzzer system has a light-up master console that connects to every buzzer and clearly exhibits the number of the buzzer that was pressed first. It locks out other players from buzzing in, but only for three seconds, so tell the competitors to answer quickly!
As evidenced by its name, this system was first engineered with classroom use in mind. Therefore, the buzzers have fun, eye-catching features that can entertain kids and adults alike. For example, every brightly colored buzzer has its own unique buzz-in sound, making it even more obvious whose turn it rightfully should be. And the buzzers light up, too!
A drawback to these colorful little guys is that they’re not handheld. They simply sit on a table or podium waiting to be pressed, which means that they could potentially skid across the surface after a particularly forceful press. Anticipate this problem by placing the buzzers on skid-proof mats to reduce the likelihood of a buzzer-related game disruption.
Make sure to stock up on batteries before this system arrives: the console and all of the buzzers require two AA batteries, each. If for some reason this system malfunctions or doesn’t work for you, it’s got a whole year’s worth of warranty, so you can feel reassured about your investment purchase.
ESL Buzzer Game Octobuzzy Wireless Mini Buzzers
Looking for a wireless alternative that still employs a lock out feature? Check out ESL Buzzers—they offer an array of buzzer options to serve any quiz game situation you might have going on. Their Octobuzzy system comes with eight wireless buzzers, hence the octopus wordplay, although you don’t have to use all the buzzers if your game has fewer players. They’re operated by a rechargeable battery with a life of six hours, so they’ll definitely stay alive throughout your game.
These buzzers are described as “mini,” and that’s no understatement: they’re only three centimeters tall with a five-centimeter diameter! That means they can comfortably fit in your hand if you’re confident in your thumb reflexes. If you prefer pressing your buzzer with a strike of your palm, they can be used on a flat surface instead. Just make sure to keep the buzzer placement consistent for all players so no one person has a reflex-related advantage.
The Octobuzzy host remote has an LCD screen that displays the number of the buzzer pressed first. It can also be used to check the batteries of each buzzer, and will signify their remaining battery life by color. A light blue light means you’re all set to play, but a red one means it’s time to charge ‘em up!
With the Octobuzzy buzzers, all other players will be locked out after the first one buzzes in, and if that player answers wrong, the host as the option to lock them out, too. This can be helpful depending on the rules of your game—for example, it comes in handy if your game involves player elimination.
These buzzers come with a remote transmitter that works within 32 feet of the buzzers, so players can be spaced out in whatever way you see fit. No need to get cozy with these wireless buzzers!
How Do You Make a Lock Out Buzzer?
Don’t want to purchase a lock out buzzer system? If you’ve got the time to troubleshoot a homemade system, then try your hand at some DIY buzzer-making. You probably have several of the materials needed to create your own system at home, which is perfect if you’re on a budget.
To incorporate the lock out element into your buzzer system, you’re going to need some sort of receiver as well as circuit board. You also might need some tools like a Phillips screwdriver, glue, and wire cutters. The necessary tools will change depending on how heavy-duty you want your buzzer system to be.
If you’re an electronic project newbie, don’t fret! There are plenty of tutorials online to choose from that can help you to construct your own lock out buzzer system.
Conclusion
Lock out buzzer systems can be great alternatives to more simple, basic buzzers that allow multiple players’ buzz-ins to go through. Their ability to signify the single player whose turn it rightfully should be is extremely valuable to any quiz game, whether it be something Jeopardy! style, a quiz bowl competition, or a fun game night with your friends and family.
However, there are alternatives if the products we mentioned are beyond your price point or not to your liking for some reason. Check out our article about online buzzers (including lock-out buzzers), especially BuzzIn.Live. Looking for buzzers right at your fingertips? We’ve got a list of apps you can download on your smart device here. If you’d like to purchase a Jeopardy!-geared buzzer system, read on here. And if you’re an educator looking to invest in buzzers to use in your classroom, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you nestled in this article. Not a fan of all the pesky wires? We’ve got a list of the best wireless buzzers as well. We have so many buzzer-related lists that you’re sure to find the perfect one for you just by browsing Trivia Bliss.
Did we list your favorite buzzer system? Or did you purchase a new one from our list? Let us know in the comments below!
Oscar says
It’s funny that the buzzer system actually shown in the article photos – the Anderson Officiator – isn’t mentioned at all. They’re by far the most popular for university quizbowl, very durable, easy to set up.