Being able to practice quietly will take your drumming to the next level. But that’s just scratching the surface of what the best electronic drum set can do. With customizable sounds, accurate stage volume control, and seamless integration with stage gear – it is also an amazing stage instrument.
Best Electronic Drum Set Under $500 | Best Electronic Drum Set Under $500 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 93 | 11300+ | |||
 | 92 | 300+ | |||
 | 89 | 200+ |
Best Electronic Drum Set Under 1000 | Best Electronic Drum Set Under 1000 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 90 | 1200+ | |||
 | 91 | 700+ | |||
 | 90 | 130+ |
Top Rated Electronic Drum Set Under 2000 | Top Rated Electronic Drum Set Under 2000 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 91 | 70+ | |||
 | 90 | 30+ |
Top Rated Electronic Drum Set Over 2000 | Top Rated Electronic Drum Set Over 2000 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 86 | 7+ | |||
 | 92 | 5+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Electronic Drum sets have come a long way, with improvements in triggering and sound processing technology.
This improved accuracy and expressive ability have upped the demand for Electronic kits. They are now seeing more use in live recordings and stage performances while remaining practice-friendly.
Technology has not yet caught up with the feel and response of acoustic drums, but there are now more practical advantages to switching to an electronic drum set.
Chief of which is the ability to practice silently, something that your loved ones and neighbors will approve of. Another important advance is sound customization. You’re no longer stuck with just one drum sound, and you have better control over your tone and volume.
You also get the benefit of easy integration with PA systems and amps. This means you no longer need complex drum mic setups on stage.
With MIDI and audio out, you can also record realistic drums straight to your computer without an acoustically treated room or multiple mics, making electronic drums indispensable in many home recording setups.
Here, we present you with the best electronic drum set options at multiple price points. This is based on our comprehensive market research spanning actual user feedback, expert review articles, and forum discussions. You can read through their notable features and see their pros and cons, to help you choose what suits you best.
Best Electronic Drum Set Under 500
If you would like to see more options in this price range, then take a look at our guide to Electronic Drum Sets for Beginners.
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit
The Alesis Nitro Mesh impresses with its sound quality, compact design, and mesh pads. Its dual-zone snare and chokeable crash add versatility. It’s a solid choice for beginners seeking the best electronic drum set with a balance of features and value.
Pros:
- Lots of presets to choose from
- Mesh pads have a great feel
- Compact profile; portable
- Kit might be small for some
- Setting it up can be baffling
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The Alesis Nitro Mesh is a 5-piece electronic drum set with all of the pads featuring mesh material. It is a welcome upgrade to previous generation electronic drum kits from Alesis in this price range.
Sound quality is a strength of the Alesis Nitro Mesh, as it is often compared favorably even by those who bought other electronic kits in the same price range. Be it through an amp or through headphones, most are pleased with many of its drum presets.
It also sports a dual-zone snare and a crash cymbal pad with choke functionality. The playing feel of the mesh pads is also often commended. Many also love its compact profile, which makes it readily portable and easy to hide away when not used.
As for its compact form factor, it can be both good and bad. Some feel that this kit is too small for them, and they caution bigger drummers or those used to wide acoustic kits.
However, it is more than enough for beginner players, which is whom this set is designed for. It’s not set up in a way that the specs and its features complicate things.
Much like most Alesis electronic drum kits, its main wow factor is found in its drum module, with 385 percussion sounds and 40 Drum presets to play with.
One point of improvement would be making the setup much more understandable for users. The included instructions for setting up got a number of users scratching their heads.
If you’re looking for a compact budget electronic drum set with a dual zone snare and chokeable crash, and you want one from a reputable brand, then check out the Alesis Nitro Mesh.
- Snare: 8″ Dual-zone Mesh
- Toms: 3 x 8″ Mesh
- Cymbals: 2 x 10″ Cymbal Pads (Crash with Choke)
- Hi-Hat: 10″ Hi-Hat Pad
- Kick Pad: Kick Pad Tower with Kick Pedal included
- Drum Stand: 4-post Aluminum Rack
- Drum Module: Nitro Drum Module
- Module Sounds: 385 Percussion Sounds and 40 Drum Presets
- Extra Features: Accessories include Drum Sticks and Drum Key
- Module Inputs: 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in)
- Module Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ (Left, Right)
- USB: 1 x Type B
- Power Supply: AC adaptor
- Dimensions: 24″ x 38″ x 43″
- Weight: 29.5 lbs.
Alesis Drums Surge Mesh SE
The Alesis Surge Mesh SE is an 8-piece kit with quiet, all-mesh heads, praised for its compact, foldable design and stable drum stand. With beginner-friendly features like play-along tracks and a 30-day Melodics subscription, it’s a solid choice for the best electronic drum set for beginners.
Pros:
- Stable, flexible, and durable construction
- Has good response
- Great option for beginners
- The module can introduce some noise
- Sounds aren’t the most realistic
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This affordable electronic drum set is what I also consider to be an all-rounder option for beginners and even intermediates.
Let’s start with the parts. Surge Mesh SE is an 8-piece e-drum kit that features one snare, 3 toms, two cymbals, and a kick. These are all-mesh heads (except for the cymbals) that are specifically tailored for quiet practice.
It’s built to be compact, around 5.8” x 4.4” x 7.2”, and can fit in a small space because it’s foldable. Reviews also consistently praise its stable and robust drum stand.
The 385 sounds have a decent sound to them, but some have complained that it lacked realism. The consensus in the reviews is pretty mixed–with some praising it while others saying it could’ve been improved.
Playability-wise, it’s reported to have a good response and a nice rebound. The toms might be a bit small for some but each parts decently recreate the feel of a real drum.
For total beginners, lessons are available via the unit itself, featuring 60 play-along tracks. They also provide a 30-day free trial of Melodics. It’s a subscription-based lesson platform that allows you to hone your drumming skills further.
The only downside would be that the module, when plugging in some output, has slightly noticeable noise. Not too bothersome but it’s something to keep in mind.
This e-drum is definitely a contender for the best electronic drum set under 500. It’s one of the best electronic drum set for beginners and a great tool for late-night practices for intermediate drummers.
- Snare: 10″ Dual-Zone Mesh Snare Pad
- Toms: 3 x 8″ Dual-Zone Mesh Tom Pads
- Cymbals: 2 x 10″ Crash Cymbal with Choke
- Hi-Hat: 10″ Hi-Hat Cymbal
- Kick Pad: 8″ Mesh Kick Pad Tower
- Drum Stand: Premium 4-post rack
- Drum Module: Surge Drum Module
- Module Sounds: 40 kits (24 Preset + 16 User) and 385 sounds
- Extra Features: 60 built-in play-along tracks, sequencer, metronome, and performance recorder
- Module Inputs: 1 x 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo input (auxiliary), 1x 25-pin cable input (9-trigger cable snake)
- Module Outputs: 1 x 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo output, 2 x1/4” (6.35 mm) outputs (main left & right) 1 x 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo (headphones with stereo sounds)
- USB: USB Type-B port
- Power Supply: 9 VDC
- Dimensions: 5.8” x 4.4” x 7.2”
LyxJam 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set
With quiet mesh heads and a compact, foldable design, this 8-piece kit is ideal for beginners. It offers good playability and built-in lessons, making it a strong contender in this price range.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Mesh fabric have a good feel to them
- Presets sound good
- Volume doesn’t go high enough
- Songs are too fancy for beginners
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The LyxJam 8-Piece kit is another competitor that seeks to provide a better option for people who don’t have the space to practice.
It comes with a dual-zone mesh snare and mesh toms, a 6-inch kick pad, and 3 cymbal pads. The woven mesh heads have a nice, responsive feel to them and are not intrusive to drumming techniques.
As for the sound module, it holds 448 sounds, 70 play-along songs, a generous 15-song recording capacity, and a built-in metronome. Each mesh head and pad are customizable as well, allowing you to mix and match.
As for some improvements, some users have reported that the module’s volume doesn’t go high enough. Others have commented that the play-along songs were a bit too fancy in terms of sound. It would be best that the volume could be cranked up higher in the next iteration.
Despite its entry-level downsides, it’s still one of the top rated electronic drum kits in terms of sound, durable construction, and sound options. Most of all, the compact form factor caters to players who want to practice consistently without noise complaints.
- Snare: 10” Mesh Snare Pad
- Toms: 3 x 8” Mesh Tom Pads
- Cymbals: 2 x 12” Crash Cymbal
- Hi-Hat: 8” Hi-Hat Cymbal with Controller
- Kick Pad: 6” Kick Pad
- Drum Stand: Not specified
- Drum Module: EDM-800
- Module Sounds: 448 Sounds, 70 Preset Kits
- Extra Features: Pad Edit Options–Voice, Volume, Pan, Pitch, FX Send
- Module Inputs: 1 x 1/8″ Line In
- Module Outputs: 1 x 1/8″ Line Out, Headphones
- USB: USB Type-B port
- Power Supply: 9V DC
- Dimensions: 25.7” X 10.1” X 32.1”
- Weight: 46.3 lbs
Best Electronic Drum Set Under 1000
Alesis Surge Mesh Kit
The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit offers tunable mesh heads for a natural feel, a versatile sound module, and a compact design. While setup may require time, its durability and responsive playability make it the best budget electronic drum set for all skill levels.
Pros:
- Responsive mesh heads
- Top-notch chrome stand
- Customizable, expandable
- Unclear instructions for setting up
- Module can be confusing to operate
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There’s just no stopping Alesis from hoarding multiple spots in this guide, thanks to their good market standing.
The Surge Mesh Kit’s playability is its strong suit, which many describe as very responsive, even for more nuanced playing. There are also plenty of positive remarks regarding its sound quality, impressing even professional drummers. Those who invested in this kit found it to be a great buy, thanks to its good balance of quality, affordability, and features.
Thanks to its dual-zone pads, the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit, in particular, has been well received. Each of the dual-zone pads features tunable mesh heads, from the 10″ mesh snare to the three 8″ mesh toms.
It also sports two 10″ cymbal pads with choke function, along with a 10″ Hi-hat pad.
All of these are meant to trigger the many drum kits, and percussion sounds that are provided for by its drum module, and knowing Alesis, it has more than enough percussion sounds to play with for a long time.
There are a few who feel that setting up and balancing the volume of each drum and cymbal can be time consuming at first. The Hi-hat’s open or closed functionality is a bit limiting for some, but this limitation is the norm at entry-level price points.
With its dual zone pads, and choke friendly cymbals, the Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is a good step up compared to many other entry-level kits.
- Snare: 10″ Dual-zone Mesh
- Toms: 3 x 8″ Dual-zone Mesh
- Cymbals: 2 x 10″ Cymbal Pads (Crash with Choke), 10″ Hi-Hat Pad with Hi-hat pedal
- Kick Pad: 8″ Mesh Kick Pad Tower with Kick Pedal
- Drum Stand: 4-post Chrome Rack
- Drum Module: Surge Drum Module
- Module Sounds: 385 sounds, 24 Preset kits and 16 User Kits
- Extra Features: 60 built-in play-along tracks, Accessories include Drum Sticks and Drum Key
- Module Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ TRS (tom 4), 1 x 1/4″ TRS (crash 2), 1 x DB-25 (cable snake), 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in)
- Module Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ TRS (main out),1 x 1/8″ (headphones)
- USB: 1 x Type B
Alesis Command Mesh Kit (1st Gen)
It’s impressive with its customizable sound module and USB-ready features, allowing users to load their own samples. Praised for its responsive mesh heads and ability to record performances, it’s a strong competitor for the best electronic drum set available.
Pros:
- Enables loading sound through a USB stick
- Chokable crash and ride
- Mesh heads have good response
- A bit difficult to assemble for some
- Some reports of malfunctioning parts
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Continuing Alesis’ competitiveness in the market is the Command Mesh Kit.
It’s praised for its feature-packed drum module included in this kit and many appreciated the ability to load their own drum sounds via a USB memory stick. Also, many players love the feel and responsiveness of the mesh heads.
Along with a full set of tunable mesh pads and chokeable crash and ride, it comes with dual zone toms to go along with the dual zone snare.
You can record yourself and load your own custom samples straight into the module, not a common feature at the below $1000 price range.
Just like the Surge Mesh Kit, some buyers complained that it was a bit difficult to assemble. Also, there were some reports of malfunctioning parts and mixed results with Alesis’ customer support. On the other hand, there were also others who were happy with the support from Alesis and we didn’t detect a pattern of these complaints for other Alesis kits (just the occasional one).
If you’re a beginner to intermediate drummer looking for an excellent value for money, it’s hard to go wrong with the Alesis Command Mesh electronic drum set.
- Snare: 10″ Dual-zone mesh head
- Toms: 3 x 8″ Dual-zone mesh head
- Kick: 8″ Mesh Kick Pad Tower, Kick drum pedal included
- Cymbals: 2 x 10″ Dual-zone Pads With Choke, 10″ dual zone hi-hat(plus hi-hat control pedal)
- Drum Stand: Four-post type chrome rack stand
- Drum Module: Command Drum Module
- Module Sounds: 70 Drum Kits, 50 Presets
- Module Inputs: MIX IN jack: 1/8″
- Module Outputs: 1 x 1/8″ (headphones) 2 x 1/4″ TRS (main out)
- Extra Features: Load your own WAV files and MP3 play-along tracks via USB thumb drive, Record yourself playing in real-time (5 tracks internally, up to 99 tracks with USB thumb drive
Roland V-Drums TD-07KV
The Roland TD-07KV stands out for its Bluetooth connectivity, allowing easy play-along with music, and its USB interface for seamless computer integration. With a customizable sound module and compact design, it’s a strong choice for those seeking the top-rated electronic drum set.
Pros:
- Convenient Bluetooth play-along function
- Small form factor
- Customizable sound module
- Works really well with VST and drum plugins
- Smaller pads might not be for everyone
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Stepping into the midrange of prices is the TD-07KV, a compact yet fully-featured Roland kit.
Some notable features include Bluetooth to play music from your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices and USB that works both as an audio and MIDI interface to connect to your computer.
The Bluetooth function for play-along is well-received among players. Also, many have praised its small form factor for placing in offices or small apartments.
Its customizable sound module features 50 drum kits, and 25 presets–all of which can be mixed and matched to one’s liking.
There were no significant cons that were reported for the TD-07KV. However, the compact size of this electronic kit might not accommodate big drummers.
If you want the power of Roland’s larger e-drum kits in a more compact and affordable form factor, the TD-07KV is for you.
- Snare: 8″ Dual-zone 2-ply mesh head
- Toms: 3 x 6″ single-zone 2-ply mesh head
- Kick: KD-10 Kick pad
- Cymbals: 2 x 12″ Dual-zone Pads With Choke, 10″ dual zone hi-hat(plus hi-hat control pedal)
- Drum Stand: Four-post type rack stand
- Drum Module: TD-07
- Module Sounds: 50 Drum Kits, 25 Presets
- Extra Features: Coach, Metronome, Bluetooth Play-Along and MIDI
- Module Inputs: MIX IN jack: 1/8″
- Module Outputs: OUTPUT/PHONES jack: 1/8″
- USB: MIDI and Audio
- Power Supply: AC adaptor (DC 12 V)
- Dimensions: 48-3/7 (W) x 43-5/16 (D) x 47-1/4 (H) inches
- Weight: 47 lbs 14 oz
Best Electronic Drum Sets Under $2000
Yamaha DTX6K3-X
With recording-ready sound quality and responsive pads, this kit excels in both acoustic and electronic presets. Easy to set up with a robust stand, its compact design and single-zone toms make it a top choice among the top electronic drum sets.
Pros:
- Robust and durable construction
- Top-notch pads and cymbals
- Outstanding sound quality
- Easy setup
- Toms don’t have dual trigger
- Toms might be small for some
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Yahama completely redesigned its line of electronic drum sets, further improving the response and feel of the newer generation.
The DTX6K3-X is certainly a testament to those drastic changes. The pads generally try to mimic realistic feel in terms of feel and velocity response.
While it did have added realism in comparison to the Yamaha DTX532K and Yamaha DTX400K, it’s still predominantly a pad.
This electronic drum set’s strongest feature isn’t the realism per se. It’s the sound quality–each preset is what I could describe as recording-ready. The sounds, ranging from acoustic drums to electronic kits are top-notch here.
Most have reported that setting this up is straightforward. The RS6 stand it comes with is stable and very robust.
For full immersive playing, what most people comment on would be the small size. It comes with 8 inch toms and it could be limiting for some. Moreover, the toms are also single-zone only, which removes some of that added realism.
For this best electronic drum kit option, I believe it’s marketed to those who want a compact and portable option. For those who can spend, these could also serve as upgraded practice pads for rehearsals.
- Snare: XP80 (8 inch) TCS head 3-zone pad
- Toms: XP70 (7 inch) TCS head 1-zone pad
- Kick: KP90 (7.5 inch) rubber head with Multi layer cushion
- Hi-Hat: RHH135 (13 inch) 2-zone pad
- Cymbals: PCY135 (13 inch) 3-zone pad
- Drum Stand: RS6
- Drum Module: DTX-PRO
- Module Sounds: 40 presets, 200 user
- Extra Features: EQ, Comp, Transient, Insertion, Ambience
- Module Inputs: 1 x 1/8″ (stereo)
- Module Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ TRS (master out), 1 x 1/4″ (stereo)
- USB: 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A
- Weight: 36.6 kg
Roland V TD-17KVX2
Current iteration with improved crash, ride, and hi-hat cymbals. This kit offers a more natural feel and customizable sound module. Easy to set up, it’s ideal for those seeking versatility and an acoustic-like experience, making it one of the top electronic drum sets under 2000.
Pros:
- Durable stand
- Has an acoustic drum feel
- Good-sounding stock drums
- Many boxes to go through setting it up
- Hi-hat adjustment for realism is a tricky
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Roland dubbed this kit as “being realistically close to acoustic drums.”
The Roland TD-17KVX2 has received a lot of improvements compared to the TD-17KVX first gen. It has a much thinner crash, ride cymbals, and hi-hats, giving it a more natural feel.
What’s noteworthy is the kick snare and cymbals? The kick’s rebound as many have reported, has a nice feel to it. The snare drum, by default, can be tuned with a drum key to better mimic one’s real drumset. The cymbals, aside from being thinner, can be choked with your hands.
One downside, however, is that adjusting the hi-hat can be a bit hard. Despite the thinner profile, adjusting the distance of the hi-hats needs too much fine-tuning just to get closer to realism.
When it comes to setting it up, each of the parts is packed well. You just have to go through an endless array of boxes, but after unpacking them, mounting all the parts is fairly easy.
The TD-17 drum module features about 310 sounds, which you can fully customize for creative purposes. In terms of navigating and auditioning sounds, it’s fairly easy to go through each of them as well.
Who is this for? It’s the best electronic drum kit for those seeking versatility and have a strong preference for an acoustic drum feel.
- Snare: PDX-12 x 1
- Toms: PDX-8 x 3
- Kick: KD-10 x 1
- Hi-Hat: VH-10 x 1
- Cymbals: CY-12C-T x 2
- Drum Stand: MDS-COMPACT x 1 *1
- Drum Module: TD-17 x 1
- Module Sounds: 310 in total
- Extra Features: Ambience, 3-band EQ, Tuning, Muffling, Snare Buzz, Strainer, 30 x Multi-effect
- Module Inputs: 1 x 1/8″ TRS (mix)
- Module Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ TRS (master)
- USB: 1 x Type B
- Weight: 24.7 kg / 54 lbs 8 oz
Best Electronic Drums Over $2000
Pearl EM-53HB e/Merge e/Hybrid
The Pearl E/Merge E/Hybrid kit, designed with Korg, offers an acoustic-like feel, especially in its bass drum. Its Wave Trigger Technology delivers a dynamic range, though sound quality may require tweaking. This is a strong contender for the best electronic drum set.
Pros:
- Closest thing to the acoustic drum “feel”
- Responsive mesh heads
- Easy to use module
- Accomodates different sticking techniques well
- Difficult to set up
- Mixed reactions to the sound, especially the hihat
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The Pearl E/Merge E/Hybrid kit marks a special collaboration between the well-respected drum manufacturer Pearl with electronic instrument mainstay Korg.
From the design alone, each component here resembles an acoustic kit minus the bulky appearance. This hybrid drum set praised for the feel of the drums as being the closest to an acoustic drum kit they have felt, especially the bass drum.
Also, the drum set’s poplar drum shells and hardware aesthetic have been described by some with words such as “fabulous” and “awesome”.
For the setup, some have found that it can be tedious in terms of putting the parts together.
This drum set utilizes Wave Trigger Technology, an all-new technology based partially on Korg’s own Wave Drum, to provide a wide dynamic range and instantaneous response that claims to be light-years beyond the competition.
The sounds of this hybrid drum kit, however, have received mixed reviews with some finding the sounds to be lacking for their tastes. But some have found the electronic sounds to be excellent. Further tweaking may be required to find the sound that suits you.
This hybrid drum set is one of the best electronic drum kits, that’s closest to the real thing. If you’re a drummer seeking an acoustic drum feel with the flexibility of an electronic drum set, then this is an excellent choice.
- Snare: 14″ EM14S Snare
- Toms: 10″ EM10T Tom, 12″ EM12T Tom, 14″ EM14T Tom
- Kick: 18″ EMEBP Puretouch Bass Drum
- Cymbals: 14″ EM14HH Dual Zone Hi-hat, 15″ EM15C Dual Zone Crash, 18″ EM18R 3-zone Ride
- Drum Stand: DR80EM ICON Rack System, S830 Snare Stand, TH70E Tom Holders, PCR50L Module Clamp (Bass pedals and hi-hat stand not included)
- Drum Module: Pearl MDL-1
- Module Sounds: 35 HD Presets
- Extra Features: 36 Effects; Overdrive, Reverbs, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Filter, Wah, Compression
- Module Inputs: 1 x DB-25, 3 x 1/4″ (addons), 1 x 1/8″ (aux in)
- Module Outputs: 8 x 1/4″ (direct out), 2 x 1/4″ (master out), 1 x 1/4″ (headphones)
- USB: 1 x Type B (audio/MIDI), 1 x Type A (flash drive)
Roland VAD706-GC
This 9-piece hybrid kit excels in faithfully recreating acoustic drum nuances with advanced digital pad technology and full-sized wood shells. Its customizable PureAcoustic Ambience and extensive I/O options make it ideal for those seeking the best electronic drum set for precise tone control.
Pros:
- Immersive playing feel
- Advanced sensing systems
- Aesthetically-pleasing design
- Tons of routing options
- Needs cable management
- Limited stocks
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Out of all the electronic drum sets Roland has released, the VAD706-GC gets the most rep for faithfully recreating the nuances of acoustic drums. It’s a 9-piece hybrid drum set with tons of features that goes above and beyond.
It features full-sized wood shells from the toms to the kick drum. On the other hand, the cymbals and hi-hats feature their most advanced digital pad technology. Each of them has advanced sensing systems that would determine what position your stick hits. It serves as an X and Y axis, that triggers different samples, changing the sound in different positions.
You could also use this hybrid drum kit to trigger different samples in each zone as well.
PureAcoustic Ambience is one notable feature it also has. It gives you full control over what room you’re in and the accompanying parameters are customizable. You could also tweak the sound further with its built-in compressor and route it externally with an array of I/Os at the back of the unit.
One potential downside of this is that the TD-17 sound module has lots of bells and whistles that you could get easily lost in its features. The routing is also feature-intensive and adding more and more cables can lead to cable clutter.
I see this kit getting picked up by drummers who are serious about having full control over their drum tone.
- Snare: 12″ Dual-zone mesh head with shallow-depth wood shell
- Toms: 2 x 10″, 1 x 12″ Dual-zone mesh head with shallow-depth wood shell
- Kick: 18″ KD-180L Kick Drum with shallow-depth wood shell
- Cymbals: 12″ Hi-hat, 2 x 12″ Dual Zone Crash, 1 x 13″ Triple-zone Ride
- Drum Stand: 3 x DCS-10 Stands, 1 x APC-30 Clamp (Does not include snare stand, kick pedal, and hi-hat stand)
- Drum Module: TD-17
- Module Sounds: 100 Drum Kits,50 Presets
- Extra Features: Coach, Metronome, Bluetooth Play-Along and MIDI
- Module Inputs: 2 x 1/4″ (crash 2, aux), 1 x DB-25 MIX IN jack: 1/8″
- Module Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ (master out), 1 x 1/4″ (headphones)
- USB: MIDI and Audio
- Dimensions: 51-3/16 (W) x 47-1/4 (D) x 47-1/4 (H) inches
- Weight: 77 lbs 14 oz
Things To Consider When Buying an Electronic Drum Set
Drum Pads
Electronic drum pads are designed to be compact replacements for the acoustic snare, tom, and floor tom. More affordable kits usually feature rubber tom pads and snare, while more expensive ones feature premium mesh heads. The general consensus is mesh pads are better because they feel similar to an acoustic drum set. Since they are woven from strong polyester plastic (Mylar) they are also sturdier and quieter. Some prefer rubber pads for practical reasons because they are usually lighter and affordable, ideal for compact and portable electronic drum kits. Note that pads are not limited to just mesh or rubber, as shown by Pearl’s PUREtouch pads, which have a feel that is halfway between the two.
Cymbals and Hi-Hat
Electronic drum kits utilize plastic cymbals with specially designed rubber pads on top. They are designed to replicate the playing feel of metal cymbals and metal hi-hats – but are usually smaller, probably to save on cost and space. For the most realistic playing experience, you’ll generally want a kit with at least a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal, and a hi-hat. As for quality and feel, more expensive ones usually have more realistic bounce and feel, so you get what you pay for. Based on our market research, Roland cymbals are widely considered to be the gold standard.
Number of Zones/ Drum Triggers
Zones, also called Triggers, specify the number of sounds you can get from a pad, cymbal, or hi-hat. Basic ones will just have one zone, which means that you get the same sound regardless of where you hit the pad. Advanced kits will have two or more zones. Dual-zone pads usually have dedicated triggers for the head and the rim, allowing for rim shots and cross-stick playing. Dual zone cymbals have dedicated triggers for the bow and edge. There are also triple zone cymbals that have triggers for the bow, edge, and bell. Basically, you’ll want kits that have as many zones as your budget permits. Take note that more expensive kits allow for “positional sensing,” where the sound varies as you hit different areas of the pad.
Cymbal Choke
Cymbal choking is a technique used by drummers to mute cymbals with their hands. Kits that have at least one crash cymbal with choke are preferred for realism. Some technique adjustments are required to trigger cymbal choking, and it may vary from kit to kit. There are some that require pinching at the outer edge, while more advanced cymbals allow for easier choking. Some of the premium cymbals even allow for muffling and pre-choking but are usually found on more expensive kits.
Drum Sound Module
The Drum Sound Module serves as the central hub of the kit. It is where all the pads and cymbals are wired to, and it is where all sound processing and production takes place. It also houses the controls for which you can vary the sound of your kit.
- Sound Quality and VersatilitySound quality is the primary concern, but it is inherently subjective, thankfully we have only recommended the top rated kits and the market deems them to be good sounding. Still, the data we gathered suggests that sound quality improves as price increases. Versatility is also important. You should watch out for the number of factory and user presets, available instrument sounds, and sound editing. Some modules have more Types of Drums, while others have fewer, but have better sound quality on specific types.
- Technique TrainingIf you’re looking to improve your drum playing and musicality, training features should be an important consideration. Thankfully, many of the kits featured in this list have built-in student-friendly features that include Advanced Metronome/Click Track functions, Recording and Playback, Songs/Tracks Play Along, and Training exercises.
- Computer ConnectivityIf you are planning to use your electronic drum kit to trigger virtual instruments in your computer, then USB/MIDI connectivity is imperative. Most modern drum kits utilize USB ports to send/receive MIDI data, so they may not have dedicated 5-pin MIDI ports which you’ll need for triggering external stand-alone sound modules that don’t have USB MIDI.
- Audio Input / OutputsThe drum module is where the audio input and output ports are located. Essential audio connections are usually provided, which include a 1/4″ output that goes to an amplifier or mixer, and a headphones out for quiet practice. Some modules have two 1/4″ output ports for sending stereo signal, and some may have even more direct outs, so you can mix specific sounds directly in your PA system. Take note of the port sizes, especially with the headphones out, so you’ll know if your headphones will fit or if you’ll need an adapter.
Amplifier / Speaker System
Electronic drum kits don’t have built-in amplifiers and speakers. You can use headphones when practicing on your own, otherwise they have to be plugged into a separate amplifier or PA system. Since e drums produce a wide range of frequencies they are best paired with a dedicated drum amplifier or full range Powered PA Speakers. Keyboard Amps and Acoustic Amps also work well, in case you have one available.
Drum Throne, Kick Pedal, and Hi-Hat Stand
One of the most often skimped and overlooked parts of a drum kit is the drum throne. While you can use regular chairs, drum thrones offer more comfort, stability, and movement freedom. So if you don’t already have one, we recommend getting one along with the kit you will buy – see our guide to drum thrones for our recommendations.
You should also shop around for a good kick pedal if the kit you’re buying does not have one bundled. The same goes with advanced kits that require hi-hat stands, best get all required hardware ready so you can enjoy your new electronic drum kit as soon as it arrives.
Best Electronic Drum Set Methodology
This first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on September 4, 2024
We looked at the full range of electronic drum sets, from high-end to cheap, that were available from major US online music gear stores, across all prices. We excluded tabletop sets, and put the most promising 21 models on our short-list for further analysis.
Then, we collected feedback from owners in the form of store ratings, article reviews, YouTube reviews, and forum discussions. We then processed those data using the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores out of 100 for each model – over 16,000 sources were used for this process. Finally, we selected the models with the highest ratings in each price bracket above to recommend. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Allen Articulo: Supplemental writing.
Alexander Briones: Editing and Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Product research, Editing, and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Compiled using photographs of the Roland TD-17KV and Pearl EM-53HB.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
More Best Electronic Drum Sets: Standard + Hybrid 2024 Related Posts
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The Best Kids Drum Set 2024 – A Guide For Grown-Ups
Best Cheap Electronic Drum Set For Beginners
Best Starter Drum Kit for Adults 2024. Standouts Under $1000
Best Drumsticks, Best Drum Brushes, & Best Drum Mallets 2024
Comments:
5 responses
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Publication of our July 2021 Edition resulted in the following kits coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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We’ve removed the Yamaha DTX532K from the recommended list above due to it being discontinued.
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As a result of our April 2020 update some kits were removed due to being discontinued, and some were removed due to us putting a $1000 price limit on this guide. You can still read our analysis of those kits:
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The following sets were removed from the recommended list today due to a lack of availability:
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Ad a result of our March 2018 to this guide the following electronic drum sets were removed from the recommended list above:
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