10Best.Guide

Electric Drum Set

Top Picks

Last Updated: November, 2023
Pros
  • Fantastic sound quality
  • Clear and distinct sounds
  • Compact and electronic, allowing for volume control and headphone use
  • Many different selectable drum sets
  • Affordable compared to other digital drums
Cons
  • Inconsistent pad response
  • Hihat placement makes it difficult to practice certain techniques
Bottom Line
This electronic drum kit offers fantastic sound quality and a variety of drum sets to choose from. It is compact and affordable, making it a great option for beginners or those looking to practice without disturbing others. However, it has some drawbacks such as inconsistent pad response and placement issues.
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to set up and store
  • Realistic feel of drum pads
  • Low noise level
  • Good for beginners
Cons
  • Pedals may break easily
  • Limited customization options
Bottom Line
The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit is a great option for beginners or those looking for an affordable and quiet drum set. While there are some limitations in terms of customization and volume, the realistic feel and good sound quality make it a worthwhile purchase. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues with the pedals and hi-hat volume.
Pros
  • Highly customizable with over 300 different sounds and adjustable pitch and tone.
  • Easy to assemble with no tools needed.
  • Can be paired with an appropriate speaker for good sound quality.
  • Great for practicing at home without disturbing others.
  • Nice feel and quality of the heads.
Cons
  • Tracking with the shipper can be a bit of a mystery.
  • Tom 2 and 3 have shorter cables.
Bottom Line
The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is a highly customizable and easy-to-assemble electronic drum set that is great for practicing at home. It offers a wide range of sounds and has a nice feel, although the drum sounds and module quality could be improved.
Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Easy to assemble
  • Comes with everything needed for installation
  • Good value for the price
  • Adjustable and sturdy
Cons
  • Low-quality throne
  • High hat sound could be improved
Bottom Line
The Donner DED-200 is a great drum kit for beginners, offering good sound quality, easy assembly, and a complete set of equipment. However, there are some minor issues with the throne, high hat sound, and kick drum sensitivity. Overall, it provides excellent value for the price and is suitable for practice and learning purposes.
Pros
  • Good starter set for kids
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Good sound quality
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Different drum kits available
Cons
  • Lag between hitting pad and hearing sound
  • Not touch sensitive
Bottom Line
This roll-up drum pad is a good starter set for kids and is portable and easy to use. It has good sound quality and different drum kits available. However, there may be a lag between hitting the pad and hearing the sound, and it is not touch sensitive. The volume may be too loud at the lowest setting, and the pedals may not last long. It is not suitable for professional use.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Electric Drum Sets

Overview

Are you looking to buy an electric drum set? Whether you're a beginner or a professional drummer, finding the right electronic drum kit can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's important to understand the different types, key considerations, must-have features, and price ranges. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision on your next electric drum set purchase.

Types

1. Portable Electric Drum Sets: These compact and lightweight drum sets are perfect for drummers on the go. They offer flexibility and convenience without compromising on sound quality.

2. Professional Electronic Drum Kits: Designed for advanced drummers and studio use, these high-end drum sets offer a wide range of features, realistic sounds, and superior performance.

3. Beginner Electric Drum Sets: If you're just starting out, a beginner electric drum set is a great choice. These kits are affordable, easy to set up, and often come with built-in learning tools to help you develop your drumming skills.

Key Considerations

1. Sound Quality: Look for electric drum sets that offer realistic sounds and high-quality samples to ensure an authentic drumming experience.

2. Pad Sensitivity and Response: The sensitivity and response of the drum pads are crucial for accurate and expressive drumming. Choose a kit that offers adjustable sensitivity levels.

3. Build Quality and Durability: Consider the materials used in the construction of the drum set to ensure it can withstand regular use and provide long-lasting performance.

4. Connectivity Options: Check for MIDI connectivity, USB ports, and audio outputs to connect your drum set to a computer, sound system, or recording equipment.

5. Expandability: If you plan to expand your drum set in the future, choose a model that allows you to add extra pads, cymbals, or accessories.

Features

1. Mesh Heads: Electric drum sets with mesh heads offer a more realistic and responsive playing experience, mimicking the feel of acoustic drums.

2. Built-in Sounds: Look for kits that offer a wide variety of built-in drum sounds and percussion instruments to enhance your creativity.

3. Customizable Kits: Some electric drum sets allow you to create and save custom drum kits, giving you the ability to tailor your sound to your preferences.

4. Coaching and Learning Tools: Beginner-friendly drum sets often come with built-in coaching features and practice modes to help you improve your skills.

5. Recording and Performance Features: Advanced drum sets may offer recording capabilities, performance features like loopers and metronomes, and the ability to integrate with music production software.

Prices

Electric drum sets range in price from budget-friendly options around $300 to professional-grade kits that can cost over $2000. Set a budget based on your needs and level of expertise.

Tips

1. Test Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try out different electric drum sets in person to get a feel for the pads, sounds, and overall quality.

2. Read Reviews: Look for reviews and feedback from other drummers to get insights into the pros and cons of different drum sets.

3. Consider Noise Levels: If you live in an apartment or have noise restrictions, opt for an electric drum set with a quiet practice mode or the ability to use headphones.

4. Research Compatible Accessories: Check if the drum set is compatible with additional pads, cymbals, and accessories that you may want to add in the future.

FAQs

Q: Can I use my electric drum set for live performances?

Q: Do I need an amplifier or headphones to hear the sound?

Q: Can I connect my electric drum set to a computer or recording equipment?

Q: Can I use my own drumsticks with an electric drum set?

Q: Are electric drum sets suitable for beginners?

A: By following this comprehensive buying guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the best electric drum set that suits your needs and preferences. Happy drumming!

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Comes with drum sticks and LED light up drum sticks.
  • Sounds like a real set of drums.
  • Great for little beginners.
  • Durable and bright drum sticks.
  • Easy to set up and store away.
Cons
  • Stand quality is not great.
  • Only red, green, and blue colors light up, not as advertised.
Bottom Line
This electronic drum set is a great option for little beginners at an affordable price. It comes with various drum sticks, including LED light up sticks, and has a realistic sound. However, there are some issues with the stand and the durability of the light function switches. The drumsticks are also long and unbalanced, and there is no color mode control. Overall, it is a cool and durable set for beginners, but may not be suitable for professional musicians.
Pros
  • Real drumsticks and working foot pedals
  • All the sounds of a real drum set
  • Can connect to an amp or headphones
  • Great entertainment for kids of all ages
  • Portable and lightweight
Cons
  • Hi-hat/kick drum pedal combo may not work correctly
  • Annoying announcement about Bluetooth connectivity
Bottom Line
This drum pad is a fun and portable option for both kids and adults. It offers realistic drum sounds, easy connectivity options, and a compact design. However, there may be some issues with the pedal combo and the pads may not match certain drum setups. Overall, it provides great entertainment value and is suitable for beginners or casual drummers.
Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Easy to assemble
  • Comes with headphones
  • Multiple beats/songs to play along with
  • Good for beginners
Cons
  • Durability issues
  • Lack of height adjustment for horizontal drums bar
Bottom Line
This electric drum set is a great option for beginners and those looking for a quieter option to practice on. However, there are some durability and technical issues that may need to be addressed.
Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Adjustable and customizable for different skill levels
  • Sturdy frame
  • Sensitive and accurate pads/cymbals
  • Easy to set up
Cons
  • Limited features on the module
  • Clunky interface
Bottom Line
The Roland TD-1DMK is a high-quality electronic drum set with great sound, durability, and customization options. While it may have some limitations in terms of features and onboard sounds, it is still a reliable and enjoyable option for drummers of all skill levels.
Pros
  • Easy to assemble and set up
  • Good value for the price
  • Suitable for beginners and kids
  • Comes with headphones for quiet practice
  • Compact and doesn't take up much space
Cons
  • Missing parts in some packages
  • Defective pedal in some units
Bottom Line
The drum set is a great option for beginners and kids, offering easy assembly, good sound quality, and the ability to practice quietly with headphones. However, there may be some issues with missing parts and defective pedals, and the lack of speakers and potential software issues should be considered.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}