Electronic drum sets are highly popular with many players since they have so many benefits over the acoustic ones.
However, with so many options, it might be confusing to choose the one with the best value for money.
This is why we will look into their features and benefits, and we will also present the best electronic drum sets of this year. Let’s dive in!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Electronic Drum Sets
Table of Contents
Perks of Getting a New Electronic Drum Set
Electronic drum sets are becoming more and more important for many players. Most beginners choose electronic ones over acoustic drums because of several aspects. The main ones are:
Quiet Performance
One of the major benefits of a new electronic drum set is that you can start practicing at midnight without bothering your family and neighbors anymore. This is because electronic drum sets can be paired with headphones, so you can practice quietly any time you wish.
Realistic Feel
Furthermore, the electronic drum sets on our list boast a realistic feel. This means that you get all the benefits of an acoustic drum, plus the tech features of an electronic instrument. They can be used with vintage music, or you can tap into the tech advances and use some synthetic sounds whenever you wish.
Versatility
Last, but not least, electronic drum sets are more versatile. Apart from the authentic acoustic playing expression, they combine endless sounds that allow for unlimited creativity. If you have an electronic drum set, the only boundary is your imagination – you can create anything you wish!
What Makes a Great Electronic Drum Set?
An electronic drum set needs to meet certain criteria. They come with different features that will provide great value for money. The most important aspects of an electronic drum set are:
Customization
First of all, one of the beauties of playing the electronic drum is that you can choose from an endless pool of sounds. A great electronic drum set is extremely versatile, suitable for any music genre, whether it is blues, jazz, rock, or punk.
Affordability
Another important aspect of a great electronic drum set is its price point, if you need to break the bank to afford it, it means that it is not suitable for you. Make sure you consider your budget carefully and keep an eye on what accessories it includes and which ones you should purchase additionally.
Sturdiness
Lastly, a great electronic drum set needs to be durable and sturdy. No one enjoys a broken pad or flimsy construction – and it is not really safe either. Our great electronic drum sets are sturdy, long-lasting, and very reliable.
Comparison of the Best Electronic Drum Sets
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Review of the Best Electronic Drum Sets
Now that you have looked at what makes a great electronic drum set, let’s look at some of the best options on the market.
Best Overall:
Alesis Command Mesh Kit
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This drum set features the highest playability and response you could ever expect. The design is stylish and professional, but the durability and performance of this product are simply unmatched by any competitor. This certainly sets a whole new standard on the market at such an affordable price point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Alesis Command Mesh Kit is a complete electronic drum set with eight pieces that include all the features you need to play like a pro. It offers a virtually unlimited array of playing expressions with a ride cymbal, crash cymbal with choose function, and a hi-hat. This product features unmatched response and maximum playability.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for the most playable, versatile drum sets that offer the highest value for money, this drum set is for you. Whether you are a drum enthusiast or a more experienced player, you will find that a wide range of more than 600 sounds will complement your skills to perfection.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Alesis Command Mesh Kit is a complete piece with a rock-solid build that will satisfy all your needs and desires. It is thoughtfully engineered to offer a wide range of sounds. It has built-in features that promise high-quality and comfort every time you practice, rehearse, or play them for your live audience.
Best Electronic Drum Set for the Money:
Alesis Surge Mesh Kit
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This drum set comes with an excellent quality design, and it is extremely easy to adjust. The mesh heads are top-notch, and they closely emulate the surface of a real drum. The sounds are quite loud for an electronic drum; however, the instructions are quite difficult to understand, and the electronic control box is misleading.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is an affordable electronic drum set that provides high value for money. It includes eight pieces that help you create and develop your drum skills in no time. The all-mesh heads have a singularly natural playing response, and it boasts superior playability.
Who Will Use This Most
This affordable electronic drum set is the ideal model for any drum enthusiasts. It includes all the accessories to get you started on your new journey, and it has an affordable price range. What is more, it includes 40 free lessons when you register the drum kit to ease your learning experience.
Bottom Line
The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is the ultimate drum set of this year for beginners. If you want to start playing and start improving as soon as possible, this is the product you need. You can use it with any music genre or playstyle.
Best Electronic Drum Set For Kids:
Roland V Entry (TD-1DMK)
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Roland V entry is one of the best drum sets of this year without a doubt, especially for kids. It provides a full drumming experience, and it has everything it takes to boost your motivation and skill. Although the electronic panel is quite simple and only has a few basic options, this drum set has everything even for advanced drummers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This drum set promotes versatility and quality. With dual-ply mesh heads that can be adjusted, this product offers an extra quiet performance while providing you a realistic experience. It comes with 256 notes of polyphony and 15 preset drum kits that have an authentic, expressive feel.
Who Will Use This Most
This drum set is a great choice for any beginner. It is versatile and adjustable, ideal for any play style. What is more, it comes with a built-in metronome with adjustable tempo that helps the player to improve their timing. However, make sure you purchase the rest of the accessories as well.
Bottom Line
The Roland V entry is a great electronic drum set for beginners and advanced drummers alike. The sounds are accurate, expressive, and it is effortlessly playable, which will offer you a comfortable experience and boost your motivation. With 15 preset drum kits and many more functional features, this set is ready for a lifetime of drumming.
Best Electronic Drum Set Under $500:
Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit is the ideal choice if you want versatility and plenty of choice regarding sounds. It is exceptionally well-made for the price but, despite its wide range of sounds, there is no tambourine voice. Furthermore, the instructions are poorly designed, and it might feel cramped unless you place the hi-hat on the far-left end of the bar.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This drum set is an affordable electronic drum set that performs exceptionally for under $500. It is made with lasting materials, and it is relatively easy to assemble. With the sturdiness of the materials, it is doubtlessly one of the best products in this category.
Who Will Use This Most
This drum set lacks the tambourine voice, so it might not be for you if you enjoy playing music from the 1960s. Despite this, it will be a great asset to any other drum enthusiast who wants an affordable, long-lasting drum set that performs up to all expectations and provides high value for money.
Bottom Line
This Alesis drum set packs everything you need to start playing right out-of-the-box. With its practice-centric features, the metronome, sequencer, and many others, this drum set offers high value for money. It is ideal for rehearsals, practice, and even recording sessions.
Best Electronic Drum Set Under $1000:
Yamaha DTX522K
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Yamaha DTX522K comprises plenty of great-sounding kits to choose from, and they sound amazing with headphones. All the hardware, including toms and cymbals, feel sturdy and durable. On the other hand, the kick pedal is not so sturdy, and the app only works with Apple products.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This drum set features incredible sounds and characteristics at an incredibly affordable price. It has a superior stick feel and provides an authentic snare expression. What is more, you can now sound your absolute best with this model as the drums and percussion voices are top-notch.
Who Will Use This Most
Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced player, this model will definitely challenge you. It has advanced practice tools that can help you consistently evolve and improve your drum skills, while the natural feeling has a laser accuracy. With low acoustic noise, this drum set is essential for any drum enthusiast.
Bottom Line
The Yamaha DTX522K is a great quality drum kit that boasts many advanced features for under $1000. They will help you improve your skills, pad accuracy, endurance, and rhythmic timing. If you want a drum set to help you grow, this is the one you need to try. With Yamaha’s reputation, you certainly won't regret it!
Best Portable Electronic Drum Set:
Simmons SD350
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you want the full drumming experience without breaking the bank, the Simmons SD350 will be the right choice for you. It offers more nuanced playing than any other instrument in its class, emphasizing the real drum feel. It has a quick assembly design that is user-friendly and takes less time than other models.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Simmons SD350 is a great quality drum set that comes with ten drum kits, ten songs, and 179 customizable sounds. It provides a real drum feel, with simple navigation and a kick pedal that comes with an integrated kick trigger. What is more, it is highly affordable and offers a full-size experience.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are a first-time drummer, this set is the ideal product for you. It is affordable, customizable, and provides an accurate, precise, and real drumming feel. You can quickly assemble and tear it down due to the simple design, the user-friendly interface is a pleasure to use, and you will boost your skills in the blink of an eye.
Bottom Line
All in all, this portable electronic drum set cannot be missed. With the simple interface that boasts comprehensive features, it provides everything you’d expect from a drum set. It is user-friendly, affordable and it even features a USB/MIDI computer connection. What else could you wish for?
Best Electronic Drum Set For Beginners:
Simmons SD1200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Simmons SD1200 is a high-quality electronic drum set that combines state-of-the-art technology with a realistic acoustic feel and sound. It embeds advanced tech features that are essential for any performing drummer, and the dual-zone toms can trigger alternate voices. The product also includes a mesh kick drum.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out from the crowd due to its high-tech, state-of-the-art features. With the high-quality design, it features chokable multi-zone cymbals that are coated with textured rubber. There is a variable pedal that can trigger smooth, semi-open sounds, splash, and many more.
Who Will Use This Most
Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced player, you cannot go wrong with this model. It includes one of the most extensive collections of world percussion and vintage electronic sounds, which means that opportunities are virtually limitless. The user-friendly interface is ideal for both first-time users and more experienced players.
Bottom Line
On the whole, the Simmons SD1200 has all the qualities to make it on your shortlist. Whether it is for the state-of-the-art cymbals and mesh pads, the realistic feel and sound, or the tech features, it is impossible not to be awed by the performance of this electronic drum kit.
8. Simmons SD600 Electronic Drum Set
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
What makes this drum set stand out from the crowd is the durability of the design. It is faithful to acoustic drum sounds, and it can be easily played whenever you want. It embeds a wide range of premium features that are worth exploring, however, you need to own an iPhone in order to use the Bluetooth connectivity.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The SD600 has a double-layer, dual-zone, and tension-able mesh heads that promote responsiveness and enhance the realistic qualities of the sounds and feel. It comes with a solid construction that is built to last. What is more, it includes extra inputs that help drummers expand their tonal palette.
Who Will Use This Most
This drum set is ideal for any playing style and setup due to the adjustable pads on the steel rack. What is more, it combines a wide variety of drum voices, including electronic and percussion sounds. This allows for your creativity to come to the surface and create the best tunes ever.
Bottom Line
Overall, the SD600 offers an immersive, accurate playing experience. It allows for multi-layered sounds that will add depth and intricate details to all of your tunes. Furthermore, it is certainly worth trying out the accuracy of the acoustic sounds and feel – do not miss this opportunity!
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Now that you have an overall idea regarding the best electronic drum sets of this year, it is important to have a closer look at what you need to keep in mind when purchasing your model.
Number of Pieces
You might have already noticed that models come with 4-8 pieces on our list. This does not stop here – you will be able to find 30+ piece kits. So, which one is the best for you? While most people are tempted to believe that the more the better, it might not be a wise idea to go for a complex setup. If you are a beginner, we encourage you to start with a simpler 4-piece kit and learn how to play some beats then, you can upgrade your set.
Double or Single Bass?
Most players consider going for a double bass drum; this is questionable, for some. This is because a second bass drum is ideal if you are the ‘metal head’ type who really needs extra bass. Otherwise, double bass drums are not recommended for beginners. It might be difficult as it is to learn using one foot. Learning how to use both from the beginning is not so realistic.
Budget
Make sure you consider your budget carefully. We included models that are suitable for most budgets.
Conclusion
Choosing the best electronic drum set must now be much easier, considering that you’ve just checked out the ultimate buyer’s guide and a concise list with different drum sets. We are convinced that you now have all the information you need to purchase the best electronic drum set!
People Also Ask
Now that you have reached this point, you may still have a few questions. Keep reading below to find out more.
How Do Electronic Drums Sets Work?
When you strike the mesh head of the drum, the sensor underneath relays a voltage value to a sound module. This then translates the value to make a particular sound, regardless of whether it is a drum, cymbal, or anything else.
Do Electronic Drums Make Noise?
The electronic drum sets are quite silent, especially compared to acoustic ones. The only noise that is created is when you hit the pad with the sticks, provided that you attach the headphones to your set. Otherwise, the output can be quite loud, great for live performances for most sets.
Can You Hear Electronic Drums Without Headphones?
Electronic drum sets need some type of amplifier in order to produce sounds. This means that you can attach them to headphones, or you need to purchase an amplifier for your drums to hear the sounds. The amplifier needs to be specially designed to amplify drums.
Who Makes the Best Electronic Drum Set?
Although it is down to personal preferences, the best characteristics of an electronic drum set are a flawless combination of quality of sounds, customization, durability, and sturdiness of the materials and, certainly, affordability. We recommend Alesis with the Command Mesh Kit as the best overall electronic drum set.
More Electronic Drum Buyer Guides
In the market for electronic drums? Luckily, we've compiled all of our buyer guides related to electronic drums. Feel free to review each guide and find the one that fits exactly what you're looking for. Be sure to check back soon as we'll be updating this page frequently.
