Portable electronic drum sets can be a mobile drummer's best friend.
Whether you prefer to use them for practicing or perform at gigs with them on a regular basis, portable electronic drum sets are great.
They are a mobile way of drumming and can come in handy in a pinch.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Portable Electronic Drum Sets
- OUR TOP PICK: Alesis Nitro Kit
- Pyle-Pro (PTED01)
- Alesis Command Mesh Kit
Table of Contents
Why Would I Use a Portable Electronic Drum Set?
Portable electronic drum sets, also known as roll-up drum sets or kits, are a superb option for drummers who find themselves low on space. They are also perfect if you need a way to practice without disturbing the neighbors, are on a tight budget, or you travel frequently.
They are very easy to fold, store, transport, and play on surfaces like a tabletop or the floor. They usually consist of all the basics you need to get started, such as foot pedals and drum sticks. You also have the option of either purchasing built-in speakers or connecting a pair of headphones for silent practice.
Portable electronic drum sets are the perfect gift choice for kids and adults who enjoy practicing and recording their playing. MIDI enabled roll-up kits allow you to connect them with your computer or laptop to record your session. This is great for tracking your practice and recording for music production.
Why Did These Portable Electronic Drum Kits Make Our List?
We’ve selected a variety of portable electronic drum kits that are suitable for a range of play-styles and uses. These kits are good for practicing, studio recordings, and even performing at gigs. All of the kits we have featured on this list are portable, lightweight, and versatile.
We looked for roll-up drum kits that can be used in a variety of ways and can meet the needs of almost any drummer of any skill level. This goes for beginner students, as well as the masters of rhythm. These kits were designed with convenience in mind and are perfect for practicing. They can also be transported with ease due to their compact nature.
Not only are these kits perfect to travel with, they can also be extremely beneficial when learning how to play the drums. The ability to have headphones connected to them makes them perfect for practicing in areas where discretion is required. This feature is great for playing in areas such as apartments or condos.
Comparison of the Best Portable Electronic Drum Sets
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Review of the Best Electronic Drum Kits
We’ve compiled a list of the best electronic portable drum kits available right now. Each has varying purposes and designs to suit a number of needs and preferences.
Best Overall:
Alesis Nitro Kit
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
An overwhelming number of people who purchased the Alesis Nitro Kit had nothing but good things to say. They felt like this electronic drum set performed, as well as, if not better than, several of the more premium drum sets available today. In terms of value for the money, recent buyers felt the Alesis exceeded even their highest expectations.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Alesis Nitro Kit is truly in a league of its own, which is why we have listed it as the best overall portable electronic drum set. It offers outstanding value for the money, as well as, a realistic drumming experience. It is great for amateurs just learning to play or for masters looking to hone their skills without causing a ruckus.
Who Will Use This Most
The Alesis Nitro Kit is suitable for drummers of all skill levels. However, we don’t recommend that more experienced drummers use it as their standard. It is better suited as a means for beginner drummers to learn the ropes rather than for professionals to perform with. That being said, this set is still great for professional drummers who want to develop their technique in silence. Plus, they will still get a realistic playing experience while using this kit.
Bottom Line
This portable electronic drum set is a great go-to for more amateur drummers. It is the perfect way for both professionals and amateurs alike to hone their skills without disturbing the peace. Its smaller-than-average drum pads allow for enhanced portability, making it super convenient to travel with.
Best for the Money:
Pyle-Pro Portable (PTED01)
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of folks who purchased the Pyle-Pro Portable electronic drumset found it to be an excellent tabletop alternative to most other electronic sets for practicing. The nature of the kit’s design means that it is not very well suited for live performances. However, the volume can be turned up high enough to simulate the volume during a live performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Pyle-Pro Portable’s unique tabletop design is what made this portable electronic drum set stand out among the rest. It is by far the most portable roll-up set on this list and is easily one of the most compact designs available today. It is very compact, while still providing real-time feedback and a realistic drumming experience. This helps make it the best choice for drummers on a budget.
Who Will Use This Most
As this set features a compact design, most drummers who perform often won’t find much use for it outside of their practice rooms. That is this roll-up set’s strong suit - practice. It can be placed on just about any flat surface, like the floor or a table, and it features headset capability to allow for quiet practicing.
Bottom Line
Consider buying this portable electronic drum set if you want an uber-convenient way of practicing without breaking the bank. You’ll never have to worry about this set taking up space, as all the pads sit atop one structure, making for very quick setup. This set is the way to go for all hardcore practicers.
3. Alesis Command Mesh Kit
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent users of the Alesis Command Mesh Kit felt that it gave them complete control over their drumming experience. They found that this portable electronic drum set included everything they needed to play like a true professional. This is the kit that consumers found to provide the most realistic drumming experience possible.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Alesis Mesh Kit is a roll-up drum set that provides a drumming experience as close to the real thing as possible. The positioning of its pads adds to the realism by being placed in similar locations that a standard drum set would be.
Who Will Use This Most
This electronic drum kit is truly versatile, and amateurs and professionals alike will find this set useful in one way or another. Be it for practicing or for performing, the Alesis Mesh Kit is a great choice in electronic drums sets for a realistic drumming experience.
Bottom Line
If you want a portable electronic drum kit that can provide you with realistic feedback and sounds, the Alesis Mesh Kit is your best choice. However, you should keep in mind that this kit is not very space-efficient. It will probably take up a lot of room in your apartment or condo.
4. Yamaha (DTX402K)
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this electronic drum set from Yamaha reported that it is great for beginners. Also, it is good for use in small accommodations, like apartments and townhouses. They found its variety of drumming styles appealing and found that it helped them learn the basics rather quickly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Yamaha portable electronic drum kit provides one of the most realistic drumming experiences possible from an electronic kit. It is versatile and can be used to practice and perform a number of different styles. This makes it great for amateurs and pros alike.
Who Will Use This Most
As we mentioned previously, this portable electronic drum set is perfect for both beginners and masters. It provides a drumming experience comparable to any you would get from an acoustic drum kit. However, it still maintains a great level of variety and versatility.
Bottom Line
This electronic drum set is the most versatile on our list. Beginners and professionals will all find some use for this Yamaha, and it’s great for users to practice or explore new drumming styles.
5. Roland Entry-Level (TD-1K)
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who bought the Roland Entry-Level portable electronic drum set described its sound samples as incredibly accurate and natural. It offers real feedback when the drum is hit with different intensities. They reported an extremely realistic drumming experience, with sounds sustaining and fading for appropriate lengths of time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As the name suggests, Roland Entry-Level is a fantastic choice as a gift for prospective drummers. It offers a realistic drumming experience without feeling overwhelming or insurmountable. Plus, it is compact enough to fit into most practice spaces without feeling toy-like. Amateur drummers should consider purchasing this electronic drum set if they are looking for a way to practice in silence while maintaining a real feel.
Who Will Use This Most
The Roland Entry-Level is perfect for amateur drummers who want a means of practicing their drums in a chosen, convenient space. This electronic drum set boasts a mix of compact design and realistic sound quality and feedback. This makes it the best choice for use when practicing.
Bottom Line
If you are in the market for a great beginner’s roll-up set, the Roland Entry-Level is for you. You won’t have to worry about repositioning all your furniture to fit this one in your house. Its compact design allows it to be used in pretty much any practice space, making it great for use in apartments and townhouses.
Are All Electronic Drum Sets The Same?
The short answer? No. The long answer? Electronic drum sets are available in a wide variety of models and designs to suit different needs and preferences. Some are built with the sole purpose of being used in practice, while others are designed to be more versatile.
There is no universal electronic kit for everyone. The perfect kit for you could very well be the worst kit someone else has ever used. As we said, it all comes down to preference and what you want your electronic kit to do for you.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Electronic Drum Set
Perhaps the most obvious reason to invest in a portable electronic drum set is their superior portability when compared to traditional acoustic drum kits. They also allow drummers to experiment with a vast array of different sounds while using only one drum set. Both beginners and professionals will be able to use electronic kits for a variety of purposes.
Electronic drum sets also provide drummers with the ability to practice whenever and wherever they want. Plus, they have the added benefit of being completely silent when connected to headphones. Most electronic drum “samples” are indistinguishable from traditional acoustic drum kits. Thus, they provide a realistic experience in the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
We’ve learned that electronic drum sets are incredibly versatile and portable, and we have explored some of the best options out there. Hopefully, you’ll now find choosing the right kit for you a little easier!
