How would you like to create your very own music? You’re not the only one. There are tons of people out there that create music from their homes. In order to do so, they need the right equipment.
They’ll need musical instruments, a computer, and the best electronic drum set. Without these items, it would be impossible to make good music. With the best electronic drum kit, you’ll be able to add thumping beats to your music without any trouble whatsoever. Within this in-depth guide, you will learn all about the top electronic drum kits and how to choose one for yourself.
Best Electronic Drum Kit: A Quick Comparison.
Last update on 2023-03-25 at 17:48 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Choose The Best Electronic Drum Set
So, you’re interested in buying an electronic drum kit? Well, you’ll have plenty of options at your disposal. If you’re not careful, you’ll make the wrong decision and you’ll be required to send the kit back. What should you look for to ensure you get the very best drum kit for your individualistic needs and preferences? You’ll find out below.
Pricing For The Best Electronic Drum Set Under 1000
First and foremost, you should take a close look at the pricing. There are plenty of options to choose from and some are more expensive than others. A lot of people will want a deal, but it is essential to spend a little extra. Spending extra ensures that you get a better product that will last so much longer. Plus, you’ll gain access to additional features. Do not be afraid to splurge!
Rubber Pads And Mesh Heads
When looking for a drum kit, you will quickly discover that there are two different types to choose from. You can choose a drum kit with rubber heads or mesh heads. The mesh heads are far more effective for emulating acoustic drum heads, but this might not make them better for you. Below, you’ll learn more about both, so you can find out which one is best for you.
Rubber
First, you should know that rubber pads are far more economical. They’re much cheaper. Even with a small investment, you’ll be able to build out your setup by choosing a rubber. Another thing to remember is that rubber pads are far more compact. If you want a portable electronic drum set, you’re probably going to have to stick with rubber. The pads can easily fit into the smallest places. A compact kit will even fit into a dorm room or apartment.
Another excellent thing about rubber pads is the fact that they’re consistent. When you move from pad to pad, you’ll experience an identical rebound and response. Finally, you should know that rubber pads have improved exceptionally over the years. If you’ve used them in the past and felt underwhelmed, you should give them another try.
Mesh Heads
The biggest benefit associated with mesh heads is realism. They’re almost identical to traditional drum heads. They’ll deliver a similar feel and rebound. They’re also more sensitive than the alternatives. Mesh head controllers are capable of producing a different sound based on where you strike them. It is even possible to play brush sweeps on some models. Finally, you should know that mesh heads are tunable. This is undoubtedly one of their biggest advantages.
You can adjust the tension to achieve the precise feel and rebound that you’re after. Therefore, mesh heads are slightly more versatile than their competitors.
Drum Module
While you’re at it, you’ll want to pay very close attention to the drum module. In fact, this could very well be the most important factor of all. The drum mobile is considered the brain of the system. Each module is different. They can have different types and varieties of sounds. The quality of sound also depends on the module. Most will offer a handful of special effects. You may also find drum modules that offer independent volume levels, so you can create studio mixes and custom live mixes. Below, you will discover some of the most important things to consider when choosing the drum module.
Sounds – First and foremost, you should understand how vital the quality of sound really is. Pricing can make a huge difference. Spending more will ensure that you get a higher quality sound and vice versa. The most versatile modules will offer all standard drum set sounds and many other percussion instruments, such as bells and woodblocks. They’ll also offer special effects and even non-percussion instruments. With this in mind, you will be wise to spend more and get a more versatile machine.
Preset Patterns – Pretty much every module will come with a handful of preset patterns. These two-bar patterns or drum parts will normally suit a specific music style. Preset patterns might be basic, but they can be immensely beneficial. They can help you find inspiration and they can help you learn how to use the kit perfectly. You can also find modules with play-along tracks. This is another great option for learning how to play.
Feels Natural – It is also a good idea to choose a module that offers natural and realistic. The best module will feel pretty much identical to an acoustic kit. The module should be able to adapt to your playing style. A good module will accurately respond to your playing style a produce a similar sound to an acoustic kit.
Connectivity – It is also a good idea to choose a kit that offers some type of expansion and connectivity. If you intend to add more pads or triggers in the future, you should make sure that your module has enough connections for it. You should also choose a module with a USB kit. This will allow you to connect your system to your computer or a digital audio interface.
Build Quality
Another thing to take into consideration is the quality of the kit. If you’re buying a kids electronic drum set, there is a good possibility that you’ll be upgrading at some point in the future. Therefore, quality might not be so important. However, if you’re looking for the overall best kit, you’ll want to make sure that it is durable and built to last. The kit should be very sturdy and tough. Make sure that all of the components are built to last.
Portability
You should also consider the portability of the kit. Do you want a portable electronic drum set or will you only be using it at home? If you intend to use the kit at a friend’s place or for live performances, you need one that can be moved around easily.
Warranty
Since electronic drum kits have so many components, it is pertinent to pay close attention to the warranty. Anything could go wrong and you’ll want to make sure that you’re covered. Be sure to choose the longest warranty you can find!
1. Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set
You don’t have to be a professional drummer to understand the importance of owning a portable, and reliable drum kit. While there are tons of different makes and models available, you won’t quite find anything like the Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set. Not only is this a complete 8-piece electronic kit that includes everything you need to get started, but also the quality is off the charts. With this reliable kit, you can practice in your small apartment or home all hours of the night, because you can literally control the sound, unlike with a traditional kit. However, that is not everything that the Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set has to offer.
- Dynamic, comfortable pads for great feel and natural response
- 8 inches high quality rubber drum pads (dual zone snare, three single zone toms)
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Create Your Own Unique And Stylish Sounds
This kit also comes included with a sound module that has over 40 ready-to-play classic and modern sound already programmed in. You can choose from these preprogrammed sounds, or you can create your own unique and stylish sounds using the 385 customizable sounds that come included with the module. In addition to this, there are over 60 built-in tracks, so you can play along with some of your favorite hits. This module will give you the ability to sound and play like a pro.
Extremely Secure And Well Built Design
It can be a little easy to get overexcited when playing the drums. In fact, some people get so excited that they knock over their kits with powerful, crushing blows, which can lead to expensive repairs. Fortunately, this is something that you will never have to worry about when you invest in the Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set. The 4-post aluminum mounting rack keeps everything held in place at all times. Also, the mounting posts come along with height adjustments and a memory lock feature, so you can literally lock in your favorite position and play as hard as you want without worrying about damaging the kit. Not only do these mounting posts make for extremely rugged design, but they also provide drummers with the flexibility and easy setup that they need when they are on the road.
Extremely High-Quality Pads
If you are familiar with electric drum kits, you probably already know that the pads are without a doubt one of the most important components of the entire kit. And, this is why the Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set comes equipped with quiet, responsive rubber drum and cymbal pads. You can play as hard as you want on these pads, as long as you want without ever worrying about damaging them. This neat little feature makes this kit perfect for anyone that wants the feel of a real kit. Still, you will have the freedom and flexibility to play anytime they want.
Includes A Variety Of Items
What’s the point of purchasing an expensive drum kit if it isn’t going to come included with everything that you need? The creators of the Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set completely understand this, and that is why they have literally included everything that you need to get started all in this great little kit. The kit comes included with three dynamic eight-inch tom pads, an eight-inch zone snare drum, a kick drum with a pad and pedal, three – ten-inch cymbals, the 4-post aluminum mounting rack, and the sound module. The snare drum has one of the greatest feels and natural responses that you will find in any electric kit.
All three – ten-inch cymbals also come equipped with a crash and choke, which literally provides you with an unlimited range to express yourself musically.
Compatible With PCs And Macs
Some individuals like to create amazing tracks on their personal computers, while others like to utilize their Macs. Whatever your preference is it won’t really matter when you purchase the Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set. This kit is a stand-alone kit that can simply be played through headphones or a stereo. In addition to this, you can also utilize the USB port and plug the kit into your computer. The Nitro Kit is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or later, and with Windows 7 or later. So, it doesn’t matter if you are a PC lover or a Mac lover, either individual can take advantage of everything that this kit has to offer.
The Continuous Hi-Hat Variable Pedal
You will notice that this kit comes included with a hi-hat pedal. Well, individuals should be aware of the fact that this pedal is a continuous variable style pedal. This means that with the pedal you can utilize open, half-open, and closed hi-hat sounds. However, when the pedal is completely pressed all the way down and released without striking the hi-hat pad, you will get a chick or splash sound that is really unique and adds a nice touch to any piece.
Overall Assessment
If you truly want an electric drum kit that will stand up to the test of time and provide you with the ability to create tons of unique and stylish sounds, you need to consider investing in the Alesis Nitro Kit Electric Drum Set. In addition to this, the kit literally includes everything that you need to start playing right away.
Pros
- Extremely easy to setup and make height adjustments
- Even includes one set of drumsticks
- Literally comes with everything you need
- Rugged 4-post aluminum design keeps everything in place
- Extremely high-quality pads that will last over time and abuse
- Take advantage of expanded sounds with the Nitro sound module
- Compatible with both PCs and Macs
- Continuous variable hi-hat pedal provides unique sound options
Cons
- The key cannot be adjusted in the play along tracks
- Not compatible with third-party drum pads
2. Roland Electronic Drum Set
If drumming is your game, you should consider investing in the Roland TD-11K-S V-Compact Series Electronic Drum Set. This set includes everything you need to practice, perform and produce some of the most unique songs. From a TD-11 to a MDS-4V, the drum set is designed to ensure players have access to all the necessities. It also comes with a broad array of preprogrammed sounds that can be fine-tuned as you see fit.
- Kick Pedal NOT included. Shown for photography purposes only.
- Supernatural-enhanced sound engine with Behavior Modeling provides an expressive and natural drumming experience.
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Play-Along Practice
The Roland Compact Series Drum Set features a large sound library that covers a broad array of musical genres. In fact, you can set it up so you can play-along practice as often as you need or until you get the beats down perfectly. The user-friendly interface is designed for all drumming skill levels. Regardless, if you are a beginner or veteran drummer, you will have no issues performing on this drum set.
You can even upload full MP3 tracks and loops, utilizing the USB thumb drive. Once you get the MP3 tracks uploaded, you will be able to play along with them. The process is very simple and if you have any issues you can refer to the included step-by-step instruction guide. Also, there are more than a few how-to videos available on YouTube.
COACH Mode
The COACH mode assists players to build their drumming skills. The “icon-driven” user interface and large LCD will aid in this process. Once you select the COACH mode, you will be provided with everything you need to build your drumming skills with ease.
Lightweight Design
The Roland Compact Series is ideal for people who live in small apartments and condos. Its compact, lightweight design allows for easy storage and setup, requiring very little space. You can even store it away in a cubbyhole or closet, when it is not in use, as it folds up. Folded measurements are as follows: 2-1/2” L X 2-1/2” H, with cymbals down.
The foldable design also allows for easy portability. Just toss the drum set in your trunk or backseat to transport from your home to musical events. Just be sure to protect the drums from the potential hazards of transportation. Wrap it in a blanket or other fabric before placing in your vehicle. This will help in preventing scratches, scuffs, and scrapes.
Superior Adjustability
The Roland Drum Set is designed to allow for easy adjustability. In fact, each individual drum can be adjusted as you see fit. With so much flexibility, you can create the perfect drumming platform for practice and performance. However, it may take a bit of practice in the beginning to make these adjustments. But, do not get frustrated, because it comes with CD-ROM instructions.
Digital Cymbals
If you are familiar with acoustic cymbals, you have experienced their diversity of sounds. The digital cymbals included with this drum set work great, but you may find them a little limited. In this case, your sticks will not have any impact, regardless if they are plain or coated because they all will produce a similar sound, when they hit the pad.
Overall Assessment
The Roland TD-11K-A V-Compact Series Drum Set is ideal for beginners and veterans. The set up is straightforward, as well as the adjusting processes. It is very durable, compatible, expandable, responsive and easily customized. However, you will need to invest in sticks and a kick pedal to complete the set.
Pros
- Suitable for right- and left-handed players
- Lightweight – weighs approximately 60 pounds
- Folds up for compact storage and easier portability
- Includes four pad mounts and a high hat arm
- Cable set and module mount is included
Cons
- Ride cymbal needs to be upgraded
- Does not come with a kick pedal or sticks
3. Yamaha Electronic Drum Kit
It doesn’t matter if you are just getting into the music industry or you have been in it for decades. There is a good chance that throughout your time and experience you have heard of Yamaha equipment. They create everything from guitars to drum kits, and over the years they have become incredibly well known for their versatility and quality designs. Well, when it comes to their new line of electronic drum kits the same things can be said. The Yamaha DTX522K Customizable Electronic Drum Kit is without a doubt one of the most versatile, reliable, and well-built kits available on the market today. After you see everything that this kit has to offer, you will have no choice but to agree.
- Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
- FREE iOS Apps allow easy customization, song importing, and training programs
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Extremely Realistic Cymbal Features
You don’t have to be a professional drummer in a rock band to understand the importance of the cymbals in a drum kit. Yamaha completely understands this and that is why this kit comes included with three-zone cymbals pads that are uniquely designed. The pads offer players of all levels and skills with the unique ability to produce different sounds in the cup, bow, and edge zones of the cymbals, which makes these cymbals entirely realistic. In addition to this, the cymbals had a good stick feel and low acoustic noise level, which is something that every electronic kit needs when you are practicing or jamming with your friends. Along with this, the cymbals also have a 360-degrees-choke function around the edges.
This pretty much means that you can mute the cymbal before striking it, just like you could do with a traditional kit. So, as you can see, Yamaha spared no expense when it came to creating the most realistic cymbals possible.
Take Advantage Of The Drum Trigger Module
What’s the point of having an electronic drum kit if you can’t produce unique and stylish sounds? Well, thanks to the powerful module included with this kit, you will be able to do just that and much more. The module is a 32-note polyphonic tone generator that can produce 691 drum and percussion sounds. In addition to this, it also comes equipped with fifty preset drum kits that span through a wide range of music genres. Along with the layover and import options, it won’t matter if you are looking to become a country star or a rock star, you will be able to recreate and play along with some of your favorite tracks.
If you look at the previous Yamaha models, you will notice that this module has almost twice the ROM and over 250 more sounds, which makes it incredibly up-to-date and even more versatile than ever.
Learn To Play With The Free iOS Apps
Just owning a drum kit and being able to bang off the pads isn’t going to be enough to get you in the big leagues. You literally need to know how to play. Thanks to the free iOS apps that come included in this package, you can learn how to do just that and so much more. With your iPhone, iPad, or iPod you can literally see when you need to strike each drum in musical time. With that being said, this isn’t the only free app that you can take advantage of. The Yamaha Songbeats App allows you to create a variety of different drum accompaniments by putting your drumming at the center of the band.
There are also over one thousand different songs to choose from, so you won’t have a problem finding one that fits your drumming style. This already sounds like a lot, but this isn’t even everything that you can do with this kit. In fact, with the import MIDI files option, you can literally import any music MIDI files by taking advantage of the MusicSoft application. This gives you the ability to mute certain pieces, so you can play along, or just practice at your own set pace.
Textured Silicone Snare Pad
The snare drum is without a doubt one of the most important components of any drum kit and Yamaha completely understands this. This is why they specifically designed their snare pad to entice drummers while providing them with a sense of safety and security. The pad is filled with air bubbles of a size and density that perfectly cushion the drum hit. You can literally bang on the snare pad for hours and hours without ever worrying about damaging your arms or wrists.
Add Additional Toms, Cymbals, Or Kicks
What’s the point of having a drum kit if you can’t customize it and add additional components? If you have researched a lot of electronic kits you will notice that this is the case with many of them. Fortunately, Yamaha has changed that with the design of the Yamaha DTX522K Customizable Electronic Drum Kit. In fact, with this kit, you can add a total of 4 toms, cymbals, or a kick. You can even split three tom inputs and use an additional kick. There are instructions that come included with the kit that will explain how to do this, as well as explaining how to change the voice and sound of the toms and cymbals.
Overall Assessment
If you want an electronic kit that will give you the freedom to play and practice around the clock yet will still provide you with the quality and durability that you need, you need to consider investing in the Yamaha DTX522K Customizable Electronic Drum Kit. With this kit, you are not only getting improved features and sounds but with the free iOS applications, you can really customize your sound or learn how to play.
Pros
- You have the ability to add additional toms, cymbals, and kicks
- Silicone textured snare pad lets you play for hours without the worry of injury
- Take advantage of a variety of different apps
- New and improved trigger module has twice the ROM and over 250 more sounds
- Cymbals are designed with extremely realistic features
Cons
- Doesn’t include a bass drum pedal
- Some individuals are having problems with the kick going out
4. PylePro Portable Electronic Drum Set
Are you looking for an electronic drum set that will go anywhere and everywhere? Do you want to be able to play the drums at a friend’s place? If you answered yes to these questions, you need to check out the PylePro. This set is small, compact and ready to be taken anywhere and everywhere. Despite its compact size, this kit really satisfies in numerous categories. It’ll provide you with a great sound and plenty of freedom to create the precise music that you’re after. Additional features will be explored in greater depth below.
- VERSATILE DIGITAL DRUM KIT: The portable drum set is developed to resemble, sound and play like an actual drum set at a fraction of the size. Play the drums to pre-recorded drum kits and songs or record your own
- CONNECT TO MAC & PC: You can connect the drums table to your computer using the USB cable – it’ll function as a MIDI controller for your favorite computer software to get even more functionality
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Connectivity
Despite being small and affordable, this drum set is still pretty versatile. In fact, it can be connected to pretty much any computer. It is compact with Windows and Mac. Just connect the kit to your computer using a USB cable. Then, you can use it as a MIDI controller with your favorite computer software. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be able to do it with this electronic drum kit.
Two Power Options
Another thing to note is that this unit can be powered in two ways. It comes with an AC adaptor. This gives you the ability to plug the unit into the wall outlet and play for hours and hours. Alternatively, you can also run this kit on 6 C batteries. If you want to ditch the cord, you can do so. This is something that generally isn’t available with the alternatives! The battery life isn’t great, but it is still nice to have more than one option.
Suitable For All Situations
It should also be known that this drum set is really suitable for any and all situations. It gives you the ability to adjust the volume as you see fit. Therefore, you can easily crank up the volume and play for a group. Alternatively, you can switch to the headphone jack and play in the comfort of your own home, without bothering your neighbors. No matter what, you can guarantee that you’ll be able to use this kit.
Extremely Lightweight And Portable
If you have ever looked into investing in a drum kit you probably already know that they are large, expensive, and extremely hard to transport. Well, that is no longer the case thanks to the unique design of the PylePro Portable Drums. While this kit is customizable, lightweight, and extremely portable, it is a tabletop drum kit that includes everything you need to produce exciting and stylish sounds. With a weight twelve pounds, you can literally pick this tabletop kit up in one arm and carry it anywhere you go. If you are always on the go or traveling the PylePro Portable Drums is without a doubt the perfect companion that will give you the freedom to practice and jam around the clock without disturbing your neighbors.
Touch Sensitivity
One of the first things that you will notice about this tabletop kit is that it comes equipped with seven different well-designed pads. In addition to this, each of these pads comes equipped with touch sensitivity that provides an extremely accurate response when striking the pads.
Twenty-Five Built-In Preset
When it comes to investing in a drum kit you want one that can provide you with versatility and quality sound. Well, that is exactly what the PylePro Portable Drums can do. With the twenty-five, built-in presets, you can choose from over 215 different percussion voices.
Warranty
Finally, you should know that Pyle goes above and beyond to ensure that their products are worth the investment. This is why the company always covers its products with a lengthy warranty. If you want to make sure that your kit is going to last, Pyle has you covered. This specific kit is protected by a 1-year warranty. Should anything go awry, you can rest assured knowing that the company will fix the problem right away.
Overall Assessment
Truly, the PylePro Drum Set is one of the coolest electronic drum kits on the planet. It does have a few minor flaws, but they’re definitely not deal breakers. This kit is definitely the most portable. If you’re going to be a traveling musician, you need a portable electronic drum set and this is the one that you should consider buying. It will not disappoint.
Pros
- Includes everything you need to get started
- Can be powered with a cable or batteries
- Touch-sensitive drum pads
- Includes 25 preset drum kits and 5 user drum kits
- USB port included
- Includes a headphone port
- LED control display is convenient
- Protected by a one-year warranty
Cons
- Battery life is short
- Controls are a little confusing
5. Behringer XD8USB Drum Kit
Are you looking for a comprehensive drum kit that leaves no stone unturned? If so, you should definitely check out the Behringer XD8USB. This 8-piece kit provides you with everything you need to create beautiful, hard thumping music in the comfort of your own home. This kit comes with everything you need to get started immediately. It also has 10 factory presets and 5 user-programmable drum sets. With this kit, the possibilities are really endless. What else do you need to know? You’ll find out below.
- 5-piece Electronic Drum Set with Rubber Heads
- HDS110USB Sound Module
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HDS Technology
One of the best aspects of the Behringer XD8USB Drum Kit is the HDS or High Definition Sampling technology. This feature means that this kit will be able to provide you with a completely authentic drumming expensive. If you’re used to traditional drums, you’ll have little to no trouble making the transition to this electronic drum kit!
Great Warranty
Another great thing about the Behringer XD8USB Drum Kit is the warranty. Everyone who invests in this kit will be provided with a one-year warranty. However, if you register the product within 90 days of ownership, the company will extend the warranty for three years. This is great and ensures that your drum kit will last for many years to come! Should anything go wrong, you can guarantee that the company will rectify the problem without a hassle.
Includes An Audio Input
This electronic drum kit is equipped with an audio input. This might seem like a basic perk, but it can make a huge difference. With the audio input, you can plug almost any device into this unit. For instance, you can plug in your iPhone, iPad or MP3 player. Then, you’ll be able to play along to your favorite songs.
USB Port
It should also be known that this kit includes a USB interface. This means that this kit can connect to pretty much any virtual instrument or drum software. If you want a unit that can connect to your computer, this one will satisfy.
Overall Assessment
At the end of the day, there is really a lot to like about the Behringer XD8USB Electronic Drum Kit. This kit is surprisingly affordable and it delivers an awesome sound quality. Plus, it feels pretty dang authentic. For the price, it is really hard to complain about this kit. Be sure to check it out for yourself right now!
Pros
- Protected by a three-year warranty
- Set up process couldn’t be easier
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- Includes a USB interface and audio input
- Deliver a good sound
- Bounce back feels similar to a real drum kit
Cons
- The drum may miss triggers from time to time
- Could be a little more durable
Conclusion
There are plenty of excellent drum kits to choose from. Nevertheless, only one will be right for your individualistic needs and preferences. Only you can find out which one is right for you. As long as you stick with one of the aforementioned drum kits, there is a good chance that you’re going to be completely satisfied with your investment.
Great list, I do think everybody needs to figure out what works for them individually when they try out a set.