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THE 13 BEST ELECTRONIC DRUM SETS FOR ANY BUDGET (2023)


DRUMEO TEAM  /  UPDATED JUL 25, 2023

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This guide will cover some of the best electronic kits at different prices
(updated for 2023) and help you find the perfect fit for your apartment, garage,
or studio.

Electronic drums have come a long way since the days of sterile rubber pads that
felt more like kitchen counters than real drums. The sounds are better, the
hardware is sturdier, and the designs are sleek and inspiring.

There are also more brands and models to choose from. Many are cheap and
functional, while others have a ton of features but will cost more in return.
With so many choices, how do you find the right one? 

Drumeo has 9 electronic drum kits and 62 acoustic kits between our studio and
warehouse. We’ve spent years getting to know the products on the market and even
researching the history of electronic drums. We put together this guide based on
personal experience with these products, and we hope it’ll help you find the kit
that’s best for you.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 * Entry Level Electronic Drum Sets (Under $1000)
 * Mid Level Electronic Drum Sets ($1000-$3000)
 * Professional Electronic Drum Sets (Over $3000)
 * The alternative: Build a hybrid kit
 * Compare all these kits side by side
 * What to look for when buying an electronic drum set
 * Are electronic drums quiet?
 * Are electronic drums easier to play than acoustic drums?
 * Are electronic drums good for beginners?
 * Where can you buy a used electronic drum set?
 * Are electronic drums better than acoustic drums?
 * How do you record with an electronic drum kit?
 * What’s the best electronic drum kit brand?

Here are a few options in each price range to get you started. Since there are
so many kits on the market, we’ve also included a table at the end of this guide
with even more options.

(All prices listed in USD and subject to market changes)

Keep in mind that most electronic kits don’t come with a drum throne, so you’ll
probably need to buy a seat!


ENTRY LEVEL ELECTRONIC DRUM SETS (UNDER $1000)

Brand/ModelPriceYamaha DTX-402K$449Roland TD-1DMK$549Alesis Nitro Mesh$430Alesis
Command Mesh$799Simmons SD600$470Donner DED-200$420

Yamaha DTX-402K ($449)

The Yamaha DTX-402K is easy on the wallet and won’t overwhelm with too many
features.

Why buy it: This kit is affordable and simple.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 3
Kick tower: No
Snare stand: No
Hi-hat stand: No
Kick pedal: Included

Pros: The sounds are top notch – all Yamaha electronic kits feature their
acoustic drum sounds built in to the sample library. This one has 10 preset kit
options plus over 400 percussion and keyboard sounds. A $500 kit with the
high-end sonics of the Yamaha brand? Sweet deal! This model is also compact and
includes the useful DTX-40 Touch app for iOS or Android that has lessons and
play-alongs. It even has a record-and-share function to help you make your first
viral video. The hardware is durable, the module is functional and simple to
use, and it also packs up easily if you ever need to transport it.

Cons: The rubber pads. This is a good kit if you’re just starting out or on a
super-tight budget, but it doesn’t look or feel much like an acoustic drum set.
This an important consideration since many students practice on an electronic
kit at home and then play an acoustic one for lessons or school band. The
playing action on the rubber pads is very different and could make that
transition harder.

Buy it now



Roland TD-1DMK ($549)

The Roland TD-1DMK is perfect for practicing drums at home.

Why buy it: Most budget kits don’t come with mesh heads. This one does!

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 3
Kick tower: No…kinda.
Snare stand: No
Hi-hat stand: No
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros:  Roland V-Drums have always been at the front of the pack when it comes to
simulating the feel of real drums. The reason: high-quality mesh heads. These
have a better rebound and response than hard rubber, making the TD1 a solid
starter rig for kids and adults. It has 15 built-in kits, over 250 other sounds,
and a USB port you can use to connect MIDI instruments from your laptop. It’s
also very compact and has a metronome and a couple of exercises to get you
started on the path to drumming greatness. 

Cons: The price is higher than other entry-level kits. The module is also fairly
basic and may not have enough features and flexibility for intermediate
players.   

Buy it now

 

Alesis Nitro Mesh ($430)

Beginner drummers love the Alesis Nitro.

Why buy it: Mesh heads are rare at this price point, and so are kick towers.
It’s a great starter kit.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 3
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: No
Hi-hat stand: No
Kick pedal: Included

Pros: An all-mesh kit for under $500 is a good deal, and the Nitro Mesh from
Alesis has a lot of useful features. It offers an 8” snare, 3 toms, two cymbals,
a hi-hat, and a kick pedal. It has 40 different preset kit options and 60
play-along tracks, and also comes with cables, a pair of sticks, and a drum key
to get you going right away. It’s compact, has USB connectivity, and has a
conveniently organized module (we’re big fans of the buttons for each drum being
arranged in the shape of a real kit).

For a step up, the Alesis Command Mesh model ($799) is a similar rig with a few
more bells and whistles (like a bigger snare pad and additional sounds and
customization options). 

Cons: The quality of the built-in drum sounds is a little uninspiring. There are
a lot of strange and fun tones, but it’s hard to find a realistic-sounding basic
kit. The aluminum rack it’s mounted on could also be sturdier and the cymbals
are a bit clunky. As Brooklyn Guitar Center salesman and electronic drum expert
Ozzie Martinez explains, “With the Alesis kits, people tend to buy the
inexpensive ones and use them to trigger their own sounds.”  

Buy it now

 

Simmons SD600 ($470) 

The affordable Simmons SD600 comes with tunable mesh heads.

Why buy it: Tunable mesh heads, larger pads and a great teaching app.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 3
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: No
Hi-hat stand: No
Kick pedal: Included

Pros: You might recognize the name Simmons as the creator of the
hexagonal-shaped SDS-V drum machine that popped up on so many hits of the ‘80s.
It revolutionized electronic drums forever (Rick Allen of Def Leppard actually
used it to compensate for the loss of his left arm). The current version of the
company is owned and operated by Guitar Center and we think their kits have some
nice features for the price.

The SD600 has tunable mesh heads, 35 preset kits, Bluetooth capabilities, and
over 200 sounds to choose from. But the highlight is the Simmons Drums App,
which has teaching tools and play-alongs that are perfect for beginner drummers.

Cons: The cymbals are thick and don’t move much, which could make switching over
to an acoustic kit for lessons or performances feel different. The durability of
this kit is also a question mark. One other important note: Simmons sells a
monitor you can use to hear your kit in the room. But after testing it, you
might want to upgrade to something like this Roland PM-100 drum monitor for $300
instead.

Buy it now

 

Donner DED-200 ($420) 

The Donner DED-200 comes with the bare necessities.

Why buy it: Small enough for a kid’s bedroom.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 4
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: No
Hi-hat stand: No
Kick pedal: Included

Pros: You can’t beat getting 5 mesh drum pads and 3 cymbals for this price.
Donner is an intriguing under-the-radar option for parents who want to get their
kids started on drums without making a huge investment. This kit is small enough
to fit into the corner of your bedroom and features 225 unique sounds and 20
built-in play-alongs to get you started.

Cons: The price is good, but the quality…we’re not sure. Some users have
reported issues with the responsiveness of these drums, while others like the
feel compared to other kits in this price range. The DED-100 ($269) is an even
cheaper option that has a flimsier frame, shallower pads, and no actual bass
drum (just a trigger pedal). If you decide to go with this brand, the 200 model
is a better bet.

Buy it now

 




MID LEVEL ELECTRONIC DRUM SETS ($1000-$3000)

Brand/ModelPriceYamaha DTX6K2-X (rubber heads)$1520Yamaha DTX6K3-X (mesh
heads)$1810Roland TD-17KV$1500Roland TD-17KVX (extra cymbal and hi-hat
stand)$2000Alesis DM10$1400Alesis Strike Pro SE$2700

Yamaha DTX6K2-X ($1520)

The Yamaha DTX6K2-X uses a full hi-hat stand, which is rare for entry level
kits.

Why buy it: Full-sized hi-hat, plenty of sound options.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 4
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: No
Hi-hat stand: Sold separately
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros: This new release from Yamaha features killer drum sounds along with
increased pad sensitivity for a more realistic playing experience. You can also
have a blast creating your own sounds in real-time using the effects knobs on
the module. It has a full-sized hi-hat stand and a study kick drum pad which,
despite the larger footprint, are both nice additions.

The kick drum mount also has a softer playing surface to make it feel more like
a real bass drum. The rubber cymbals are a bit thinner than entry-level models
and tend to move more like metal ones when you hit them. This is one big
difference you’ll notice across the board when you step up from the beginner
kits to mid-level options.

Cons: The toms are rubber pads, while the snare has a silicon-based head called
the TCS which is like a softer version of the mesh heads. However, for $300
more, you can upgrade to the 6K3-X series which has TCS heads on all the drums.
Some drummers love these, while others find them to be too far removed from the
feel of an acoustic drum. Try them out at your local drum shop if you can!

Buy it now

 

Roland TD-17KV ($1500)

The Roland TD-17KV is a great basic kit to get you started.

Why buy it: Most kits at this price point don’t let you import your own sounds.
This one does!

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 3
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: No
Hi-hat stand: No
Kick pedal: No

Pros: The snare! It’s 12” of double-mesh and we’re excited to shed some
rudiments on a super-realistic playing surface (that’s also tunable). This kit
has 50 preset kit sounds from the higher-end TD-50 module and includes two 8”
mesh toms, two 12” cymbals, and a 10” hi-hat. It’s also compact and has USB
connectivity and an SD card slot so you can bring in your own sounds.

The TD-17KVX model is $500 more and adds one additional ride cymbal and hi-hat
pads you use with a full-sized hi-hat stand (not included).

Cons: The 8” toms feel a bit small compared to the larger snare.  The hi-hat
mechanism is also lacking compared to the KVX model, but we’re not sure if
that’s worth the extra $500. While the ride cymbal has 3 playing zones
(ride/crash/bell), the other cymbals are dual-zone and don’t have a bell sound
option.

You could also save a couple bucks and downgrade to the TD-07KV ($1029) which
has smaller pads and a standalone hi-hat pedal. However, we think the TD-17KV
hits the sweet spot as far as price and features that offer the best value. 

If you’re going to spend $1000 and get into the mid-range kits, you might as
well spend a few dollars more and get something a little nicer.

Buy it now

 

Alesis DM10 MKII Pro ($1400)

The Alesis DM10 gives you a ton of bang for your buck.

Why buy it: Dual-zone cymbals, adjustable mesh heads and bigger pads.

Toms: 4
Cymbals: 4
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: Included
Hi-hat stand: No
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros: Most electronic drums in this price range don’t come with dual-zone
cymbals (this one has a triple-zone ride) or an extra tom, so you’re really
getting that ‘bigger kit’ experience without the higher price tag. Adjustable
mesh heads and bigger velocity-sensitive pads give a natural response that feel
a lot like acoustic drums, and – unlike most entry-to-mid-level options – this
one comes with boom arms! The module has 50 preset kits, which you can customize
with your preferred levels of reverb, compression and more. If you don’t like
the stock samples, you can import your own.

Cons: The DM10 has a bigger footprint than most other mid-range kits, so you’ll
need a bit more space. The kick tower is relatively loud (it ‘clangs’ somewhat),
so keep that in mind too. The kit doesn’t have a full hi-hat setup, which may
seem odd considering it has extra toms and cymbals.

For those with a bigger budget, you can try the Alesis Strike Pro SE ($2700),
which has larger toms, a full-sized bass drum, and even more cymbals. 

Buy it now

 


PROFESSIONAL ELECTRONIC DRUM SETS (OVER $3000)

Brand/ModelPriceRoland TD-50K$6000+Yamaha DTX10K-M$4619Pearl e/Merge
e/Hybrid$4860Roland V-Drums Acoustic Design VAD 504$4300GEWA G9-Pro C6$5500

Roland TD-50K Series ($6000+) 

The Roland TD-50K is a popular choice for live drumming because of its XLR
stereo out.

Why buy it: Realistic snare drum, XLR stereo out, bigger kick pad.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 4
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: Sold separately
Hi-hat stand: Sold separately
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros: The TD-50 series is one of the jewels of the Roland brand, and it’s easy
to see why it’s so popular. This is a kit that you can actually take to a gig
since it has an XLR stereo output you can send directly to the sound system. It
also has an SD card input so you can easily bring in any sounds you want, and
it’s great for recording since you can connect directly to your DAW via USB and
capture up to 10 channels at once.

It also has some of the most realistic electronic cymbals on the market
including an 18” ride, a couple of crashes (12” and 13”), and an 11” hi-hat that
you mount on a traditional hi-hat stand (sold separately). This kit is good for
pros and serious hobbyists alike, and you really can’t go wrong with V-Drums.

The upgraded TD-50KV2 model ($8000) has a full 14” hi-hat, deeper toms, a bigger
bass drum, and a sturdier rack.

Cons: If you’re trying to fit this into a small space, you’re probably out of
luck. While it’s smaller than some of the hybrid models, the TD-50K base model
is still almost 5 feet wide and 4 feet deep. You’ll also need to shell out
separately for the bass drum pedal, hi-hat stand, and throne. 

Buy it now

 

Yamaha DTX10K-M ($4619) 

The Yamaha DTX10 is a great option for recording or live performance (it also
comes in black).

Why buy it: Real wood shells, 3-zone cymbal pads, Live Set recall and more.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 4
Kick tower: Yes
Snare stand: Sold separately
Hi-hat stand: Included
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros: The DTX10 is one of Yamaha’s flagship electronic kits and there’s a whole
lot to like here. One highlight is the Yamaha sound library, which features
great acoustic kit sounds and synth options. Like many other kits in this price
range, it has easy USB compatibility for bringing in your own sounds,
multi-track recording (this kit comes with Cubase software), and playing live on
stage. You can program your favorite settings into the ‘Live Set’ function and
apply them to the kit instantly with the push of a button. The crashes and ride
come with 3-zone pads for extra detailed playing.

Cons: As we mentioned earlier, the silicon-based TCS heads are a hotly debated
topic among drummers who believe they don’t offer the same feel and
responsiveness as mesh – so while you have the option to choose between the two
materials with this kit, we’re only including the mesh version here. Like many
other high-end models, this kit also has a larger footprint to consider if
you’re trying to stash it in the corner of your bedroom or set it up on a small
club stage.

Buy it now

 

Pearl e/Merge e/Hybrid ($4860)

The Pearl e/Merge e/Hybrid kit has benefits of both electronic and acoustic
drums.

Why buy it: Full-sized pads, full-sized (18″) bass drum, great samples…the list
goes on and on.

Toms: 3
Cymbals: 3
Kick tower: Yes…a full-sized bass drum!
Snare stand: Included
Hi-hat stand: Sold separately
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros: Pearl and Korg teamed up to create this high-end kit and it’s impressive.
It has an 18” bass drum that looks just like an acoustic drum and uses the
PureTouch electronic pad system, which makes the drums and cymbals feel closer
to the real thing. The attention to detail on this kit is off the charts, and
the module is sleek and easy to use. It has 35 drum set options and a ton of
real Pearl drum samples to choose from. The chrome-plated hardware rack is
sturdy and solid.

Cons:  Price. This is a lot to spend on a kit and it’s not going to be easy to
fit into a smaller space. For $200 less, Pearl offers an e/Traditional version
of this kit without the full-sized bass drum, but even that still takes up a
good amount of space.

Buy it now

 

Roland V-Drums Acoustic Design VAD 504 ($4300)

The Roland VAD 504 looks and feels much like an acoustic kit.

Why buy it: Real wood shells, detailed sound customization, full-sized drums,
realistic feel and more!

Toms: 2
Cymbals: 3
Kick tower: Yes…a full-sized bass drum!
Snare stand: Sold separately
Hi-hat stand: Sold separately
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros: With real wood shells, these beauties look like acoustic drums. They
include the easy-to-use TD-27 module with tons of features to EQ, tune and
manipulate your sound. The cymbals are thinner than many others and have good
sensitivity and response. This is a great choice for those who want an
electronic experience that simulates an acoustic kit, and Roland has been at the
front of the pack of the electronic drums market for many years.

Cons: Your wallet might cry a little, especially since this price doesn’t
include some of the necessary hardware. Roland does offer the similar VAD 307
model ($2800) for drummers who want to experience some of these high-level
features on a tighter budget. The 307 uses the TD-17 module and has shallower
shells (but it does include an extra tom and cymbal). There’s also the
breathtakingly beautiful 706 model with even more features, which will set you
back a cool $8600. 

Buy it now

 

GEWA G9-Pro C6 ($5500)

The GEWA G9-Pro C6 is a high end electronic kit for drummers who want the best.

Why buy it: Full-sized shells, great hardware, touch screen module, great sound
library.

Toms: 4
Cymbals: 4
Kick tower: Yes…a full-sized bass drum!
Snare stand: Sold separately
Hi-hat stand: Included
Kick pedal: Sold separately

Pros: There’s a flood of new brands on the e-drums market and GEWA offers one of
the most interesting high-end kits out there. Their G9-Pro C6 model features
full-sized shells (10”/12”/12”/14”/18”), Gibraltar hardware, and cymbals modeled
after the popular Paiste 2002 Series.

GEWA partnered with Remo to make some impressive True Rebound mesh heads based
on the Ambassador. They’re like 2-ply versions of the Remo Silentstroke heads
(which are single-ply). This design team definitely heard the calls from
drummers who want electronic kits to feel more like acoustic ones.

This model has a super slick direct-touch interface and plenty of functionality
for pro audio recording and adding effects. The module even comes with WiFi.
This kit is amazing! But…

Cons: With a price tag over 6 grand, the G9-Pro C6 won’t be an option for many
buyers. It also has a large footprint and the futuristic carbon-wrapped shells
and industrial-looking cymbals may not appeal to everyone. You do get a lot for
your money, and we look forward to seeing if GEWA is able to come up with a more
competitively-priced option to contend with other brands in the mid-tier e-drums
market.

Buy it now

 


THE ALTERNATIVE: BUILD A HYBRID KIT

Pros: Don’t like any of these choices? Build a franken-kit! Many drummers use
triggers, a module, and silent drum heads to create a fully customizable e-drum
playing experience at a lower cost.

You can start by picking up a module like the Roland TD-17 ($800), the Yamaha
DTX Pro ($859), or the Pearl Mimic Pro ($2199).

Then grab a set of triggers like this cost-effective set of 5 Ddrum red shots
($99) or the highly regarded Yamaha DT50s ($99/each).

Top it off with a pack of Remo Silentstroke heads ($94) and presto, your
acoustic kit has transformed!

Cons: Going this route takes more time and research. Another big issue is
compatibility. Will all these parts work together? Will the triggers be
responsive and sensitive? How will it sound? What cables and adapters will I
need? This option also does not solve any issues with fitting the kit into a
smaller space.



There are so many options. However, you tend to get what you pay for. The
cheapest kits are good to get you started, but if you decide to upgrade, spend
the extra cash for quality products like the Roland TD-17, TD-27, or Yamaha
DTX10K-M.

The highest-end models like the Roland TD-50 and the Pearl e/Merge Hybrid offer
a ton of features, but many are just as bulky as an acoustic kit and extremely
pricey. Go to the store, test out everything, and find one that fits your budget
and inspires you to rock out!


COMPARE ALL THESE KITS SIDE BY SIDE

Want to look at your options in one convenient, easy-to-browse place? Click here
for a table that compares models, prices, features, and more.




WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN ELECTRONIC DRUM SET

If you’ve never bought electronic drums before, it can feel like buying a
computer for the first time: there are so many specs and features, you have no
idea where to start.

Don’t let the paradox of choice stop you from moving forward on your new dream
kit. Here are a few things to consider:

Do the drums have mesh or rubber heads? Do they feel good to play?
Mesh comes with a better feel and more realistic rebound. They’re also quieter
when you hit them, which is important since many people choose electronic kits
because they don’t make a lot of noise (sleeping children, nosy neighbors,
skittish pets). Mesh heads are tunable so you can change the rebound – which
isn’t possible with a rubber pad.

How are the triggers?
Do you get a good trigger response? What does it sound like when you hit the
pads? Does the sample trigger right away? Do you have options to adjust the
velocity and dynamics so your drum rolls don’t sound like machine guns firing?

Are the cymbals thick or thin?
If they’re made of thick, unforgiving rubber, it will be hard to simulate the
rebound and feel of a real cymbal. Some of the higher-end kits have thinner
cymbals that actually move more like metal ones when you hit them.

Is the hardware sturdy?
It’s no fun buying a new instrument and having it fall apart after a few months.
Durability is important. And if you plan on moving it around or gigging with it,
how easy is it to fold up the rack?The quality and responsiveness of the drum
pads greatly affect your playing experience. Look for pads that offer a natural
feel and response, resembling the rebound and sensitivity of acoustic drums.
Consider the number of drum pads and cymbals included, ensuring they meet your
specific needs. Furthermore, pay attention to the triggering technology used,
such as mesh heads or rubber pads, as this affects the accuracy and dynamics of
your playing.

How much space do the drums take up?
Besides the noise, many people choose electronic kits because they don’t have
room for a large acoustic setup. Make sure to measure your space before you buy!

What kind of features does the module have?
On an acoustic drum set, you can sit down and play without dealing with
electronics and wires. All electronic kits have a module or “brain” that
controls everything, and the interface is different for each brand. Check out
the display screen. Is it small and grainy, or pleasing to the eye? Are the
commands user-friendly? Is the built-in metronome easy to use, and how easy is
it to switch between samples? Does it have Bluetooth? Can you connect it to your
phone or laptop?

How does it sound?
Some people choose electronic kits because they want more sonic options, and
more volume control and consistency than what an acoustic kit can offer. All the
kits listed below have a ton of different drum sounds, and it’s important to
pick something that you think sounds good and inspires you to play. Often you’ll
be using headphones, but also consider how it sounds through an amp or speaker
if you want to use it for band practice or a lesson.

Does it have good response?
You might find it frustrating if you hit an electronic pad or step on a hi-hat
pedal and hear a split-second delay in the sound.

Does it have any fun extra features?
Some kits let you attach external USB devices and bring in your own sound sample
library (Superior Drummer, Get Good Drums, and SSD are a few examples). Many
also have built-in play-along tracks and even let you change the room tone so it
sounds like you’re playing in different places (it’s like drum tourism)!

Can you add pieces to the kit later?
If you ever want to expand the get or get more creative by adding extra pads or
cymbals, find out if it’s possible on your model. Entry-level kits might not
have this option. If you don’t want to use headphones (for example, you’re
playing a gig or jamming with friends) you might decide you want to use an amp
to project the sound of your kit. Find out what types of amps it’s compatible
with.

Are you comfortable playing it?
Does it feel like a real kit or a toy? Will this instrument enhance your playing
or inhibit it? Are the toms 6” wide and squished together, or does it feel
almost like a real kit? Drummers come in all shapes and sizes, so what’s right
for someone else might not be a good fit for you. Go to the store and try some
stuff out!

Is it in your budget?
If you’re a beginner who isn’t sure if drumming will be a long-term endeavor, a
lower end kit is fine for jamming at home. But if you’re serious about it,
investing in something higher end could be a better choice. While electronic
equipment tends to have questionable longevity – and a good electronic drum kit
can run you back thousands of dollars – the mid-to-high-end kits mentioned on
this page are well made by reliable companies with good customer service.

If you’re still unsure about if electronic drums are right for you, click here.


ARE ELECTRONIC DRUMS QUIET?

Yes, electronic drums are quiet – to an extent. They’re much quieter than
acoustic drums because they’re built from quieter materials.

The reason people often choose electronic drums is because they use triggers.
Rather than needing to strike the surface to produce a raw, intense sound upon
impact, triggers play an electronic sound sample when your stick makes contact
with the pad. Since the pads are relatively quiet, this means you can control
the volume – and even have it only audible through headphones.

While mesh heads will give you a much quieter result than rubber pads, the
thumping of your beater(s) against the kick tower can sometimes still be felt
through an apartment wall (Read: Tips for drumming in an apartment). You may
still want to check with your neighbors.

But overall, if you share a space with others, live in a multi-unit building or
only have time to practice late at night, an electronic drum set is definitely
the best way to play drums quietly.


ARE ELECTRONIC DRUMS EASIER TO PLAY THAN ACOUSTIC DRUMS?



Depending on the size and quality of the pads, an electronic drum kit can make a
drummer sound slightly better compared to an acoustic kit. The drum samples are
typically compressed and mixed and have a limited range of velocities
(especially lower-end kits), so even poor technique can produce a good sound.
The better you think you sound, the better you’ll feel about your playing, and
you might even play better as a result!

Most electronic drum sets have smaller pads, which means you can move them
closer to you. Drummers play best when everything is in reach, and smaller pads
make it easier to get everything right where you want it.


ARE ELECTRONIC DRUMS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?

Electronic drums are great for beginners. On top of smaller pads and
pro-sounding drum samples, the rebound on electronic pads (whether mesh or
rubber) is higher than on an acoustic kit, so it’s easier to play fast and move
around the drums.

They take up less space than traditional drums and are even easier to set up.
You can get a used, entry-level electronic kit for around the same price as an
acoustic kit.


WHERE CAN YOU BUY A USED ELECTRONIC DRUM SET?

Check your local online marketplace (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) to see if
there’s anyone selling electronic drums in your area. If not, try the local
music store; some sell used products. The other option is to check online on
sites like Reverb.com, GuitarCenter.com, eBay or Sweetwater Gear Exchange.
You’ll have to pay shipping, but a good deal’s a good deal.


ARE ELECTRONIC DRUMS BETTER THAN ACOUSTIC DRUMS?

We won’t say an electronic kit is better than an acoustic kit, or vice versa:
they’re both awesome in different ways.

Why acoustic drums are better:

 * They’re often cheaper than electronic kits
 * Most drummers use acoustic drums live and in the studio
 * It’s easier to jam with other musicians (no amp required)
 * It might feel more satisfying to play an acoustic kit

Why electronic drums are better:

 * They’re much quieter than acoustic kits
 * They tend to take up less space
 * You can get hundreds of sounds out of a single kit
 * They’re easier to record and edit


HOW DO YOU RECORD WITH AN ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT?

If your electronic kit has the ability to connect to a computer – usually with a
USB cable – you can record your electric drumming directly into a DAW (Digital
Audio Workstation) or even right into your phone (with a USB adapter or an iRig,
which you can get for $50).

You’ll want to look up your drum set’s user manual to learn how to set up MIDI
or instrument tracks and more. You can also find some helpful tips in this guide
from Sweetwater.


WHAT’S THE BEST ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT BRAND?

It’s hard to choose favorites, but some of the most reliable electronic drum set
companies are Roland and Yamaha. GEWA has recently become a strong player in the
high-end market, and Alesis‘ lower-end kits offer serious value (although some
have taken issue with their durability).

Whichever kit you choose, there’s one thing you do know for sure: you’ll be
drumming, and that’s the most important thing!



*This article contains affiliate links, which means we might earn a small
commission from the product seller if you make a purchase. For more info, check
out our privacy page.



Edited by Sam Landa, Content Marketing Manager at Drumeo


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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers,
coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about
drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited
by Sam Landa, Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our
team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking
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Join the Drumeo community today!

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