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Last updated: 21 Jan 2021

8 Best Electronic Drum Kits (Review) In 2021

Jordan Carter
This product guide was written by Jordan Carter
Published June 17, 2019

There’s no better feeling than playing the drums. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced drummer, you could benefit from an electronic drum kit. A few years ago, people shunned them because they didn’t feel the same as a ‘real’ drum kit. But now technology means that they feel almost the same. Plus, they are much quieter and more portable than a full-sized acoustic drum kit. We’ve searched the internet to find the best electronic drum kit and found these eight kits.

The Best Electronic Drum Kit

1
Alesis Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum Kit

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alesis drums nitro mesh kit
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alesis drums nitro mesh kit
alesis drums nitro mesh kit
alesis drums nitro mesh kit
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The Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit is easily one of the best electric drum kits for beginners. We could have featured a much more expensive, professional standard kit as our Best Choice, but we figured that most of our readers will be looking for something entry-level. If that sounds like you, we highly recommend this kit. There are loads of great things about it, but one of the main things is the size of the kit. A lot of beginner practice kits only have a couple of cymbals, a snare, and a bass drum, but this one has everything.

It’s a slight upgrade from their last model – the only difference being the mesh heads. This might not seem like much, but it makes the drums feel much more natural. We also like the fact that it’s portable and easy to store, which is one of the main features of an electric drum kit. It comes with an Alesis Nitro Module, which controls the kit. You get 40 different kits, 60 play-along tracks, a sequencer, a metronome, and you can even play along to your own MP3s. It makes a superb gift for music lovers.

Key Features:

Eight-piece drum kit

Mesh heads

Nitro Module

40 different kits, 60 built-in tracks, sequencer, metronome

MP3 compatible

Specification:
  • BrandAlesis
  • ModelNITROMESHKIT
  • Weight13.38 pounds
Pros

Very affordable for a full kit

Mesh heads feel like real drums

Lots of built-in sounds and play-along tracks

Cons

Some people don’t like the bass drum pedal

Reports of bad customer service

2
Alesis Surge Mesh Electronic Drum Kit

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alesis surge mesh kit
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The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit is the step up from the last kit we featured. It’s more expensive, but you get a few features that could benefit you if your drumming is moving on to the next level. It’s a similar 8-drum configuration to the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit, but everything is a step up. One of the first things you’ll notice is the shiny metal frame, which both looks better and is sturdier than the plastic one.

It also has similar mesh heads, but everything has been upgraded to give a more authentic feel. Probably the biggest upgrade is the 8-inch mesh kick drum tower. This is the main problem that people have with the cheaper model, so it might be worth spending the extra money if you want it to feel like an acoustic kick drum.

The surge drum module is more advanced as well. It still has 40 different kits and 60 play-along tracks, but there’s also 385 different sounds to play with. On top of that, it has added connectivity features included MIDI inputs and outputs. Our guide to the best electric guitars for beginners features more great instruments like this.

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Key Features:

Eight-piece drum kit

Mesh heads

Surge drum Module

40 different kits, 60 built-in tracks, sequencer, metronome

385 in-built sounds

MP3 and MIDI compatible

Specification:
  • BrandAlesis
  • ModelSURGEMESHKIT
  • Weight50.9 pounds
Pros

Feels sturdier and more authentic than Alesis Nitro kit

Improved mesh heads and kick drum tower

Even more built-in sounds and play-along tracks

Cons

Reports of bad customer service

3
Roland Entry-level Electronic V-Drum Kit (TD-1K)

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roland entry-level electronic v-drum set (td-1k)
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roland entry-level electronic v-drum set (td-1k)
roland entry-level electronic v-drum set (td-1k)
roland entry-level electronic v-drum set (td-1k)
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Roland is the biggest name in the electric drum set market. That’s why their Entry-level Electronic V-Drum Set costs nearly $500. It might seem like a lot of money for an ‘entry-level’ kit, but they benefit from the same technology as the professional standard drum kits. This kit is designed for practice, teaching, and generally learning how to play drums. They’ve specifically made it small, so it doesn’t take up anywhere near as much space as an acoustic kit. The control panel – or module – is based on Roland’s flagship TD-30 and features 15 different drum kits, a metronome, coaching function, and more. It’s nowhere near as advanced as the Alesis modules, but you’re paying for the quality and feel of the kit itself. For more great products for musicians, check out our top picks of the best headphone amplifiers.

Key Features:

Nine-piece drum kit

Mesh heads based on V-drums

Simple Roland control module

Advanced Supernatural sound engine

Specification:
  • BrandRoland
  • ModelTD-1K
  • Weight25.3 pounds
Pros

One of the best practice kits available

Small and very portable

Coaching function is great for new drummers

Cons

The module isn’t as advanced as Alesis kits

Not suitable for advanced drummers

4
RockJam Eight-Piece Electronic Drum Kit

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rockjam mesh head kit, eight-piece electronic drum kit
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The electronic drum kits we’ve featured so far have been relatively expensive. That’s why we wanted to include this RockJam Eight Piece Electronic Drum Kit. From a distance, it looks pretty similar to the Roland or Alesis kits, but underneath the hood, it’s not as impressive. Having said that, it’s still a pretty good way for kids to get into drumming. It has everything you’d expect from a kit like this – mesh heads, 30 drum kit sounds, as well as AUX cable, USB, MIDI, and headphone inputs. But you can’t expect the same quality for this price. It’s perfect for beginners, but not for seasoned musicians. For more amazing equipment for musicians, check out our comprehensive guide to the best keyboard stands.

Key Features:

Eight-piece drum kit

Mesh heads

30 drum kits and multiple demo songs

USB, AUX, MIDI, and headphone inputs

Specification:
  • BrandRockJam
  • ModelDDMESH500
  • Weight22.1 pounds
Pros

Great value for an electronic drum pad

Mesh heads feel sort of realistic

Cons

Multiple reports of faulty kits – check the warranty

5
Roland Electronic Drum Set (TD-11KV)

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roland electronic drum set (td-11kv)
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The Roland TD-11KV Electronic Drum Set is a huge step up from the electronic kits we’ve featured so far. If you look purely at the features, it can be pretty difficult to tell these products apart, but the difference is in the quality. Each drum has Roland’s Dual Triggering technology that provides an accurate and even feel. It’s, without doubt, the closest thing you can get to an acoustic drum kit. Your drumstick bounces back of the drum, just like it would on a drum skin.

The other thing you’re paying for is the Supernatural sound engine. It’s a more advanced version of what we saw in the Roland TD-1K. On top of that, the control module has seemingly endless drum kit sounds and backing tracks, as well as a coaching function and all of the inputs you’ll need. Be sure to also check out our top picks of the best earplugs for concerts that will help you protect your ears while playing.

Key Features:

Nine-piece drum kit

Dual Triggering Technology

Mesh heads

Supernatural sound engine

Coaching function

Specification:
  • BrandRoland
  • ModelTD-11KV
  • Weight41.9 pounds
Pros

A huge step up in terms of feel and sound

Dual Triggering makes your drumstick bounce back

The built-in sounds are some of the best in the business

Cons

You could buy a really nice acoustic kit for the price

6
Roland V-Compact Series Electronic Drum Kit (TD-17KVX-S)

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roland v-compact series electronic drum kit (td-17kvx-s)
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roland v-compact series electronic drum kit (td-17kvx-s)
roland v-compact series electronic drum kit (td-17kvx-s)
roland v-compact series electronic drum kit (td-17kvx-s)
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The Roland TD-17KVX-S V-Compact Series Electronic Drum Kit is definitely the best electric drum kit on this list. It’s the closest thing you can get to an acoustic kit without getting the real deal. But that quality is going to cost you because it’s also the most expensive kit on the list. The mesh headed drums are pretty much the same as the Roland TD-11 kit, but the kick drum and hi-hat drum are a huge improvement. The hi-hat, in particular, is set up like an acoustic kit, which means you get the same sort of feel.

The TD-17 module is one of Roland’s most advanced control system ever. In addition to all of the normal sounds and built-in tracks, it has an impressive coaching function. In their words, you can ‘track your technique, measure your progress, and increase your motivation.’ For more amazing instruments, check out our reviews of the best mandolins.

Key Features:

Nine-piece drum kit

Roland TD-17 module

Mesh heads

Advanced coaching function

Supernatural sound engine

Specification:
  • BrandRoland
  • ModelTD-17KVX-S
  • Weight58 pounds
Pros

The closest thing you can get to an acoustic kit

You can expand it with more drums and cymbals

Coaching function is the best-in-class

Cons

Very expensive

7
Carlsbro Electronic Drum Set (CSD120XXX)

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carlsbro electronic drum set (csd120xxx)
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The cheapest electronic drum kit is this Carlsbro CSD120XXX Electronic Drum Set. Carlsbro has always been one of the big names in music equipment, but now they’ve tried their hands at electronic drums. You can tell that it’s not as advanced as the newer Roland kits, but it’s still great for practicing and learning. It’s very compact and relatively easy to set up. The drum pads aren’t mesh pads, but they still have a semi-realistic feel. And, you get a pretty advanced drum module with 250 different sounds, 30 preset kits, and 20 built-in songs. To enhance your experience while listening to music, pick your favorite pair of open back headphones.

Key Features:

Nine-piece kit

Rubber pads

Commander drum module

250 sounds, 30 kits, and 20 songs

Specification:
  • BrandCarlsbro
  • ModelCSD120XXX
  • Weight33 pounds
Pros

Very affordable for people wanting to try drums

Folds down easily for storage

Rubber pads are super quiet

Cons

Doesn’t feel like an acoustic kit

Looks a bit outdated, compared to Roland kits

8
Yamaha Electronic Drum Set, DTX402K

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yamaha electronic drum set, dtx402k
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yamaha electronic drum set, dtx402k
yamaha electronic drum set, dtx402k
yamaha electronic drum set, dtx402k
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Our last drum kit is the Yamaha DTX402K Electronic Drum Set. Yamaha is a big name in many industries, and they’ve always been praised for their high-quality music gear. This kit is one of the most modern and advanced kits on this list, especially in terms of connectivity. As well as the normal inputs (AUX, MIDI, USB, etc), it comes with a corresponding app to help you practice and learn. Essentially, it does a similar job to the high-end Roland and Alesis kits, but you can control it all from your smartphone. If you are looking for some great audio products for your home, check out our guide to the best soundbars.

Key Features:

Nine-piece kit

Training functions

DTX 402 Touch App

415 sounds, 10 drum kits, 10 songs

Specification:
  • BrandYamaha
  • ModelDTX402K
  • Weight1 pounds
Pros

Control from your smartphone

Useful training functions

Cons

Not many drum kits available

Electronic Drum Kit Buying Guide

How We Chose Our Selection Of Electronic Drum Kits

Brand – When it comes to music equipment, there are a few brands that dominate the marketplace. Roland is one of the big players in the electronic drum kit market, but there are a few other brands that are worth looking at. We’ve included a few different brands on this list.

Reviews – Whatever product you are looking at, it’s always worth looking at the reviews first. Customer reviews are one of the best places to find an honest opinion about a product. That’s because customers have no reason to lie. We read hundreds of reviews and try to see if there are any repeat problems.

Price – Price is important in any purchasing decision. When it comes to electronic drum kits, the price is directly related to the quality of the item. If you want a professional standard electric kit that sounds and feels like a real drum kit, it’s going to cost you a lot more money. But, on the other end of the scale, there are a lot of beginner drum kits that are great for people just getting into drumming.

best electronic drum kits

Features To Look For In Electronic Drum Kits

Noise Level – This is one of the main reasons so many people are choosing electric drum kits over acoustic drum kits – they’re so much quieter. You can plug your noise cancelling headphones and play as hard as you want, and you’ll only annoy people in the same room, rather than the whole neighborhood.

Size – If you, or your kids, are just starting out on drums, you might not need a full-size drum kit. You also might not need all of the different drums and symbols.

Connectivity – There are all sorts of ways your drum kits can be connected – you can play to your own MP3s, record yourself playing, control MIDI outputs, and more. If connectivity is important, look for an electric drum kit that’s been brought out in the last couple of years.

Sound Options – Most electronic drumkits have multiple sound options. You can choose from sound options that are similar to acoustic kits or you can find really weird sounds.

Adjustability – Adjustability is important when it comes to any drumkit. It’s a very personal thing because everyone’s has a differently shaped body. If your arms are longer, it might be easier to have the drums a little further away from your body.

Pad Material – The pads are normally made from a rubber-like material. Some of the more expensive electronic drum kits are designed to feel like acoustic kits, which is great if you want to make the transition over.

Types Of Electronic Drum Kits

Beginner – Beginner electronic drum kits are a great way for kids, young musicians, and adults to get into playing drums. They aren’t as advanced as professional-standard electronic drum kits but are still full of great sounds and learning options.

Pro – Professional drumkits are obviously more expensive, but they are closer to the real thing. In fact, a lot of professional drummers use them as practice kits and even on stage to play electronic sounds.

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