How to Choose the Best Drum Set for Beginners: A Buyer's Guide

Picking up the sticks and jumping behind a kit is an exciting moment for any new drummer. But as every player soon learns, finding the best drum set for a beginner isn't as simple as snagging the first kit you see. Walk into any music shop or browse online, and you'll find hundreds of drum sets designed for every skill level, budget, and style. Sure, that's a good problem to have, but it also makes it tough to know which sets have the best reputation for beginners at a glance.

As a beginner, you need a drum set that sounds great, won't break down on you, and, importantly, keeps you stoked to practice every day. Our guide is here to break down exactly what you need to look for to make sure your first kit is a keeper.

To start your drumming journey off on the right foot, you'll need to know what pieces will come in the box and what each does. There are a lot of different types of drums and drum setups available, but as a beginner, you'll want to look for four- or five-piece starter kits that come with the essentials: 

• Kick Drum: This is the low-end powerhouse of the kit, responsible for the deep, punchy beats you feel as much as you hear. The kick drum is played with a foot pedal and drives the groove central to most styles of music.  
• Snare Drum: Known for its sharp, crisp "crack" sound, the snare is a critical piece in any drum set. Positioned between the legs, it's often struck on nearly every beat, adding texture and snap to your rhythms. A good snare is key in keeping time and locking in with other musicians.
• 2-3 Rack and Floor Toms: 'Tom-Toms' come in different sizes, each producing a unique pitch. Most beginner kits include at least two or three toms—often a floor tom and one or two rack toms. They're essential for fills, solos, and adding depth to your sound.
• Hi-Hat Cymbals: Hi-hats are two cymbals stacked on a stand and operated with a foot pedal to create different sounds and rhythms, from tight clicks to a wide, sizzling sound. Hi-hat cymbals are versatile and help shape your overall groove.
• Crash and Ride Cymbals: These cymbals are used for accents and longer sustain. Crash cymbals have a higher tone that adds emphasis, usually at the end of a drum fill or section. Ride cymbals generally have a lower tone and are used to keep a steady rhythm. Crash and ride cymbals can vary widely in size and tone. You can also find crash ride cymbals that pull double duty, if you prefer to keep your cymbal count to a minimum. 

Note: Some beginner kits may not include cymbal packs.  

The term "hardware" refers to the metal stands and mounts that hold each piece of your drum set in place. Most starter kits come with solid drum hardware, such as hi-hat and cymbal stands, but you'll most likely want to upgrade to higher-quality pieces the more you begin to play. 

Well-built hardware is crucial; you'll be depending on it to hold up during long practice sessions and demanding gigs. If your hardware is flimsy, it can interrupt your flow, so always look for solid, durable pieces, even in starter drum sets.

One of the first decisions you'll face when choosing your first beginner kit is whether to go acoustic or electric. Each has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on factors like your living situation, budget, and personal preference. Here's what you need to know to make the right pick. 

Acoustic drums are the classic choice, made from wood shells, metal hardware, and real cymbals that deliver a raw, resonant sound. An acoustic setup is what most people think of when they picture a traditional beginner drum set, and it's ideal for developing real feel, control, and technique.

• Authentic Sound and Feel: Acoustic drums have an organic, dynamic sound that changes based on how you play them. They offer the kind of tonal variation and response that electronic kits simply can't replicate.
• Live Performance Ready: If you plan to perform live or jam with other musicians, acoustic drums give you the volume and projection needed to cut through the mix.
• Technique Building: Acoustic drums are physically demanding, which can help new drummers develop the proper strength, coordination, and touch to stay in the pocket with other musicians.

For beginners with the space and freedom to make some noise, an acoustic kit is the best drum set for the money, especially in terms of sound and playing experience.

Electronic drum sets are designed with either rubber or mesh pads that trigger electronic sound samples. They're a modern alternative to acoustic drums and offer benefits that make them appealing for certain beginners, especially those needing a quieter option.

• Quiet Practice: Perhaps the biggest selling point for electronic kits is their volume control. You can practice with headphones on, keeping things quiet for roommates or neighbors.
• Compact Size: Electronic kits are far more compact than acoustics, making them easier to fit into tight spaces. They're also relatively lightweight and more portable, which is great if you plan to move them around.
• Multiple Sound Options: Electronic kits let you change your sound profile with the push of a button, allowing you to experiment with different drum tones and genres. Some kits even have built-in training programs, which can be helpful for beginners.

Electronic drum sets are often seen as the best drum set for beginners who need a quiet, flexible option for solo or quiet practice. They're particularly popular with those in apartments or small spaces, as well as new players who just want a low-maintenance setup. 

Once you've decided between an acoustic or electronic drum set, it's time to look at specific models. Here's a breakdown of some top models that fit the bill, each offering solid value for beginners.

The Pearl Roadshow is one of the best deals in the entry-level drum market. It's a complete kit that includes all the components and hardware needed for new players without costing them an arm and a leg. 

The 5-piece Roadshow features high-quality 9-ply 7mm Asian White Poplar shells, double-braced hardware, triple-flanged hoops, and sturdy beginner cymbals, giving new players a well-built, durable kit to start building their drumming skills.

The Ludwig Breakbeats 4-piece kit, designed by legendary drummer Questlove of The Roots, is ideal for new players with tight practice spaces and those who plan on gigging out frequently. 

It's compact and ultra-portable, but don't let its smaller dimensions fool you. The 7-ply shells and matching wood snare play and sound like a full-sized kit, offering beginner players a tight, resonant sound perfect for jazz, hip-hop, and other groove-heavy genres. 

The Tama Imperialstar has become an industry standard among beginner drum kits. Known for its strong build, this 5-piece kit features 100% Poplar 6-ply, 8mm shells that produce a full, deep sound on par with more expensive kits. The wrap finishes are fully adhered to the shell, allowing the entire drum to resonate as a single unit.

Got your eye on an Imperialstar? Check out our complete overview to take a more in-depth look at its design, sound, and professional features. See and hear for yourself why the Imperialstar ranks so high among so many players.

For those aiming for higher-end quality with room to grow, the Yamaha Stage Custom Birch is an exceptional choice (and the most expensive kit on this list.) Yamaha's 6-ply, 100% birch shells are known worldwide for their sharp, defined sound, making this kit one of the best for players who value professional tonal quality. 

The Stage Custom Birch kit can last well beyond the beginner stage and is a solid investment for any new player who intends to push their skills further.

If an electronic kit is more practical for your setup, the Alesis Nitro Max Mesh Kit is an excellent option. It's one of the best electronic drum sets you can get for the money, giving new drummers the chance to practice and play in their own homes without disturbing others. 

With 32 ready-to-play drum kits from the BFD sample library, Bluetooth streaming capabilities, and built-in learning features, the 8-piece Nitro Max is designed to support beginners as they improve.

The Roland TD-07DMK is the entry model to the TD-07 V-Drum series, offering high-quality sound and playability in a compact design. It's a ready-to-play kit that features Roland's acclaimed PDX-8 snare and PDX-6A toms, all with double-ply mesh heads for a satisfying feel and dynamic response. Along with CY-5 crash and ride cymbals for expressive players, the TD-07DMK is outfitted with a stand-mounted kick pad that helps keep the footprint to a minimum.

This model also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing beginners to practice along with music straight from their phone or computer, and onboard Coach mode for additional guidance.

Finding the best drum sets for beginners is easier than ever at American Musical Supply. With a vast selection of top-rated drum kits, AMS is the perfect place to explore all your acoustic and electronic options.

With flexible payment plans, fast and free shipping, and a free extended warranty on most items, AMS is committed to helping you find a drum set that fits your needs and fuels your passion. Find your new kit at American Musical Supply today.

Still have questions about finding the best starter drum set for your needs? Check out our helpful FAQ section below to learn more.   

Most beginner drum sets use wood types like poplar or birch, which offer good sound quality without the high cost of professional materials. Poplar is durable and warm-sounding, while birch is brighter and often found in higher-end types of drum sets.

Most starter drum sets include the basic components, but some may require additional accessories like a drum throne, sticks, or headphones (for electronic kits). It's wise to check what's included to avoid surprise costs on essential items. 

While most adults and children can use a standard drum set, younger players may need adjustable components or smaller hardware for comfortable playing. Some drum sets are designed with flexible heights and compact sizes to accommodate players of all ages.