Best Electronic Drum Set Under 500

Best Electronic Drum Set Under 500

Looking for the best electronic drum set under 500? Well, search no more because we have extensively searched and reviewed the best products under this budget limit so that you won’t have to trouble yourself. One might prefer an electric drum set over an acoustic one for a number of reasons. First, you can adjust the volume output on electric sets or even use headphones. You will often wind up irritating your neighbors with an acoustic drum set, and unless that is your intention, it is simply a problem of practicing at home. Electric drum sets solve this problem: plug in the headphones, and you can practice to your heart’s content without disturbing anyone around you. Some have a metronome, too!

Back when these instruments first appeared on the market, purchasing an electronic drum kit was a costly activity. But times have changed. It’s possible to get a decent kit for a reasonable price. This guide will help you find the best electronic drum sets under 500. These electronic drum kits are some of the best, despite their relatively low prices.

Criteria For Buying Electronic Drum Set/ Buyer’s Guide:

Components Of Any Drum Set:

As a prospective buyer, you must know the components that make up a drum set. To give you an idea of how a drum set is put together, here is a list of all the components:

Drums:

  • Snare drum
  • Bass drum
  • Floor tom
  • Rack toms/high toms

Cymbals:

There are three cymbals: hi-hat cymbals, ride cymbals and crash cymbals.

Hardware:

Hardware includes the following components:

  • Stands for drums and cymbals
  • Throne: the seat or stool where the drummer can sit
  • The bass pedal is used to play the bass drum.

What Is Included In The Set?

Having learned about the basics of a drum set, you now need to ask: what’s included in the set you’re considering? Are the stands, sticks, and thrones included? Does anything else need to be added? Compromising on missing accessories is only possible if you already have them or wish to customize them.

Size Of Drums:

According to the type of music you are going to play, you need to purchase drums of a specific size. A 22″ bass drum (diameter), 12″ and 16″ high toms, and a 14″ snare would suffice for most genres. However, a 14″ snare drum, a 14″ floor tom, and an 18″ bass drum would be preferable for jazz players. Alternatively, 24″ bass drums are better suited for rock genres such as heavy metal or rock.

Quality Of Drum Set:

It’s all about quality, isn’t it? We recommend a robust set if you are a beginner. In fact, the same is true even for professionals, so that the set can withstand some wear over time. However, under the budget of $500, you can be forgiven if you are not able to find a set of quality comparable to that of above $1k and more.

Playing Skills And Your Budget:

Ultimately, the final cost depends on your exact needs. Professionals, for example, value customization and the ability to purchase components separately, which lets them spend more. Those starting out are better off sticking to more affordable options, such as all-in-one packages. A typical drum set will cost between $300 and $1000. Your budget will dictate your choice.

Let’s move on to the list of the best electronic drum set under 500 we found for you.

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Top Picks:

Donner DED-300 Electric Drum Set:

Best choice for musicians who want an introduction to electronic drum kits.

Electric Drum Set, Kmise All Mesh Drumhead Electronic Drum Kit:

Best overall with a lot of features.

Alesis CompactKit 7 – Tabletop Electric Drum Set:

It gives you a true taste of what electronic drum kits are.

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Best Electronic Drum Set Under 500

Donner DED-300 Electric Drum Set:

Donner DED-300 Electric Drum Set

Even with its high rating on Amazon, you will be surprised to find how many mixed reviews you might get from some other online shops. But there is a reason for that, too; this model is relatively recent. Yes, there are some problems, but that is a given considering it cannot compare to a high-priced set. In our opinion, it deserves to be on the top of the list of the best electronic drum set under 500.

There are many reasons for that. First and foremost: it is an excellent introduction to electronic drum kits. And contrary to what some might be saying, no, it is also a good choice for professionals, but again as an introduction. It is rare to find professional-level drum kits under this price range, and this model delivers you an excellent introduction to this world.

Specs:

  • Brand: Donner
  • Dimensions: 32.67”x22.83”x9.84” in
  • Weight: 50.27 pounds
  • Cymbal material: silicon & plastic
  • Drumpad material : nylon & foam
  • Other material: iron
  • Power adapter: 12V/DC, 1A
  • 8-Piece electronic drum kit

Included:

  • 8’’ tom-tom x3
  • 10’’ snare x1
  • 10’’ hi-hat x1
  • 12’’Ride x1
  • 12’’ Crash x1
  • 7″ Kick drum x1
  • kick pedal x1
  • hi-hat pedal x 1
  • audio cable x1
  • 329 sounds

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • More stable support due to steel material
  • Able to support double paddling
  • High-density bass drum

Cons:

  • The preset snare sounds might be hit and miss for some.

Electric Drum Set, Kmise All Mesh Drumhead Electronic Drum Kit:

Electric Drum Set,Kmise All Mesh Drumhead Electronic Drum

The kit is fantastic! Considering the price point, we are at, we are pretty impressed with this Kmise drum kit. It has tons of features, and it is very sturdy due to its build quality and materials. There are a lot of sound, kits, and options you can choose from the main unit menu, whether it’s acoustic or electronic kits. The mesh heads are fairly responsive and the array of sounds, kits, and options is wonderful.

In general, we would recommend it for anyone who is a beginner; anyone who would like to record their drums easily into a DAW; or anyone who does not want to drive their neighbor crazy practicing for hours on end. The kit has some nice built-in sounds and is of great quality. Another one that is an obvious contestant for best electronic drum set under 500.

Specs:

  • Brand: Kmise
  • Weight: 49.4 pounds
  • Dimensions: 35.8 x 19.75 x 11.62 inches
  • Material: Rubber
  • Dual-Trigger Cymbals
  • Supports MIDI Headphone and Recording
  • The high-density mesh drum head

Included:

  • 8’’ tom-tomx3
  • 8’’ snare x1
  • 10’’ hi-hat x1
  • 12’’ Ride x1
  • 12’’ Crash x1
  • 8″ Kick drum x1
  • kick pedal x1
  • hi-hat pedal x 1
  • 5A drumstick x2
  • 255 sounds
  • 10 songs
  • 15 preset drum sound set
  • 10 metronome type

Pros:

  • Natural rebound without delay
  • You can practice your drumming silently
  • A lot of digital features like recording, tuning, etc.
  • Sensitive

Cons:

  • Can take some time to assemble

Alesis CompactKit 7 – Tabletop Electric Drum Set:

Alesis CompactKit 7 - Tabletop Electric Drum Set

Alesis is known to make the best electronic drum kits, and the CompactKit 7 is no different. However, it is very much different than many other sets on this list, and there is a reason behind it: it is not exactly a set, it is a kit. Instead of having physical cymbals, drums and pedals, you have 7 surfaces and 2 pedals that double as hi-hat and kick drums.

Despite this, it is still the best electronic drum set for under $500. Far from it actually. For a beginner, this is nothing less than a treasure; it is portable, comes with a LED screen, and best of all is at the best price point for a beginner who just wants to get a taste of electronic drum kits but is still holding out on the decision to commit to it.

Specs:

  • Brand: Alesis
  • Model Name: Compact Kit 7
  • Dimensions: 19.68 x 14.52 x 6.24 inches
  • Weight: 7.28 Pounds
  • Ultra-portable 7-pad electronic drum kit
  • Standing screen display size:1
  • Power: 6 cell battery

Included:

  • Ultra-portable 7-pad electronic drum kit
  • 2 pedals for hi-hat/kick drums
  • drum sticks x 1 pair
  • 45 preset drum kits
  • 5 user drum kits
  • 265 percussion voices
  • AC adapter

Pros:

  • Feels like a natural/ acoustic drum kit
  • Portable, which is rare for drum sets
  • Long battery time
  • Definition of the electronic drum set

Cons:

  • This is a MINI kit, not a beginner’s kit

LyxJam 8-Piece Electronic Drum Kit, Professional Drum Set:

LyxJam 8-Piece Electronic Drum

Are you a fan of the convenience of an electronic kit, but you also miss the realism and expressiveness of a genuine acoustic performance? With the 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set from LyxJam, you can experience the best of both worlds. Whether you need to recreate a complete percussion ensemble, bring an instrument to school, or use the kit in the classroom, our complete percussion kit allows pupils to experience an immersive and educational setting with customized play options, a broad range of sounds, exceptional volume control, and advanced recording capabilities.

Moreover, this is a professional kit, not for beginners. Thus, for those who were lamenting missed opportunities under this budget, they can have the best electronic drum set under 500.

Specs:

  • Brand: LyxJam
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 47.2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 34 x 34 x 11.34 inches
  • Size: 8 PC Drum Kit
  • Edge Capability
  • Kick Pad
  • The throne option included a small increase in price

Included:

  • 8” Mesh Tom Pads x 3
  • 10” Mesh Snare Pad
  • 12” Crash Cymbal
  • 12” Ride Cymbal
  • 8” Hi-Hat Cymbal with Controller
  • 6” Kick Pad
  • Sound Module
  • Drum Sticks (Pair)
  • 448 Sounds
  • 70 Songs
  • 15-Song Recording Capacity
  • Built-In Metronome
  • Countless Other Preloaded Kits
  • Polyphony Notes
  • Easy-Read LED Display
  • Connection Ports for Headphones, External Speaker System, USB

Pros:

  • Choke functionality for realistic performance
  • Easy to use an LED screen
  • Easy to use and setup
  • All connection cables included

Cons:

  • The included 70 songs are not very high quality, to begin with.

Electric Drum Set, 8 Piece Electronic Drum Set By Vongoa:

Electric Drum Set, 8 Piece Electronic Drum Set

Beginners often struggle to get good quality sets under 500, but this set? It delivers. It’s easy to use, easy to install and is there for you to go berserk. Sure, Vongoa may not be as well-known as Roland, Yamaha, or Behringer, but that does not diminish what they have achieved with their instruments, and this set is no different.

The 8-piece drum set from Vongoa sets the impression from the start. Nice looks, lots of features, and reasonable quality at this price range. Truly, another worthy entry in the list of the best electronic drum set under 500.

Specs:

  • Brand: Vango
  • Model Name: VED-1
  • Weight: 52.91 pounds
  • Dimensions: 35.24 x 19.49 x 11.61 inches
  • Material: Nylon, Silicon, Iron
  • Cymbal Material: silicon & ABS
  • Drumhead Material : nylon
  • Other material: iron
  • Power Input: AC 110-240V
  • Power Output: DC 9V 1000mA
  • Color: White
  • Connector Type: 1/4-Inch Stereo

Included:

  • 8” Tom-Tom x3
  • 8” Dual-Zone Snare x1
  • 10” Hi-hat x1
  • 10” Ride x1
  • 10” Crash x1
  • 8″ Kick Drum x1
  • Pedal x1
  • Hi-Hat Pedal x 1
  • Headphone x 1
  • Drum Throne x 1
  • Audio Cable x1
  • Stick x1
  • Jack Adapter x2
  • Built-in 15 tones
  • 30 demo songs
  • 216 sounds

Pros:

  • support connection to MP3/USB MIDI/mobile phone
  • real-time recording function
  • best for adult beginners
  • no additional tools are required for setup

Cons:

  • Can’t be compared to high quality, high priced drum sets

Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit Bundle – Ten Piece Mesh Electric Drum Set:

Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit Bundle

As far as drumming technology is concerned, the Alesis brand is no stranger to it. The Alesis SR16 is still a legendary drum machine used by countless musicians today – but how does the Nitro Mesh budget electronic drum set fare against the legendary machine?

We think it turned out quite well in fact. With the Alesis Mesh Nitro kit, one of the main aspects that stands out is the fact that, although it is a budget kit, it comes with mesh heads on every drum except for the kick. There is no doubt that mesh heads are much better than rubber variants: they behave naturally and are much quieter when struck, which is likely to be a primary consideration for potential buyers. Add in everything included in the set, and you get the true best electronic drum set under 500.

Specs:

  • Brand: Alesis
  • Material Type: Aluminum
  • Ten Piece Mesh Electric Drum Set
  • 385 Electronic Drum Kit Sounds
  • Solid Aluminum Rack included

Included:

  • 8″ dual-zone snare pad
  • (4) 8″ tom pads
  • (4) 10” cymbals: ride cymbal, hi-hat, crash w/choke
  • Kick drum
  • Kick Pedal
  • HiHat Pedal
  • (1) 10” cymbal pad
  • (1) 8” mesh drum pad
  • (2) 6 ¼” TRS cables
  • all mounting hardware
  • Aluminum rack
  • 40 ready-to-play classic and modern electronic drum kits & acoustic drum sets
  • 60 play-along tracks and 350 plus expertly curated sounds
  • 60 built-in play-along tracks
  • Sequencer
  • Metronome
  • aux input
  • performance recorder

Pros:

  • Responsive
  • Immersive sounds
  • 60 Drum lessons from Melodics
  • Throne and headphone option included for increased price

Cons:

  • Can be a bit hard to assemble

MUSTARD Electric Drum Set, 8 Piece Electronic Drum Set:

MUSTAR Electric Drum Set, 8 Piece Electronic Drum Set

Another lesser-known brand in the world of drum sets. But not lesser-known when it comes to electronic instruments. And the MUSTARD 8-piece drum set is a testament of that. Including an 8″ Turbo Mesh mesh snare (Support Dual-Zone) and three 8″ Silicone Tom Pads, this electronic drum kit enables you to do everything from a whispering piano to fortissimo, while its smooth-action bass controller provides the feeling of control, dynamics, and impact underfoot.

In addition to these features, the Electric Drum Kit has an expressive 10″ crash, a stable 10″ ride, and a fast-action 10-inch hi-hat with kick drum with foot pedal, giving you a head start in the world of electronic drums.

Specs:

  • Brand: MUSTARD
  • Model Name: Electric Drum Set
  • 8 Piece Electronic Drum Set
  • Weight: 38.1 pounds
  • Dimensions: 38 x 15 x 8 inches
  • Color: Black/Red
  • Material: Silicone, Steel

Included:

  • 1x 8″ Dual-zone Snare Pad
  • 3x 8″ Tom Pads
  • 3x 10″ Cymbals
  • 1x Kick Drum
  • 1x Kick Pedal
  • 1x Hihat Pedal
  • 1x Drum Sticks
  • 1x Control Box
  • Number of Tones: 225
  • 10 demo tracks
  • 15 preset drum kits
  • 1 user-defined drum kit

Pros:

  • All the digital effects included, like a metronome, volume control, etc.
  • smooth-action bass controller
  • Portable & flexible
  • Quick and easy to record

Cons:

  • Not sturdy enough to endure caveman action

Pyle 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set Professional Electric Drumming Kit:

Pyle 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set Professional Electric Drumming Kit

Looking for the best electronic drum set under 500 for professionals? Well, look no more, because Pyle’s 8-piece electronic drum set is ready to fulfill your dreams. All you need is the drum set to get going! It even includes a set of drumsticks as well as headphones, so it comes with everything you need to get started right away.

Once you get this set, you will be lost in it. And why not? It is easy to use, responsive and has a stable frame that allows you some absolute caveman action once you get started. It is one of those best electronic drum set under 500 with which you rarely need to worry about anything. However, again, keep in mind that some equipment is not up to par compared to high-priced accessories, like headphones. Thus, invest in some extra separate accessories.

Specs:

  • Brand: Pyle
  • Weight: 37.46 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 29 x 24.5 x 7.5 inches
  • Model Name: PyleUsa
  • Color: Black
  • (12) Sound Styles
  • Power Connection: USB 9V
  • Mac/PC Compatible
  • Drum Sticks Dimensions: 0.6’’ x 11.6’’ inches
  • Electronic Drum Pad Dimensions: 8” inches

Included:

  • Electronic Drum Pad
  • (2) Drum Foot Pedals
  • USB Cable & Wall Power Adapter
  • Audio Connection Cable
  • (7) Drum Pads with Touch Sensitivity (Tom-Toms, Hi-Hat, Snare & Bass Drums, Crash & Ride Cymbals)
  • Digital Foot Pedal Controllers (Front Panel Button Control Center)
  • Built-in Full Range Stereo Speakers
  • Aux (3.5mm) Input Jack
  • Headphone Jack
  • Tempo & Volume Adjustable

Pros:

  • Compatible with Mac & PC
  • Tempo & volume adjustable
  • Responsive dynamic
  • Compact, portable

Cons:

  • It takes some time to setup

Alesis Drums Turbo Mesh Kit:

Alesis Drums Turbo Mesh Kit Electric Drum Set

Alesis offers a great selection of entry-level models, and by far, the Turbo Mesh is the cheapest one. The sounds and limited features won’t impress you, and pros will scoff at the limited features and sounds. However, the Turbo Mesh might be the best choice for a young new drummer (especially those with limited practice experience and kids).

The Turbo Mesh is an excellent and affordable electronic kit for beginning drummers. The first time a child asks for drums, you cannot go wrong with this set. Acoustic kits are always loud and obnoxious in smaller homes, but Turbo Mesh is perfect for apartment dwellers.

To summarize, this may not be the best electronic drum set under 500 for professionals, but it is beyond doubt the best electronic drum set under 500 for newbies.

Specs:

  • Brand: Alesis
  • Model Name: Turbo Mesh Kit
  • Weight: 29 pounds
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 32 x 46 x 32 inches
  • Seven-Piece Drum Set
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Steel

Included:

  • 8″ mesh snare drum
  • (3) 8″ mesh toms
  • (3) 10″ cymbals
  • custom-designed Alesi’s hi-hat pedal & kick pedal
  • 30 built-in play-along tracks
  • Sturdy steel rack
  • connection cables
  • drum sticks
  • drum key
  • power supply
  • 60 Melodics Lessons
  • 100+ Sounds

Pros:

  • Ground breaking studio recording and percussion
  • Silent practicing
  • Innovative design
  • Complete kit for your drumming

Cons:

  • Melodics lessons are limited to 5 minutes per only.
  • The high hat may be challenging to hear on speaker in the module

Asmuse Electronic Drum Set Kit for Adults:

Asmuse Electronic Drum Set Kit

And finally, we are ending the list of the best electronic drum set under 500 with an entry from Asmus. The brand may sound funny, but they aren’t kidding with their instruments.

There may be many other features, but we love that it comes with everything you may need in self-practice mode. Gone are those days when your neighbors would be banging on your doors to create a ruckus. Now, you can just plug in your headphones and beat the drums.

Specs:

  • Brand: Asmuse
  • Model Name: AD-20
  • Size: 31.1×23.9×6.3in(790x607x160mm)
  • Net Weight: 25.2 pounds (11.4kg)
  • Weight: 33.1 pounds (15kg)
  • Drum Rack Material: Iron & Electroplate
  • Drum Head Material: Nylon & Silicon
  • Cymbal Material: Silicon & Plastic
  • Power Adapter: DC9V,300mA

Included:

  • Rim Shot and Cymbal Choke Function
  • USB MIDI Supported
  • 2 Pairs of Drum Sticks
  • Headphone Set
  • 12 drum sound kits
  • 242 sounds

Pros:

  • Self-practice mode with headphones
  • Easy to use
  • Impressive percussion
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • The quality is not high enough that it can be used for performances

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are electronic drums worth it?

A: You will enjoy the experience, and it can keep you motivated during some of the more challenging times that you will face in your learning career. Performing along with the music while using acoustic drums can be tricky since your drums’ volume cannot be heard clearly above the volume of the music unless you crank it up to a very high level.

Q: How long do electronic drums last?

A: It is possible for them to last for a long time, assuming there are no accidents or abuse. Roland’s mesh heads, for example, are manufactured by Remo, which has been making drumheads for quite some time. In order to prevent the fabric from separating from the hoop, it is securely glued into it. This ensures that regular play will not pose any threat.

Q: How do you clean electric drums?

A: To learn that, it’s best to watch a tutorial on YouTube.

Q: Is there a silent drum set?

A: The best solution is, again, electronic drum sets. However, it is rare to find the solution among acoustic drum sets, so it’s best to stick with the electronic kits.

Q: Can electric drums be loud?

A: Generally, electronic drum pads are quieter than their acoustic counterparts, but it really depends on what drum set you’re using. The kits on the market typically use pads with thin layers of rubber and ‘drum heads’ that sit over a plate. When played, they can be entirely acoustically loud. Also, the drummer does not have much of a sense of how to play them.

Q: How much does an electric drum set cost?

A: Affordable, good-quality electronic drum sets generally cost between $400 and $600, while beginner drums cost around $300. Additional accessories can cost anywhere from $100-200. Advanced and professional players can spend up to $8000 on electronic drums.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, our list of best electronic drums under 500 dollars. This price range is usually for beginners, students, or kids, so it’s rare to find a suitable drum set for professionals in this range. However, that does not mean that it is not possible. In the end, it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or intermediate; staying on budget can be difficult for anyone. Thus we hope that this list will help you in your endeavor.