Are you looking for cheap electronic drum sets of good quality? Then, you’re in the right place.
One of the blessings of being a drummer in the modern era is the advent of electronic drum sets; they open up the wide world of percussion and electronic sounds, expanding the palette of sound exponentially.
One of the blessings of being the parent of a drummer in the modern era is the advent of electronic drum sets; YOU CAN TURN THE SOUND DOWN!!!!
As a drummer myself – for most of my life and a good chunk of my family’s – I do not understand why my family does not love to hear my playing and practice all hours of the day. However, an electronic drum set allows me to play until my heart is content without disturbing those around me.
The question is, as a beginner or someone looking to practice or utilize an electronic drum set, which cheap electronic drum set is best?
Top 5 Best Cheap Electronic Drum Sets:
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pyle PTED06 Electronic Drum Kit (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Yamaha DTX400K | Check Price |
 | Alesis Forge Kit | Check Price |
 | Alesis Nitro Kit | Check Price |
 | Spectrum AIL 602 | Check Price |
Pyle PTED06 Electronic Drum Set (Editor’s Choice)
Similar to the AIL 602, this is not a drum set in the typical form factor.
Most of my criticism and acclaim regarding the 602 applies here, but I think this instrument has a leg up over the AIL 602.
That leg-up focuses on using this device in tandem with a PC or Mac product and digital music production software. This feature puts this device out front in a different way than any other device on the list.
If you were looking at an electronic drumset to pair it with a computer, you should consider starting on this device.
It features portability and ease-of-use like the AIL 602 but is geared towards the digital producer.
If you purchase this device for an aspiring producer, this might be one to watch, especially at this price range!
Like the AIL 602, this should not be considered for practice or learning purposes; this is a different name but the same instrument.
Alesis Forge Kit
The Alesis Forge kit was created by electronics company Alesis. It features an 8-piece setup with five drums, a hi-hat setup, and two additional cymbals.
It also includes any hardware and a good module made by the company.
The pads are all rubberized and hard. This style pad is not the quietest, but considering a value proposition between quiet, feel, and durability, this style is perfect.
The hardware is not much to write home about, but most drummers will get the job done.
The Module
As the module will be what sets these kits apart, I would like to spend a little time considering what makes this module one to look for.
Firstly, it includes a good number of kits and samples (50 premade kits, 20 slots for user-made, and about 600 individual sounds) that are good enough to play with. However, under scrutiny, these sounds on any of these kits will leave something desired.
One of the stand-out features is the ability to use the included USB port to add your samples. I would say that most discerning drummers or musicians will outgrow the sounds included with the set. This kit can last as long as you want to keep it around by adding your sounds.
Yamaha DTX400K Electronic Drum Set
Yamaha makes pretty much everything these days. But, they are pretty well known in the electronic drum set world for producing the right products. The DTX400K is one of the better sub-$500 electronic drum sets that money can buy.
It is smaller and more compact, the hardware is thinner, much of what this set does is very small. There are ten kits, ten songs, a few different customizable controls. You are getting more or less the iPhone of value electronic drums.
Yamaha has created a compelling kit for anyone looking for something simple and functional.
The DTX400K features dark rubberized pads. The cymbal pads are larger than some other electronic drum sets, and they seem to be a bit more responsive.
The most valuable part of this kit is incredibly compact yet does not sacrifice quality. Additionally, minor improvements like a 3-zone snare pad that allows the snare to simulate closer to a real drum make this set something for anyone who lives in an apartment or a parent’s bedroom to consider.
The Module
The DTX400K Module is excellent-looking. That is not something I say a lot about electronic drum set modules. But it is designed well. If that matters to you, this is a device to consider.
As I said earlier, this module features a small number of sounds and an acceptable array of adjustment features. There is nothing here that is mind-blowing, but what is done here is done well.
Alesis Nitro Kit
It is very much a toned-down version of the Forge. However, the Nitro kit attempts to offer some of the higher-end features of the Forge in a lower-cost, smaller footprint package.
Unlike the DTX400K, neither the Forge nor the Nitro is a kit I would consider for advanced drummers. I say that, though, meaning this: the Alesis line of drumsets is not constructed by companies known for producing high-end instruments, yet they have produced affordable and outstanding consumer-level products.
If I consider the Nitro in this context, the Nitro is a high-value investment.
It features essentially the same physical footprint as the Forge kit. The only real difference comes in the module.
The Module
Again, the module is essentially the same here.
The significant differences come in the number of sounds and kits. The Nitro features fewer kits and sound options than the Forge.
The primary concern about picking between the Nitro and the Forge is whether you can afford the Forge. If you can, you need to consider the Forge or the Yamaha above. On the other hand, if a price is a constraining aspect, then go for the Nitro.
Spectrum AIL 602 Electroniс Drum Set
In my opinion, the Spectrum AIL is the most portable option of the bunch, but this comes with some serious caveats.
Honestly, the price of this thing is excellent, but it is not a drum set. The AIL 602 is more of a practice pad that can also make some somewhat clear drumset sounds.
If portability is your primary concern, this is the instrument to consider, especially in this price range.
But, this is not a traditional drumset, and I cannot recommend it as one. For example, I think this device would be put to excellent use by a drummer looking for a way to think about different beat or fill ideas. Still, I think it would not be a valuable tool for learning drums because it does not share the same layout as a “real drumset.”
This thing is great for anyone who knows how to play the drums or a kid who may be interested. The sounds are perfect for what it is, better than I think those on the Alesis options.
There is no need to fiddle with amplifiers or modules. This unit has all of that built-in.
This model’s price and portability set it apart, but before purchasing, make sure that you have considered all of the different elements that set this device apart from other electronic percussion devices.
A Guide to the Wide World of Electronic Drums
When you buy an electronic drum set, you must bear a fair amount of details in mind.
- You are buying two things.
- The pad technology
- The computer module that transforms data into sound
- Some features are pretty much available on all sets.
- A “library” of a handful or more of sounds
- You will be smacking pads that make some noise.
- You will also need an amplifier or headphones.
- An electronic drumset is not precisely like playing real acoustic drums.
- You will pay more money for an electronic drumset capable of something a mid-cost acoustic drumset is.
What Should You Look for in Every Electronic Drum Set?
- You want to buy from a company with a history of creating reliable electronics. You are, as previously stated, buying something that relies almost entirely on the electronic signal. Therefore, to ensure that you will get a good, long-term return on your investment, you want to buy from a company with a history of producing durable electronic components. Therefore, a company that can put out reliable electronic components will manufacture the best value of the electronic drumset.
- You want to buy from a company that has other musical instrument offerings. This idea is a little less essential than the previous, but, in my opinion, if you buy an electronic drumset from a computer manufacturer, you are going to get a solid computer paired with an imperfect musical instrument.
If you can check off both of those, I do not think you can go wrong when selecting an electronic drumset in any price range.
The Important Components
Besides the above conceptual considerations, you should look at any electronic drumset before you buy it. You need to examine three significant aspects of the gear: the pads, the module, and the hardware. Most electronic drum sets in the lower price range will include everything you need to play. The only thing that you might need to buy is an amplifier.
The Pads
The pads are one of the most critical aspects of your electronic drum set. While I won’t say whether or not there are good or bad pads, I will say that you need to be aware that every different pad will have strengths and weaknesses regarding feel, how noisy they are, durability, etc.
I would recommend always trying to get the opportunity to try out the set you are thinking of buying to make sure you are happy with it.
The Hardware
Make sure that the hardware the set comes with is acceptable to you. Some people, depending on playing experience, will have different hardware expectations. Don’t worry too much about what is good or bad hardware. Get something you like and that works for you.
The Module
I have saved this portion for the last part of my buyer’s guide for a particular reason: this is what makes all electronic drumsets tick. When selecting your module, you want to ensure that it has a few good sound samples and some essential volume and mixing controls in this price range.
Again, the best way to assess the value of the module you are considering is to test it out.
Final Buying Considerations for Cheap Electronic Drum Sets
One of the coolest things about electronic drums is that you can usually upgrade small pieces at a time. You can buy a new module should the day come when you outgrow the existing one.
Pads, hardware, triggers, and amps can all be switched out with varying technical ability levels. So, while making an initial investment here, consider that these drum sets are each only a starting point.
So, what is the best cheap electronic drum set?
Conclusion: What’s the Best Cheap Electronic Drum Set?
The best electronic drum set in this price range is the DTX400K, hands down. If you can afford it, buy it. But, there are other devices on this list to consider.
Honestly, I could forget the Alesis line of products. They do not do anything for me. But, that being said, they might do something for you, and if they do, they are good instruments.
The AIL 602 and the PTED06 are different beasts, but each has his/her uses.
Still, for the traditional drum set player, purchase the DTX400K for minimal fuss and disappointment.