The 10 Best Electronic Drum Kits For Beginners - An Honest Review

Electronic drums have come a long way since Graeme Edge (drummer of The Moody Blues) created the first one in the early 1970s, consisting of little more than an electric sound generator and a single drum pad. The first commercial release, the Pollard Syndrum quickly followed it in 1976, and by the mid-80s after gaining popularity among high-profile drummers, Pearl, Roland and Yamaha had all begun selling their versions.

Since then electronic drum kits have become increasingly popular for beginners and experienced drummers alike. Modern digital drums now consist of 7-8 pads, with cymbals, and a drum module often called the "brain." The drum pads are made of rubber or mesh and are designed to mimic the feel of traditional drums. They are responsive and can detect the force with which they are struck, allowing for a realistic experience. The drum module, responsible for producing the sound, offers a variety of customizable drum kits, effects, and features to suit different styles and techniques.

Electronic drum kits are an excellent option for beginners. They provide a quiet practice solution, allowing for practice sessions at any time without disturbing others. The range of built-in drum sounds and features can help beginners explore different styles and genres, sparking creativity and enhancing skill development. And they are generally more compact and portable, making them suitable for those with limited space.

Many of the kits on our list below offer built-in learning tools, such as metronomes, practice exercises, and play-along tracks, that can help beginners improve their technique and timing. If you're new to drumming, there is definitely an option for you on our list of the 10 best electronic drum kits for beginners.

When comparing electric and acoustic drum kits, there are several factors to consider. Electronic drum kits offer numerous advantages, including a compact footprint, versatility in sounds, and the ability to control volume. This makes them an excellent choice for practicing at home, as they won't disturb neighbors or other household members. Additionally, electronic kits are easy to record and can be connected directly to a computer or audio interface, simplifying the recording process. Our list of the 10 best electronic drum kits will break down all of these features.

Acoustic drum kits, on the other hand, are considered the more traditional option and provide a more authentic drumming experience. They produce a natural, organic sound that many drummers prefer. However, they are generally louder and take up more space, which may not be ideal for those with limited room or sound restrictions.

There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing one the 10 best electronic drum kits for beginners, to ensure you select the option that most suits your needs:

1. Budget: Electronic drum kits come in various price ranges. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and look for kits that offer the best value within that range.
2. Pad Material: Consider whether you prefer rubber or mesh drum pads. Mesh pads tend to provide a more realistic and responsive playing experience, while rubber pads are often more affordable.
3. Module Features: Look for a drum module that offers a variety of sounds, effects, and customization options. This will allow you to explore different styles and preferences as you develop your skills.
4. Built-in Learning Tools: Many electronic drum kits come with integrated learning features, such as metronomes, practice exercises, and play-along tracks. These can be invaluable in helping beginners improve their technique and timing.
5. Size and Portability: Consider the available space in your practice area and whether you'll need to move the kit regularly. Some electronic drum kits are more compact and easier to transport than others.
6. Expandability: As your skills progress, you may want to upgrade your drum kit with additional pads or cymbals. Ensure the kit you choose supports expandability, allowing you to grow with the instrument.

By taking these factors into account, beginners can make an informed decision when selecting the ideal electronic drum kit to start their musical journey. 

In this article, we'll dive into an honest review of the 8 best electronic drum kits tailored for beginners. These selections have been chosen based on their ease of use, affordability, and features that cater to new drummers. With options from renowned brands like Alesis, Roland, Yamaha, Behringer, and Ddrum, you can trust that these kits will provide an excellent foundation for your drumming journey. Let's explore the top 10 electronic drum kits that will help you unleash your rhythm and discover your inner musician.

A Best-selling Electronic Drum Kit That's Affordable and Versatile

The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is an excellent option for beginners seeking an affordable yet versatile electronic drum set. With a focus on quality and playability, this kit is perfect for those starting their drumming journey.

Boasting an average Amazon.com rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, this kit has earned its spot on our list. Its combination of value and features make it a popular choice among beginners. Key benefits of the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit include:

• All mesh drum heads for a natural feel
• 40 ready-to-play classic and modern kits
• 60 built-in play-along tracks and a sequencer
• USB/MIDI connectivity for easy integration with recording software
• Four-post aluminum rack for stability and flexibility

The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit brings exceptional value for beginning drummers, making it a worthy addition to our list. Its combination of affordability, versatility, and quality make it a top choice for aspiring musicians.

A Feature-rich and Educational Electronic Drum Kit

The Yamaha DTX402K is a feature-rich electronic drum kit that caters to beginners looking for an immersive and educational drumming experience. With a focus on quality and versatility, this kit offers a solid foundation for aspiring drummers.

With an impressive Amazon.com rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, the Yamaha DTX402K has made its mark as a top choice for beginners. Standout features of the Yamaha DTX402K include:

• 10 customizable drum kits with 287 drum and percussion sounds
• 10 built-in training functions to improve technique and timing
• Touch-sensitive pads for expressive playing
• USB connectivity for easy integration with recording software
• Durable four-post rack for stability

The Yamaha DTX402K is an excellent option for beginners seeking a feature-rich kit that encourages learning and growth, making it a valuable addition to our list.

Budget-friendly Without Sacrificing Quality

The Alesis Turbo Mesh is a budget-friendly electronic drum set tailored for those new to drumming. Offering essential features without compromising on quality, this kit is perfect for beginners looking for an affordable entry point.

With a solid Amazon.com rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, the Alesis Turbo Mesh has gained a reputation as a reliable and cost-effective option. Notable benefits of the Alesis Turbo Mesh include:

• Mesh drum heads for a natural playing response
• 10 ready-to-play drum kits with 120 individual drum sounds
• 30 built-in play-along tracks for practice and fun
• USB/MIDI connectivity for use with virtual instruments and recording software
• Sturdy steel rack for stability

The Alesis Turbo Mesh offers an excellent balance between affordability and quality, making it an ideal choice for beginners starting their drumming journey.

All-in-one Electronic Drums with The Look of an Acoustic Drum Set

The Millenium MPS-1000 is an all-in-one electronic drum set designed for aspiring drummers seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly kit, that looks like an acoustic kit. With its focus on ease of use and adaptability, this kit is perfect for beginners exploring the world of drumming.

With a respectable Amazon.com rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, the Millenium MPS-1000 has established itself as a reliable option for new drummers. Noteworthy features of the Millenium MPS-1000 include:

• High-quality mesh drum heads for a natural feel
• 20 preset drum kits with 458 individual drum sounds
• 20 built-in songs for play-along practice
• USB and MIDI connectivity for seamless integration with recording software
• Sturdy four-post rack for stability and flexibility

The Millenium MPS-1000 offers an all-in-one solution for beginners looking for a comprehensive and adaptable electronic drum set, making it a valuable addition to our list of top beginner kits. However, it can be difficult to find online, so you may need to do some research or contact the manufacturer.

A Compact and Expressive Electronic Drum Kit at a Great Price

The Roland TD-07DMK is a compact and expressive electronic drum set that provides beginners with a realistic and responsive drumming experience. Designed with quality and performance in mind, this kit is perfect for those looking to develop their skills.

With a strong Amazon.com rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the Roland TD-07DMK has earned its place on our list. Key benefits of the Roland TD-07DMK include:

• All mesh drum heads for natural feel and response
• TD-07 sound module with 25 preset kits and 143 instrument sounds
• Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and MIDI transmission
• USB connectivity for easy integration with recording software and virtual instruments
• Customizable and adjustable stand for optimal setup

The Roland TD-07DMK offers a compact and expressive playing experience, making it an excellent choice for beginners focused on skill development and performance.

Customizable Electronic Drum Kit with 3-Zone Textured Silicone Snare Pad

Next up on our list is the Yamaha DTX522K Customizable Electronic Drum Kit with 3-Zone Textured Silicone Snare Pad, with an average Amazon.com rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars and a long list of features that beginning players are sure to appreciate. If you need a great electronic drum kit at an affordable price, this is definitely one to consider.

Among the benefits of the Yamaha DTX522K Customizable Electronic Drum Kit with 3-Zone Textured Silicone Snare Pad are:

• Free iOS apps for easy importing of songs and training materials
• XP80 3-zone textured silicon snare pad
• Three expression tones - crash, ride and hi-hat
• Includes DTX502 module

Once again, it is easy to see why the Yamaha DTX522K Customizable Electronic Drum Kit with 3-Zone Textured Silicone Snare Pad made our short list. With a long list of features and an affordable price point, this is one great electronic drum kit.

Visit Yamaha's electronic drum store on Amazon for this and other electronic Yamaha drum kit alternatives.

A Compact Design with a Natural Feel and Great Reviews

The Roland TD-11K-S V-Compact Series Electronic Drum Set is a perfect choice for any beginning player. Whether your ultimate goal is a career behind the drum kit or just having fun, you will find a lot to love here.

With an average Amazon.com rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, it is easy to see how this kit made our list. The reviews are great, and with so many features, the value is there. Among the most impressive benefits you can get from the Roland TD-11K-S V-Compact Series Electronic Drum Set are:

• Mesh-head V-pad for snare
• Compact design
• Natural feel kick pad
• TD-11 drum sound module with SuperNATURAL
• Includes custom stand

Our list is designed to provide the beginning player with a great value, so it is only fitting that the Roland TD-11K-S V-Compact Series Electronic Drum Set is first up. Having this kit is a great way to learn the drums, and this exceptional set of drums brings real value to the marketplace.

This kit was first released in 2012, and is now difficult to find new. However, if you do some digging online they can still be found at some second hand dealers for a favorable discounted price.

8 Piece Electronic Drum Set with a USB Port That's Great for Sampling

Next up on our list of best beginner-friendly electronic drum kits is the Alesis Forge Kit | Eight-Piece Electronic Drum Set with Forge Drum Module and USB Port for User-Loaded Samples, a kit that includes a lot of value for the money. Not only is this electronic drum kit beginner-friendly and value priced, but it also includes a handy USB port to make sampling easier, something 21st-century drummers are sure to appreciate.

In addition to the USB kit, the Alesis Forge Kit | Eight-Piece Electronic Drum Set with Forge Drum Module and USB Port for User-Loaded Samples brings a long list of powerful features to the market, including:

• Dynamic and comfortable rubber pads provide a natural response and excellent feel
• 11" dual-zone snare
• Three single-zone toms
• Kick pad tower
• Includes bass drum pedal
• Set of three cymbals, including ride cymbal, hi-hat and crash w/choke

With everything you need to get started and a low-value price, the Alesis Forge Kit | Eight-Piece Electronic Drum Set with Forge Drum Module and USB Port for User-Loaded Samples clearly has a lot to offer.

Unfortunately this kit has been discontinued in favor of newer models like the Alesis Nitro mentioned above, but if you dig a little you can still find it being sold by secondhand marketplaces, and often at a very favorable discounted price.

A Well-rounded, Versatile Drum Kit, with Everything You Need

With its average Amazon.com review rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, the Behringer XD8USB is another worthy contender on our list. The good reviews speak for themselves, and the contents include everything the beginning drummer needs to get their playing career off to a great start.

When you choose the Behringer XD8USB for your playing partner, you can enjoy a host of quality features and benefits, including:

• 8-piece electronic drum set includes everything you need to get started
• Read to go right from the box
• Includes 10 factory presets and 5 user-programmable drum sets
• USB interface lets you connect with drum software and virtual instruments
• Uses High Definition Sampling (HDS) technology for an authentic sound

With so much to offer, it is easy to see why so many new drummers have so many great things to say about the Behringer XD8USB. If you are looking for an electronic drum set that is ready to rock right out of the box, this one should be on your shopping list.

Great Value, with Impressive Features and a Compact Design 

The last electronic drum kit for beginners on our best list is the Ddrum DD1 Digital Drum Set 100 Series, with an average Amazon.com review rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars and an impressive list of features. This electronic drum kit is a great value, and it is an excellent choice for all beginning players.

Among the features and benefits beginning players can enjoy with the Ddrum DD1 Digital Drum Set 100 Series are:

• Includes crash cymbal
• Ride cymbal pad
• Ddrum module
• Hi-hat controller pedal
• Four single-zone drum pads
• Complete kit - just unbox and start playing
• Compact design

If you are looking for an affordable beginner-friendly electronic drum kit with great value and impressive features, the Ddrum DD1 Digital Drum Set 100 Series is definitely one to consider. This worthy contender has a lot to offer, from quality workmanship to a comfortable design.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the ideal electronic drum kit can be a daunting task, particularly for beginners. Our 10 best electronic drum kits for beginners cater to new drummers with their affordability, user-friendliness, and value. When choosing the right kit for your needs, consider factors such as pad material, module features, built-in learning tools, size, and expandability. By doing so, you can confidently select the electronic drum kit that aligns with your individual requirements and personal preferences, setting the stage for a successful drumming journey.