The 7 Best Beginner Drum Sets of 2024

Dipping your feet into the drumming world can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. 

There are hundreds of variables to keep in mind while buying your first drum set, and things only get more complicated from there. Whether you have a lot, a little, or no experience at all playing the drums, picking your first kit is where all the magic happens.

And that’s exactly why I compiled the eight top drum kits for you to pick from, including the best for adults, the best for kids, and everything in between. Forget about that BCP drum set you’ve been eyeing in your local Walmart — these kits go above and beyond.

My top pick is the PDP Center Stage 5-Piece, which blends together versatility, a great sound, and an affordable price tag to create the ideal starter drum set. This one will last you for ages — even if you’ve already moved on to bigger things.

Let’s dive right in! But first, here are a few basic pointers to get you started if you’re an absolute beginner:

Choosing the Right Drum Set

Picking just one instrument is hard enough — but when you really think about it, each piece in a drum set is an instrument in and of itself. 

If you’re a beginner, things can get very overwhelming, very fast. Yet that’s exactly why I put together this short list of the three most important aspects you should keep in mind when buying drums: size, heads, and drum types.

Size

Well, this one is pretty self-explanatory, right? The drum size refers to the specific diameter and depth a single drum has. However, most measurements will only specify the diameter, as the depth will mostly depend on that.

For example, rack toms will usually go between 8 to 14 inches, while most snares will be between 12 to 14 inches. But how do you know which one is right for you?

Besides the obvious aspects related to size (kids will need smaller drums), a good rule of thumb is “less diameter = snappier sound.” The bigger the drum, the lower in pitch it will go — but it will probably be louder and richer in sound.

Heads

Most drums nowadays have heads (also called skins) on both the top and the bottom of the drum. While both are important, the top one (the batter) is certainly more impactful on the overall sound. 

There are hundreds of different styles and types of drum heads, but maybe the most important aspect to consider is the number of plies. 

Single-ply heads, which only use one layer of material, are more sensitive and have a brighter sound, but are less durable. Double-ply skins, on the other hand, use two layers — which results in a heavier, darker tone but makes them way more durable.

Similarly, coating can greatly influence the sound. Clear skins (uncoated) have a snappier and more powerful sound, while coated heads are more bouncy and have a warmer quality.

But there are dozens of other factors, including rings, dampening, and materials — and that’s not to mention the specifics of each type of drum. If you’re in doubt, check which drums your favorite band uses and try to go from there!

Drum Types

To put it bluntly, there are, for the most part, four different types of drums.

The snare is the centerpiece of every kit, as it’s the drum that’s most associated with the backbeat in modern music. Equally as important is the kick or bass drum, which instead produces a low-frequency thump that usually goes in the one and three.

The rack toms (or mounted toms) are mostly used for fills and complementary rhythms — think of the famous “In the Air Tonight” fill. The floor tom, instead, is much bigger than the rack ones and produces a strong thump that’s similar to the bass drum.

The Top 7 Entry-Level Drum Kits

1. Best Overall – PDP Center Stage 5-Piece

The PDP Center Stage 5-Piece is the best choice for pretty much any aspiring drummer looking for a versatile kit that’s reliable, affordable, and just sounds right.

SPECS:

• Pieces: Snare, bass drum, floor tom, and two toms
• Cymbals: Hi-hat and crash/ride
• Material: Poplar

Finding the right starter drum set can be hard — but Pacific Drums and Percussion has outdone itself with its beginner-friendly Center Stage 5-Piece. Affordable, versatile, and packing an impressive, almost professional tone, this entry-level kit is a no-brainer.

The 5-piece set includes… well, five drums: two toms (10 and 12 inches each), one floor tom (16 inches), one snare (fourteen inches), and one kick drum (22 inches). Of course, it also comes with a brass hi-hat and a 15-inch crash/ride hybrid.

As for the drums themselves, they are equipped with True-Pitch tension rods that make tuning easier (and more stable) than ever. The triple-flanged hoops also help create a nice balance between attack, sustain, and decay for pretty much any genre you can think of.

The whole thing is mostly made out of poplar, which is a highly resonant yet lightweight tonewood that’s as versatile as it is reliable. Whether you’re looking for an at-home practice kit or a gig-ready setup, the PDP Center Stage has got you covered.

Oh, and did I mention that all the extra stuff you need is included? Double-braced stands, kick drum pedal, throne, and even a pair of sticks are all inside the box ready for you to get started on day one. There’s just no going wrong with this one — especially at this price point.

2. Best for Tight Budgets – Rogue RGD0520

The Rogue RGD0520 is one of the most affordable kits on the market, making it perfect for beginners looking to upgrade their setup progressively as their skills grow.

SPECS:

• Pieces: Snare, bass drum, floor tom, and two toms
• Cymbals: Hi-hat and crash/ride (optional)
• Material: Poplar

The Rogue RGD0520 may just be the most affordable drum kit on the market right now. Coming in at just $319.99, this thing is a perfect pick for people who’re not so sure about drumming being their passion and just want to give it a quick shot.

But don’t let that fool you: this Rogue drum set can hold its weight. The box includes two toms (10 and 12 inches), one floor tom (14 inches), one snare (13 inches), and one kick drum (20 inches). Cymbals are also optionally included — although they are a bit below average.

But that’s the beauty of drums! Each part is ready to be upgraded as soon as you can afford it. Just changing your ride or your drum heads will make a world of difference in your sound and your playing.

Hardware, throne, sticks, and drum key are all included, so this beauty is ready to be played as soon as you can put it together. And the drums just sound good: warm, well-rounded, and punchy, the RGD0520 is ideal for rock and pop players starting out on their journey.

All in all, the Rogue RGD0520 is a fantastic choice for kids and adults who are just dipping their feet in the drumming world. Of course, you’ll need to change the cymbals sooner or later — but the rest of the kit is sure to hold up for years on end.

3. Best Four-Piece – Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit

Although the Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit is designed for kids, it makes for a great pick for pretty much anyone who prefers quality over quantity.

SPECS:

• Pieces: Snare, bass drum, floor tom, and rack-mounted tom
• Cymbals: Hi-hat and crash/ride
• Material: Basswood

Ludwig has earned quite a name for itself when it comes to beginner drum sets — and for a good reason. Its now famous Questlove line is an ideal choice for any drummer who wants a reliable at-home setup that won’t need to be upgraded any time soon.

The 4-Piece Questlove Pocket kit is set on bringing you a fantastic sound at the price of a budget instrument. Equipped with just one tom (10 inches), one floor tom (13 inches), one snare (12 inches), and one bass drum (16 inches), this setup prefers quality over quantity — and it shows.

Naturally, the small-sized drums are designed to be particularly suited to kids and teenagers. But this thing is great for adults too (as long as you don’t mind the shorter reach), and the compact format is fantastic for anyone who can’t have a designated drumming space.

The drums sound snappy and yet deeply articulate, packing a rich sound that punches way above its price point. Throw in some subtle dampening, and you’ve got yourself a versatile setup that can handle anything from smooth jazz to hard rock.

As with most starter kits, however, the cymbals are rather below average. That’s to be expected, though — and you can always upgrade them further down the line. To put it in simpler terms, the Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit is a fantastic pick for anyone who doesn’t mind skipping that second rack tom.

4. Best Electronic Drum Set – Alesis Surge Mesh

The Alesis Surge Mesh is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to get into electronic drums, providing a wide range of sounds and precise dynamics at an affordable price.

SPECS:

• Pads: Snare, bass drum, floor tom, and two toms
• Cymbals: Hi-hat, crash, and ride
• Sounds: 24 kits and 385 different sounds

And now we get to the good stuff: electronic drums. The Alesis Surge Mesh is the ideal way to kick things off if you’re looking into the advantages of e-drums. Namely, the nearly unlimited possibilities of digital sounds and the comfort of silent practice.

The Surge Mesh comes with five drum pads (one for snare, two for rack toms, and one for floor tom) and three cymbal pads (hi-hat, crash, and ride). Naturally, the kick pedal, hi-hat pedal, and hardware are also included, as well as the drum key and the connection cables.

The whole thing has its brain in the drum module at the left of the hi-hat, which packs 385 sounds and 24 whole drum kits to switch things up. The team at Alesis even threw in the possibility of adding 16 of your own custom kits using the onboard sounds.

And let me tell you: this thing is as quiet as drums can get. Just plug in your headphones and forget about neighbors, roommates, and family — no one will hear you blast those four-bar metal fills. Of course, the price is a bit steeper than usual, but it’s well worth it. It’s a great electronic drum set for a beginner.

5. Best for Kids – Rogue Junior Kicker

The Rogue Junior Kicker is an all-in-one solution for kids who are just starting out with drumming, as it’s as sturdy as it is compact.

SPECS:

• Pieces: Snare, bass drum, floor tom, and two toms
• Cymbals: Hi-hat and crash/ride
• Material: Poplar

Some kids just have a natural talent for rhythm — and what better way to encourage them than a small-sized drum kit that’s perfect for at-home practice? Cue in the Rogue Junior Kicker, a five-piece drum set that is as compact as it is reliable.

Coming in at just $299.99, this set sits right at the sweet spot between an affordable starter drum kit and an instrument that’s not a giant investment. But the sound has little to do with the price tag, as the drums have a punchy and articulate quality that’s nothing short of surprising.

The set includes a bass drum (18 inches), two rack toms (8 and 5 inches), a floor tom (12 inches), and a snare (12 inches). Hi-hat and crash/ride are also included, as well as a chain drive kick pedal, all the matching hardware, a drum key, and sticks.It’s available in four different colors: black, deep red, metallic blue, and metallic silver. All in all, the Rogue Junior Kicker will last your kid for quite a few years — in fact, just up until the size becomes a bit too small.

6. Most Portable Drum Kit – Toca Percussion KickBoxx

The Toca Percussion KickBoxx is an innovative and refreshing take on the entry level drum set that focuses on portability and affordability above all else.

SPECS:

• Pieces: Snare, kick drum, and tom
• Cymbals: Not included
• Material: Basswood

Portability is not something you’d expect in a drum set — yet the Toca Percussion KickBoxx is here to change that. Described as a “suitcase drum kit,” the whole thing is designed to fit inside… well, a suitcase.

Packing in a snare (10 inches), one mounted tom (10 inches), and one bass drum (14 inches), the KickBoxx can be assembled and disassembled in a matter of seconds. Cymbals can also be included — although they don’t fit inside the box itself.

Considering that this thing is, to put it bluntly, a literal box, its sound is just mind-blowing. Punchy, snappy, and dynamically precise, the KickBoxx is perfect for rock, pop, country, and most other modern playing styles.

Whether you’re looking for a set that’s made for low-volume at-home practicing, or a gigging powerhouse for busking, there’s just no going wrong with the Toca Percussion KickBoxx.

7. Best High-End Starter Kit – Sonor AQ1 Stage

The Sonor AQ1 Stage is not for the faint-hearted — professional, great-sounding, and sturdy, this absolute monster is sure to last you for years and years on end.

SPECS:

• Pieces: Snare, bass drum, floor tom, and two toms
• Cymbals: Not included
• Material: Birch

I get it, I get it: for some people, budget is not a concern. Maybe you’ve already tried your hand on a friend’s drum kit, and you’re sure that breaking the bank won’t be a mistake. Well, that’s exactly where the Sonor AQ1 Stage comes in.

Packing in one snare (14 inches), two mounted toms (10 and 12 inches), one floor tom (16 inches), and one bass drum (22 inches), this beauty is a true monster among starter sets. Cymbals aren’t included here — and that further speaks of the quality of the drums.

The sound is just unbeatable. The Sonor AQ1 Stage sounds absolutely massive, and the drum heads respond to each and every subtle detail in your playing. And don’t get me started on the snare, which is a whole other world in and of itself.

Of course, the price tag reflects this. At a jaw-dropping $1,299, the Sonor AQ1 Stage is designed for people who won’t be having second thoughts about their purchase. Throw in a couple of top-notch cymbals, and you’ll be set for the rest of your playing career.