In a hurry?

If you want to know the best of the best, right now, here are our top 5 drum sets for kids.

Best drum sets for kids

1. Pearl Roadshow Junior 5pc Drum Kit

The best set for discovering your child’s own drumming sound from an early age.

A leading name in the drumming industry, Pearl have created the Roadshow 5pc Drum Kit to cater to junior drummers who are either just starting out or have some experience in drumming.

Made from six layers of poplar wood, the shells are extremely lightweight and durable, which is ideal if your child is in a band and needs to take the kit on the road. The poplar wood shell design also produces warm, vibrant tones, whilst the six layers allow for an enhanced volume.

Pearl haven’t skimped out, despite this being a junior drum kit; all the hardware is the same as a full-size drumkit, just scaled down to accommodate junior drummers. This is fantastic for learning the mechanics of a drum kit and how to maintain it.

The Pearl Roadshow 5pc comes with everything your child needs to get rocking right away, from hardware and cymbals to drumsticks and a drum throne.

A five-piece kit, the Roadshow is made up of a 16’’ bass drum, 8’’ and 10’’ rack toms, a 13’’ floor tom, and a 12’’ snare drum.

In most jazz drum kits, 16 inches is a common bass drum size. And so with the Pearl Roadshow bass drum, you still get the brilliant, punchy sound you typically get from a full-sized drum kit.

Shop now | Pearl Roadshow Junior 5pc Drum Kit, Jet Black

2. Children’s Drum Kit by Gear4music

The best set for drummers aged three to six.

The Children’s Drum Kit by Gear4music is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of drumming from the earliest age possible.

It comes with everything your child needs to begin drumming right out of the box and understand the fundamentals of drumming and the different sounds produced by the kit.

Its 14’’ bass drum is super lightweight and easy to store away. Plus, it packs a great, punchy sound.

Designed with the typical hardware and mechanics you’d find on a full-size kit, this Gear4music kit gives kids a fantastic understanding of how a typical drum kit works and helps them get to grips with rhythm, time-keeping, and even different drumming patterns.

And it’s not just the hardware that’s replicated but also the natural feedback and responses of a full-sized acoustic kit.

Shop now | Children’s Drum Kit by Gear4music

3. Ludwig Pocket Kit By Questlove

The best set for developing a full understanding of drumming.

The Ludwig Pocket Kit is designed for rockstars aged four to ten. The whole package includes drum shells, drumheads, hardware, and cymbals – not to mention the free introductory lessons thrown in as well.

These online lessons take your child step-by-step through the very basics of drumming such as setting up the kit and how to hold the drumsticks to drumming rhythms and patterns.

It’s a particularly great feature that many other brands don’t offer, and it takes the pressure off if your child is just starting out – sometimes finding lessons can be tricky!

Moving on to the drum kit itself, well first of all, it has got to be one of the most stylish junior drum kits out there!

Designed by American Producer/Musician Questlove, the kit has fine attention to detail even by full-size professional kit standards and offers fantastic feedback and a drumming experience your child won’t forget.

It has an intensely metallic white sparkle finish that’s sure to grab any aspiring drummer. If that’s not your thing, the kit also comes in a black sparkle and wine red sparkle finish which looks equally as awesome.

The drum shells are made of hardwood which is extremely durable and produces vibrant tones that are impressive for the size of the drum kit.

High-grade drumkit features have been implemented into the Ludwig kit such as 45-degree bearing edges and triple-flanged steel hoops – these both stabilise the tuning to keep the drums sounding at their optimum for longer.

The kit includes a foot pedal, hi-hat stand, cymbal arm, snare stand, drum throne, hi-hat cymbals, and a crash/ride cymbal as well as drumsticks and drum keys for tuning as well as batter and resonant heads on all the drums.

With fantastic value for money, you just can’t go wrong with starting out on the Ludwig Pocket Kit to boost a drumming career in the right direction.

Shop now | Ludwig Pocket Kit By Questlove

4. Mapex Tornado III Compact 18″ Drum Kit

The best set for progression from beginner to intermediate at a young age.

Has your child been drumming for a while and is now ready to progress to a larger kit? Then the Mapex Tornado III Compact 18″ Drum Kit is for them!

The 18’’ bass drum is still compact compared to most rock drum kits but bigger in comparison to junior kits. This provides a fuller, more dynamic sound that every intermediate drummer needs.

Backed up by Mapex’s reliable reputation, the Tornado kit is extremely durable, so don’t be afraid to take it to your child’s frequent band rehearsals or gigs.

This durability is thanks to the shell’s basswood construction, which is one of the sturdiest woods used in drum shell manufacturing. It also allows for amazing tones that really pack a punch with a volume that matches the other instruments in a band.

Everything is included with the Mapex Tornado III, from hardware and cymbals to a stool and drumsticks. So, your child can get rocking straight out of the box without hesitation.

The cymbal stands are double-braced and extremely sturdy, meaning they can hold a wide range of cymbals should your child wish to upgrade them in the future.

There’s no instrument quite like the drums, and the Mapex Tornado III showcases everything an intermediate kit should offer. Completed in a stunning black shell finish, it really looks the part for any performance of any style and is sure to entice any drummer to pick up their sticks and get playing.

At an affordable price with incredible value for money, the Mapex Tornado III Compact 18″ Drum Kit is the ideal step-up kit for your child to improve and expand their awesome drumming journey.

Shop now | Mapex Tornado III Compact 18″ Drum Kit

5. Junior 5 Piece Drum Kit by Gear4music. Wine Red

The best set for children aged five to ten.

This fantastic Junior 5 Piece Drum Kit by Gear4music is lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. Designed for young drummers aged five to ten, it’s a full drum kit scaled down to allow for comfortable playability.

It also bears all the fundamental components and materials of a full-size drum kit such as poplar wood shells and solid metal hardware, which produce a vibrant and classic drum kit sound with all the right tones to get rocking.

Scaled-down doesn’t just mean it’s comfortable for your child to play but it also allows for super-easy storage and transportation – which is pretty handy if your child is in a band and needs to take the kit to rehearsals or shows.

The Junior Drum Kit comes in four striking finishes – wine red, black, blue, and green – which are sure to make your child’s performance stand out on stage.

Of course, the kit is ideal for regular home rehearsals as well and serves as the perfect tool for developing hand-eye coordination and rhythm at a young age – the perfect time to start drumming.

The stool has extra padding, making it comfortable to sit on for long periods of time, and the hi-hat stand features a height adjuster, so your child can set it at the optimal height.

Most beginner drum lessons start with a lot of snare drum exercises. This introduces the basics of drumstick response and feel and different patterns and rhythms that are typically used in everyday drumming. That’s why the Junior 5 Piece Kit is equipped with a fully-adjustable snare drum and clamp, making it easier to master the fundamentals of drumming.

Shop now | Junior 5 Piece Drum Kit by Gear4music. Wine Red

6. Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Drum Kit

The best set for quiet practice.

Moving to something a little different, the Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Kit is a fully electronic kit that has been designed to be user-friendly, comfortable to use, and practical for home rehearsals.

One main feature that will appeal to most parents is its quiet playability and ability to plug in a pair of headphones – this will keep both yourself and your neighbours happy!

That’s not all the Alesis Turbo Mesh kit has to offer, however, as it has been designed to replicate an authentic feel of a real, acoustic drum kit with the same drumstick responses and sounds digitalised.

This real-life feel is thanks to the expertly engineered mesh drumhead design that’s basically a net of super-fine strands situated above the impact sensor (which produces the sound).

Another awesome feature of the Alesis Turbo Mesh kit is its variety of kit sounds that suit different genres and drumming styles.

Your child has the option to choose between 10 ready-to-play classic and modern drumkit pre-sets and 120 different sounds. Plus, there’s a built-in coach to enhance your child’s learning process.

A digital metronome is also included to significantly improve time-keeping and rhythm skills. All of this and much more is accessible via a clear, 3-digit LED display screen on the module.

Learning songs of your child’s own choice is made easier thanks to the implemented CD/MP3 aux input on the module that easily accommodates a smartphone, iPod, or tablet.

And if your child wants to go one step further, the Turbo Mesh kit also features USB/MIDI inputs, allowing you to connect a laptop or interface. This lets you import virtual instruments and record via music software.

The Alesis Turbo Mesh Drum Kit unlocks huge potential and a dynamic drumming experience, with the convenience of drumming silently.

Shop now | Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Drum Kit

7. Alesis CompactKit 7 Tabletop Electronics Drum Kit

The best drum set for portable drumming.

Sticking with Alesis, the sleekly designed CompactKit 7 Tabletop Electronics Drum Kit offers exceptional portability for any style of home practice.

The unique tabletop design comfortably sits on any table or even some snare drum stands and comes. It comes with two pedals for the hi-hat and kick or as a double-kick pedal if you change the onboard settings.

There are also 45 preset kits to choose from, along with a handy self-recording function, USB/MIDI outputs, hand-percussion feature, and much more for your child to get the most out of every rehearsal session and learning session too.

Onboard training features have been implemented into the Alesis CompactKit, such as 80 looped songs, 20 fixed-length songs, and one demo song for your child to play along to at their own pace – this is a great way to first start learning to play the drums.

Moving on to the pads, there are seven of these in total, each of which is velocity-sensitive for extra-dynamic drumming. There are also two footswitches that plug directly into the rear panel via the jack inputs. This quality, compact design works wonders for developing coordination, accuracy as well as typical drumming skills and techniques.

I have a biased opinion of this electronic drumkit as it helped me a long way in learning to play the drums at a young age, and it’s sure to do the same for your own aspiring young drummer.

Shop now | Alesis CompactKit 7 Tabletop Electronics Drum Kit

8. BDK-1 Compact Drum Kit by Gear4music

The best set for a full sound at a small size.

The BDK-1 Compact Drum Kit by Gear4music packs a punch considering its compact design. It has absolutely everything your child needs to set their drumming career on the right track: cymbals, a kick pedal, stands, a stool, and a pair of drumsticks all included for a quick and easy setup.

Poplar wood shells are not only lightweight but also offer a vibrant, powerful sound that your child will fall in love with the second the kit is set up.

One thing that stands out with this kit is its versatility to suit all playing styles and genres. It has a fantastic sound for jazz, rock, metal, and other popular genres, helping your child to discover their own unique drumming style and sound.

The BDK-1 Compact Kit is ideal for gigging once your child has found their drumming feet thanks to its lightweight poplar shells and sturdy, durable hardware that can withstand the brunt of life on the road.

Being a popular choice in the modern drumming community, the black finish looks the part for any style of aspiring drummer and glimmers on stage to impress any audience.

Better still, the BDK-1 offers great value for money, and it’s the ideal beginner drum kit for your child with aspirations of performing someday in the not-so-distant future.

Shop now | BDK-1 Compact Drum Kit by Gear4music

9. Yamaha DTX452K Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones, Stool + Sticks

The best set for having fun whilst learning to play the drums.

Yamaha have developed the DTX range to suit a huge range of drummers. The Yamaha DTX452K kit, in particular, is perfect for junior drummers as it’s extremely agile and has excellent learning features for mastering drums.

Yamaha’s DTX Touch app, which you can download on any tablet or smartphone, works brilliantly with this electronic kit. It helps kids understand the basics of drumming and how to improve at a fast rate, all whilst being great fun to play.

The app has other great benefits for learning the drums, such as a record and share feature that connects directly to the module of the DTX kit and records your playing, allowing you to share it with the world all at a push of a button.

Moving on to the key features of the kit, it has a super lightweight frame that’s fully adjustable and folds up easily to be stored away when not in use.

This frame also allows for a neat setup, allowing you to wrap the pad wires around it in order not to obstruct your child’s drumming. The kit also packs a bunch of technology, from 287 fully-arrangeable percussion sounds to a triple-zone snare pad for authentic drumming techniques.

Kitted out with 10 user-friendly kits that are fully customisable with these 287 sounds, the DTX allows your child’s imagination to run wild and easily find their unique drumming sound quicker than they would with a typical acoustic drum kit.

On some electronic drum kits, the cymbal pads tend to be quite bulky in order to house the sensors. The DTX452K, however, has reimagined the cymbal pads to include the same low-latency sensors but with a thin, real cymbal feel – this is great for a huge range of cymbal-playing techniques and allows for a truly enjoyable drumming experience.

Backed up by Yamaha’s renowned and extensive knowledge of musical technology, you just can’t go wrong with the Yamaha DTX452K Electronic Drum Kit. It includes everything your child needs for a fun, enjoyable drumming career.

Shop now | Yamaha DTX452K Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones, Stool + Sticks

10. WHD Elite Compact Drum Kit, Trans Black

The best set for kit customisation.

The WHD Elite Compact Drum Kit throws a slight curveball as it’s just a shell pack. However, this opens up a huge opportunity to have a fully customised drum kit that’s just how your child wants it to be.

This kit is great if they’re super serious about wanting to get into drumming or have been drumming for a little while already and want to upgrade their setup, making it completely their own with hardware and cymbals to add on.

The WHD Elite Compact Kit is extremely compact and portable, so it can be taken to different venues or used for busking on the streets, no matter your child’s age or drumming level. As for the drum kit material, the shells are made from a birch and poplar blend, providing rich resonance and super-fast response.

One thing I like most about the WHD Elite Compact Drum Kit (besides its awesome transparent black finish) is the simplistic 14’’ x 7’’ floor tom.

It’s small enough to easily transport anywhere you like whilst still providing a distinctive, deep floor tom sound. Better still, it will fit into any 14’’ snare drum bag, taking the stress out of travelling with the kit.

WHD have a strong background in percussion manufacturing, making essential instruments like drum kits and abstract percussion instruments like gongs. It’s fair to say WHD know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to designing quality, reliable, and affordable percussion instruments for everyone.

With the WHD Elite Compact Drum Kit offering so much at an affordable price, it’s a strong contender on this list of best junior drum kits on the market today.

Shop now WHD Elite Compact Drum Kit, Trans Black

11. Sonor AQX 14’’ Micro Shell Pack, Blue Ocean Sparkle

The best set for authentic but limited-space drumming.

The vast Sonor drum range was recently launched at Gear4music and the Sonor AQX 14’’ Micro Shell Pack is one which stands right out for junior drummers.

Its super small 14’’ bass drum not only allows the kit to be set up in confined spaces but also offers a comfortable playing experience for your child whilst producing a unique, poppy bass drum sound.

As for the rest of the kit – it certainly isn’t your average run-of-the-mill drumkit. It’s made from the finest poplar wood with solid steel hardware, chrome-plated for an eye-catching overall aesthetic.

The poplar shells provide a lightweight feel with airy yet precise tones, making even a beginner sound professional. This will, therefore, boost your child’s confidence in getting better and better with their drumming rehearsals and is sure to keep them from giving up.

The 9-ply layering also produces plenty of volume for the kit’s size – perfect for any show or busking.

Sonor have some of the most outstanding finishes ever applied to a drum kit. This Sonor AQX shell pack is finished in a stunning Blue Ocean Sparkle which looks mesmerising amongst the glimmering chrome-plated steel hardware.

This kit is also available in a Black Midnight Sparkle and Red Moon Sparkle finish – which both look equally amazing and give that professional look to match the professional sound.

Sonor have been making drumkits for decades. They never fail to use the latest and greatest technology, delivering fantastic sounds, aesthetics, and, of course, durability.

One of the more prestigious drum kits on this list, the Sonor 14’’ Micro Shell Pack is definitely one for serious junior drummers looking to eventually take their drumming sound to the stage.

Shop now | Sonor AQX 14’’ Micro Shell Pack, Blue Ocean Sparkle

12. Roland TD-1k Electronic Drum Kit Mesh Snare Pad

The best set for applying acoustic drumming techniques to a basic electronic drum kit setup.

Roland made the TD-1k to allow all levels of drummers the freedom to drum without taking up a lot of space.

The thing that stands out with this particular setup is the mesh snare pad – this is great for your child to practise typical acoustic drumming techniques and rudiments without the bulk from the rest of the kit.

As the snare is the main drum that rudiments and stick techniques are developed on, this is an ideal setup if you have limited space around the house.

Another stand-out feature of this kit is the pedals. They’re totally independent of the rest of the kit and only tied down by a single jack connector each – this means setting up the kit is incredibly easy and customisable for your child’s comfort.

As for what the module gives you, it houses 15 preset kits for your child to choose from, ranging from rock kits to pop and jazz.

Each kit has incredibly crisp sound delivery from each pad and allows for an enjoyable playing experience whether your child is just playing along to songs, finding their drumming feet, or learning the quintessential basics of drumming.

What would an electronic kit be without built-in learning capabilities? Exactly, not much. That’s why the Roland kit has 10 training functions to enhance and optimise your child’s learning. Backed up by Roland’s renowned name in the electronic drum industry, the TD-1K Drum Kit offers extreme reliability, durability, and, above all else, a fun drumming experience.

Shop now | Roland TD-1k Electronic Drum Kit Mesh Snare Pad

What to consider when buying a kid’s drum set

Size

Size is important for getting to grips with drumming the right size ensures the set is comfortable. A kit that’s too big for your child will make it difficult to reach the cymbals and potentially other drums. This will quickly deplete their interest in drumming. Smaller kits are often stated with their age recommendation to make it easier for parents to choose their child’s first drum set.

Build quality

Typically, junior kits are made to be as affordable as possible. This way, it won’t break the bank too much if, for whatever reason, your child decides drumming isn’t for them.

This, therefore, means some materials in junior kits are not as high quality as they would be in higher-end drum kits. Consider how serious they are about drumming and shop accordingly.

Poplar wood is the cheapest wood used in drum manufacturing, whereas woods such as birch or basswood are slightly more elite and durable but much more expensive.

Materials

Materials in drum kits are always well thought through by manufacturers. Each shell material gives a totally different tone.

Birch is a high-end wood that tends to deliver boosted high frequencies with a good low-end punch and is particularly great when used in bass drums.

Poplar wood is a cheap, popular wood within the drumming community, and it’s often found in cheaper drum kits. Despite this, the tones it produces are smooth with soft high frequencies and a boosted low-end warmth.

Other materials such as maple, basswood, and many others all produce different tones and this is definitely something to consider if your child is passionate and serious about starting their drumming journey off on the right foot.

Maintenance of the drum Kit

For an acoustic drum kit, maintenance is super easy as there aren’t any wires or electrical technology to get in the way.

Drum kit hardware is all mechanical and will last a long time without any complex maintenance needed, just the occasional dusting and polishing.

The main thing to look out for is the chain of the kick and hi-hat pedal. This needs to be well-oiled and the spring should be in good condition in order to work properly. Drumheads/skins will need changing every so often to produce their optimal sound.

Electronic kits require a similar level of maintenance, but, of course, you’ll need to check the condition of all the wires connecting the kit together.

Accessories

Of course, the main accessory needed for drumming is a good set of drumsticks.

You can find all information on drumsticks in our article here.

There’s a sea of drumming accessories to enhance, adapt, and improve all levels of a drummer’s career.

For example, you can turn your average acoustic drumkit into an electronic one via a trigger – this is a great way of exploring new sounds. Although this is more for advanced drummer levels, it’s 100% worth considering from an early age to nail that unique, dynamic sound your child deserves.

Age of child

There are many kits out there and you can never be too young or old to pick up a pair of sticks and get grooving. As previously mentioned in this article, there are age recommendations for junior kits stated on the listings. So, your child to get the most out of their drumming experience at any age.

The world of drumming has improved significantly over the years and there really hasn’t been a better time to start, even at a young age. There are plenty of resources online and built-in to most electronic drum kits.

Budget

Of course, the right budget goes a long way when buying your child their first drum set. Some popular junior drum sets are designed to be as cheap as possible just in case your child doesn’t take to drumming after giving it a go.

Junior kits typically range from around £100 to £400 depending on the age it’s recommended for, what’s included, and the materials used to make it.

Why should my child learn the drums?

There are many reasons why children should learn the drums. But in a nutshell, learning the drums is…

• An excellent way to develop cognitive skills
• FUN!
• A great way to relieve any stress
• An enjoyable way to develop hand-eye coordination
• A way to significantly improve listening skills

You can find more on why your child should learn the drums in our earlier article here.

Benefits of an acoustic drum kit

Sometimes you just can’t beat the real thing. Acoustic drum kits offer those classic tones you hear on any stage.

Owning an authentic instrument also brings a huge level of satisfaction and pride to drumming once the techniques and skills are mastered. Plus, they’re super easy to keep clean and any acoustic drum kit can look brand new for years, especially the ones with stunning shell finishes.

Benefits of an electronic kit

Technology has definitely come a long way over the years and electronic drum kits showcase this perfectly. There are so many benefits to an electronic kit such as quieter practising, built-in learning modes, and multiple drum kit sounds and presets to choose from. Most beginner electronic drum kits are simply designed to not take up too much space – great for any style of home.

Where to start

Ultimately, to pique your child’s interest in drumming, it needs to be fun. So the drum kit needs to fit them well and they need to be comfortable when sitting at their kit.

Naturally, drumming is fun but can sometimes be tedious and a chore if they are just rehearsing rudiments and learning sight reading from a book. Playing along to songs they’re already familiar with is a great place to start as this will quickly develop their listening skills and help them understand which drum needs to be played where.

FAQs

What is a good drum set for an 8-year-old?

Our top picks of drum kits that are best suited to 8-year-olds are:

• Junior 5 Piece Drum Kit by Gear4music
• Ludwig Pocket Kit By Questlove
• Pearl Roadshow Junior 5pc Drum Kit
• Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Drum Kit
• Roland TD-1k Electronic Drum Kit Mesh Snare Pad

Is a 5 piece drum set good for beginners?

A 5 piece drum kit is great for beginner drummers who feel they will advance quickly. If you’ve had lessons in the past or just know a thing or two about drums, a 5 piece kit is ideal for practising at home and will be great for adding extra cymbals and drums in the future.

What size drum set for a 10-year-old?

Any size drum kit with an 18’’ or smaller bass drum is great for 10-year-old drummers. The drum kit’s overall size ultimately comes down to how big the bass drum is as this takes up the most space, having a drum kit with an 18’’ or smaller bass drum size will still pack a punchy, deep bass drum sound you hear on any stage, with the added convenience of easy storage and playability for a 10-year old drummer.

What age is appropriate for a drum set?

Typically, a good age to start drumming is between six and ten, but ultimately it comes down to a child’s passion and willingness to learn. There are even kits out there to support three-year-olds if you want to see how your child will take to drums at a much earlier age. Each kit is designed to provide as much comfort as possible – this is key to enjoying playing the drums and having fun whilst doing so.

Final thoughts

We’ve covered a lot of the best drum sets for kids in this article, some acoustic and some electric along with the key, fundamental points of both.

The main thing to take away from this is your child can learn to play the drums at any age but it’s imperative that your child is comfortable at their drum kit and keeps picking up their sticks and coming back for more.