If you’re just starting your drumming journey, finding the best electronic drum sets for beginners can be overwhelming – especially if you don’t know which features to look for.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the finest electronic drum kits available, highlighting what makes them ideal for beginners, whether you’re practising at home or playing in a band.
In a hurry?
Here’s a quick list of our top 3 electronic drum sets for beginners:
| VISIONDRUM+ Electronic Drum Kit with Stool and Headphones | Includes drumsticks, headphones, drum key, cable wraps, and stool to get drumming right out of the box. | Check the current price |
| Alesis Nitro Max Electronic Drum Kit | Large pads provide an authentic and fluid drumming experience. | Check the current price |
| Yamaha DTX402K Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones, Stool + Sticks | Connects directly to the Rec 'N' Share app for studio-quality recording. | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these electronic drum sets
The electronic drum sets we’ve chosen are ideal for those new to drumming, offering a blend of affordability, essential features, and beginner-friendly setups.
These kits come equipped with user-friendly interfaces and good-quality, vast sound libraries, making them perfect for those who want to explore their style and experiment with different genres.
Features like responsive drum pads – either made with rubber or mesh drumheads – and dynamic cymbals then mimic the feel of acoustic drums, helping you develop proper techniques and skills that can be easily transferred over to an acoustic set if needed.
We’ve also included drum kits that offer built-in coaching features and practice modes. These can aid you in the beginning stages and make learning the drums an easy and engaging process.
We’ve carefully selected sets across a range of price points to suit different budgets. Whether you’re looking for a simple starter kit or something with more advanced features, our list has something for everyone. These electronic drum sets provide great value, ensuring you get the most for your money without compromising quality.
Terms you may come across when shopping for an e-kit
Trigger pads
Trigger pads are a fundamental component of electronic drum kits, responsible for capturing your drumming actions and converting them into electronic signals. Each pad is equipped with sensors, often referred to as “triggers”, that detect when and how hard the pad is struck.
These sensors send signals to the drum module, which then produces corresponding sounds, whether they are drum, cymbal, or other percussion sounds.
Drum module
A drum module is known as the “brain” of the kit. It’s the central hub, containing a library of sampled sounds. Here, you can select from various drum kits and percussion instruments to customise your playing experience and explore new styles. The module processes the signals received from the trigger pads and produces corresponding drum sounds.
As well as sounds, the module often includes additional features such as built-in metronomes, practice exercises, and recording capabilities. Plus, with connectivity options like MIDI and USB, the you can integrate your e-kit with computers or external sound systems.
Pedals
The pedals in an electronic drum kit replicate the function of traditional acoustic drum pedals, specifically for the kick drum and hi-hat. The kick drum pedal triggers the sound of the bass drum when you press it with your foot, providing the low-end rhythm essential to most music genres. Hi-hat pedals control the open and closed sounds of the hi-hat cymbals.
Heads and shells
The heads and shells are designed to emulate the feel of acoustic drums. Drum heads are the striking surfaces of the pads, often made from rubber or mesh. Mesh heads are particularly popular due to their ability to closely mimic the rebound and feel of acoustic drum heads, allowing for a more authentic playing experience.
Drum shells, meanwhile, provide the structural body of the drum pads. Though typically made from durable plastic or metal rather than wood, they replicate the look of traditional drums.
The best electronic drum sets for beginners
1. VISIONDRUM+ Electronic Drum Kit with Stool and Headphones
Key features
- 8-piece compact electronic drum kit
- 5” kick drum trigger pad
- Comfortable height adjustment
Pros
- Complete setup with accessories included
- Authentic playing experience
- Versatile for any living environment
Cons
- Limited voice options
First on our list is the VISIONDRUM+ Electronic Drum Kit, a versatile and comfortable option for all drummers looking for a simple, affordable practice kit at home. The eight-piece mesh kit features a five-inch kick drum trigger pad, offering an incredibly authentic playing experience which is easily transferable to an acoustic kit if required.
All the necessary accessories such as drumsticks, headphones, a drum key, cable wraps, and a drum stool are included to make setting up super easy.
With 12 preset kits and 68 voices on board, the VISIONDRUM+ offers a range of sound options suitable for various musical styles. The metronome can be set from 20 to 230 BPM, providing flexibility for practice sessions and helping you hone your timing skills.
The kit offers a realistic playing feel thanks to the seven-inch mesh snare, three 7-inch toms, and eight-inch rubber cymbals, making it one of the best electronic drum sets for beginners on the market.
2. Alesis Nitro Max Electronic Drum Kit
Key features
- 32 premium BFD library kits
- Ultra-quiet Alesis mesh drum heads
- Includes 3 months of Drumeo lessons
Pros
- Family-friendly ultra-quiet mesh heads
- Wide variety of sound options
- Built-in learning features
Cons
- Small tom pads may hinder accuracy
The Alesis Nitro Max Electronic Drum Kit is a fantastic option for beginner drummers looking to dive into the world of electronic drumming, not least because it includes 32 premium drum kits from the renowned BFD sample library.
The configuration features a 10-inch dual-zone mesh snare, three 8-inch mesh tom pads, and a kick drum tower with a kick drum pedal. The cymbals are also impressive, with a 10-inch crash cymbal, equipped with choke functionality which closely mimics the real deal, a 10-inch ride, and a 10-inch hi-hat with a foot controller.
To make sure you pick up foundational drumming skills easily, the Nitro Max comes with built-in learning features and a 90-day subscription to Drumeo lessons.
Connectivity options, such as Bluetooth audio streaming, allow you to play along with your favourite tracks wirelessly. And with 440 drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds, 60 built-in play-along tracks, a sequencer, a metronome, and a performance recorder, this kit meets every practice and performance need.
3. Yamaha DTX402K Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones, Stool + Sticks
Key features
- 10 kits for versatile sound
- 287 drum and percussion sounds
- Includes headphones, sticks, and stool
Pros
- Comprehensive beginner-friendly package
- Studio-quality Rec ‘n’ Share app
- Built-in learning guidance
Cons
- Kick pedal switch limits authenticity
The Yamaha DTX402K Electronic Drum Kit features 10 built-in kits and allows you to experience various musical genres, from jazz to rock and pop, inspiring creativity and exploration. It includes all the essentials, such as a stool, headphones, and drumsticks, giving you everything you need to start your drumming journey.
This electronic drum kit features 287 drum and percussion sounds, along with 128 keyboard sounds, providing tonnes of choice for creating your unique rhythms. In addition to this, its unique built-in voice guidance functions make learning drums enjoyable and accessible.
Finally, the Rec ‘n’ Share app which connects to the kit allows you to create studio-quality YouTube videos with ease, bringing your drumming to a broader audience – this is a stand-out feature for most Yamaha electronic kits.
4. Alesis Debut Electronic Drum Kit
Key features
- Complete setup with 10 preset kits
- Melodics tutorials app included
- Designed for children’s drumming
Pros
- Includes everything needed for basic drumming
- User-friendly for children
- Versatile pre-loaded drum sounds
Cons
- Pedals don’t offer realistic acoustic kit experience
The Alesis Debut Electronic Drum Kit is specifically aimed at children. This comprehensive kit comes with everything needed in one box, making it an accessible and straightforward setup.
First off, there’s the Debut DM-Lite sound module which houses 10 preset kits and five general MIDI kits. Making up the hardware, there are four six-inch drum pads, three 10-inch cymbal pads, and floor pedals for the hi-hat and kick drum. Additionally, the package comes with a stool, headphones, drumsticks, and all the necessary cables to tie it all together and boost your young drummer’s journey.
As a leading brand in the industry, Alesis have ensured extreme versatility with their Debut kit, allowing children to explore various musical styles to enhance their creativity and musical development. With a tempo range from 30 to 280 BPM and a sequencer featuring 30 patterns and 12 “Follow Me” patterns, this kit provides excellent tools for learning rhythm and coordination.
5. VISIONDRUM Electronic Drum Kit with Stool and Headphones
Key features
- 7-piece mesh compact drum kit
- Includes headphones, stool, and accessories
- 12 kits with 10 play-along songs
Pros
- Great value for bundled extras
- Suitable for all age groups
- Versatile connection options
Cons
- Small cymbal sizes
The VISIONDRUM Electronic Drum Kit is a compact and versatile option for beginners and is perfect for practising in any living environment. It comes with all the essentials, including a stool, headphones, drumsticks, and cable wraps, making it an excellent starter set for those new to electronic drumming.
Included with the seven-piece mesh kit are 12 high-quality built-in drum kits and 10 play-along songs, allowing you to explore various sounds and genres. Its adjustable height makes it ideal for players of any age, ensuring a comfortable playing experience for everyone. Plus, the mesh pads provide a responsive feel, closely mimicking the feel and sound of acoustic drums.
The drum module offers an impressive range of connection options at this price point. Its USB connection allows you to connect the kit to your computer and access additional drum sounds from third-party libraries, either through standalone applications or within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Additionally, the L/Mono output lets you connect the VISIONDRUM to an amplifier like the SideKIK or VISIONAMP, so you can play live. There’s also an auxiliary input, which is available for playing along to your favourite tracks via a smartphone, enhancing your practice sessions.
6. Yamaha DTX452K Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones, Stool + Sticks
Key features
- 10 versatile built-in drum kits
- 287 drum and percussion sounds
- Triple-zone snare pad for dynamics
Pros
- Complete starter package
- Easy to learn with voice guidance
- Extensive sound customisation
Cons
- High price point for beginners
As another complete bundle on our list, the Yamaha DTX452K Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones, Stool + Sticks is a great choice for beginners who want to go from learning the basics of drumming to fully mastering their own unique style. It comes complete with a stool, headphones, and drumsticks.
The DTX452K offers a robust selection of 287 drum and percussion sounds as well as 128 keyboard sounds, which you can use to create a wide range of versatile and custom setups. One of the best features, however, is the three-zone snare pad that gives you a fully authentic playing experience with dynamic sensitivity and even rim-shot abilities.
Another unique feature is the voice guidance function. It provides intuitive feedback and assistance as you practise to make learning more engaging and fun.
7. Roland TD-07DMK V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit
Key features
- Compact kit with authentic sounds
- Customisable double-ply mesh heads
- 25 preset and 25 user kits
Pros
- Realistic stick feel and low noise
- Expandable with additional cymbals
- Bluetooth for wireless streaming
Cons
- Kick drum trigger is permanently mounted to e-kit rack
Having been making electronic drum sets for two decades, Roland are a top-quality brand and their Roland TD-07DMK V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit is a prime example of what they’re capable of creating. Designed to fit seamlessly into any home environment, this kit offers incredibly authentic sounds and advanced features, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced players.
The double-ply mesh heads provide a realistic stick feel with minimal noise, meaning you can practise without disturbing others. These heads are also tension-adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the response of each drum to suit your playing style.
At the heart of the kit is the renowned TD-07 module which offers 25 preset kits and 25 user kits, giving you the flexibility to explore a variety of musical genres and playing styles to suit your liking. With plenty more features included as well as a second-to-none build quality, the Roland TD-07 V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit is one of the best of its kind for aspiring drummers.
8. Roland TD-02K V-Drums Kit with Accessory Pack
Key features
- Compact, space-saving three-post design
- Adjustable frame perfect for young drummers
- 16 high-quality drum kits included
Pros
- Ideal for small spaces
- Complete starter package included
- Low-volume kick pedal for quiet practice
Cons
- Rubber pads lack a fully authentic feel
The Roland TD-02K V-Drums Kit is a compact and efficient electronic drum set that fits perfectly into small spaces, making it ideal for home use. Its three-post design and adjustable frame provide stability and flexibility, ensuring a comfortable playing experience for young drummers and those with limited room.
The kit comes complete with essential accessories, including a drum throne, stereo headphones, and 5A wood-tip drumsticks, so you can start playing right out of the box in no time. Its powerful TD-02 module comes packed with 16 high-quality drum kits, and with its LCD screen, is super easy to navigate.
What’s more, its USB connectivity allows you to connect directly to a computer for simple recording and playback – an extremely useful tool when learning to play the drums.
9. Aerodrums Air Drumming Kit
Key features
- Advanced motion capture technology
- Versatile learning and MIDI tool
- Portable and headphone-compatible
Pros
- Lightweight and fits in a backpack
- Silent practice with headphones
- Multi-functional as a MIDI and sample controller
Cons
- Requires external lighting for optimal use
Time for something a bit different: the Aerodrums Air Drumming Kit. Essentially, it’s a totally wireless drumming experience which uses motion capture technology to track and pick up each stroke and turn it into sound. The key benefit of this setup is being able to play drums literally anywhere without the bulk of a full kit setup getting in the way.
It’s also silent to use. Through headphones, you can enjoy a full drumming experience without disturbing others around you. This comes in handy for those late-night practices or rehearsing in shared living environments. The system also doubles as a learning tool, MIDI controller, and sample controller, allowing you to expand your musical creativity and skills.
Aerodrums are particularly suited to beginners looking to learn drumming basics in a unique way. The system’s responsive motion capture ensures that your playing dynamics and technique are accurately reflected.
10. Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Drum Kit
Key features
- Mesh drumheads for realistic feel
- Built-in coach mode and 30 tracks
- Aux input for personal play-along
Pros
- Quiet practice with mesh heads
- Stable aluminium rack
- USB/MIDI for recording and virtual instruments
Cons
- Limited kit customisation options
The Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Drum kit is a great contender as one of the best electronic drum sets for beginners. With mesh heads, the pads on the kit offer a life-like feel and stick response at a low noise level ideal for home practice.
Alesis have thrown in everything you need to get started with the Turbo mesh, including 10 ready-to-play classic and modern kit sounds, giving you the flexibility to explore different musical genres. The built-in coach mode and 30 play-along tracks are excellent for learning by providing guidance on drumming fundamentals.
Plus, the on-board metronome ensures that you stay in time while you play, helping to develop your rhythm and timing skills.
11. Premier PowerPlay Digital Drum Kit Pack
Key features
- 25 preset and 25 user kits
- 423 fully customisable samples
- Unique pad tensioning design
Pros
- Highly customisable drum sounds
- Complete package with headphones and drum throne
- Wide variety of practice songs
Cons
- Kit takes up a large footprint
Last but not least on our list is the revolutionary Premier PowerPlay Digital Drum Kit Pack. It’s a comprehensive electronic kit with plenty of scope for customising the sounds and overall setup to suit your exact taste and needs. As Premier’s first digital drum kit, it offers an impressive range of features, including 25 preset kits, 25 user kits, and 25 practice songs.
With 423 fully customisable samples, this kit allows you to curate your unique drum sound, making it ideal for experimenting with and refining your style.
As for the kit’s pads, they feature a unique tensioning design, giving you total control over the feel and response of each drum. This design is superb for a more personalised playing experience, helping you achieve the exact feel you’re looking for. The Premier PowerPlay also includes a pair of stereo headphones and a drum throne, ensuring you have everything you need to start playing right away.
Why is an electronic kit a good option for beginners?
An electronic drum kit is an excellent choice for beginners due to its versatility and practicality. One of the main benefits is its quietness, allowing you to practise without disturbing others (that also means no annoying curfews getting in the way).
Additionally, electronic kits offer a wide range of sounds, enabling you to experiment with different genres and styles. Many models also include built-in learning modes, helping you develop your skills with guided practice sessions. This combination of features makes electronic drum kits an ideal starting point for aspiring drummers.
How to learn to play drums
Learning to play the drums involves a mix of structured guidance and consistent practice, and once you get the hang of it, it becomes extremely fun very quickly. Start with simple online tutorials such as videos on YouTube – these usually provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations to help you grasp the basics. Alternatively, consider hiring a teacher for personalised lessons and feedback.
Remember to keep it fun. Drum along to your favourite tracks to develop your rhythm and timing, add your own fills, and make sure that you’re playing stuff you actually enjoy. On top of this, aim to practise every day, even if it’s just for a short period, to build muscle memory and improve your technique.
One-to-one tuition is also worth taking advantage of to hone your skills quickly and effectively. The top benefit of one-to-one tuition is having that extra pair of ears hear your drumming and give you useful advice. They’ll track your progress each session and you’ll, hopefully, be motivated to improve.
Melodics is a fantastic tool for learning drums. This is a software platform that offers interactive lessons tailored to your skill level. With subscriptions available in 6-month and 12-month plans, Melodics provides a structured and engaging way to practise. Each lesson focuses on different aspects of drumming, from basic rhythms to more complex patterns, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
How to choose the best electronic drum kit for you
If you’re a beginner, look for electronic drum sets that provide learning support, such as built-in lessons, free online lesson trials, and on-board metronomes for dialling in your timing. The following points will also help to find the right electronic kit for you:
Budget
As with most purchases, budget is a crucial factor when choosing an electronic drum kit. If you’re a beginner, chances are you won’t want to splash out on a super high-end kit. So, you should balance cost and quality. Affordable kits – i.e., up to £1000 – often come with the essential features you need to start, without the high price tag. Set a budget that allows for a reliable kit without overspending.
For a more detailed explanation of what to expect in drum kits at different price points, read our drum price breakdown.
What’s included with the kit?
Check what comes with the kit. Essential components include drum pads, cymbals, a hi-hat pedal, and a drum module. Some kits also include a drum throne and sticks, which is ideal if you are just starting out. Ensure the kit you choose has everything you need to start playing right away, avoiding additional purchases to make things slightly easier from the get-go.
One extra purchase you will have to make is for a pair of headphones – otherwise, you won’t be able to hear yourself play! See our list of the best headphones for drummers to find the right ones for you.
Ease of setup
It’s important that the kit is easy to set up, with clear instructions. Look for kits that don’t require complex tools or extensive technical knowledge, allowing you to start playing quickly and without frustration.
Number of kits and sounds
One of the main perks of an electric kit is being able to change the kit sounds to suit different genres and styles. The more options you have, the more creative you can get with your drumming. However, young beginners might not need an overwhelming library as it might not be used to its full potential.
Make sure you have enough sounds to keep you motivated to play the drums but don’t pay for more than you need!
Build and sound quality
You might want an affordable kit, but that shouldn’t compromise quality. Look for a kit that is robust, stable, and able to withstand hours of practice.
Luckily, most electronic kits offer durable components to keep you drumming for years to come.
On top of build quality, the sound of the kit is one of the most important factors. You want to be able to practise with realistic drum sounds. This is also where a good-quality monitor or headphones come in handy.
How to set up an electronic drum set
A typical electronic kit includes drum pads for the snare, toms, and kick drum, cymbal pads for the hi-hat, crash, and ride, and a drum module.
Start by assembling the rack, the framework for your kit. Attach the drum pads to the rack, positioning them where they would naturally sit on an acoustic kit, but where is comfortable for you to reach. The snare drum should be directly in front of you, toms positioned around it, and the kick drum pad placed on the floor in the centre of the rack.
Mount the cymbal pads to the rack, ensuring the hi-hat is to your left and the crash and ride cymbals are to your right.
Once the pads are in place, connect each pad and cymbal to the drum module using the provided jack cables. Typically, the cables that connect the pads to the module are bundled together as a loom, and each one is labelled with which pad it needs connecting to.
Good posture is crucial for effective drumming. Sit on a drum throne with your feet flat on the floor, positioned over the kick and hi-hat pedals. Your thighs should be parallel to the ground. Adjust the height of the drum pads so that you can play with relaxed shoulders and bent elbows, promoting comfort and reducing strain during practice.
Amps and headphones
For beginners practising on an electronic drum kit, a good set of headphones is essential. Look for headphones that offer clear sound quality with deep bass and noise isolation to keep external distractions out. This ensures you hear every detail of your playing.
If you plan to practice with friends or perform at small gigs, investing in a drum amp is worthwhile. A dedicated amp provides the power and clarity needed to project your sound in a live setting.
FAQs
What is the best electronic drum kit brand?
The best electronic drum brand is often considered to be Roland. Roland drums are renowned for their high-quality sound, durable construction, and advanced features. Other top brands include Yamaha and Alesis, each offering unique strengths suited to different playing styles and budgets.
Do professional drummers use electronic drums?
Professional drummers frequently use electronic drums, especially in studio settings. The number of sounds available and the compact nature of drum kits make them great for using in the studio.
How much should I spend on an electronic drum kit?
You should expect to spend between £300 and £1,500 on an electronic drum kit. Entry-level kits start around £300, offering basic features, while mid-range and professional kits can exceed £1,000, providing advanced sounds, durability, and realistic playability.
Final thoughts
We’ve looked at 11 of the best electronic drum sets for beginners and hopefully, this has given you an insight into what to consider when buying yours. Ultimately, with many components that make up electronic kits, the main things to consider are the build and sound quality, learning tools, and preset kits to keep the process productive, enjoyable, and reliable.
Want to learn more? Check out some of our previous articles:
How to Set Up a Drum Kit – A Beginner’s Guide
The 11 Best Electronic Drum Pads 2024
The 18 Best Electronic Drum Sets for All Ability Levels
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