The popularity of electronic drum sets has soared over the years because of benefits like silent practice, easy travel, effortless recording and diverse sound libraries. Brands such as Alesis, Roland, Simmons and Yamaha have served the category for years, but more variety in the field has emerged with e-kits from Behringer, DW, EFNOTE, KAT Percussion, NUX, Zildjian and others. As technology has advanced, these instruments are always changing with new innovations that help drummers push the limits on stage and in the studio. This guide will help you navigate the exciting world of electronic drums and find the perfect e-kit for your needs.
Table of Contents
The Best Electronic Drum Kits for Practice
The Best Electronic Drum Kits for Recording
The Best Electronic Drum Kits for Live Performance
A Final Beat
People Also Ask
The Best Electronic Drum Kits for Practice
Perhaps the most common reason for buying an electronic drum kit is the need for quiet practice, as drummers can monitor their practice routines using headphones. Most e-kits also include helpful features such as built-in metronomes and the ability to play along with the music of your choice (via an AUX input and/or Bluetooth compatibility).
Alesis Nitro Pro XL
Why It's Cool: 10-piece kit provides real-world options for an “acoustic-adjacent” drum setup—four toms, three cymbals, hi-hats and kick pedal.
Things to Consider:
- Premium mesh heads
- 36 preset kits from renowned BFD library
- Bluetooth, USB and MIDI connectivity
Shop Now: Alesis Nitro Pro XL 10-Piece Electronic Drum Kit With Mesh Heads & Bluetooth
While perhaps not a mega practice kit—some heavy metal and prog drummers would likely need lots more cymbal and tom pads—the Alesis Nitro Pro XL is an excellent option for anyone looking for an expanded setup. The Nitro XL makes it easy to configure two rack toms and two floor toms, or three racks and a single floor, as well as a two crash and ride, or a ride, crash and “effect” cymbal configuration. Go from a three-piece Ringo kit to something nearing Cindy Blackman’s Santana rig as you practice your technique and drum textures.
Roland TD-07KV V-Drums
Why It's Cool: Ready to play as soon as it’s unpacked with 25 preset kits and 143 instruments.
Things to Consider:
- Tension-adjustable mesh pads
- Bluetooth, USB and MIDI connectivity
- Customization options via V-Edit (EQ, 30 multi-effects, etc.)
Shop Now: Roland TD-07KV V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit
The Roland TD-07KV includes the pads and features you’ll need to enjoy a fun and educational practice regimen, as well as easily transfer your e-kit rehearsal chops to an acoustic drum set for gigs and recording sessions. An onboard metronome and interactive coach function ensures your time will be rock solid.
Simmons Titan 50 B-EX
Why It's Cool: Based on the value-packed Titan 50, the 50 B-EX offers an extra tom and additional cymbal so you can configure a kit with two floor toms, two crashes and a ride or whatever you need to empower your grooves.
Things to Consider:
- 10” mesh snare and 10” cymbal pads
- 25 presets and 10 user kits
- Bluetooth, USB and MIDI connectivity
Shop Now: Simmons Titan 50 B-EX Expanded Electronic Drum Kit With Mesh Pads & Bluetooth
A reimagined e-kit from the iconic brand that introduced the planet’s first completely electronic drum kit (SDS-V) in 1981, the Simmons Titan 50 B-EX includes a sample library recorded at the London Bridge Studio in Seattle to deliver the utmost in realism, sonic attack, room ambience and dynamic sensitivity. Watch drummer/producer Bianca Richardson put the Titan 50 B-EX through its paces on the Guitar Center YouTube channel.
Yamaha DTX452K
Why It's Cool: Offering the only three-zone snare in this category, the DTX452K lets you play drumhead, open rim (head and rim strike) and closed rim (muted, drumstick shaft technique) sounds.
Things to Consider:
- 10 preset kits and 287 drum sounds
- Built-in training functions
- Free Rec‘n’Share app lets you easily produce/upload content
Shop Now: Yamaha DTX452K Electronic Drum Set
The Yamaha DTX452K can certainly handle most of your drum practice needs, but it’s slightly more geared to beginning players and sharing lesson, play along and performance content on socials. (You can also supercharge your chops and creativity by signing up for some lessons at your local Guitar Center.) The kit offers ten built-in training options, including tempo, negotiating different rhythms, dynamics, speed, parts and more. While training mode is perhaps focused on guiding newer players, the modules can be valuable touch-ups for drummers of all skill levels. The Rec‘n’Share app encourages building a community of collaborators and fans with its super-simple approach to making and editing videos.
The Best Electronic Drum Kits for Recording
The advanced modules on the best electronic drum kits for recording will have excellent samples of multiple acoustic drum kits—all recorded with high-quality mics in a professional-studio environment and dialed in with master-level signal processing (EQ, compression, etc.). While e-kits can produce pro results when recording at home—rather than in an expensive commercial studio—you should look for important features such as a large and varied sound library, MIDI capability and USB and line outputs.
Alesis Strata Core
Why It's Cool: Ideal for studio work, the Alesis Strata Core provides an intuitive electronic drum kit with advanced sound modeling and seamless DAW integration.
Things to Consider:
- Drum module features 7” touchscreen interface
- Bluetooth, USB and MIDI connectivity
- Hi-hat stand and kick pedal sold separately
Shop Now: Alesis Strata Core 9-Piece Electronic Drum Kit
The mesh drum pads of the Alesis Strata Core feature adjustable tension, which produce natural, dynamic responsiveness, as well as the real-time feedback associated with acoustic drum heads. The Strata Core’s ARC cymbals are similarly authentic with a 360-degree playing area, three active zones and dual-edge triggering. Powered by the acclaimed BFD sound engine, the Strata Core features 25GB of sounds and 75 factory kits.
EFNOTE 5
Why It's Cool: It’s a stealth e-kit that looks just like an acoustic drum set.
Things to Consider:
- 98 presets and 128 user kits
- Multi-sensor pads
- Hi-hat stand and kick pedal sold separately
Shop Now: EFNOTE 5 Acoustic Designed Electronic Drum Set
With stunning, 6-ply birch shells and sophisticated gray cymbals, the EFNOTE 5 looks just like a compact, high-end studio kit. There’s no tell-tale rack to giveaway that you’re using electronic toms and cymbals—although you’re getting the benefits of an e-kit loaded with digital samples, built-in signal processing and direct-to-DAW recording outputs with no need for microphones and an acoustically optimized studio space. To make recording drum tracks even easier, the EFNOTE 5 module operates as an 8 output/2 input USB audio interface.
Roland TD-27KV2 V-Drums
Why It's Cool: Features Prismatic Sound Modeling—the same as on Roland’s flagship TD-50X e-kit.
Things to Consider:
- Mesh drum heads
- Can record up to 28 channels of digital audio with one USB cable
- Bluetooth connectivity
Shop Now: Roland TD-27KV2 V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit
Although the Roland TD-27KV2 V-Drums feature relatively standard 10” tom pads, they also offer up a compelling real-world feel with a 14” snare drum, 14” hi-hat and 18” ride cymbal. For studio-savvy drummers and producers who may use both acoustic and e-kits to make tracks, it can be comforting to dig into an electronic drum with some “acoustic” sizes when working out parts. Even better, thanks to digital sensor technology, the snare can actually tell the difference between your hand and a drum stick. The TD-27KV2 is an authentic sounding , dynamic and expressive e-kit with 75 presets and deep customization features.
Yamaha DTX10K-X
Why It's Cool: DTX-PROX control module features LED rotary faders, giving you the feeling of being “behind the board,” even while sitting at the drums.
Things to Consider:
- Yamaha TCS heads offer acoustic-like attack and rebound
- Birch shells crafted at the Yamaha Drum Factory
- Bluetooth, USB and MIDI connectivity
Shop Now: Yamaha DTX10K-X Electronic Drum Kit with TCS Heads
The Yamaha DTX10K-X emulates much of the feel of an acoustic drum kit set up in a professional recording studio. The Yamaha TCS (Textured Cellular Silicone) heads are made from a foam silicone that contains air bubbles to cushion stick impacts while also providing rebound. In addition, the head surface is designed like a conventional coated drum head for increased familiarity to acoustic kits. Finally, the pad sizes, while not exactly the same as acoustic toms and snares, are close enough to standard to bestow performance confidence while developing cool drum licks and grooves.
The Best Electronic Drum Kits for Live Performance
While there’s not much technological difference between e-kits for home studio and the stage, we’ve assigned the “live” designation mostly for electronic setups that look, well, like acoustic drums. Yes, it’s a fashion forward decision, but many bands—and audiences—still seem to prefer seeing acoustic kits on the bandstand. E-kits are wonderful for drummers who need to negotiate a lot of different sounds in a show—whether that’s playing in a cover band performing hit songs from several decades or backing an artist who has made albums with a number of drummers and/or audio-production approaches. However, keep in mind that while e-kits don’t need to be miked, it can take some time to deal with drum racks, cabling, monitoring and front of house mixes. In short—make sure you get an adequate soundcheck.
DW DWe
Why It's Cool: It’s an acoustic kit. It’s an e-kit. It’s both.
Things to Consider:
- No cables—wireless transmitters in each drum and cymbal
- Acoustic and electronic drum heads included
- Metal cymbals—not rubber—with 360-degree playing surfaces
At the risk of sounding like marketing hype, the DW DWe Wireless Acoustic-Electric Convertible drum kit is an incredible technological leap for next-gen percussion applications. It can be configured as an e-kit when a digital approach fits the project, and by trading the trigger heads for standard drum heads and exchanging the metal silent e-cymbals for traditional crash-and-ride ware—shazam—you can transform the DWe into an acoustic setup for more conventional gigs. Another cool feature is that for electronic operation, there are no cables to trip over or get hopelessly tangled up, as the DWe connections are wireless. There’s a ton of tech in the DW DWe that we haven’t mentioned here for the sake of brevity, so click the link at the beginning of this paragraph to see if this revolutionary kit is right for you.
Alesis Strata Prime
Why It's Cool: A high-end kit with a 10.1” touchscreen interface and four detailed sound libraries, the Alesis Strata Prime is designed for maximum sonic versatility.
Things to Consider:
- 75 factory presets and unlimited user kits
- 360-degree, triple-zone cymbals
- Hi-hat stand and kick pedal must be purchased separately
Shop Now: Yamaha DTX10K-X Electronic Drum Kit with TCS Heads
For recording-savvy drummers wanting a seamless transition from a full-size acoustic kit to an e-kit with a familiar feel, the Alesis Strata Prime features different-sized mesh pads (8” rack tom, 10” rack tom, 12” floor tom and 14” floor toms), 20” kick drum, 14” hi-hats, two 16” crash cymbals and an 18” ride. The Prime module boasts a gorgeous touch interface that gives you control of a BFD3 sound engine, a bevy of effects processors and four libraries offering a vast array of sounds.
EFNOTE 3B
Why It's Cool: Futuristic Lambda tripod mounting stands—no conventional rack.
Things to Consider:
- Tru-Motion two-piece hi-hat system
- Kick pedal and hi-hat stand not included
- Bluetooth, USB and MIDI connectivity, plus AUX input
Shop Now: EFNOTE 3B Acoustic Designed Electronic Drum Set
The EFNOTE 3B looks like a bizarre, ultra-modern and slightly wicked kit you’d find in one of the Mad Max films. But the use of tripod mounting stands—which give the EFNOTE 3B its striking visage—increases set up options over the usual rack arrangement. Like acoustic drums and stands, you can really refine the best reach for each drum and tailor the EFNOTE 3B to your performance needs—which is a benefit for effortlessly driving grooves on stage. Multiple trigger zones on the snare, toms and cymbals also ensure you can deliver varied dynamics and drum sounds.
Roland VAD716 Acoustic Design V-Drums
Why It's Cool: It’s Roland’s flagship e-kit and it struts full-size drum shells.
Things to Consider:
- V71 module sound library created with Drum Workshop
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI, as well as integrated 32-channel USB interface
- Kick pedal and hi-hat stand not included
Shop Now: Roland VAD716 V-Drums Acoustic Design Drum Kit
The Roland VAD716 looks like you’re rocking (or jazzin’ or soulin’ or whatever style you choose) a badass acoustic kit. It’s also the only drum set with full-size wood shells in our roundup that offers two rack toms and two floor toms. In addition, the mesh heads on the snare and toms can be adjusted to the tension that gives you the best feel and rebound. The VAD716 is a full-on premium kit that delivers a muscular acoustic drum vibe with all the sonic colors and deep editing of digital flexibility.
A Final Beat
We’ve tried to provide a useful and educational guide to choosing the best electronic drum kit for you. But if you have more questions and/or concerns, please feel free to ask one of our knowledgeable associates at your local Guitar Center, or talk with a Gear Adviser. By the way, if you’re looking to expand your percussive techniques, consider one-on-one drum lessons at your nearest Guitar Center. Whether you're a beginner learning your first rudiments, or a more experienced player looking to grow, our expert drum instructors can help.
People Also Ask
Who made the first electronic drum kit?
The story of electronic drums begins with early synthesizers and drum machines in the 1960s and '70s, but it wasn’t until 1981 that inventor Dave Simmons released the first commercially available electronic drum set, the Simmons SDS-V. This kit featured hexagonal pads arranged on a rack, and striking one of these pads sent a signal to a control module to produce a sound. This process is called triggering, and it forms the basic foundation of electronic drums to this day. The Simmons SDS-V was rudimentary—the pads were hard plastic, the triggers weren’t sensitive to dynamics and the module was limited to basic synth sounds—but today’s e-kits have evolved to better match the feel and sound of acoustic drums.
What drum accessories will I need for an electronic kit?
Just like for an acoustic kit, you’ll want drumsticks that are balanced, sturdy and fit your hands, as well as a drum throne that feels good, promotes excellent posture and minimizes fatigue over long sets. E-kits usually require a few more essentials, such as headphones for silent practice, quality cables for connecting all the pads and so on and perhaps a dedicated e-kit amplifier if you want to jam with a live band.
Can an electronic kit grow along with my needs?
Many electronic drum kits provide optional expansion packs and/or the ability to add more drum pads, download software and sound library updates, and other features. Simply research whether the e-kit of your choice currently offers these growth options, as well as what the expansion products will cost you if you choose to upgrade.