Looking for the best beginner drum kits to kickstart your drumming journey?
Whether you’re aiming for the stage or just jamming at home, choosing the right kit from day one can make all the difference.
The ideal beginner drum set should be affordable, easy to play, durable, and designed to grow with you as your skills improve.
(If you’re brand new to the instrument, here are 5 simple tips to learn drums effectively to help you start strong.)
To help you get started without the guesswork, we’ve put together a list of the top beginner drum kits that offer great sound, build quality, and value.
Our top beginner drum kit picks:
What makes a good beginner drum kit?
Not all beginner drum kits are created equal. Before you hit “buy now,” here are the four key features you’ll want to think about, especially if you’re just getting started.
Affordability
As a beginner, it doesn’t make sense to spend thousands on your first kit. You want something that gets you playing without draining your wallet.
Most of the best beginner drum kits sit in the $300–$700 range. That’s plenty of value without the overwhelm of pro-level gear.
Watch for bundles that include hardware, cymbals, and a throne.
Buying everything separately can add up fast and if you’re not sure what makes a good seat, we’ve got a breakdown of top-rated drum thrones that balance comfort and support.
Durability
Let’s be real – beginners hit hard, drop sticks, and knock over stands. A good starter kit should handle that without falling apart.
Look for solid hardware (double-braced stands are a big plus) and shells made from poplar or hardwood.
Ease of Use
Setting up your first kit shouldn’t feel like building IKEA furniture blindfolded.
Beginner kits should come with clear assembly instructions, intuitive hardware, and shell sizes that are easy to tune and play.
Sound Quality
You’re learning to play and not mix an album, so you don’t need studio-level tone.
But the drums should still sound clean and responsive enough to motivate you to keep practicing. Shell material and head quality make a huge difference here too.
Our best beginner drum kits
Now that we’ve broken down the essential features to look for in a beginner drum kit.
Below, we’ve reviewed six of the best beginner drum kits on the market today.
1. Pearl Roadshow
Best All-in-One Beginner Package.
This kit includes everything you need to start playing right out of the box. Great for total beginners who don’t want to piece together a setup.
The Pearl Roadshow is one of the most popular beginner kits out there, and for good reason – it comes with everything.
We’re talking drums, cymbals, hardware, throne, pedals, sticks, and even a stick bag. You unbox it, set it up, and you’re playing.
What stands out is the build quality. The double-braced hardware is more stable than what most beginner kits offer.
It’s a true plug-and-play experience with the kind of dependability Pearl is known for.
Shell Sizes (Fusion, Rock, or Jazz):
- Kick: 22″ x 16″ (Rock/Fusion), 18″ x 12″ (Jazz)
- Toms: 10″ x 8″, 12″ x 9″
- Floor Tom: 16″ x 16″ (Jazz: 14″ x 14″)
- Snare: 14″ x 5.5″
Shell Material: 9-ply Poplar
2. Ludwig Accent
Most Affordable Entry with Big Brand Cred.
An accessible kit with solid sound and classic Ludwig styling – great for casual beginners or budget-conscious players.
Want that Ludwig badge without paying vintage prices? The Ludwig Accent is best beginner drum kit.
This kit is great for casual beginners who want something solid and good-looking right out of the box.
The shells are responsive, easy to tune, and hold up well in practice. You won’t get top-tier cymbals, but everything else feels solid.
It’s a simple, straight-up kit with a clean tone and great aesthetic – perfect for beginners who appreciate quality.
Shell Sizes (Standard Beginner Config):
- Kick: 22″ x 16″ or 20″ x 16″
- Toms: 10″ x 8″, 12″ x 9″
- Floor Tom: 16″ x 16″
- Snare: 14″ x 5″ or 6.5″
Shell Material: Select Hardwood (commonly Poplar or blend)
3. Yamaha Rydeen
Best Long-Term Investment for Beginners.
A well-built kit with warm tone and pro-grade hardware that grows with you – ideal if you’re serious about sticking with drums.
The Yamaha Rydeen feels like a step up from most entry-level kits.
The poplar shells sound warm and full, and Yamaha’s hardware is smooth and reliable.
If you’re planning to stick with drumming for a while, this is a great investment that won’t feel like “beginner gear” a few months in.
Some versions don’t come with cymbals, which actually isn’t a bad thing. You can choose your own instead of being stuck with paper-thin crash/ride combos.
If you’re taking lessons or playing with a band, this kit will keep up.
Shell Sizes (Fusion or Rock Setup):
- Kick: 20″ x 16″ or 22″ x 16″
- Toms: 10″ x 7″, 12″ x 8″
- Floor Tom: 14″ x 13″ or 16″ x 15″
- Snare: 14″ x 5.5″
Shell Material: 6-ply Poplar
4. Tama Rockstar
Best Used Kit for Budget Buyers.
A discontinued legend that still delivers pro feel and durability. If you’re shopping used, this is one of the best values around.
Here’s the thing about the Tama Rockstar – it’s technically “retired,” but it’s still a beast.
These kits were everywhere in the 90s and early 2000s, and for good reason.
The build quality is tough, the hardware is solid, and the tone is better than most new kits at this price.
If you’re open to buying used, this is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Just check the condition, and maybe budget for new heads. Otherwise, you’re getting a serious workhorse of a kit without breaking the bank.
Shell Sizes (Classic Rock Setup):
- Kick: 22″ x 16″
- Toms: 12″ x 9″, 13″ x 10″
- Floor Tom: 16″ x 16″
- Snare: 14″ x 5.5″
Shell Material: Philippine Mahogany or Poplar (depending on model year)
5. Tama Swingstar
Solid First Kit with Reliable Hardware.
Simple, durable, and beginner-focused, being ideal for first-time drummers who want a no-fuss kit that just works.
The Tama Swingstar is a no-nonsense kit that just works. It’s built for beginners – easy to set up, easy to tune, and comes with Tama’s always-reliable hardware.
You won’t spend hours trying to figure out why your tom sounds weird or your stand wobbles. It just works.
It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable and when you’re learning, that’s what matters.
The Swingstar helps you focus on your playing, not on fixing your kit.
Shell Sizes (Standard 5-Piece):
- Kick: 22″ x 16″ (also available in 20″ or 18″ on compact sets)
- Toms: 12″ x 9″, 13″ x 10″
- Floor Tom: 16″ x 16″
- Snare: 14″ x 5.5″
Shell Material: Poplar
6. PDP New Yorker
Best for Small Spaces or Portable Setups.
A compact, stylish kit with a surprisingly full sound. Perfect for apartment drummers, younger players, or anyone tight on space.
If you’re working with limited space or just want something easy to move around, the PDP New Yorker is one of the best beginner drum kits.
It’s compact, lightweight, and surprisingly punchy.
The shells are shallower than standard, which means they don’t take up much room, but still give you a tight, focused sound that works great in small rooms or practice studios.
It’s not just about size – this kit looks sharp and plays clean. Perfect for funk, hip-hop, or jazz grooves.
It’s the kind of kit that won’t overwhelm a beginner but still feels legit.
Shell Sizes (Compact Bop Setup):
- Kick: 16″ x 14″ or 18″ x 14″
- Toms: 10″ x 8″
- Floor Tom: 13″ x 12″
- Snare: 14″ x 5″
Shell Material: Poplar
Tips for choosing the best beginner drum kits
Picking your first drum kit can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll avoid the common beginner traps.
Set a Realistic Budget
It’s easy to get caught up in shiny gear or influencer setups. Don’t.
Set a clear budget that includes your drum kit, accessories (like sticks, stool, and headphones), and maybe lessons.
The goal is to get started – there’s always time to upgrade later.
Consider Your Space
If you live in an apartment or share walls, volume matters. Compact kits like the PDP New Yorker or an electronic kit might be your best bet.
And if you’re not sure how much noise a kit really makes, our guide on how loud drums are – will give you the full picture.
Have a garage or basement? Go full-size. Just make sure you know how much space you can dedicate before buying.
Acoustic vs. Electronic
- Acoustic kits give you the real feel, natural dynamics, and stage-ready sound, but they’re loud, so you must have a proper room to play in.
- Electronic kits are quieter, take up less space, and come with built-in sounds, but the feel is different.
In my honest opinion – start with acoustic, unless noise is a real deal-breaker.
It will be much easier to learn dynamics and technique with an acoustic kit.
Start smart and play loud
Choosing your first beginner drum kit is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one.
Every kit on this list offers great value for beginners, whether you want plug-and-play convenience, portable practice power, or a long-term investment.
The key is to match the kit to your needs: your budget, your space, and your goals. Don’t overthink it. Pick something solid, start playing, and grow from there.
No matter which kit you go with, you’re taking the first step in your drumming journey – and that’s what really matters.
