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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 Comet Series Compact 22″ Rock Fusion 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 Comet Series Compact 22″ Rock Fusion Drum Kit is for them!

The 22″ x 16″ bass drum provides a full, dynamic sound that every intermediate drummer needs, while the poplar nine-ply shells have the durability to handle frequent band rehearsals and gigs.

These poplar shells also deliver a rich, warm tone that’s more professional than it is entry-level – perfect for a child who wants the best of the best as they progress in skill.

One of the best features of the kit, however, is the upgraded cymbals. They’re designed for longevity and enhanced sound projection – making them more powerful than the Comet’s predecessor, the Tornado Series.

Everything is included with the Mapex Comet Series, from hardware and cymbals to a 400 Series throne and drumsticks. So, your child can get rocking straight out of the box without hesitation.

At an affordable price with incredible value for money, the Mapex Comet Series Compact 22″ Rock Fusion Drum Kit is the ideal step-up kit for your child to improve and expand their awesome drumming journey.

Shop now | Mapex Comet Series Compact 22″ Rock Fusion 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. Natal DNA 20″ 4pc Drum Kit, Blue Sparkle

The best drum set for exploring various styles and genres. 

The Natal DNA 20” 4pc Drum Kit is a great option for young drummers, offering durability and versatility in a compact, eye-catching design. Its six-ply basswood shells provide excellent sound quality, producing a warm tone that’s perfect for various musical styles.

Basswood is known for being lightweight yet sturdy, making this kit easier for kids to handle and tough enough to withstand regular use.

One of the best and most convenient benefits of this kit is that it comes fully equipped. It includes cymbals, a kick pedal, drumsticks, and a throne, meaning there’s no need to buy extra accessories. It’s a hassle-free option for parents looking for a ready-to-play set without any additional expense.

The Natal DNA kit isn’t just built for home practice. Its high-quality components and solid construction make it equally suited to performance. The sound remains consistent whether practising in a small space or performing at a local venue, giving young drummers confidence in any setting.

Shop now | Natal DNA 20” 4pc Drum Kit, Blue Sparkle

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 DTX402K 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 DTX402K 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.

The kit itself 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 10 built-in training functions.

As well as three toms, a snare, crash, ride, hi-hat, and pedal, the kit comes with a newly designed silent bass pedal – great for silent playing!

Backed up by Yamaha’s renowned and extensive knowledge of musical technology, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha DTX402K Electronic Drum Kit. It includes everything your child needs for a fun, enjoyable drumming career.

Shop now | Yamaha DTX402K Electronic Drum Kit with Headphones, Stool + Sticks

10. Premier Revolution 22″ 5pc Drum Kit Bundle, White

The best all-rounder.

The Premier Revolution 22″ 5pc Drum Kit Bundle is an excellent choice for young drummers, offering a complete package designed to meet the needs of beginners. Built with six-ply poplar shells, the kit delivers a warm, punchy tone that works well across different musical styles. Plus, and very importantly, the shells are extremely durable, meaning the kit can handle regular use, whether for practice or performance.

The kit includes a 14” x 5” wooden snare drum. Its clear, sharp sound makes it a great tool for young players learning to control dynamics and develop their skills. The low-mass lugs also provide stable tuning, so the kit stays in tune longer, reducing the need for constant adjustments.

The Revolution bundle comes fully equipped with double-braced hardware, making it sturdy enough for more energetic playing. And your child needs to be comfortable! Adjustable stands ensure the kit can be set up for drummers of any height, which is essential for maintaining good playing posture.

The set includes hi-hat and crash/ride cymbals, as well as two expansion cymbals – a splash and a ride – providing everything needed to start playing right away.

This bundle also includes essential accessories like a drum stool, a bass pedal, and drumsticks, so there’s no need to buy additional pieces.

Shop now | Premier Revolution 22″ 5pc Drum Kit Bundle, White

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-02KV V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit with Accessory Pack

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

The Roland TD-02KV V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit is an excellent choice for young drummers, offering a compact and quiet solution for home practice. Its low-volume kick pedal and mesh snare design ensure that noise is kept to a minimum, making it ideal for late-night practice or young drummers who live in a flat or apartment.

Despite its quiet operation, the kit delivers a realistic playing experience, helping kids to develop proper drumming technique.

This kit includes the TD-02 module, which comes loaded with 16 high-quality drum kit sounds. These range from pop to rock, allowing kids to explore different musical styles as they learn – this is great for keeping them engaged and creative!

The module also features an onboard metronome and coaching tools. Additionally, adjustable pad sensitivity lets young players fine-tune the response to match their playing style.

One of the main advantages of this kit is its compact and adjustable frame. It’s designed to take up minimal floor space, making it easy to set up in a bedroom or small play area. The height and angle of each drum pad can be adjusted, allowing the kit to grow with the child and ensuring a comfortable playing position.

The Roland TD-02KV also comes with accessories, including a BOSS BT-Dual adapter for wireless music streaming, allowing kids to play along with their favourite tracks.

Shop now | Roland TD-02KV V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit

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.