The Best Beginner Electronic Drum Sets

Entering the world of electronic drums can be a daunting task, especially as a beginner. There’s seemingly endless options and features that can intimidate even the most experienced drummers but don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the best electronic kits for beginner drummers so that you can easily choose the best fit for you and get to playing right out of the box. 

Why should I choose an electronic drum kit? 

Electronic drum kits provide an incredible amount of versatility when compared to their acoustic counterparts. They’re much quieter and typically feature rubber or mesh heads, making them great for apartments or households where you need to keep noise levels to a minimum. They’re also much more compact and are ideal for small spaces. Electronic drum sets are especially ideal for drummers who want a vast library of sounds and effects to shape their sound. The reason beginners will find electronic kits especially great? They typically feature onboard coaching functions, allowing you to rapidly progress in your drumming journey. 

Roland is a legendary brand in the world of electronic drums and now, they’ve come out with two extremely affordable beginner models. The TD-02K is a great introduction to the world of electronic drums. This kit features world-class sounds, ultra responsive rubber pads, and a compact design that’s sure to fit in any space. The included TD-02 sound module comes loaded with 16 ready-to-play kits featuring sounds inspired by high-end V-drums, along with Bluetooth capabilities so that you can easily play along to your favorite tracks. 

Features: 

• Adjustable pad mounts and cymbal arms
• Compact and quiet setup is great for any environment
• Great as an introduction to electronic drums
• TD-02 module includes 16 ready-to-play kits inspired by high-end V-Drums
• Adjustable stand height for players of all ages

The TD-02KV is extremely similar to the TD-02K with one key difference. The TD-02KV features a tunable mesh snare pad instead of the rubber pad included with the TD-02K. This mesh snare adds a touch of realism to this entry-level kit that’s sure to be appreciated by even the most experienced drummers. It features the same TD-02 sound module included with the TD-02K with 16 preset kits that will have you rocking right out of the box. 

Features: 

• Adjustable pad mounts and cymbal arms
• Compact and quiet setup is great for any environment
• Great as an introduction to electronic drums
• TD-02 module includes 16 ready-to-play kits inspired by high-end V-Drums
• Adjustable stand height for players of all ages 

The Alesis Nitro Max kit comes loaded with plenty of sounds and features for you to explore. This kit comes with 32 preset kits and 440 total sounds from BFD, the leading drum sample library for both Mac and PC. Its highly responsive mesh heads deliver a feel similar to that of traditional acoustic kits while maintaining a quiet environment great for late-night practices. Want to jam along with your favorite songs? You can stream audio from your phone, laptop, or tablet via Bluetooth directly to the sound module! This kit also includes a 90-day subscription to Drumeo, 60 free lessons from Melodics, and a 30-day trial of premium Melodics subscription that will help you hone your skills and rapidly progress while playing along to tracks from the world’s most popular artists. 

Features: 

• Mesh heads provide realistic playing experience
• Compact setup perfect for apartments or small rooms
• Stream music directly to the sound module via Bluetooth
• MIDI capabilities via BFD player for Mac or PC
• Free subscriptions to multiple lesson hubs

Yamaha’s DTX402K is a no-frills electronic kit that will have you playing right out of the box. This kit comes with 10 preset kits and multiple effects that allow you to dial in your perfect sound. It also includes 10 built-in training functions such as Pad Gate, Rhythm Gate Function, and Fast Blast Function, that will help you improve your drumming groove. With this kit, you’ll also be able to download the free DTX402 Touch App that allows you to customize your kits and take advantage of the included training functions. The DTX402K features all rubber pads for true quiet practice so that you can jam out anytime, anywhere. 

Features: 

• 10 preset drum kits and additional effects help you shape your sound
• All rubber pads for quiet practice 
• DTX402 Touch App compatibility
• Built-in training functions help you hone your skills
• Silent kick and hi-hat controllers

The Alesis Command Mesh Special Edition drum kit delivers premium features and an unparalleled playing experience. This kit features large, mesh drum pads that provide a feel similar to that of traditional acoustic drums. Its cymbals are incredibly responsive and durable and feature choke functionality on the crash and ride. The heart of the kit, the Command Advanced drum module, contains 54 kit presets and over 600 total sounds, providing incredible amounts of customization options. 

Features: 

• Mesh drum heads deliver incredible feel
• Durable and responsive cymbals with choke functionality 
• Ability to load in your own sounds
• Command Drum Module includes 54 kit presets, 20 user slots, and 671 additional sounds
• Ability to use VSTs via DAW connection

Roland’s TD-07DMK is the most affordable option in their TD V-Drums series. It comes packed with 25 preset kits, 25 user kit slots, and over 140 individual sounds for you to choose from. The mesh heads provide a realistic feel and are even tunable, allowing you to fine tune their pitch and response. Want to record that new fill you came up with? Simply connect the TD-07 sound module to your computer via USB and turn your kit into a MIDI controller. 

Features: 

• Tunable mesh heads
• MIDI capabilities via USB connections
• Weight optimized cymbals
• 25 kit presets, 25 user presets, 143 sounds
• 5 built-in practice functions

The Roland TD-07KV is the ultimate beginner electronic drum set. It includes the same TD-07 module as the TD-07DMK but also features some key upgrades. This kit features a kick pad separate from the rack and slightly larger cymbal pads, creating a more immersive drumming experience. It features the same tunable mesh heads found on the TD-07DMK that deliver a realistic feel wile also maintaining a quiet practice environment. It even has the option to add a second crash cymbal, allowing you to expand your kit as you progress in your drumming journey. 

Features: 

• Tunable mesh heads
•  MIDI capabilities via USB connections
• Weight optimized cymbals
• Realistic separated kick pad with minimal vibration and noise
• Bluetooth connectivity options