Electronic drums can be a great alternative to traditional acoustic drum sets. They’re quiet, require little maintenance, and are a lot of fun to play. There are also an ever-growing number of options, making it harder than ever to figure out which is the best model for your situation.
We’re here to help. We’ll get into which electronic drum sets will give you the most for your money, specifically for models under $1000. Why under $1000? That’s the most popular price range, and it’s where many drummers can find a good practice kit without breaking the bank. Many students start drumming with a sub-$1000 electronic drum set, then add an acoustic drum set later on.
We picked three electronic drum sets, starting off under $500. We’ll get into some details about specs and features, why they’re such good values, and what you might need to add to each one in order to play it properly. Hopefully in the end, you’ll have a good idea of which electronic set is best for you.
On with the list! These are the best electronic drum set values under $1000.
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Alesis
Nitro Mesh Kit
Alesis Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum Kit
The Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit is the least expensive option on this list, coming in under $500 at the time of writing. That’s a very appealing price, especially for a name brand kit with mesh heads. No wonder the Nitro kit is one of the best-selling electronic kits ever, with solid ratings to boot. To get to this price, Alesis essentially designed the Nitro to include simplified versions of the features drummers want most, then put them in a lightweight package. The resulting kit isn’t high-end or fancy, but it sets the standard for value in its price range.
Module
The Nitro sound module is a straightforward, but effective unit. It includes 40 built-in kits and 60 play-along songs. That’s a fairly standard amount, but keep in mind that the number of built-in sounds can be over-emphasized. Most players have fun scrolling through the available kit options for a while, but quickly settle on a few favorites. Kits can also be edited, so it’s usually easy to combine sounds from various kits into one you like.
In terms of the Nitro module’s overall sound, you shouldn’t expect studio quality. This is a budget drum set after all. The tones are fairly simple, without much dynamic nuance. That being said, the built-in sounds are good enough for most drummers to learn with. You can still learn coordination, timing, technique, and patterns. It’s just that those learning sessions will come with a flatter sound.
Connections
That’s were the Nitro’s USB and MIDI connections can help. The USB will allow you to connect to computers for recording or for triggering external sounds. A program like GarageBand can be your sound source, so you don’t necessarily have to rely on the built-in sounds of the Nitro. You’ll also be able to record through the same connection, as long as you have the appropriate program on your computer. The Nitro’s MIDI ports aren’t as commonly used, but allow you to draw sounds from another MIDI instrument.
Beyond the USB and MIDI connections, the Nitro module has all of the standard inputs and outputs. It has an 1/8″ headphone output for quiet practice. If you want to play through speakers, there’s a pair of 1/4″ outputs. The Nitro module also includes an 1/8″ auxiliary input to play along with music from a phone, tablet, or computer.
Pads
As we mentioned, one of the Nitro’s big selling points is getting mesh heads in this price range. Unlike rubber pads, mesh can be tensioned with a drum key, allowing you to find a feel you prefer. Mesh heads were formerly only found on high-end models, so it’s great to see them included in more affordable kits now.
The Nitro comes with three 8″ single-zone mesh tom pads, an 8” dual-zone mesh snare pad (head and rim have different sounds), three 8″ single-zone rubber cymbal pads, and a rubber kick drum pad. The module also allows you to add another tom pad and another cymbal pad if you want to expand the kit.
Besides the incorporation of mesh, there’s nothing particularly sophisticated about the Nitro pads. They have decent sensitivity and surface area to play on. The pads are lightweight, which can be more prone to breaking when played very hard. The feel of the cymbal pads can take some getting used to if you typically play heavy acoustic cymbals. However, despite those downsides, the Nitro’s pads perform well overall, considering the low cost of this kit.
What You May Need
The Nitro Mesh kit includes a couple of things many electronic drum sets don’t – a bass drum pedal and sticks. You may want to upgrade those at some point, but the versions Alesis includes can get you going. That still leaves a few things that you’ll probably need.
Drum Throne
The Nitro doesn’t come with a throne, but there are many options to choose from. If you want to match the quality of this kit and save some money, the Edge NE1 would be worth considering. It’s lightweight, but supportive enough for small and average-sized drummers. The PDP DT700 is more supportive and comfortable, but also costs a bit more.
Headphones
There are also a huge number of headphone options available. For electronic drums, you’ll usually want over-ear wired headphones with a straight wire. Coiled wires can get in the way when positioned on your front side and can be uncomfortable when laying on your back.
If you’re trying to keep costs down as much as possible, these Philips headphones would work. The Yamaha HPH-50 and Shure SRH-240A are a bit more expensive, but they’re both good values.
Cables
The accessory cables you may need depend on how you’ll use the drums. If you want to plug a phone in to play along with music, you’ll usually need an 1/8”-1/8” stereo cable. If your phone doesn’t have an 1/8” headphone jack (like most iPhones), you may need to buy an adaptor, as well. A USB B-type cable will be needed to connect with a computer, but the exact style depends on your device.
In Short
The Alesis Nitro Mesh kit sets the standard for value in the sub-$500 price range. It’s not as high-quality as the other kits on this list, but it beats out kits that sell for less, and even some that sell for more. The Nitro is a smart design, keeping costs down, while retaining the major features that drummers value. It’s a great option for beginning drummers to start learning on or for more experienced players looking to practice quietly and have some fun.
Alesis
Command SE Kit
The Alesis Command SE Mesh kit is another great value from a company that specializes in this price range. The Command SE shares some similarities with the Nitro kit discussed above, but there are several key upgrades included with the Command that many drummers feel are worth the extra cost. The module is more advanced, the pads are larger and include more zones, and the overall feel is improved. For its selling price, this drum kit hits a sweet spot of performance and affordability.
Module
The Command SE module plays a big part in making this kit a great value. It’s very easy to use, with a clean design on the outside and beneficial features on the inside. It includes 54 built-in kits, 20 user kits, and dozens of play-along songs. Compared to the less-expensive Nitro, the Command not only has more sounds, but the sounds are higher quality. Tones are fuller, with more natural detail. This module shouldn’t be compared to professional grade options, but it’s very good for its price.
One of the top features included in the Command SE module is the ability to load samples. You don’t have to be connected to a computer to use outside sounds. Just load WAV or MP3 sound files onto a USB thumb drive and transfer them to the module. That will give you a cleaner setup, with new sounds ready to go.
Connections
Of course, you can still utilize the USB and MIDI connections with a cable. Like the Nitro, you can trigger outside sounds from a variety of computer programs in real time. Programs like GarageBand have their own high-quality built-in drum sounds that are accessible through the USB port. Recording is also easy, either using the Command SE’s built-in sounds or the sounds available in the computer program itself.
The remaining inputs and outputs included with the Command are the same as they are with the Nitro. You’ll get an 1/8″ headphone jack and a pair of 1/4″ outputs for sending your sound to speakers, a mixer, etc. The Command SE also includes an 1/8″ auxiliary input to play music from a phone, tablet, or computer.
Pads
Pad feel is often overlooked when people shop for electronic drums. Many shoppers check if a pad is mesh, then move on. The Alesis Command SE proves that all mesh isn’t equal. Like all mesh pads, the Command’s heads can be tensioned. This will alter the amount of rebound you’ll feel as you play, but it doesn’t change the initial feel of the stick attack as much.
The Command SE’s mesh uses a tighter weave than the mesh found on the Nitro kit. That more substantive weave results is a more precise stick feel. When a stick makes contact, you feel the exact moment of impact more than you do with the spongier Nitro-style mesh. Both are good designs for their price points, but the Command SE has a more professional feel.
The Command comes with three 8″ dual-zone mesh tom pads, a 10″ dual-zone mesh snare pad, three 10″ single-zone rubber cymbal pads, and a mesh kick drum pad. Every pad is a step up from the Nitro kit – toms have an extra rim trigger, the snare is 2″ larger, and the bass drum has a mesh surface. Lastly, the Command module allows you to add another tom pad and another cymbal pad.
What You May Need
The Command SE kit includes a bass drum pedal and sticks. They may not be the types you ultimately want to end up with, but they can certainly get you playing. That leaves a throne, headphones, and cables as possible add-ons.
Drum Throne
The Command SE doesn’t include with a drum throne. Like our suggestion for the Alesis Nitro, the Edge NE1 is an affordable option that’s fairly sturdy. The PDP DT700 is a bit more robust, while still being a very good value.
Headphones
Many people already own headphones, but you’ll probably want over-ear wired headphones with a straight wire for drumming. That will give you the most comfortable playing experience.
Something in the Yamaha HPH-50 to Shure SRH-240A price range would match the quality level of a Command SE kit.
Cables
The most common cable need for electronic drums is for connecting a phone to the module. In that case, you’ll usually need an 1/8”-1/8” stereo cable. If your phone doesn’t have a 1/8” headphone jack, you’ll need an adaptor, as well. A USB B-type cable will be needed for computer use, but the exact style depends on your device.
In Short
The Alesis Command SE kit is an upgrade from the Nitro Mesh kit. It has better sound, better feel, and the sample loading capabilities are a big plus. The module is well-designed and easy to use. While this kit isn’t professional quality, it could easily be used for years before an upgrade is needed.
Roland TD-07DMK Kit
Although Roland is the industry leader in electronic drums, they tend to specialize in higher price ranges. The TD-07DMK is an example of Roland’s expertise in a more affordable form. This kit has high-quality sounds, sensitive pads, and a module that packs in a good deal of technology. The rack, clamps, and holders are durable and easy to adjust. Overall, the TD-07DMK is one of Roland’s most compact models, but it’s big on value.
Module
In terms of pure numbers, the TD-07 sound module contains the least amount of built-in kits on this list. That’s only part of the story though. Roland designed this module with deeper customization in mind. Along with creating user kits, it’s very easy to tailor the preset sounds. The module invites creativity and personalization. One of the best things about buying a Roland is how user-friendly the modules are, with adjustments only a few clicks away.
Each sound in the TD-07 can be altered in a variety of ways. Not only can you move instruments from one kit to another, you can also adjust the tuning, muffling, and EQ of each instrument. On top top that, the overall kit sounds can be changed, which is a really interesting feature. This ambiance setting can make the drums sound like they’re being played in different types of rooms. Each of these customization features are fun, easy to use, and make the kit more interesting to own.
The TD-07 sound quality is perhaps the best in sub-$1000 electronic drum sets. Roland’s sound quality has always been top-notch, and in recent years, the quality on more affordable kits have taken a big step up. The TD-07 module isn’t professional, but it has a more detailed timbre than you might expect from a kit in this price range. When you combine the customization options like EQ and ambiance, your sound preferences get even more attainable.
Connections
This module includes a USB port for connecting with a computer or laptop. That will allow you to trigger sounds or record tracks through a program like GarageBand. The TD-07 doesn’t include standard MIDI ports, but this module has Bluetooth. Through that, you can connect wirelessly to some MIDI devices.
The most popular use of the TD-07’s Bluetooth connectivity is to sync with a phone. You won’t need a cable or adapter to play along with music. It’s a feature that adds a little convenience to your practice sessions. Keep in mind that you can’t pair headphones with the module via Bluetooth, as there would be a slight delay between hitting a pad and hearing the note.
If you prefer a wire, the TD-07 has an 1/8″ input for playing music from a device. The same 1/8″ size is used for the headphone output.
Pads
Roland designs mesh pads very well. Even though other companies now utilize mesh in their electronic kits, Roland still leads the industry in the technology. Their mesh is very durable, with a good mix of stick rebound and attack. When combined with Roland’s pad sensitivity and build, you get the highest quality pads on the market.
That being said, the pad size of the TD-07DMK kit should be noted. It’s a model made to be compact and affordable, so the pads are scaled down. You get three 6” single-zone PDX-6A tom pads, an 8” dual-zone PDX-8 snare pad, two dual-zone CY-5 cymbal pads, and a rack-attached bass drum pad. The module allows for a second crash cymbal. While the tom pads are a couple of inches smaller than other kits in this price range, proper positioning makes them easier to become comfortable with.
Besides size and sensitivity, Roland’s mesh pads are very well-built. They have a solid construction that not only makes them more durable, but also makes them feel better. Additionally, the clamps Roland uses on the rack and pads are our favorites in the industry. They hold very strong and almost never break.
What You May Need
Roland never includes a bass drum pedal, headphones, sticks, or a throne with their kits (unless specially packaged). The TD-07DMK is no different, so those items may be added expenses to consider.
Bass Drum Pedal
You’ll need a separate bass drum pedal to play this kit. There’s a big price range for pedals, but for the money, we really like the Tama HP200P. It performs well and matches the quality level of the TD-07 drum set.
Drum Throne
The TD-07DMK doesn’t include a drum throne. A decent budget option would be the Edge NE1. The PDP DT700 is a step up, while still keeping costs low. Pro-level thrones are significantly higher, but we like the standard Tama 1st Chair for value in a higher quality range.
Headphones
If you don’t have some over-ear wired headphones with a straight wire, you may want to add a pair for this kit. The Yamaha HPH-50 and Shure SRH-240A are good values at their price points and work well for electronic drums.
Cables
If you plan on using Bluetooth to connect your phone to the TD-07 module, you won’t necessarily need an 1/8″ cable. To connect with a computer, a USB B-type cable will be needed. The exact style depends on your device, but a quick Google search should lead you in the right direction.
In Short
The Roland TD-07DMK is a big value in a scaled-down package. The pads are a bit smaller than some other kits in the price range, but Roland makes up for it with good sound quality, a very intuitive sound module, Bluetooth connectivity, and a lot of customization. Overall, it’s a great way to get into the top electronic drum brand for under $1000.
Bonus Pick:
Roland TD-07KVX
We won’t get into too much detail about the Roland TD-07KVX because it doesn’t quite make it under our $1000 threshold. However, we thought it should be mentioned because it’s one our favorite electronic kit values in any price range. The module is the same as the TD-07DMK we discussed above, but with big pad upgrades. If you can afford the extra few hundred dollars, the pads are well worth the cost. It’s certainly a kit worth looking into.
A couple things to keep in mind about the TD-07KVX:
First, some Amazon reviews on this model are skewed due to shipping issues! The kit ships in 2 boxes, and some customers only received 1 box. The product itself is very good for the money. If you buy through Amazon, you may want to choose a listing that ships from a dealer address, rather than straight from Amazon. Those dealers are less likely to ship a partial order.
Secondly, along with the items not included with the TD-07DMK we listed above, you’ll also need a hi-hat stand with the KVX version. The hi-hat system is one of the biggest upgrades of this kit, so it’s worth the expense if you can swing it. Check out our Best Hi-Hat Stand Values for some options.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for best electronic drum set values. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to electronic drums. It can be a little overwhelming, even for longtime drummers. Hopefully, we helped you narrow down your search to find the best option for your situation. We’re confident if you choose any of the sets we listed here, you’ll be getting your money’s worth!
By Peter Treuden – About the Author
Rather get an acoustic drum set for under $1000? Check out our picks for Best Values: Complete Drum Sets For Beginners!