The 14 Best Kids Drum Sets [Musicians At Any Age]

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If you’re reading this, you’re one of those brave souls who is actually considering a drum set for their child. Good for you! Other than drumming being a lot of fun, it has some other surprising benefits for your little banger.

Not only does learning to drum teach your child perseverance and give them a sense of achievement, but it’s actually good for their brains. In fact, learning any musical instrument has been shown to improve math skills because of the complex rhythms.

And according to Christine Northup, MD, “The sound of drumming generates new neuronal connections in all parts of the brain. The more connections that can be made within the brain, the more integrated our experience becomes. This leads to a deeper sense of self-awareness.”

While we’re not sure many drummers would describe it that way, many do talk about what could be called a natural high. Simply put, drumming makes you happy.

To get your child’s musical exploration underway, we’ve gathered nine of the best kits out there for kids. But first, let’s go over a few tech terms and other things you should be aware of before you invest.

Kids between 2.5 and 5 feet tall will probably feel more comfortable with a junior kit. Otherwise, they may have a hard time reaching all the drums and the kick drum pedal.

Kids over 5 feet tall should probably be playing on a full-size kit. If you have an especially tall younger child who seems to have a real interest in drumming, you may want to pony up the extra bucks for a full-size adult drum set so that they don’t outgrow it too quickly.

Most of the kits in our buying guide are for younger and smaller children, but we have also included a few full-size kits for taller and older children.

Editor Favorites:

Preview	Name	Rating	View
	Pearl Roadshow Full-Size Kit	5/5	Check Price
	Roland TD-1K Electronic Drum Set	5/5	Check Price
	Yamaha DD-75 Portable Digital Drums	5/5	Check Price
	Ashthorpe 5-Piece Complete Junior Drum Set	5/5	Check Price

What’s Included in a Kit?

The beauty of these kids drum sets is that they include everything your child needs to get started. From drums and cymbals to a drum stool and a kick pedal for the bass drum, you’ll receive everything you need in a drum kit.

Drums typically come in either 3-piece or 5-piece sets. But these numbers refer to the number of drums, not to the total pieces included.

In addition to the throne, sticks, and two cymbals, a 5-piece kit will also include the following:

1 bass drum
2 mounted tom drums
1 floor tom drum
1 snare drum

The cymbals for an acoustic drum kit include hi-hat cymbals, a ride cymbal and one or more crash cymbals.

A 3-piece drum set will only include three drums. In addition to a bass drum, it could mean two mounted toms. Another possibility is that you’ll receive one bass drum, one tom drum and one snare drum, though the specifics vary from one kit to the next.

A note worth making about drumsticks is that sticks can actually be hit or miss in kits, but it never hurts to have extras. Plan on picking up an extra set of drumsticks just to be safe.

What all drum kits tend to have in common is that some assembly is required. So be prepared for that!

Another thing about many of these sets is that the cymbals often don’t sound that great. While that may not be important for beginners, you may want to consider replacing them if your child develops a very serious interest.

Now that you have a basic idea about size and what’s included in these kits, let’s get to our favorite kids’ drum sets.

Premium Drum Kits

First up, we’re going to cover off some premium options. Made by well-known companies that are popular with industry pros, these kits offer higher quality materials and sound with a price tag to go along with it. But if your lil drummer shows serious passion or already has a bit of experience, these kits may be well worth the investment.

1. Pearl Roadshow Junior 5-Piece

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Pearl Roadshow is a Japanese brand that has a reputation for quality drums around the world and among industry pros. Of course, that quality comes at a price. Before you invest, you’ll want to know that your little rockstar is serious about banging the skins, as this is not a toy but rather a serious kit that’s been scaled down for kids.

But if they’re already taking lessons and show a true passion for drumming, this set delivers both quality and sound. In fact, there are even adults who use this more compact kit in situations with limited space.

Included in the kit:

16″ bass drum
Two mounted tom drums
Floor tom
Snare drum
Kick pedal
Cymbals
Sticks
Drum throne

Pros:

Reputable brand
Big sound
Quality shells and materials

Cons:

Higher price point
No assembly instructions in the box

2. Pearl Roadshow Full-Size Kit

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If you have a taller or slightly older child who’s serious — and we mean very serious — about drumming, you may want to consider the full-size version of the Pearl Roadshow kit. But again, you will want to ensure that this isn’t just a passing phase for your kid as you will be investing more money.

The payoff is that this kit will last for years and comes with excellent hardware and 6-ply, white poplar drum shells. Not to mention it sounds fantastic!

Pros:

Quality brand
Great drums
Awesome sound
Excellent hardware and materials

Cons:

Costly
Too large for younger drummers
Cymbals could sound a bit better

3. Ludwig Junior Questlove Pocket 4-Piece Drum Set

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Ludwig is a legendary brand name among professional drummers, including greats like Ringo Starr and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham. If you think your budding percussionist is serious about sticking with the drums, it may be worth the investment.

While Ludwig does make an excellent 5-piece drum set, low stocks make it hard to get your hands on that kit these days. But this 4-piece beginner drum set is also an excellent option for serious, younger drummers.

Quality hardware and a better build do make this one of the more expensive options on the list, but it will give you more flexibility in terms of tuning, which translates to a better sound than most junior kits.

Included in the kit:

16″ bass drum
One mounted tom
One floor tom
One snare drum
Kick pedal
Cymbals
Sticks
Drum throne

Pros:

Reputable name brand
Quality build
Excellent hardware
More rods and lugs for better tuning
Better sound quality

Cons:

Cymbals aren’t great
Higher price point
1 mounted tom instead of 2

4. PDP Player Junior 5-Piece Drum Kit

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PDP is actually a subsidiary of a very well-known and well-liked brand called Drum Workshop or DW. Like the other kits on our list, this set has everything your child needs to get started. It also offers better quality, thanks to details like an 18″ bass drum and genuine hardwood shells. However, like other kits in our premium section, the biggest drawback is the price.

Included in the kit:

18″ bass drum
Two mounted tom drums
Floor tom
Snare drum
Kick pedal
Cymbals
Sticks
Drum throne

Pros:

Reputable brand
Quality materials
Good sound

Cons:

Higher price point
Cymbals don’t have the best sound

5. Sonor AQX Jungle 4-Piece Shell Pack

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This compact shell pack is a good pick for serious young drummers, who don’t mind a shell pack versus a full kit. You can learn more about the difference below as part of our handy FAQs.

It’s also ideal for those kids who are often on the go and maybe want to take their drums on the go, too! This pack is easy to transport if they’re jamming with a friend, starting their own band or even just moving from one parent’s house to the other’s on occasion. Whatever the need may be, this pack is easy to take on the road.

Included in the kit:

10” rack tom
13” floor tom
16” bass drum
13” snare
Cymbal and tom mount

Pros:

Easy to move
Affordable for what you get
From a well-reviewed and reputable brand

Cons:

Intended for more advanced players
Not a full kit

6. Ashthorpe 5-Piece Complete Junior Drum Set with Genuine Brass Cymbals

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A good option for those kids who are just now moving from a mid-range priced kit to a more premium kit, this set from Ashthorpe will hold them over until they’re ready for an adult set. It’s adjustable for children ages 3 to 12, and it even comes in six colors.

The seat is adjustable, as are the snare stand and hi-hat. This set is also pretty durable as it is made from solid materials.

Included in the kit:

16″ x 11″ bass drum with upgraded chain-driven pedal
10″ x 5″ snare drum with basket stand
10″ x 6″ mounted tom
8″ x 6″ mounted tom
12″ x 10″ floor tom
8″ brass hi-hat cymbals, cymbal stand and pedal
10″ brass mounted crash or ride cymbal
Padded adjustable throne
Pair of wood drumsticks
Adjustment key

Pros:

Very durable kit
Made from high-quality drum materials
Comes in a range of colors

Cons:

Only suitable until their preteen years
Will need to upgrade soon

7. Roland TD-1K Electronic Drum Set

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For a premium option that’s also electronic, you might want to consider this set from Roland. Compact, durable and very similar to an acoustic drum set, it brings your child even more music-making options.

They can change the style and sound of their drums to play a range of music, from EDM to rock to jazz to blues. There are even built-in training functions, to help your child practice, and a beater-free kick drum that is just as quiet as the drums themselves, when used with headphones.

Included in the kit:

Three tom drum pads
Three cymbal pads
One snare pad
LED display
Kick pedal

Pros:

High-end electronic kit
Comes with lots of flashy features

Cons:

Doesn’t come with a throne
Is on the pricey side

Mid-Range Priced Kits

Want to support your kid’s music ambitions but aren’t sure if they’re going to stick it out? These buys are good middle-of-the-road drum sets.

8. Mendini Kids’ Youth Drum Set

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Another good choice for beginning drummers is this Mendini by Cecilio 5-piece junior drum kit. One thing to note is that the snare drum on this set is much smaller than the Gammon set, which could be an advantage if your budding musician is ultra-mini.

However, the hardware is not quite as good as the Gammon kit, and it only comes with four lugs for tuning. Translation: you won’t be able to tune this kit as accurately as the Gammon.

Still, the drums are decent, and your beginning drummer will most likely be perfectly happy to bang away on it.

Included in the kit:

13″ bass drum
Two mounted tom drums
Floor tom
Snare drum
Kick pedal
Cymbals
Sticks
Drum throne

Pros:

Affordable
Decent drums
Smaller snare drum
Good for smaller children

Cons:

Sound quality is not as good
Hardware is not great
Fewer lugs means it can’t be tuned as accurately

9. Alesis Electronic Drum Set

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If you want a drum set for kids that has the option to connect headphones, this drum set from Alesis is a great option. Unlike the other acoustic drum sets, this one is electronic. So while you won’t get the exact drum experience you would have with other buys, you also won’t get the same noise. Let’s all heave a big sigh of relief.

You can connect to headphones or an amp, although you would have to buy them separately. Another benefit of electronic drums is that you get electronic help. Your budding musician will get 30 built-in play along tracks and have access to 60 virtual drum lessons from Melodics.

Included in the kit:

8” single zone snare
3 toms
10” crash cymbal
10” ride cymbal
10” hi-hat cymbal
Pedals
Sticks
30 play along tracks
Connection cables
Power supply
60 drum lessons from Melodics

Pros:

You won’t have to listen to your kid beat the drums
Can be practiced anywhere
Electronic support and lessons

Cons:

Doesn’t produce the same authentic drum sound
Takes commitment to access freebies
Lessons are short

10. RockJam 5-Piece Junior Drum Set

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This complete, 5-piece drum set is a really nice option for those shopping on a budget, who want something that looks like the real deal, and comes with everything needed, too. Scalable for players ages 3 to 10, it comes with literally everything — and the box that Amazon ships it in is less than 40 pounds, so it’s even less of a hassle for parents.

Included in the kit:

Bass drum with four lugs
2 hanging tom-tom drums
Floor tom-tom with three lugs
Snare drum with stand
Crash cymbal with cymbal arm
Hi-hat cymbal with stand
Bass drum chain driven pedal
Wooden drum sticks
Drum throne

Pros:

Everything you need at an affordable price
Can be adjusted for players from 3 to 10 years old

Cons:

Lower quality that what you might expect
Isn’t as durable as other premium kits in this list

11. Eastar 14-Inch Drum Kit for Beginners

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If you don’t have much room — either in your home or your budget — you might want to go with this much-loved junior drum kit that only comes with three drums and one cymbal, so it takes up less space, while still giving your child a fantastic playing experience. Suitable for kids under 12, the kit is easy to assemble, too.

Included in the kit:

14” x 10″ bass drum
8″ x 6″ mounted tom with drum arm
10″ x 5″ mounted snare with drum arm
10” cymbal with cymbal arm
Plating bass drum pedal
Round padded adjustable drum throne
Small drum sticks
Large drum sticks

Pros:

Affordable
Small
Easy to assemble

Cons:

Only comes with three drums

12. Yamaha DD-75 Portable Digital Drums

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Another electronic drum option, this kit is particularly desirable for those who have literally no floor space. If you can’t think of a single way you could possibly fit a drum set into your home, this is the option you want to go with.

Your child will enjoy the functionality of a drum kit with eight drums and cymbals, but it all sits on the tabletop. It’s incredibly portable and has lots of extra features, changing sounds and styles to meet your child’s needs. In fact, the kit comes equipped with more than 70 pre-configured kit sounds and over 500 individual sounds.

Included:

Tabletop drum kit
Two foot pedals
One pair of drumsticks

Pros:

Incredibly portable
Very versatile

Cons:

Might be a little too tech-heavy for younger players
Not suitable for all children

3-Piece Kits for Toddlers and Younger Kids

If your wee musician is barely graduating from banging on pots and pans with a wooden spoon, they may not need a 5-piece drum set just yet. These starter drum kits are not only better for the younger age group, but they’re also a lot more economical.

And if your lil banger really takes to the skins, you can always move up to a bigger set when the time is right.

13. Sound Percussion Labs Lil Kicker

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This compact set from Lil Kicker may have only three drums instead of five, but they are made of multi-ply wooden shells and sturdy enough to take a good banging. The heads are also fully replaceable and easy to tune.

Included in the kit:

One 16″ bass drum
One snare drum
One tom drum
Two cymbals
Kick Petal
Sticks
Drum throne

Pros:

Very affordable
Compact
Sturdy
Good for very small drummers
Replaceable drum heads

Cons:

Only three drums instead of five
Not suitable for bigger kids

14. Music Alley 3-Piece Beginners Drum Kit

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Even more compact than the previous kit is this 3-piece set for beginners from Music Alley. But this kit only comes with two tom drums, a slightly smaller bass, one cymbal and no snare drum.

Though the setup is very compressed, the drums are made with real wood and chrome hardware. Also, the bass actually delivers a surprisingly powerful sound.

However, this set is not appropriate for anyone over seven years old or kids that are tall for their age. But for a small starter drum set, you’ll get a surprising bang for way fewer bucks.

Included in the kit:

One 14″ bass drum
Two tom drums
One cymbal
Kick Petal
Drum throne
Sticks

Pros:

Compressed setup
Powerful bass drum
Made with real wood and chrome

Cons:

No snare drum
Only one cymbal
Not appropriate for bigger kids

FAQs

Do you have any questions about buying a drum set for your child? We have the answers! Keep reading to learn more about the answers to some FAQs regarding drum sets for kids.

Why Not Just Buy an Adult Kit or Full-Sized Drum Set?

If you have a somewhat older child and you think they are interested in playing the drums long-term, you might be wondering if you should just go ahead and buy a full-sized adult kit that will last them into their teen years and beyond. However, there are a few reasons why you might still want to opt for a kids’ kit instead.

These reasons relate to the costs, the size differences and the variations in sound between the two types of drum kits. For example, a child’s drum kit will be quieter overall when compared to an adult’s drum kit, which might be a good thing for you as the parent.

Plus, they’re smaller, meaning they’re more likely to suit the smaller size of children. While this may not seem like a big deal, consider that not having the right size for a child’s body may teach them difficult-to-break posture.

From there, they will be more likely to form poor posture-related habits, which could ultimately impact their ability to play the drums in the future. Additionally, children’s kits are far more inexpensive than an adult’s pro drum kit, which is good news for your budget and your bank account!

What’s the Difference Between a Set and a Drum Shell Pack?

As you start shopping, you may notice that some sellers offer drum sets, while others offer something called a shell pack. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, as well as an all-in-one option, go with the former versus the latter.

A drum set or kit will include absolutely everything your child needs to get started. A shell pack usually only includes the bare basics and you’ll likely need to buy additional items and hardware in order for your child to start playing.

Should I Buy a Kit Based on My Child’s Size or Age?

You should definitely opt for a drum kit based on your child’s size and not his or her age. Most children’s drum kits are typically made with a certain body size in mind instead of a certain level of talent or skill. However, if your child is taller than five feet, it’s likely time for them to age up and start using an adult drum kit.

Is An Acoustic or Electronic Drum Set Better?

If you want your child to learn how to play the drums for their long-term enjoyment, and it’s not just a passing interest, you may want to opt for an acoustic drum set first, and then later, if they’d like, purchase an additional electronic drum kit. Working with an acoustic set first, when they’re just beginning, will help them better learn the ins and outs and technical aspects of drumming.

However, if you live in an apartment or maybe someone in your house works the night shift and sleeps during the day, then you may just have to go with electric drums, for everyone’s sanity, as they offer controllable volume and even headphones, so your little drummer can continue to practice uninhibited.

Is a Drum Set Hard To Put Together?

In most cases, drum sets are not hard to put together. In fact, with some of these sets, depending on your child’s age, he or she might be able to put the kit together on their own… No help from mom or dad needed!

However, if you’re planning to purchase a drum set for your child as a surprise and you’re wondering how long it will take for you to put it together, don’t worry. You won’t be up all night the day before their birthday or on Christmas Eve, struggling with a bunch of hardware! They are relatively simple to assemble.

Is My Child Too Young To Play the Drums?

Your child is likely not too young to start playing the drums! That’s because drums are child-friendly instruments, and if your child is showing interest in playing the drums or any musical instrument, they’re likely old enough to start pursuing it on a more serious level.

However, you know your child best, so if you think this might be a phase or your kiddo might just want to pick up the drums because a friend did, you could consider holding off and buying one of the premium kits on our list later on in your child’s life.

Instead of paying a lot of money on drums right away, you could consider purchasing one of the more affordably-priced options for a special occasion, like a birthday or during Christmas. From there, if your child keeps with it, then you can upgrade to a better and more expensive kit in the future.

What Does All of This Drumming Lingo Mean?

If you find yourself scratching your head at the various terms used above, here are the key terms you need to know when shopping around for a drum kit for your child.

The throne, as you may have very well guessed, is the seat that either will or won’t come with a kit. However, if it doesn’t come with one, you’ll want to buy one separately. Try to avoid the temptation to just stick your child on a kitchen stool.

There are three basic types of drums that come in a kit. For starters, there’s the snare drum, which is often considered the most important and primary drum. However, tom drums, which are also known as tom-tom drums, provide filler. A kit may come with up to three tom drums.

On the other hand, bass drums are kick drums that are used to establish a basic beat. A shell will sometimes include only your bass drum and your toms, not a snare drum. When referring to hardware in a kit, that hardware typically includes pedals and stands.

The kit may also include a range of cymbals, which may include ride cymbals, hi-hats or crashes. Hi-hats are popular in many kits for kids, and they are cymbals made up of two parts that you operate via a foot pedal. The foot pedal opens and closes the two parts, creating the noise they are characteristically known for making.

Hit the Road Drumming

We hope this guide to kids’ drum sets gives you a better idea of what to look for when you’re looking to outfit your little drummer. Be sure to keep your child’s size in mind before you purchase, as playing on a kit that’s too large or too small could be frustrating and even discouraging for your budding musician.

Also, be sure to access your child’s level of interest before investing as well. The last thing you want is an expensive drum set gathering dust while your kid moves on to other activities. In fact, you may want to invest in a few lessons before you purchase to see if your child is truly interested in playing.

If you don’t want to spend the money on private instruction, you could enroll them in a group class which may even make your child feel more comfortable than a 1-on-1 session with an instructor.

Finally, encouraging your child to have patience on their musical journey will help them to understand that learning the drums is something you have to be dedicated to if you want results. It may be a while before your little drummer can rattle off something that doesn’t make you want to cover your ears, but with perseverance and maybe some headphones, you might eventually love jamming to your kid’s beats.

Rock on, brave parents.

You might also be interested in: 9 Best Guitars For All Beginners [Musician’s Guide]

14 Best Drum Sets For Kids: