The Top 8 Electronic Drum Sets for Kids

Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit: Overview

At the most affordable end of the spectrum is the Turbo Mesh from Alesis. It’s a smaller electronic kit but has plenty of features a new child drummer desires. Aside from the apparent hitting areas, the kit features three cymbal pads, four drum pads, two pedals, and a drum module to change the sounds.

The steel stand is robust. While assembly is a little tricky, this is common among all electronic drum kits. The rack does fold up for secure storage in the closet. The Turbo Mesh has ten kits with 120 sounds, including drum sounds from genres like rock, metal, jazz, and hip-hop.

For young ones who want to play along to their favorite music, there is an auxiliary on the unit, allowing you to plug in an MP3 player, laptop, tablet, or phone.

Note: the Turbo Mesh does not come with a drum throne (seat).

Alesis Nitro Max: Overview

Who says drums have to be loud and obnoxious? The Alesis Nitro MAX is the perfect way to get started with playing the drums, without all the noise. This eight-piece electronic drum set has a premium feel and natural dynamics, making it perfect for beginners or young kids just starting out. Plus, the 10″ dual-zone mesh snare drum provides an ultra-quiet response, perfect for those late night practice sessions.

The Nitro MAX is perfect for young drummers on a budget. For the price, there’s no better mesh electronic drum kit available with as many features, and the included Drumeo lessons will get your child cookin’ on the kit in no time.

With 32 different preset kits and 80 play-along tracks, you’ll never get bored with this drum set. And the backlit LCD screen makes it easy to keep track of progress. Plus, the USB MIDI connection allows your child to use this drum set with a computer or mobile device for even more possibilities.

Donner DED-80: Overview

Recently, Donner Music sent out a compact e-kit for me to test out. The DED-80 is perfect for young students aged 5-13 in my opinion. It features four drum pads, three cymbals, a compact hardware frame, mesh drum heads, 180 sounds, two foot pedals, a drum stool, headphones, and sticks. It’s got everything your child needs to get started on the drums.

There are built-in songs to play-along to, as well as an auxiliary input for using MP3 players or other devices with the unit.

If you’re worried about the setup process, this kit is by far the easiest electronic drum set I’ve ever put together. It’s super lightweight, as well, so you can fold it up quickly and put it away in the closet.

One of the biggest challenges of young drummers, is actually knowing if they will stick with the instrument. At a price point of under $300, it’s not as much of a risky gamble to buy your kid and e-kit without worrying if it will be a waste. Worst case scenario, they play it like a toy and grow out of it. But hopefully, they will stick with the drums and become the next John Bonham.

You can watch my video review of the DED-80 here.

Pyle Pro Portable Digital Drums: Overview

The Pyle Pro Electronic Tabletop Drum Set is the perfect way for young kids to learn to hit things without fully committing to a real kit. This innovative and compact drum set features 10 pre-loaded drum kit presets, all of which can be played with the included sticks.

The set also includes a built-in metronome, so you can keep time while you play. Plus, there’s a Record/Playback function that lets you record your own drum tracks and play them back later.

I usually don’t recommend tabletop drum kits, but for this case, I think they’re appropriate. Tabletop drum sets give kids an introduction to the drums without spending a fortune. The Pyle Pro tabletop drum set has seven pads complete with 300+ drum/cymbal sounds. It’s portable, too.

While it includes an AC adapter, you can power the unit with six C batteries — your child will have fun all around the house.

Yamaha DD75 Portable Digital Drums: Overview

The Yamaha DD-75 is a portable digital drum set that is perfect for young and new drummers. It comes with eight pads, ported speakers, two foot pedals, and MIDI connectivity. Yahama’s instrument quality is far superior to the Pyle Pro, so keep that in mind. You’ll spend a bit more, but it may be worth it.

It has a wide range of sounds and functions that makes it perfect for practicing and performing. The eight pads are velocity-sensitive and have a great response. The ported speakers provide great sound quality. The two foot pedals give you the ability to practice like you’re playing a real drum set—tabletop kits are good for introducing drums to young children.

Alesis Drums Surge Mesh SE Kit: Overview

One of my favorite mid-level electronic drum kits for kids is the Alesis Surge Mesh. I’ve written about it before, and you can read my full review here. All drum pads included are dual-zone, giving you two sounds per drum — a vital feature for a more realistic experience.

The Surge Mesh packs 385 unique drum sounds into the drum module along with 40 preset kids and 60 play-along songs. The Surge Mesh is the best of both worlds — it’s moderately affordable and has many features a more expensive electronic drum set would typically include.

LyxJam 7-Piece Electronic Drum Kit: Overview

The LyxJam 7-piece electronic drum set features mesh drum heads for a realistic feel, 209 preloaded sounds, 50 play-along songs, and recording capability. The built-in metronome and LED display make it easy to keep track of your progress. The pedals aren’t the greatest, so I’d suggest this kit only if you want something a little better than the Turbo Mesh.

HXW SD61-4: Overview

Avatar (also known as HXW) is a relatively new brand to the electronic drum kit market. While the cost of this kit is a little bit more, you get a few more features reserved for more expensive drums. The snare drum is dual-zone, giving you two different sounds on the pad zone and the rim.

Avatar’s e kit features a real kick tower, something we haven’t seen yet. This piece acts like a bass drum would, emulating the feel.