The 10 Best Junior/Kids Drum Sets for All Budgets (2024)
Looking to give your kid a head start on playing the drums? Learning the basics of rhythm at an early age can make a big difference to their future drumming skills. Those abilities can also be applied to any other musical instrument later.
The market is now full of junior drum sets that are designed for kids from 3 to 10 years old. Although smaller, they usually feature all essential parts that can be found in full-size drum sets.
The main recommended product is the Pearl Roadshow Jr. A great and well-rounded drum set for kids by a respected brand.
The second recommended product is the Mendini Kids Drum Set, a more affordable option than the previously mentioned product that offers a good well-rounded base as well.
If you’re interested in something different, then check out our guides on the best electronic drum sets for kids and drum sets for toddlers.
Here is a list of some of the best junior drum sets you can find on the market:
Contents
- The Best Drums Sets for Kids (2024) – At a Glance
- 1. Pearl Roadshow Jr
- 2. Mendini Kids Drum Set
- 3. Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit
- 4. Alesis Debut Mesh Kit
- 5. ddrum D120B Drum Set
- 6. RockJam 3-Piece Junior Drum Set
- 7. Eastar 3-Piece Drum Set
- 8. Ashthorpe Complete 5 Drum Set
- 9. Music Alley 3 Piece Kids Drum Set
- 10. BCP 5-Piece Kids Drum Set
- What age are junior drum sets for?
- Can my child learn to play on a kids’ drum set?
- Can children play on adult drum sets?
- Should I purchase a drum set for kids or an adult drum set?
- Should I get an acoustic kids’ drum set or an electronic drum set for kids?
- What is the sound quality of these junior drum sets?
- Are drum sets for kids easy to set up?
- What are the different types of drum sets for kids? Which one should I buy?
- Can the drumheads on these drum sets be changed?
- What are the best kid’s drum set brands?
- Where can my child learn to play drums?
- What about drumsticks?
- Conclusion
The Best Drums Sets for Kids (2024) – At a Glance
And now onto the full list:
1. Pearl Roadshow Jr
The Pearl Roadshow Jr. is a great way to start your little one’s drumming journey. The kit is a complete set, which includes everything a beginner drum may need.
This one is a 5-piece kit. That means a snare, 2 rack toms, a floor tom, and a kick drum. It also comes with 10” hi-hats and a 13” crash. For the hardware, there is a snare stand, a hi-hat stand, a boom cymbal holder, a throne, a kick pedal, and even a pair of sticks.
Pros
- Complete set for beginners
- High-quality shells
- Includes good accessories
Cons
- Not much!
With this kit, Pearl is also giving a nice sound. Made from Poplar, Plastic, Steel, and the snare is a standard Roadshow. For all its features and components, the Pearl Roadshow is a high-quality junior kit that is also decently affordable.
| Material Type: | Poplar, Plastic, Steel |
| Pieces: | 5-Piece |
This kit is a good well-rounded one that produces quality sound with notable build quality that will suit kid drummers.
This Mendini 5-piece drum kit is one of the most popular junior drum sets for kids. The affordable price mixed with a decent overall quality makes it such a perfect combination. Thanks to a small 16”x 11” bass drum, this kit sits pretty low, so it is perfect for children under 5 feet.
This set includes a hi-hat cymbal and a crash cymbal that’s mounted right over the bass drum. Everything is nicely compact but still spread apart enough for a proper drum set configuration.
Pros
- 5-piece kit with a nice sound
- Small enough for children
- Great value for money
Cons
- The cymbals aren’t great
- The build isn’t too sturdy
The sound and overall quality of this kit are quite good. Of course, you can’t expect miracles, but there is nothing to complain about the snare and toms. On the other hand, the cymbals and hi-hats aren’t great, but that is a common issue with all junior drums.
| Material Type: | Plastic, Metal |
| Pieces: | 5-Piece |
The drum set is very affordable. This is a 5-piece drum kit, which includes everything you need to get started, including drumsticks and a height-adjustable drum throne.
3. Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit
The Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit is a popular choice for a reason. This 4-piece drum set offers a slick design that includes a 16” bass drum, a 10” tom, a 13” floor tom, a 12” snare drum, and a foot pedal.
It’s a portable yet good-looking drum set that’s very suitable for kids ranging from 4-year-olds to 10-year-olds, with solid build quality and overall good-quality sound.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Good build quality
- Amazing design
Cons
- Not the best cymbals
With a breathtaking look, this set is a good buy, no doubt. With great value for money, you get a well-built drum set that is popular with many users across the globe.
| Material Type: | Hardwood |
| Pieces: | 4-Piece |
The Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit offers great tuning features and is a popular choice for a drum set targeted at children.
4. Alesis Debut Mesh Kit
The Alesis Debut Kit is one of the most popular electronic drum kits around for kids. Electronic drum sets are good for practicing drums without making too much noise.
It has 4 drum pads, 3 cymbals, and 2 pedals and they all give a nice responsive feel. The drum module is basic but very easy to use.
Pros
- Low-volume electronic set
- Durable pads and drum heads
- 10 pre-set kits to choose from
- Quiet pedals, (instead of using a kick tower)
- Includes a set of basic headphones
Cons
- If you want to use an amplifier, it will need to be purchased separately.
- The included headphones are basic.
If your kid is a bit older and you want to get them something that will work over the longer term, then I would highly recommend checking out the Alesis Nitro Max kit, which is their very popular full-sized entry-level kit.
| Material Type: | Rubber |
| Pieces: | Full Set |
Alesis has really been making some big releases in the market of e-drums over the past few years, and this kit is another very good release from them.
5. ddrum D120B Drum Set
With all the essential parts of a common drum set, the ddrum D120B is another great choice for beginners. It is of very good quality, especially in terms of construction and overall sturdiness, so there is no doubt it will last for years.
A 5-piece drum set that is a good buy. The quality of this kid’s drum set is great, so if you have a higher budget, then it’s worth checking out.
Pros
- Durable kit
- Full drum kit with cymbals
- High-quality finish
Cons
- A bit pricey
The ddrum D120B kit has everything going for it, in my opinion. Apart from being a bit pricey product, it has a great quality structure and a slick design that is just a breath to behold.
| Material Type: | Basswood |
| Pieces: | 5-Piece |
An overall good choice if you have a bit of budget to go on. This kit will not let you down as it’s a great choice for kids.
6. RockJam 3-Piece Junior Drum Set
Sometimes it’s better to keep things simple, and the Rockjam Junior Drum Set is a perfect example. This is an affordable 3-piece kit that has everything an absolute beginner needs. Of course, you can count on common parts of a drum kit – bass drum, snare, and tom-tom.
A compact option that comes at a very reasonable price if you want to give your child a beginner drum set without going overboard with the price.
Pros
- Compact drums that can fit anywhere
- Comfortable, adjustable throne
- All-inclusive drum set
Cons
- No hi-hats
- Hardware is adequate
A cymbal is included as well and, despite the mounting not looking promising, it works okay. The set also includes a decent-quality kick pedal and an adjustable drum throne, which is quite adjustable and comfortable, as well as drumsticks.
| Material Type: | Plastic, Metal |
| Pieces: | 3-Piece |
The RockJam 3-piece is a good starter for any child willing to venture into the drum world. Without breaking the bank, this starter drum kit is well recommended.
7. Eastar 3-Piece Drum Set
The Eastar 3-Piece Drum Set is a good choice for beginners and for good reason. This affordable drum kit comes with an adjustable throne, a bass drum, a bass drum pedal, a snare, a tom, and an included cymbal.
This option is best suited for beginners because it offers surprisingly good quality components and everything a beginner needs.
Pros
- Adjustable drum set
- Good-quality components
- Good sound considering the price
Cons
- 3-piece drum set
The drum kit is really easy to assemble, it comes with great packaging, and has many satisfied customers across the globe. Aside from the fact that it’s only a 3-piece, it’s a good buy.
| Material Type: | Hardwood |
| Pieces: | 3-Piece |
Considering the price of this product, you can’t go wrong. A good starting drum kit that has anything a kid needs to venture into the drumming world.
8. Ashthorpe Complete 5 Drum Set
The Ashthorpe Complete 5 Drum Set is an aesthetically pleasing drum kit that comes with a bass drum, a floor tom, mounted toms, a snare, hi-hat cymbals, and a crash/ride cymbal.
It also includes a drum throne, sticks, and a drum key for adjusting the tension. With 3 beautiful colors to choose from, this is more than a suitable drum set for kids.
Pros
- Quality hardware
- Adjustable features
- Good-quality cymbals
Cons
- Not much!
The kit comes with good quality cymbals and hardware so you won’t need to buy individual parts to make this kit sound great. With adjustable features that make for easy and preferable playing styles.
| Material Type: | Poplar, Hardwood |
| Pieces: | 5-Piece |
The Ashthorpe Complete 5 Drum Set is an amazing choice if you want a good-looking and good-sounding drum set with a durable build quality.
9. Music Alley 3 Piece Kids Drum Set
The Music Alley 3 Piece Kids Drum Set screams value for money, in my opinion. Being one of the most affordable options out there for kids, this kit is a respected option if you want to get your child into drumming.
It comes with a drum throne, a cymbal, a kick drum, and a pedal. With its very own stool included, as well as drumsticks, this is your beginner pack right here.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Good beginner choice
Cons
- No hi-hats and snare
- Not too sturdy
This kit is the actual junior kit if you think about it. Granted, there is no snare and hi-hats in the set but considering the price, this kit is perfect as a first drum set for your child.
| Material Type: | Wood, Plastic, Metal |
| Pieces: | 3-Piece |
Although not the most durable and well-rounded option, it is very affordable
10. BCP 5-Piece Kids Drum Set
If you’re looking for a complete option that not only looks good but also sounds amazing, then the BCP 5-Piece Kids Drum Set is the one to consider.
This perfect-sized drum set comes with a kick drum and pedal, a snare drum, cymbals, a drum throne with 2 toms, and drumsticks as well. What more do you need?
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Quality build
- Good-quality sound
Cons
- Cymbals could be better
While the BCP (Best Choice Products) brand is not very well known, this kit is surely a good one to introduce you to the manufacturer.
| Material Type: | Wood |
| Pieces: | 5-Piece |
If you want to take a chance on this brand, it’s well worth the risk and consideration if you ask me. A very well-built drum kit that offers amazing sound at an affordable price.
What age are junior drum sets for?
There is no general rule when it comes to age on this subject. In most cases, junior drum sets are recommended for kids between 3 and 10 years old, but the fact is that height is a more important factor.
These kits are usually designed for kids under 150cm (around 5 feet). They also vary in terms of drum size. Naturally, 3-piece units are designed for smaller kids, while 5-piece units usually feature a bit larger dimensions, so they stand somewhere in the middle.
Can my child learn to play on a kids’ drum set?
Of course; that’s what they’re designed for. They’re a great way for kids to learn the foundations and then transition to a full drum set once they are tall enough to reach everything!
Can children play on adult drum sets?
You can find many videos online of kids playing on full adult drum sets. Although this is pretty cool, they’re often struggling to reach for the pedals and can barely hit the cymbals. An adult drum kit is designed for adults, not kids, so ergonomically they simply are not ideal for kids.
Should I purchase a drum set for kids or an adult drum set?
Once again, it all depends on your child’s age and height. At a very young age, a junior kit seems like a natural choice. On the other side, if your kid is something like 8 or 9, and especially if it is relatively tall, then definitely get a full-sized drum kit instead, as it’s a better investment.
Practically, the main difference between 5-piece junior drum kits and “regular-size” drums is size. A bass drum is smaller, as well as a snare and toms. All of them are a couple of inches fewer in diameter to provide easier reach and more comfortable use. Other than that, things are pretty much the same.
That’s why it’s much better to pick a full-size drum, as you get far better quality for a price that usually isn’t too much higher. In most cases, beginner drums are quite affordable.
Check our list of best drum sets for beginners. There you can find a lot of kits that offer great quality for a very reasonable price.
Should I get an acoustic kids’ drum set or an electronic drum set for kids?
It’s really a matter of preference, but here are some clues that might help:
- An acoustic drum set is an ideal option if you really want your kid to get a good feel for how drums sound and react. If given the option of which one is better for learning, then an acoustic drum set would be the best option.
- If your living situation does not allow for much noise, then an electronic drum set for kids might be a better bet for you. Check out our article on this to check out some great options.
What is the sound quality of these junior drum sets?
The sound quality on all of the options above is pretty good, but you could never expect top-end quality on drum sets for kids. In general, junior drum sets are designed to help kids learn how to play drums, and they’re usually quite cheap. What’s more important is that they feel like proper drums, can be tunable to alter the sound, and have all of the necessary equipment.
Are drum sets for kids easy to set up?
Drum sets, in general, are very quick and easy to set up, despite that they might seem difficult from afar!
For kits that include most drum set elements, the toms are usually attached to the bass drum. The snare drum has its own separate stand. The floor tom usually has 3 standalone legs. The hi-hat cymbals are attached to a standalone pedal.
What are the different types of drum sets for kids? Which one should I buy?
As you probably know, a typical drum set consists of several parts. Although each set largely depends on the drummer’s preferences, there is a general rule that a basic drum set includes a couple of toms, snare, and bass drums, as well as a hi-hat and a couple of cymbals.
Logically, things are simpler in drum sets for kids. In general, if you want to get real drums for kids, there are 3-piece and 5-piece kits on the market. The former ones are simpler and perfect for small kids as they are simpler but still resemble “real” drums, enough to learn basic skills. These sets usually include a snare, tom, and bass drum, with a mounted cymbal.
As their name says, 5-piece kits consist of five parts. There are two more toms in the set, as well as a hi-hat. Therefore, they closely resemble a full drum kit, though each part is smaller to provide better ergonomics for kids. Naturally, these are slightly more expensive.
I can’t tell you which one to buy, but you definitely won’t go wrong with any of these types. If you want something that closely resembles full-size drum sets, the Mendini 5 Drum Set is a great choice, as it delivers a good balance between price and quality. The same manufacturer offers a 3-piece set, which is a more affordable option but with the same quality of components.
If your budget or available space is very tight, then check out other 3-piece sets but with all parts on one unit.
Can the drumheads on these drum sets be changed?
In general, the heads on the vast majority of drum sets should be changeable in case they break. You can simply detach the drum head by unscrewing the lugs with a drum key. You can order any replacement drum heads online.
Just make sure they match the size of your drums. Great drum head manufacturers are Remo, Evans, and Aquarian. You may also be able to find cheaper drum heads online.
What are the best kid’s drum set brands?
There are many different brands of children’s drum sets. Some good ones, to name a few, are:
- Pearl
- Gammon
- Mendini
- ddrum
- Ludwig
- Rock Jam
Which brand should you go for when choosing a kid’s drum set? It’s very much a matter of your budget and what type of kit you want to get.
Even if you have a large budget, it still might be best to opt for an affordable model, and then spend more money in a few years on a bigger kit.
Where can my child learn to play drums?
Of course, drum lessons are by far the best option. The first thing that comes to mind is to find a local teacher. Keep in mind that kids learn differently than adults, so it is important to find someone great with kids. Therefore, consider music schools as well, since they are usually specialized in working with youngsters.
Alternatively, you can teach your child a couple of the most basic beats through video lessons online. There are also plenty of great online drum lessons, with both free and paid options.
What about drumsticks?
Drumsticks are usually included with junior drum sets, though there are plenty of options online, and can be bought for a few bucks.
Conclusion
Drum sets for kids are widely available on the Internet and in physical shops, so you can always find a nice set that matches your needs. Furthermore, drums are perfect for kids as they are great at keeping them engaged which brings tons of positive outcomes.
By playing music, you teach kids coordination skills, self-discipline, persistence, goal setting, etc. And it doesn’t even matter if they play the drums well, because it brings so much happiness to their parents.
The prices of drum kits for kids range quite a bit. However, there are plenty of great options that won’t break the bank! Look for affordable sets with all parts on one unit, so you won’t have to deal with multiple pedals and accessories.
My top pick is the Pearl Roadshow Jr. An all-around drum kit that comes with good-quality sound and is from a respected brand name.
My budget pick is the Mendini Kids Drum Set. An affordable option that offers a good well-rounded base for any beginner.
