17 BEST Drum Sets For Kids/Junior 2023: Top Kit Picks & Reviews
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Perhaps you are a parent who sees great musical potential in your child. Maybe you are a drummer yourself and would like to see if your child is interested in following your footsteps. Whatever your reason is for buying your child a drum set, it can be an investment with the right choice.
While there are so many drum sets out there, few of them are actually meant for kids. Furthermore, while there are so many “drum kits” advertised for kids, most of them are considered toys and are not fit for lessons or long-term learning.
With that being said, this article is created specifically to help anyone who is struggling to find the best kit for their children. The drums listed here are expertly curated to ensure that you buy something that your child can truly use to improve their drum skills. Let us begin!
Top 3 Best Kids Drum Set
The first three in this list are, of course, my best recommendations. They’re chosen based on value for money, sound quality, and the price. Those features are exactly what these three kits offer!
Compare Best Drum Sets For Kids/Juniors
✔Best for children about 2.5ft to 5ft tall
✔10” Crash/Ride Mounted on Bass
✔Comes with hardware, drum throne, drum pedal, and drum sticks l
✔ Hardwood Shells
✔ A Crash cymbal and set of hi-hats come with the kit
✔ Includes all needed hardware (stands and pedals
✔ 3-piece drum set for kids ages 4-7
✔ Comes with a bass drum, mounted toms, and a
✔ The set also comes with a pedal, throne, and drum sticks
✔ Manufactured for children ages 3-6
✔ Comes with 2 pairs of sticks (one for child and one for teacher)
✔ Comes with hardware including drum pedals
✔ For ages 3-6
✔ 8×13” Bass Drum
✔ Includes extras like drum throne, setup instructions, drum sticks
✔ Comes in 3 colors
✔ Manufactured specifically for kids
✔ Comes with hardware such as a throne, pedal, and sticks
✔ Made specifically for kids
✔ 16”x12” Bass Drums
✔ Comes with all necessary stands, pedal, throne, sticks, and tuning key
✔ 16×11” Bass Drum
✔ 10×6” Tom Drum
✔ Includes extras like drum throne, drum key, and drum sticks
✔ 1 Crash/Ride Cymbal
✔ Come complete with all the hardware you need (stands and pedals)
✔ Comes with extra equipment such as a drum throne, sticks
✔ Full electronic drum set
✔ Comes with all the necessary hardware
✔ Comes with extras such as a cable snake, drum key, and drum sticks
✔ Includes all necessary hardware (stands and pedals)
✔ Comes with extras such as a padded throne, drumsticks, and drum key
✔ Hardwood shells made of Poplar
✔ Full electronic drum set
✔ Portable set with optional battery power
✔ Coaching and lesson functions
✔ Hi-hats and Crash/Ride Cymbals
✔ Comes with all the stands and pedals you need
✔ Includes extras such as drumsticks and drum throne
✔ 5-piece drum kit with 3-piece cymbals
✔ LED illuminated kit
✔ Plenty of learning features
✔ Comes with all the necessary hardware including pedals
✔ Comes with extras such as drum sticks and key
✔ Comes with a 6-part lesson with Questlove
✔ 14” Hi-hats
✔ 16” Crash/Ride Cymbals
✔ Comes with matching black coated hardware, stands, and pedals
✔10” Hi-hats
✔ Comes with all necessary hardware including adjustable stands and pedals
✔ Comes with a drum throne, drum sticks, and pearl decal sheet
Best Drum Sets For Kids/Junior 2021 Top Kit Picks & Reviews
1. Mendini by Cecilio 16 inch 5-Piece Complete Kids Kit

Price: $189
When looking for drums that would serve kids, you are definitely going to want to look for durability. Kids tend to get really into drumming so bashed drum heads could be pretty common.
This drum set from Mendini gives you a durable complete set, including all the hardware needed for your child to start drumming and then some. Aside from a durable kit and sturdy hardware, the set comes with a comfortable drum throne and a pair of sticks for your child.
This set does need some assembly so your child will need your help setting it up. It does come with instructions but they are pretty hard to follow. Luckily, the Mendini is set up like a full kit so it is easy to look for video guides online.
Sound-quality wise, however, this set really shines. It has the same qualities as a full-sized drum kit, the only difference being is that it is smaller.
Some users have commented on a “rattling sound” when playing but can be remedied with a few tightening of the knobs here and there and some minor adjustments.
Features:
- Best for children about 2.5ft to 5ft tall
- 16×11” Bass Drum
- 10×5” and 8×6” Mounted Toms
- 12×10” Floor Tom
- 10×6” Snare Drum
- 8” Hi-Hat Cymbals
- 10” Crash/Ride Mounted on Bass
- Comes with hardware, drum throne, drum pedal, and drum sticks
2. Pacific Drums PDP Junior 5-Piece Drum Set

Price: $354.99
When it comes to sound quality, this drum is the best junior kit out there on the market. Even the cymbals of this set are of good quality which is rare even in full-sized kits. The set comes complete with sturdy hardware that is as good as the full-sized more expensive PDP kit. It also comes with extras such as a drum throne and a pair of sticks.
Here is where the problem comes in though, with a price this steep, you would hope that there is more care put into packaging the set. However, many people who have bought this set for their children or grandkids have received banged-up drum heads and dented cymbals. This is not always the case, but it has happened often enough to cause concern. Luckily, the manufacturer provides excellent service and is willing to replace any damaged parts.
Features:
- Hardwood Shells
- Comes with a bass drum
- Mounted Toms and floor tom are included
- Comes with matching wood snare
- A Crash cymbal and set of hi-hats come with the kit
- Includes all needed hardware (stands and pedals
- Comes with extras such as throne and sticks
3. Music Alley Kids 3-Piece Beginners Drum Kit

Price: $69.99
Looking for a cheap, trial kit for your child to find out if they are really up for serious drum lessons? Here is a set that will do the job without damaging your ears because of the awful sound quality.
Despite being a small set, it’s perfect for testing out if your child could be into more serious lessons, and if it is worth getting them a more expensive full-set. The best aspect of this set, of course, is its price. Additionally, you can play beats on this tiny kit.
Features:
- 3-piece drum set for kids ages 4-7
- Comes with a bass drum, mounted toms, and a cymbal
- The set also comes with a pedal, throne, and drum sticks
Beginner Drum Set for Kids
The kits under this category are small and can appear rather lackluster. However, these kits are enough to test if your child is really interested in getting lessons. Buying a child a full set only to realize that they are not into drumming can be a bit of a money-waster.
With these small kits, you can give them a taste of what it truly means for them to take up lessons. Once you are certain that they are up for the task, these kits are easy to customize and add pieces for a more formal type of play!
4. Eastar 14-inch 3-Piece Kids Drum Set

Price: $89.99
This kit is a small, entry-level kit. For a kit of this price, you’ll be surprised at how decent the sound quality is. Furthermore, all of the hardware you see in the photo comes with the set. The manufacturer even included two pairs of sticks: a regular-sized one for the teacher and a smaller pair for the student.
There are some durability issues with the set, but it can still serve as a decent quality trial kit for your child.
Features:
- Manufactured for children ages 3-6
- Comes with 2 pairs of sticks (one for child and one for teacher)
- 14×10” Bass Drum
- 1.8×6” and 1.10×5” Mounted Toms
- 10” Cymbals
- Comes with hardware including drum pedals
- Comes with drum throne and instructions
5. Mendini 3-Piece Kids Drum Set

Price: $80
The Mendini set is the best drum set I have included in the list. This is an even smaller version of it. Mostly, this specific Mendini set was made for toddlers. It’s a bit of an experiment set that you can get your kids to see if you should get them a better kit for serious drum lessons.
It has everything your child needs to get started: drum throne and sticks included. The mounted tom, snare, and cymbals allow this drum to be compact so it is easy to store and works perfectly even for smaller spaces. This set also comes in several colors so you can choose your child’s favorite.
Features:
- For ages 3-6
- 8×13” Bass Drum
- 5×8” Mounted Tom
- 4”x10” Snare
- 8” Cymbal
- Includes extras like drum throne, setup instructions, drum sticks
6. Best Choice Products 3-Piece Kids Beginner Drum Set

Price: $75
These drums look plain but the sound quality is decent. This set is available in three different colors so you can choose which one your child likes.
It also comes complete with sturdy mounting systems and pedals. You can rest assured that your child would not break it even if their drumming gets a bit intense. It is a small set, however, consisting of only 3 drums and some a cymbal but it is a real set, unlike the plastic ones you see around.
One complaint many buyers have about this set is the cymbal. It has a bit too much rattle for their tastes. However, if you are just using this kit to test your child’s interest in drumming before investing in a better quality kit, then this should not be a huge issue.
Features:
- Comes in 3 colors
- Manufactured specifically for kids
- 12.5×11.75” Bass Drum
- 2 Mounted toms
- 1 Cymbal
- Comes with hardware such as a throne, pedal, and sticks
7. Sound Percussion Labs Lil Kicker 3-Piece Junior Drum Set

Price: $169.99
Unlike most three-piece sets, this one comes with a hi-hat and the snare has its own stand instead of simply being mounted on top of the bass drum. The sound quality and durability of the set are fantastic–the cymbals sound good too!
The only problem people have with this set is that it is far too small as it is made specifically for children.
Features:
- Made specifically for kids
- 16”x12” Bass Drums
- 8×5” Mounted Tom
- 10×4” Snare
- Comes with hi-hat cymbals
- Comes with all necessary stands, pedal, throne, sticks, and tuning key
8. GP Percussion GP50BL Complete Junior Drum Set

Price: $139.99
The drums on this set are phenomenal. This set comes with a decent amount of hardware such as a snare stand, a hi-hat stand, and a bass drum pedal. A snare that sits separately from the rest of the kit is unique for small, three-piece sets. However, GP Percussion provides a separate snare stand for this set. Unfortunately, some users have claimed that the hardware that comes with the set has questionable durability.
Unlike some three-piece kits, you will need some assembly on this set and that can be a problem because users who have bought this often complain about how difficult it is to follow the instructions that come with the set. Fortunately, there are plenty of setup tutorials on the internet.
Features:
- 16×11” Bass Drum
- 10×6” Tom Drum
- 10×5” Snare Drum
- 10” Cymbal
- Hi-hat cymbal
- Comes with all necessary hardware
- Includes extras like drum throne, drum key, and drum sticks
Best Junior Drum Set
The kits in this category are perfect for starting your child’s lessons. Admittedly, they are not performance-level kits. However, if your child is a beginner anyway, they would not be needing something that is over the top when it comes to features and performance.
These kits are perfect for that. They are simple and straightforward, easy to use, and affordable. The value of these kits is great for the money you will be paying for them.
9. Gammon 5-pc Junior Starter Drum Set

Price: $189
This set from Gammon is a full-sized kit. It’s a 5-piece drum set with the necessary cymbals, stands, and pedals your child needs to start their drumming lesson. You also would not need to worry about drumsticks or a drum throne because those come in with the set too.
This is a full junior kit with the same sound quality as a full-sized kit, except for the small size. This means great value for money. Unfortunately, according to some, the hardware that comes with this set tends to be a bit flimsy. However, as with the whole kit, this set can easily be modified. You can swap certain pieces for better quality ones once your child needs them.
Features:
- 5 drum color options
- 16×12” Bass Drum
- 10×10” and 10×8” Mounted Toms
- 10×12” Floor Tom
- 10×5” Snare Drum
- 1 Hi-Hat
- 1 Crash/Ride Cymbal
- Come complete with all the hardware you need (stands and pedals)
- Comes with extra equipment such as a drum throne, sticks
10. Alesis DM6 USB Kit

Price: $270
This one is a bit different. It is an electronic kit, and you’ll need to help your kids get used to navigating the functions on the sound module. However, this is a kit that any child would be proud of once they learn how to navigate through it.
Furthermore, this set is perfect for taking lessons and practice. It has its built-in lesson functions that children can use for self-study. The feel of the drum heads is realistic too, so if your child wants to transfer to an acoustic set, they would not have any problems adjusting to it.
Features:
- Full electronic drum set
- Headphone and amplifier outputs
- Capable of recording sound files
- Over 100 drum sounds
- Comes with a kick pad and pedal
- Comes with 3 tom pads
- Comes with cymbals and a hi-hat pad with pedal
- Comes with a dual-zone snare drum
- Has lesson functions
- Comes with all the necessary hardware
- Comes with extras such as a cable snake, drum key, and drum sticks
11. Ashthorpe 5-Piece Complete Kid’s Junior Drum Set

Price: $179.99
This drum kit from Ashthorpe is one of the best sets out there. I would even go as far as to say, if you want another kit other than the Mendini kit, this one is definitely worth checking out. This is a decent-sized 5-piece kit that is perfect for serious lessons.
Furthermore, the sound quality and hardware quality of this kit are impeccable! The cymbals, which are often the bane of many kits, are pretty decent too and the hardware included (pedals and stands) are steady and sturdy. Additionally, this set comes with plenty of extras like a drum throne, a pair of sticks, and even a drum key that you can use for assembly and tuning.
The only problem users have with this kit is that there are no instructions included with the package. However, you could easily look for a video tutorial online as it is set up just like a full-sized drum kit.
Features:
- Made with 3-14-year-olds in mind
- 16×11” Bass drum
- 13×10” Floor Tom
- 11×7” and 10×7” Mounted toms
- 12×5” Snare Drum with Wires
- 10” Hi-hat cymbals
- 12” Crash/Ride cymbals
- Includes all necessary hardware (stands and pedals)
- Comes with extras such as a padded throne, drumsticks, and drum key
- Hardwood shells made of Poplar
12. Alesis Compact Kit 4

Price: $89
This one looks a bit strange but many parents are pleased after reading a little bit about it. It’s a great set to make drum beats and even learn about drums. I would not recommend it for toddlers because it is a little bit complicated and confusing. For kids around 10 and above, however, this one is an incredible instrument.
It has plenty of tutorial functions and songs they can play along with. Most of the interactions in this feels almost like a game so your child will surely be entertained for hours on end. The best part? You can plug headphones in this set! No more insistent banging or complaints from neighbors about your kid drumming away into the night. Just plug a normal set of headphones or earphones in the jack and you’re child is good to drum his heart out.
Features:
- Portable set with optional battery power
- Coaching and lesson functions
- Built-in speakers and dedicated headphone jack
- 70 Drum voices
- 10 Effects
- 50 Play-along songs
- Comes with drumsticks and foot pedals
13. Ludwig Junior Outfit Drum Set

Price: $224.95
This drum is a bit on the expensive side, but it does carry the brand name of one of the world’s oldest and best drum manufacturers. True to the brand, this set’s sound quality is phenomenal. The build quality and durability of both the drums and the hardware are also Ludwig-approved. It comes with plenty of extras like a throne and sticks and pedals for the bass drum and hi-hat.
The weakest link of this kit, I would say, are the cymbals. However, this is easy to modify so it should not be an ordeal if you want to replace them. Additionally, you will have to build this kit from scratch. Fortunately, the instructions that come with it are very easy to follow.
Features:
- 16” Bass drum
- 8” and 10” Mounted Toms
- Snare and Floor Tom
- Hi-hats and Crash/Ride Cymbals
- Comes with all the stands and pedals you need
- Includes extras such as drumsticks and drum throne
14. Alesis DM Lite

Price: $249
Another electric drum kit, this one from Alesis is colorful and attractive to the eye. This set is specifically made for kids who want to take lessons. The amount of learning and practice features on this kit will keep your kids entertained and educated.
The setup for this one is straightforward and simple. The kit also comes with a 4-post rack to mount the drum pads on.
Features:
- 5-piece drum kit with 3-piece cymbals
- LED illuminated kit
- Plenty of learning features
- Comes with 30 play-along songs
- Collapsible 4-post drum rack
- USB connectivity for recording purposes
15. Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit

Price: $269
Another set from Ludwig, this one is made specifically for kids around 4 to 10 years old. Specifically, it is a set made for children who are looking to get started with their drumming lessons. Aside from the drums and cymbals, the set also comes with all the stands and pedals you would need to mount your new kit. It also comes with a comfortable drum throne, a pair of sticks, and a drum key.
Probably the best part is the 6-part lesson from Questlove that comes with this set. Your child would not only be able to start playing right away, but they will also have some free lessons to give them the basics they need to play. Like with most Ludwig drum kits, this set is easily modifiable. The whole kit is fantastic in terms of quality and durability but if you really want something to modify, then the drum heads could be a great place to start.
Features:
- Made for kids ages 4-10 years old
- 16” Bass drum
- 10” Tom drum
- 13” Floor Tom
- 12” Snare drum
- Hi-hats
- 1 Crash/Ride Cymbal
- Comes with all the necessary hardware including pedals
- Comes with extras such as drum sticks and key
- Comes with a 6-part lesson with Questlove
16. mDdrum D120B MB D Series Drum Set

Price: $360
Looking at the Ddrum you could easily tell that any kid who is really into the Rock genre would love this kit. The kit has a black high-gloss finish. The hardware that comes with the set is also coated in black to match the drums. The set is compact and fits in small spaces.
The quality of the sound is impeccable. In fact, this is one of those drums even expert musicians use, especially if they plan to go around town to busk. This could easily be a performance kit when the flimsy cymbals are replaced.
Features:
- Downscaled bass and tom drums
- High-gloss black finish
- 14” Hi-hats
- 16” Crash/Ride Cymbals
- Comes with matching black coated hardware, stands, and pedals
17. Pearl Roadshow Junior Drum Set

Price: $299.99
This set from Pearl is going to be your kid’s first performance kit. It has all the makings of a great drum set: amazing sound quality, durable drums and hardware, and extras to get you started. If your child is into personalization, this set also comes with a decal sheet they could use to customize the look of their set.
This set doesn’t come with an instruction manual, however. The good news is that it’s technically a downsized version of the Pearl Export, so you’re going to find tons of videos online that will teach you how to set this up.
Features:
- White Poplar drum shells
- 16×10” Bass drum
- 13×8” Floor Tom
- 10×5.5” and 8×5” Mounted Toms
- 12×4” Snare
- 13” Crash/Ride Cymbal
- 10” Hi-hats
- Comes with all necessary hardware including adjustable stands and pedals
- Comes with a drum throne, drum sticks, and pearl decal sheet
This concludes our list of the 17 best drum sets for kids. Finding a good junior set for the young musician can be difficult. I hope this article was able to provide you with a few ideas on what set to get for your child!
BEST OVERALL
