17 BEST Drum Sets For Kids/Junior 2023: Top Kit Picks & Reviews

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Mendini 3-Piece Kids Drum Set


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Pacific Drums PDP Junior 5-Piece Drum Set


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Music Alley Kids 3-Piece Beginners Drum Kit


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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

Rank Products Feature Website
Best Overall

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

Best Premium Option

Hardwood Shells

A Crash cymbal and set of hi-hats come with the kit

Includes all needed hardware (stands and pedals

Best for Cheap Option

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

Best Starter Drum Set for Kids

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

Best for Kids Under 6

For ages 3-6

8×13” Bass Drum

Includes extras like drum throne, setup instructions, drum sticks

Best for Toddlers

Comes in 3 colors

Manufactured specifically for kids

Comes with hardware such as a throne, pedal, and sticks

Best Kit for Young Drummers

Made specifically for kids

16”x12” Bass Drums

Comes with all necessary stands, pedal, throne, sticks, and tuning key

Best Trial Ktis for Kids

16×11” Bass Drum

10×6” Tom Drum

Includes extras like drum throne, drum key, and drum sticks

Best Durable Kit

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

Best Set to Learn On

Full electronic drum set

Comes with all the necessary hardware

Comes with extras such as a cable snake, drum key, and drum sticks

Best Drum Set fir Kids Under 8

Includes all necessary hardware (stands and pedals)

Comes with extras such as a padded throne, drumsticks, and drum key

Hardwood shells made of Poplar

Best for Beginner Lesson

Full electronic drum set

Portable set with optional battery power

Coaching and lesson functions

Best Sound Quality

Hi-hats and Crash/Ride Cymbals

Comes with all the stands and pedals you need

Includes extras such as drumsticks and drum throne

Best for Beginner Lesson

5-piece drum kit with 3-piece cymbals

LED illuminated kit

Plenty of learning features

Best Junior Drum Set

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

Best Junior Drum Set

14” Hi-hats

16” Crash/Ride Cymbals

Comes with matching black coated hardware, stands, and pedals

Best for Serious Kid Drummers

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

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
  • Durable and perfect for children
  • Sounds decent with a bit of tuning
  • Affordable and a good entry-level kit
  • Rattling sound when playing
  • Instructions are hard to follow

2. Pacific Drums PDP Junior 5-Piece Drum Set

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
  • The hardware on this is good as the adult PDP drums
  • Good sound quality
  • Decent cymbals
  • Great-sounding drum heads
  • Packaging is awful
  • Most expensive junior kit in the market

3. Music Alley Kids 3-Piece Beginners Drum Kit

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
  • Good for gauging if your child is up for more serious lessons
  • Great for toddlers
  • Sound quality is good for its price
  • Affordable
  • A bit small even for a child

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

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
  • Decent sound quality
  • Affordable Price
  • Comes complete perfect as a starter set
  • Not very durable
  • Many who have used Artistworks, in general, has a thing or two to say about their billing process

5. Mendini 3-Piece Kids Drum Set

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
  • A smaller version of the infamous Mendini Junior kit
  • Comes in 6 different finishes
  • Sounds decent
  • Affordable price
  • The finishes look really good
  • Durability issues

6. Best Choice Products 3-Piece Kids Beginner Drum Set

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
  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Comes with everything a child needs to get started
  • Cymbals’ quality could be better

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
  • Affordable
  • This complete entry-level set has everything you need
  • Good sound-quality
  • A bit too small

8. GP Percussion GP50BL Complete Junior Drum Set

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
  • Drums are of good quality
  • The sound quality of the whole set is great
  • Cymbals are decent
  • Drums are durable and sturdy
  • Comes complete with all the things your child needs to get started on drums
  • Instructions that come with the set are pretty hard to understand
  • Some of the included hardware does not seem very durable

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

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
  • Affordable price
  • Different finishes to fit your child
  • Decent quality
  • Can be modified to have better quality parts later on
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Hardware has a cheap feel to it

10. Alesis DM6 USB Kit

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
  • Modern look
  • Lesson functions to help with learning
  • Lots of fun to play around with
  • Good entry-level kit
  • Incredible sound quality
  • Affordable
  • Easy to put together
  • Durability is subpar

11. Ashthorpe 5-Piece Complete Kid’s Junior Drum Set

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
  • Great sound quality
  • Good for taking serious lessons
  • Perfect size for children
  • Comes with everything your kid needs to get started with their drumming lessons
  • Durable build
  • Decent quality hardware
  • Doesn’t come with an instruction manual

12. Alesis Compact Kit 4

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
  • Allows your child to play as much as they want quietly
  • Lots of learning and coaching functions
  • Implemented game mechanics for fun
  • Plenty of amazing functions for your child to explore
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Foot pedals are a bit uncomfortable

13. Ludwig Junior Outfit Drum Set

Ludwig Junior

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
  • Durable build quality
  • The sound quality on drums is impeccable
  • The hardware included is sturdy
  • Comes as a complete set
  • Size is perfect for kids or even adults who want to go busking
  • Well-known manufacturer
  • Cymbals are not that great
  • Quite a bit of assembly required

14. Alesis DM Lite

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
  • Colorful and interactive perfect for kids
  • Has plenty of teaching functions
  • Lots of functions your kids will enjoy playing with
  • Straightforward setup
  • Good sound quality
  • Durability issues

15. Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit

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
  • Comes from a well-known manufacturer
  • Includes free lessons
  • Quality is good enough for even advanced drummers
  • Easy to modify and upgrade
  • Drum heads could use an upgrade

16. mDdrum D120B MB D Series Drum Set

Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit

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
  • Great volume
  • Amazing sound quality
  • Compact
  • Great even for older drummers
  • cymbals are a bit flimsy

17. Pearl Roadshow Junior Drum Set

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
  • Incredible quality
  • Great value for money
  • Easy to modify
  • Compact and portable
  • Made with kid drummers in mind
  • Durable build
  • Great quality hardware
  • Durable build
  • From well-known manufacturer
  • Comes with everything your kid needs to play
  • The quality of the cymbals and drums are amazing
  • Doesn’t come with instructions
  • Product assembly can be challenging

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!