A drum set has countless benefits in encouraging your kiddo to pursue their passion for percussion. Playing music has been shown to improve kids’ focus and motor skills and also helps cultivate confidence and creativity. So, no matter your child’s age or ability, here are the seven best drum sets for kids.
Table of Contents
7 Best Drum Sets for Kids (2025 Reviews)
Best Drum Sets for Kids
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1. VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set
(Best value — $)
Why it’s great: This VTech drum set mimics a more traditional model with three drum pads and a symbol that generates the appropriate sound when hit. Easy push buttons play nine different melodies while teaching about numbers, letters, and music. Four modes of play engage kids’ sensory development and each drum has a unique LED light. Intended for kids ages 2-5, this drum set strives to improve kids’ creativity, phonics, and memory and visualization skills.
Keep in mind: Some customers said this drum set was smaller than they expected as it’s intended for younger children.
Good for: Toddlers who love sounds, lights, and music.
![VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set]()
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2. Mendini By Cecilio Kids Drum Set
(Best splurge — $$$)
Why it’s great: This beginner’s 3-piece drum set is designed for kids looking to learn how to play the drums. Genuine hardwood shells and triple-flanged hoops lend to an authentic drumming experience while its smaller size makes it the perfect fit for a younger age group. Lauded for its durable construction and sparkly aesthetic, this drum set also produces exceptional sound quality. This drum set is sold with a bass drum and pedal, mounted tom drum, mounted snare drum, and cymbal, as well as wooden drumsticks and an adjustable padded drum throne.
Keep in mind: While this drum set doesn’t offer specific age recommendations, some customers report it’s best for kids ages 6 and under.
Good for: Kid musicians who are serious about drumming as this top-of-the-line set has all the bells and whistles.
![Mendini By Cecilio Kids Drum Set]()
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3. Remo Kids Percussion Floor Tom Drum
(Best for beginners — $$)
Why it’s great: One of the highest-rated kids’ percussion instruments on Amazon, this tom drum is a simple and affordable introduction to drumming. Part of the Remo brand’s kid percussion collection, this tom drum is expertly constructed and easy to play. This drum includes an Acousticon shell, pre-tuned Skyndeep drumhead, and a colorful rainforest pattern. Customers praise the high-quality sound and utilitarian design of this drum, which is recommended for kids ages 3 and up.
Keep in mind: The drumstick mallets pictured with this product are sold separately, though this drum can be played using hands instead.
Good for: Parents looking for a simple and fun drum for kids to play with.
![Remo Kids Percussion Floor Tom Drum]()
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4. Prextex Toy Drum Set for Toddlers
(Easiest to assemble — $$)
Why it’s great: This Prextex Toy Drum Set has loads of fun features for kids to explore, including a snare drum, bass drum with pedal, cymbal, and a working microphone. This set also includes a stool and drumsticks. Push buttons allow kids to play ten different songs as well as experiment with five music modes, four sound effects, and three types of dynamic rhythm. Parents praise this set for its adjustable volume control and because it’s easy to assemble.
Keep in mind: This drum set requires batteries to operate but they’re not included with purchase.
Good for: Kids ages 4 and up who love experimenting with sounds and music.
![Prextex Toy Drum Set for Toddlers]()
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5. PAXCESS Electronic Drum Set for Kids
(Best electronic drum set — $$)
Why it’s great: This 7-pad electronic drum set comes in two color patterns and is a great option for kids looking for a more unique drumming experience. This drum kit includes a snare drum, three tom drums, a crash drum, a ride drum, a hi-hat, and two foot pedals that play the sound of a bass drum. This drum set can be rolled up when not in use, making it easy to transport and easy to store. A rechargeable battery provides up to ten hours of power while an earphone jack and built-in speaker offer plenty of options for transmitting this drum set’s high-quality sound.
Keep in mind: Some customers say the pads on this drum set are on the small size.
Good for: Older kids who love technology and music.
![PAXCESS Electronic Drum Set for Kids]()
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6. Music Alley 3 Piece Kids Drum Set
(Best sound quality — $$$)
Why it’s great: This drum set is praised by customers for its authentic design and superb sound quality. Sold with a 14-inch bass drum with pedal, snare drum, tom drum, and cymbal, this drum set is intended to be a scaled-down, fully functioning, high-quality drum kit for kids. This drum set also includes drumsticks and a padded drum throne that can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of heights and playing styles.
Keep in mind: Some customers report receiving products with missing pieces, so be sure to double-check your shipment in case you need to request replacement parts.
Good for: Kids ages 3-8 who want an authentic, acoustic drum set to learn on.
![Music Alley 3 Piece Kids Drum Set]()
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7. LOOIKOOS Natural Wooden Percussion Instruments
(Best for younger kids — $)
Why it’s great: While not a traditional drum kit, this set of wooden percussion instruments is a great precursor to playing the drums. This set includes a sounder, hand drum, sound block, maracas, triangle, castanet, tambourine, and chime bar as well as handbells and sleigh bells. The variety of instruments invites kids to explore with their senses as they handle each piece and listen to the different sounds they make. Made from non-toxic natural wood, these percussion toys are made without paint or coating and feature safe, rounded edges.
Keep in mind: Some customers say this set has a lot of pieces to keep track of, but thankfully it is sold with a carrying bag for easy storage and transport.
Good for: Kids ages 6 months and up and these instruments are designed to be easy to handle and safe to play with.
![LOOIKOOS Natural Wooden Percussion Instruments]()
Best Overall
VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set
The VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about Drum Sets for Kids
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1. What should I consider when shopping for a drum set for kids?
The most important thing to consider when choosing a drum set is your child’s age and capabilities. For younger kids, including toddlers, plastic drum sets that are on the smaller side and incorporate lights and sounds are a good place to start. For older kids with more advanced motor and cognitive skills, a traditional drum set might be the most appropriate option. If you do decide to go with a larger drum set, you’ll want to make sure to measure the space you plan to keep it to ensure it will fit there. Fortunately, most drum sets do break down for easy storage when not in use. Budget is another important factor, though even if you’re not quite ready to splurge on a top-of-the-line model, there are plenty of great beginner’s options available at a more affordable price.
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2. What’s the best age for a drum set?
Drum sets are great for all ages. In fact, there are drum sets designed specifically for every age and phase. Younger kids will love smaller drum sets with simple features and easy-to-handle details. Plastic drum sets that play sounds and music or even a beginner’s tom drum can be a great way to introduce kids to concept of drumming. For older, more advanced drummers, a traditional, acoustic drum set can be an exciting way to explore beats and rhythm.
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3. What does a drum set include?
This depends on the type of drum set you’re interested in. Basic percussion kits will include a simple tom drum or a variety of percussion instruments. Drum sets intended for younger kids are usually smaller and include age-appropriate features like flashing lights and push buttons. Traditional, acoustic drum sets are either 3 pieces or 5 pieces. A typical 3-piece drum set includes a bass drum, snare drum, and small tom, as well as a ride cymbal, drumsticks, tuning key, and stool. A typical 5-piece drum set includes a bass drum, snare drum, 2 small toms, and 1 floor tom, as well as cymbals, drumsticks, a tuning key, and a stool.
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4. What’s the difference between an electronic drum set and a regular drum set?
A traditional, otherwise known as acoustic, drum set, is made up of wood shells, metal cymbals, and metal or wood snares. An electronic drum kit is a set of pads that produce the designated electronic sounds for each piece of a drum set. Electronic drum sets generate sounds through a special module which is then transmitted through a speaker or headphones.
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5. What are the benefits of kids playing drums?
Many studies link children’s early exploration of music to future academic achievement. Drums, specifically, improve kids’ sense of timing and rhythm, which has been shown to improve motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and speech flow, among other things. Music can also improve confidence and provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression.
Conclusion
When it comes to drum sets for kids, the options are limitless. While traditional, acoustic drum sets may be the first thing that comes to mind, there are plenty of other possibilities as well. Depending on your child’s age and skill level, you may want a drum set that’s smaller, simpler, and designed specifically for less dexterous hands. After considering your child’s preferences and personality, you may decide an electronic drum set is the best option. No matter what type of drum set you choose, there’s no arguing that music is a great way to encourage kids to be creative and improve their cognitive and motor skills. An early introduction to music has even been linked to future academic success!
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