Best Cymbal Sets of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Cymbal sets are an essential component for any drummer looking to elevate their sound. These sets typically include a variety of cymbals, such as hi-hats, crash cymbals, and ride cymbals, each with their own unique sound and character. Cymbal sets come in a range of sizes and styles to suit different genres of music and playing styles. Whether you're a beginner or a professional drummer, investing in a high-quality cymbal set can greatly enhance your performance and overall sound.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Meinl Cymbals HCS Traditional Brass Set Cover #TOP 1
Meinl Cymbals HCS Traditional Brass Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Pack Cover #TOP 2
Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SONICAKE Low Volume Cymbal Pack Set Cover #TOP 3
SONICAKE Low Volume Cymbal Pack Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cymbal Sets

Meinl Cymbals HCS Traditional Brass Set

HCS1314+10S
MultiColored
-inch
Meinl Cymbals HCS Traditional Brass Set Cover
Meinl Cymbals Cymbal Set Box Pack with 13" Hihats, 14" Crash, Plus Free 10" Splash, Sticks, Lessons – HCS Traditional Brass – Made in Germany, 2-Year Warranty (HCS1314

The Meinl HCS Cymbal Set is an excellent choice for drummers seeking quality and affordability. This set includes a 13-inch hihat and a 14-inch crash cymbal, perfect for creating a full range of sounds. You also receive a free 10-inch splash cymbal, adding versatility to your performance. Additionally, the inclusion of Meinl drum sticks enhances your playing experience, making it easy for you to start right away. This comprehensive pack is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced drummers alike.

What We Like
Quality traditional brass sound
Includes essential cymbals
Free splash cymbal included
Comes with drum sticks
Great for beginners and pros
#TOP 2

Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Pack

ZIL ZP4PK
Gold
Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Pack Cover
Zildjian ZP4PK Planet Z Series - Complete Cymbal Pack - 14" Hi-Hats, 16" Crash, 20" Ride

The Zildjian Planet Z Pack is an excellent choice for beginners or students seeking to upgrade their cymbal setup. This complete pack includes a pair of 14" Hi-Hats, a 16" Crash, and a 20" Ride cymbal, providing you with all the essential sizes in one convenient package. Crafted in the USA from a special nickel-silver alloy, these cymbals deliver bright tones with short sustain, ensuring a responsive sound. The traditional bright finish enhances your performance, making it easier to achieve the sound you desire.

What We Like
Great for beginners
Includes essential cymbal sizes
Bright tones with short sustain
Affordable price
USA crafted quality
#TOP 3

SONICAKE Low Volume Cymbal Pack Set

QMC-05
Low Volume + Silver
SONICAKE Low Volume Cymbal Pack Set Cover
SONICAKE Low Volume Cymbal Pack Quiet Cymbal Set 14" Hi-Hat+16" Crash+18" Crash+20" Ride Cymbal Practice Set of 5pcs Silver

The SONICAKE Cymbal Pack offers an exceptional playing experience, being 70%-80% quieter than traditional cymbals. This feature allows you to enjoy longer practice sessions without the worry of ear fatigue or hearing damage. Made from high-quality stainless steel, these cymbals are not only durable but also have a polished surface for smoother play. Each cymbal is designed with over 1500 holes, producing rich and clear tones at a lower volume, making them ideal for use in apartments or during rehearsals.

What We Like
Quieter than traditional cymbals
Durable stainless steel construction
Smooth and polished surface
Rich, clear tones
Ideal for practice environments
#TOP 4

Meinl HCS Complete Cymbal Set for Beginners

HCS141620
Traditional Finish
14, 16, 20 inch
Meinl HCS Complete Cymbal Set for Beginners Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS Complete Cymbal Set (Video) Box Pack with 14 inch Hihats, 16 Crash, 20 Ride for Drum Kit (35,56-50,80cm) Traditional Finish Brass (HCS141620)

The Meinl HCS Cymbal Set is ideal for beginner and student drummers. It includes a balanced pair of 14-inch hihats, a powerful 16-inch crash, and a harmonic 20-inch ride, all crafted from durable brass alloy for long-lasting performance. These cymbals maintain their tone even under heavy use, ensuring consistent sound quality as you practice. Additionally, they offer a full range of sounds typically found in professional setups, providing you with diverse options to match your musical style.

What We Like
Complete set for beginners
Durable brass alloy construction
Wide range of sound options
Made in Germany with green energy
Used by professional drummers

Meinl HCS SCS1 Ultimate Cymbal Set

HCS-SCS1
Bronze
-inch
Meinl HCS SCS1 Ultimate Cymbal Set Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS SCS1 Ultimate Special Cymbal Set, Bronze

The Meinl HCS Cymbal Set is crafted from durable brass alloy in Germany, ensuring a responsive touch and excellent sound quality. You will appreciate the bright and resounding musicality, allowing you to express yourself while playing. This set encourages you to experiment with different cymbal arrangements, enhancing your creativity during practice and performances. Perfect for beginners, it includes a variety of cymbal types, enabling you to explore various musical styles and ideas with ease.

What We Like
Durable brass alloy construction
Encourages creative experimentation
Ideal for beginners
Variety of cymbal types included
#TOP 6

MEINL HCS Complete Cymbal Set with Free Splash

HCS141620+10
brass
-inch
MEINL HCS Complete Cymbal Set with Free Splash Cover
MEINL Cymbals HCS Complete Cymbal Set-Up - 14" Hihat/16" Crash/20" Ride + 10" Splash for FREE (HCS141620+10)

The MEINL HCS Cymbal Set is designed for rock and pop styles, making it perfect for your musical needs. Its experimental and modern character allows you to explore unique sound possibilities, adding a cutting and dry quality to your performances. With a medium to low volume, you can easily integrate these cymbals into various settings without overwhelming other instruments. The traditional finish offers a classic look that complements your drum kit beautifully.

What We Like
Great for rock and pop
Modern and experimental sound
Medium to low volume
Traditional finish looks classic
Includes free splash cymbal
#TOP 7

Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbal Set

ZIL LV468
Assorted Colors
14",16",18"
Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbal Set Cover
Zildjian L80 Series Low Volume 3 Cymbal Box Set - 14 Inch Hi-Hats, 16 Inch Crash, 18 Inch Crash/Ride

The Zildjian L80 Cymbal Set offers a remarkable playing experience, being 70-80% quieter than traditional cymbals. This feature allows you to enjoy longer practice sessions without the worry of ear fatigue or potential hearing damage. The cymbals provide a real feel thanks to their proprietary manufacturing process and specialized alloy, making them perfect for home use. The set includes 14-inch Hi-Hats, a 16-inch Crash, and an 18-inch Crash/Ride, ensuring you have versatile options at your disposal.

What We Like
70-80% quieter than traditional cymbals
Avoids ear fatigue
Real cymbal feel
Includes versatile sizes
Ideal for home practice
#TOP 8

Zildjian A Custom Cymbal Box Set

ZIL A205799
Gold
4 Pack
Zildjian A Custom Cymbal Box Set Cover
Zildjian A Custom Series Cymbal Box Set - 14 Inch Hi-Hats, 16 Inch/18 Inch Crash, 20 Inch Medium Ride

The Zildjian A Custom Set features a collection of classic cymbals, designed to deliver a crisp and sophisticated sound suitable for various drumming styles. With innovative rotary hammering techniques and a brilliant finish, these cymbals not only look great but also enhance your performance with their modern tone. The set includes 14" Hi-Hats, 16" and 18" Crash cymbals, and a 20" Medium Ride, making it a versatile choice for any drummer looking to elevate their sound.

What We Like
High-quality sound
Versatile for all styles
Modern, sophisticated tone
Attractive brilliant finish
#TOP 9

Zildjian I Family Pro Gig Cymbal Pack

ZIL ILHPRO
Gold
I Pro Gig Pack
Zildjian I Family Pro Gig Cymbal Pack Cover
Zildjian I Family Series - Pro Gig Cymbal Pack - (14"H, 16"C, 18"C, 20"R)

The Zildjian I Family Cymbals are a fantastic addition to any drummer's setup. Launched in 2020, this series replaces the older ZBT series and offers modern weights and profiles for a new sound experience. The I Essentials Pro Gig Pack includes a pair of 14" Hi-Hats, a 16" Crash, an 18" Crash, and a 20" Ride Cymbal, providing versatility across different musical styles. Made in the USA from B8 Bronze alloy, these cymbals produce a bright tone and are built to last, ensuring you can perform with confidence.

What We Like
Modern sound profiles
Durable B8 Bronze alloy
Versatile for all genres
Great for live performances
#TOP 10

Shaevle Low Volume Cymbal Pack for Practice

Shaevle
SMC-05
Golden
Shaevle Low Volume Cymbal Pack for Practice Cover
SHAEVLE Low Volume Cymbal Pack Drum Cymbals Sets Golden Mute Cymbal 14"Hi-hat+16"Crash+18'Crash+20"Ride Quiet Drum Cymbal Pack for Practice

The Shaevle Low Volume Cymbals are designed for those who want to practise without disturbing others. With a sound reduction of 60%-70%, these cymbals allow you to play longer while minimising ear fatigue. Made from high-quality stainless steel, they boast a durable and polished finish, ensuring a sophisticated look. Perfect for various settings like apartments or rehearsal rooms, these cymbals fit any drum set, making them an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned drummers alike.

What We Like
Quiet operation for practice
High-quality stainless steel
Smooth surface and edges
Ideal for various settings
Great for all skill levels
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 3 types of cymbals?

Cymbal types include:. Bell cymbal.China cymbal.Clash cymbal.Crash cymbal.Crash/ride cymbal.Finger cymbal.Flat ride cymbal.Hi-hat.

2. How much is a set of cymbals?

For those seeking up for a lower price you can start with only $13.99 per piece or $100 per set (crash, ride, hi hat)....What are cheap cymbals made of?

3. What are the 2 cymbals together called?

Clash cymbals (also called concert cymbals, orchestral cymbals, or crash cymbals) are cymbals played in matched pairs by holding one cymbal in each hand and striking the two together.

Editor's Notes

During our cymbal set research, we found 135 cymbal set products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,283 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cymbal sets list. We found that most customers choose cymbal sets with an average price of £259.07.

The cymbal sets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cymbal sets, including Meinl Cymbals, Zildjian, SONICAKE, Shaevle.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.