Best Drum Brushes of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Drum brushes are a type of percussion accessory used by drummers to produce softer tones on their drums or cymbals. The brushes consist of a set of thin wires or nylon bristles attached to a handle, which is then used to strike the drumhead or cymbal. They are commonly used in jazz, folk, and acoustic music genres where a softer, more subtle sound is desired. Drum brushes offer a unique sound and are a versatile addition to any drummer's toolkit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Vic Firth Heritage Brush with Retractable Steel Wires Cover #TOP 1
Vic Firth Heritage Brush with Retractable Steel Wires
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Meinl Retractable Nylon Drum Brush SB304 Cover #TOP 2
Meinl Retractable Nylon Drum Brush SB304
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Musiclily Retractable Wire Drum Brushes Cover #TOP 3
Musiclily Retractable Wire Drum Brushes
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Drum Brushes

#TOP 1

Vic Firth Heritage Brush with Retractable Steel Wires

VIC HB
purple
Wire Brush
Vic Firth Heritage Brush with Retractable Steel Wires Cover
Vic FIrth - Heritage Brushe - Retractable - Steel Wire - Purple Handle

The Vic Firth Heritage Brush offers a retractable design with a comfortable wood handle, ensuring a natural feel in your hands. The medium gauge wire allows for an infinitely adjustable spread, giving you versatility in your playing style. You'll appreciate the tonal quality it brings to cymbals, enhanced by the rubber cover that creates a pleasant tone when played against the rim. Additionally, the retractable wires provide excellent sound and rebound, making this brush a fantastic choice for both practice and performance.

What We Like
Retractable design for easy storage
Comfortable wood handle
Adjustable brush spread
Pleasant tone on cymbals
Excellent sound and rebound
#TOP 2

Meinl Retractable Nylon Drum Brush SB304

SB304
Plastic Handle.
Einheitsgröße
Meinl Retractable Nylon Drum Brush SB304 Cover
Meinl Retractable Nylon Brush - Stick & Brush (SB304)

The Meinl Nylon Brush is a versatile tool for drummers. Made from durable nylon, it offers a comfortable grip with a diameter of 16mm, ensuring you can play for extended periods without discomfort. At a length of 344mm, it provides excellent reach, allowing you to explore various drumming techniques with ease. Made in the USA, this brush is designed for quality and performance, making it a reliable choice for both practice and performance.

What We Like
Durable nylon construction
Comfortable grip
Extended reach
Quality made in the USA
#TOP 3

Musiclily Retractable Wire Drum Brushes

GB-06
1Pair
Musiclily Retractable Wire Drum Brushes Cover
Musiclily Drum Brushes Retractable Wire Percussion Brushes with Nylon Plastic Handle for Jazz Folk Music

The Musiclily Drum Brushes offer a convenient telescopic design with comfortable rubber handles, making them easy to use for extended periods. Their lightweight yet sturdy plastic construction ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight. With a brush wire length of approximately 15cm, these brushes allow for greater volume and articulation, enhancing your playing experience. Whether you are a professional drummer or just starting out, these brushes cater to your needs, offering versatility and ease of use.

What We Like
Comfortable rubber handles
Lightweight and sturdy
Telescopic for volume control
Suitable for all skill levels
#TOP 4

Stagg SBRU10-RN Nylon Plastic Handle Drum Brushes

SBRU10-RN
Chrome
100 Bristle
Stagg SBRU10-RN Nylon Plastic Handle Drum Brushes Cover
Stagg SBRU10-RN Nylon Plastic Handle Drum Brushes

The Stagg Drum Brushes feature poly bristle nylon brushes that provide a versatile performance for drummers. The black rubber handle ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to play for extended periods without discomfort. With over 100 wires, these brushes offer a rich sound texture that enhances your drumming experience. Additionally, a rubber ring is supplied to modify the sound, giving you the flexibility to achieve the perfect tone for your music. This makes the brushes an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

What We Like
Comfortable rubber handle
Versatile sound modification
Over 100 wires
Poly bristle nylon construction
#TOP 5

Meinl Nylon Drum Brush SB303 Features

Meinl Nylon Drum Brush SB303 Features Cover
Meinl Fixed Nylon Brush - Stick & Brush (SB303)

The Meinl Brush SB303 is designed for drummers seeking versatility and quality. Made from durable nylon, it offers a robust feel while maintaining a lightweight structure, making it easy for you to play for extended periods. With a diameter of 16mm, it provides a comfortable grip, allowing for precise control over your strokes. Measuring 380mm in length, this brush is perfect for various playing styles, offering excellent reach and flexibility. Plus, being made in Germany ensures superior craftsmanship and reliability for your drumming needs.

What We Like
Durable nylon material
Comfortable 16mm diameter
Long 380mm length
High-quality German craftsmanship
#TOP 6

Meinl Standard Cajon Stick & Brush Black

SB305
Black
Einheitsgröße
Meinl Standard Cajon Stick & Brush Black Cover
Meinl Standard Cajon Stick & Brush Brush (SB305),Black

The Meinl Cajon Stick & Brush offers a robust design made from durable nylon. With a diameter of 22 mm, it provides a comfortable grip for extended play. Measuring 358 mm in length, it is easy to handle and manoeuvre, allowing you to create various sounds effortlessly. Proudly made in the USA, this product ensures high-quality craftsmanship, enhancing your drumming experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these features will help you achieve the desired sound with ease.

What We Like
Robust nylon material
Comfortable 22 mm diameter
Easy to handle length
High-quality USA craftsmanship
#TOP 7

Vic Firth Jazz Drum Brushes with Adjustable Spread

Natural
Vic Firth Jazz Drum Brushes with Adjustable Spread Cover
Vic FIrth - Jazz Drum Brushes - Retractable - Heavy Gauge Wire - White Plastic Handle

The Vic Firth Jazz Brushes are a versatile choice for drummers. Their retractable wire design allows you to adjust the brush spread infinitely, giving you control over your playing style. The medium gauge wire ensures excellent sound quality and coverage, making these brushes suitable for various musical genres. You can easily maintain your preferred playing position, enhancing your overall performance. With these brushes, you can expect a great all-around drumming experience that caters to your needs.

What We Like
Versatile for different styles
Infinitely adjustable brush spread
Excellent sound quality
Easy to maintain playing position
#TOP 8

byou Retractable Drum Brushes with Bag

byou Retractable Drum Brushes with Bag Cover
byou Drum Brushes,Drum Sticks Brush Retractable Wire Percussion Brushes with Comfortable Rubber Handles and Storage Bag for Jazz Folk Music 1 Pair

The byou Drum Brushes are an excellent gift for both children and adults who love music. Their retractable design allows you to adjust the volume and articulation, making them suitable for professional drummers as well as beginners. With a long and thick handle, you can enjoy a comfortable grip during use. Additionally, the brushes come with a convenient loop for easy hanging, saving space when not in use. Their portability makes them ideal for musicians on the go.

What We Like
Comfortable rubber handles
Retractable for better sound
Space-saving design
Great for all skill levels
Includes storage bag
#TOP 9

Vater VBSW Wire Tap Brushes with Rubber Handle

VBSW
Black
Vater VBSW Wire Tap Brushes with Rubber Handle Cover
Vater Drumsticks VBSW - Wire Tap Brushes - Wire Tap Sweep - Retractable - Rubber Handle

The Vater Wire Tap Brushes are expertly crafted in the USA for performance and durability, making them perfect for both professionals and enthusiasts. Their retractable design, without a pull-rod, allows for easy storage in your stick bag, ensuring they are always ready when you need them. The rubber grip handle offers comfortable control while playing, enhancing your overall experience. Additionally, the rubber butt end cap is ideal for creating soft cymbal swells, giving you greater versatility in your drumming.

What We Like
Durable construction for longevity
Retractable for easy storage
Comfortable rubber grip handle
Versatile for cymbal swells
#TOP 10

Pangda Retractable Wire Drum Brushes

ZH-117
black, silver
Pangda Retractable Wire Drum Brushes Cover
1 Pair Drum Brushes Retractable Wire Brushes Drums Drum Sticks Brush with Comfortable Rubber Handles

The Pangda Drum Brushes come as a pair and feature a comfortable rubber handle, measuring 12.6 inches in total length. The wire bristles can be retracted, allowing you to adjust for greater volume and articulation, which is ideal whether you are a professional drummer or just starting out. The sturdy design includes a durable metal loop end, making them convenient for storage and transport. Additionally, the brushes come with a black velvet drawstring bag, ensuring easy carrying and keeping your brushes safe.

What We Like
Comfortable rubber grip
Retractable for volume control
Includes storage bag
Durable construction
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are drum brushes used for?

Drum brushes (or brooms) are most often used in softer music styles or songs, which is why they work so well in jazz music. That doesn't mean a jazz drummer gets to have all of the fun, or is limited to only using brushes.

2. What are the drum brushes called?

Some mallets, such as vibraphone mallets, are normally just called mallets, others have more specialized names including: Drum sticks, of many types, some used with a wide variety of instruments,. Rutes, used with many instruments.

3. How do I choose a drum brush?

Brushes with plastic handles are more lightweight, while the ones with rubber handles offer better grip. Those with wooden handles are great for drummers who want to feel the weight of traditional sticks in their hands. Those with plastic and rubber handles are better for players who want something lighter.

4. How long do drum brushes last?

If you're hoping for a cut and dry answer to how often your drum sticks should be replaced, there isn't one. Some drummers replace their drum sticks once a week, while others can go for months without replacing. In most cases, drummers use their drum sticks until they break or splinter.

Editor's Notes

During our drum brush research, we found 68 drum brush products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,853 customer reviews through our big data system to write the drum brushes list. We found that most customers choose drum brushes with an average price of £18.77.

The drum brushes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of drum brushes, including Vic Firth, Meinl Stick & Brush, Musiclily, Stagg, byou.

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.