AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals Under $200 2026
The top pick is Meinl 13" HCS Hi-Hat (Pair) ($99). Millenium 13" Still Series Hi-Hat reg. gives you the most for the money at $66. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size13"
This is a 13 inch hi-hat from Meinl's HCS Series, which is aimed at beginners. You get a medium weight cymbal made from MS63 blend, and the maker describes its sound as an open hi-hat tone. It's a fair pick if you want a versatile first hi-hat without spending much.
Pros
- Part of Meinl's HCS Series, a cymbal line made for beginners
- Medium weight range suits a versatile range of playing
- Made from an MS63 blend, a named alloy
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- Size13"
If you want a hi-hat that is easy to play, this one is worth a look. It is made of brass and has a soft, controllable chick tone, so you can keep your closed hits under control. The open tone is bright and controlled, which makes it a good fit for players who work across many different styles.
Pros
- Made of brass, a classic material for hi-hat cymbals
- Medium bright, clear, full sounding tone from the Paiste Sound Technology Series
- Balanced, even playing feel that suits many styles
Cons
- Its narrow, clear frequency range may not suit players who want a very wide sound
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Paiste 13" 101 Brass Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
13" 101 Hi-Hat · Paiste
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
This is a 13 inch hi-hat from Paiste's 101 Series, made of brass. You get a broad, full and controlled open sound, with a mature, defined and bright tone. The maker says it suits all styles, so it's a good pick if you want one hi-hat that can cover a lot of music.
Pros
- Part of Paiste's 101 Series, a line built for this hi-hat
- Made of brass, a material the maker names for this cymbal
- Gives a broad, full and controlled open sound
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Meinl 13" HCS Bronze Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
13" HCS Bronze Hi-Hat · Meinl
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
This German-made hi-hat uses traditional B8 bronze for a bright, clear sound with balanced sustain. It's a solid choice for players who want traditional tone without extra fluff.
Pros
- Uses traditional B8 bronze material for solid sound
- Made in Germany ensures consistent quality control
- Delivers bright and clear tone for cutting power
Cons
- No specific weight distribution details provided
- Lacks stated thickness or gauge information
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- Size13"
These Millenium Still hi-hats are a solid choice for drummers prioritizing quiet practice or unplugged gigs. They deliver a surprisingly authentic feel while drastically reducing volume – perfect for apartment dwellers or rehearsal spaces needing to keep it down. Don't expect a bright, shimmering sound, but for what they are, they're impressively functional.
Pros
- Nickel construction offers a warmer, more controlled initial attack.
- The 'Still' design significantly dampens volume for quiet practice.
- Regular finish provides a consistent, usable sound without excessive brightness.
Cons
- Nickel cymbals lack the sustain and complexity of bronze alternatives.
- The dampened sound limits their suitability for louder, more dynamic playing.
64AudioFu
Index↓ 14.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$77 · Aug 17$66 now$66€59 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
The Zultan Aja 13-inch hi-hats are a solid choice for drummers seeking a bright, articulate sound without spending a fortune. They're great for funk, jazz, or any style where you want a defined 'chick' and a quick response; not so much for heavy rock or metal where a darker, washy tone is preferred. A really good value for the money.
Pros
- High-grade bronze alloy delivers a bright, cutting initial attack.
- 13-inch size provides a tighter, more controlled 'chick' sound.
- Zultan’s B20 bronze blend offers a unique tonal complexity.
Cons
- Lacks the sustain and wash of higher-end, thinner hi-hats.
- May not be ideal for heavier hitters or genres requiring a darker sound.
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- Size13"
These Masterwork Troy Traditional hi-hats are a fantastic option if you're chasing a vintage, organic hi-hat sound. They're beautifully crafted with a quick action and a lovely trashy chick, making them perfect for jazz, blues, and classic rock players who appreciate a more nuanced and expressive feel.
Pros
- B25 bronze delivers a warm, complex, and musical response.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced overtones and a lively stick feel.
- The thinner profile provides a quick, trashy chick sound and crisp pedal response.
Cons
- The lighter weight might feel unstable for heavier hitters or louder styles.
- Traditional finish requires more careful maintenance to prevent oxidation.
63AudioFu
Index↓ 5.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$195 · Aug 17$184 now$184€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
These Zultan Dark Matter hi-hats are a fantastic option if you're after a sophisticated, warm sound with a lot of musicality. They’re surprisingly responsive and cut through well without being overly bright – perfect for jazz, funk, or anyone wanting a more vintage-inspired hi-hat tone. A real step up from entry-level cymbals without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Zultan's B20 Bronze alloy delivers a uniquely complex, musical wash.
- The 'Dark Matter' lathing provides excellent stick definition and control.
- The medium weight offers a good balance of crispness and wash versatility.
Cons
- Darker hi-hats generally lack the bright, cutting sizzle some players prefer.
- Zultan's reputation is still building; long-term durability remains to be fully seen.
13" Hi-Hat Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 8 models we track, not a sample.
Median $99 — half of all 13" hi-hat cymbals here cost less.
median of 8 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" hi-hat cymbals
Stick Response
This is key. You want a hat that reacts quickly and cleanly to your stick, especially at lower volumes. Sloppy response just sounds muddy and feels unresponsive - a real killer in a quiet jazz gig.
Wash Control
A cheap hat often has a lot of unwanted wash, meaning a blurry, undefined sound when your foot's down. Good wash control lets you get a crisp 'chick' sound and a clean pedal response, vital for ghost notes and subtle dynamics.
Sustain
Don't expect endless sustain like a crash cymbal, but a little sustain is important for that shimmering quality. Zero sustain just sounds...dead. Too much and it's probably poorly lathed and will ring unpleasantly.
Weight & Feel
Lighter hats tend to be more responsive, while heavier ones offer more power. Finding the right weight for your playing style is crucial. Too light and they'll feel flimsy; too heavy and they'll be a workout.
Overall Build Quality
Let's be real, under $200, you're looking at bronze alloys, not B20. Watch for uneven lathing, warping, or cracks - signs of rushed manufacturing that'll shorten their lifespan and impact their sound.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're after a 13" hi-hat setup but your wallet's feeling a little thin? I get it. They're not the most common size anymore, but a tight, crisp 13" can really cut through a dense mix, especially for jazz, funk, or even just a tighter rock groove. Finding a good one under $200 is doable, but you gotta know what to look for - it's a trade-off game, no doubt.
At this price point, expect some compromises. The bronze alloy will likely be a B8 or a similar blend, meaning less complexity in the overtones. The lathing might not be as precise, leading to a slightly less refined sound.
But, you can still find hats that are responsive and musical - just manage your expectations. Don't get hung up on looks; focus on how it feels and sounds when you hit it.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 8 13" hi-hat cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 13" hi-hats really worth it compared to 14"?
They offer a tighter, more controlled sound, excellent for quieter genres or if you want a more articulate feel. 14" hats are more common for a reason - they're versatile - but 13" offer a unique sonic character.
What's the difference between B8 and B10 bronze alloys?
B10 is a higher-quality bronze alloy with more tin content, generally resulting in a richer, more complex tone. B8 is more common in budget cymbals and will sound a bit brighter and less nuanced. The difference is noticeable, but not always worth the extra cost at this price range.
Can I realistically expect a vintage sound for under $200?
No. Vintage cymbals have a patina and hammering that's impossible to replicate cheaply. You can get a taste of that vintage vibe with careful playing and dampening, but don't go in expecting a K Zildjian.
Are used cymbals a good option?
Absolutely! You can often find higher-end used hats in your budget. Just inspect carefully for cracks or excessive wear. A little tarnishing is fine; a crack isn't.
What if I need a top and bottom hat? Can I still stay under $200?
It's tight, but possible. You'll likely be looking at a package deal or a brand known for value. Be prepared to compromise on the overall quality compared to buying them separately.
