AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals Under $300 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. Sabian 13" B8X Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair) leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 18 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 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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Zildjian 13" I Family Hi-Hat Cymbal (Pair)
13" I Family Hi-Hat · Zildjian
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
You get a 13" traditional hi-hat made of B8 bronze, part of Zildjian's I Family Series. It has a bright, defined chick sound, so it's a good fit if you want a hi-hat that sounds clear and crisp when the top and bottom come together. Its medium-thin top and medium bottom weights make it a solid pick for drummers who want a steady, everyday hi-hat.
Pros
- Made from B8 bronze, a material used for cymbals
- Traditional version with a bright and defined chick sound
- Part of Zildjian's I Family Series
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$218 now$218€195 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13-inch hi-hat made from B8 bronze, the alloy used in the well-known Sabian B8 series that it succeeds. You get a hammered bell, a natural finish, and a medium strength, so it can work for many playing styles. If you want a hi-hat with a proven alloy behind it and a warm, complex sound, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made from B8 bronze, the alloy of the popular Sabian B8 series
- Hammered bell gives it a distinct look and character
- Medium strength suits a range of playing styles
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$278 now$278€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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"
The Zultan Mellow 13” hi-hats are a seriously clever bit of kit. They’ve managed to dial back the volume significantly without sacrificing that authentic hi-hat feel – the rebound is spot on. Perfect for gigging musicians needing to be mindful of volume or those wanting a quieter practice option, these are a great solution.
Pros
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex tone with good sustain.
- Significant volume reduction (up to 30%) ideal for quieter environments.
- Hand-hammered construction ensures consistent response and realistic feel.
Cons
- Mellow sound may lack the aggressive sizzle some drummers prefer.
- While versatile, its quieter nature limits its suitability for very loud stages.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$267 now$267€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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"
The Zultan 13' Raw Hi-Hats are a seriously cool option for drummers seeking a darker, more controlled sound. They’re fantastic for jazz, funk, and anything needing a nuanced, earthy feel without excessive wash – a great choice for players wanting a unique voice without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced stick definition and musicality.
- Raw finish minimizes overtones for a controlled, dry sound.
Cons
- Raw finish may require more frequent cleaning to prevent oxidation.
- Limited versatility; not ideal for very bright or splashy playing styles.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$233 now$233€209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 18 13" hi-hat cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Zultan 13" Rock Beat Hi-Hat MediumZultan64Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 12
Meinl 13" Classics Custom Dark HHMeinl64Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 13
Zultan 13" Caz Hi-HatZultan64Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 14
Zultan 13" Heritage Hi-HatZultan64Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 15
Masterwork 13" Troy Traditional Hi-HatMasterwork63↓ 5.7%$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 16
Zultan 13" Hi-Hat Medium Dark MatterZultan61↑ 5.9%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 17
Masterwork 13" Custom Hi-HatMasterwork61Stable$229€205$229€205Check ↗
- 18
Masterwork 13" Resonant Hi-HatMasterwork61Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
13" Hi-Hat Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 18 models we track, not a sample.
Median $229 — half of all 13" hi-hat cymbals here cost less.
median of 18 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" hi-hat cymbals
Sound/Articulation
It's not just about 'tone'; it's about how clearly the hats articulate different strokes. Do they respond well to ghost notes? Can you get a crisp, tight chick? This is crucial for modern and vintage styles alike.
Feel/Action
The weight, stick response, and overall feel dictate how comfortable you are playing. A hat that's too stiff will kill your flow, while one that's too floppy will feel uncontrolled. Finding the right balance is key.
Sustain/Cut
13" hats inherently have less sustain than larger sizes. We're looking for hats that still have enough 'cut' to be heard in a band setting, without sounding harsh or brittle - that sweet spot between presence and clarity.
Construction/Durability
Let's be real, under $300, you're not getting heirloom-quality bronze. We're assessing the lathing, the hammering, and the overall build to see how long these hats will last with regular gigging.
Wash/Overtones
A lot of cheaper cymbals suffer from unwanted overtones and a muddy wash. We're listening for hats that have a relatively clean fundamental tone, even if they're not perfectly refined.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for 13" hi-hats and you're trying to be smart about it - good on you. These smaller hats are fantastic for tighter grooves, more articulate playing, and that vintage vibe, but they don't need to break the bank. Finding a pair that cuts through the mix without sounding brittle or thin under $300 is possible, and we're going to break down the best options we've found.
At this price point, expect some trade-offs. You're probably looking at B20 bronze or alloy blends, which won't have the complexity of full B20 bronze. The lathing might be a little less precise, meaning you might hear some more unwanted overtones.
Focus on finding a pair that feels good and offers a usable sound - don't expect perfection. Spending a little more often gets you better hammering and more consistent weight distribution, which really impacts the feel and response.
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 18 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 alloy hi-hats 'bad'?
Not necessarily. Alloys can be surprisingly responsive and offer a unique character. They're often brighter and more cutting than bronze, which can be a plus in certain situations. Just be aware they won't have the same warm complexity as bronze.
What's the difference between B8 and B20 bronze?
B8 is a bronze alloy, but with a higher percentage of tin. B20 is a higher-quality bronze blend with more copper, resulting in a warmer, more complex tone. B20s are generally more expensive, and the tonal difference is noticeable.
I play loud - will 13" hats be enough?
It depends. If you're playing in a metal band, you might struggle. But for most rock, pop, or funk gigs, a well-chosen pair of 13" hats can cut through just fine. Focus on finding a pair with good projection and a bright, articulate sound.
Can I upgrade the sleeves on these hats?
Potentially, but it's a fiddly process and the gains are often minimal. The sleeves are integral to the hat's sound and feel; replacing them won't magically transform the cymbal. Better to find a pair you like from the start.
What's the deal with 'top' and 'bottom' hats?
Most 13" hi-hats are designed to be used as a pair. While there might be subtle differences, don't get hung up on them. Just make sure they're close in weight and pitch.
