AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals Under $500 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. Zildjian 13" A Series New Beat Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair) leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 28 models across 10 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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Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Brilliant Hi-Hat (Pair)
13" Xist Hi-Hat Brilliant · Istanbul Agop
20 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
You get a 13-inch hi-hat pair from the Agop Xist series, made of B20 bronze with a brilliant finish. The maker describes its sound as high-resolution, clear and always assertive, so it fits you if you want a cymbal that stands out. Its medium weight suits players who want a balanced feel.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, which is 80% copper and 20% tin
- Medium-weighted pair, a balanced choice for many players
- Brilliant edition finish from the Agop Xist series
90AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$334 now$334€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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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Zildjian 13" A Series New Beat Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
13" A-Series New Beat Hi-Hat · Zildjian
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
These 13-inch A-Series New Beat hi-hats are a fantastic choice for players seeking a modern, articulate sound with a touch of warmth. They’re ideal for funk, R&B, and contemporary pop where a clean, defined hi-hat sound is key—not so much for the vintage, wash-heavy vibe.
Pros
- Bright, shimmering stick sound with excellent articulation
- The 'New Beat' voicing offers a modern, crisp response
- A-Series bronze provides a warm, controlled sustain
Cons
- Can be overly bright for very vintage or mellow playing styles
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for beginners
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$468 now$468€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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 ↗
All 28 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" Aja Hi-HatZultan64Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 12
Zultan 13" Raw Hi-HatZultan64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 13
Zultan 13" Rock Beat Hi-Hat MediumZultan64Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 14
Meinl 13" Classics Custom Dark HHMeinl64Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 15
Zultan 13" Caz Hi-HatZultan64Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 16
Zultan 13" Heritage Hi-HatZultan64Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 17
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Traditional Series Light Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Light Hi-Hat Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet64Stable$454€407$454€407Check ↗
- 18
Masterwork 13" Troy Traditional Hi-HatMasterwork63↓ 5.7%$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 19
Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Dry Dark Hi-HatIstanbul Agop62Stable$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 20
Paiste 2002 Classic 13" Sound Edge HHPaiste62Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 21
Istanbul Agop 13" Mel Lewis Sign.1982 Hi-HatIstanbul Agop62Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 22
Zultan 13" Hi-Hat Medium Dark MatterZultan61↑ 5.9%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 23
Masterwork 13" Custom Hi-HatMasterwork61Stable$229€205$229€205Check ↗
- 24
Masterwork 13" Resonant Hi-HatMasterwork61Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 25
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Sultan Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Hi-Hat Sultan Series · Istanbul Mehmet59Stable$452€405$452€405Check ↗
- 26
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Turk Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Medium Hi-Hat Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet59Stable$454€407$454€407Check ↗
- 27
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Legend Dark Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Legend Hi-Hat · Istanbul Mehmet59Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 28
Ufip 13" Class Series Hi-Hat MediumUfip58Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
13" Hi-Hat Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 28 models we track, not a sample.
Median $267 — half of all 13" hi-hat cymbals here cost less.
median of 28 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" hi-hat cymbals
Sound Character
This isn't just "bright" or "dark." We're looking for nuanced tones - that shimmering stick definition, a controlled wash, and a little bit of complexity. Cheap hats often sound thin and one-dimensional. You want something that responds to your dynamics.
Stick Definition & Articulation
Can you hear every nuance of your stick technique? A good hi-hat pair should give you crisp, clear articulation, not a muddy, undefined sound. This is crucial for quiet passages and intricate patterns.
Wash & Sustain
The wash is that airy, shimmering sound you get when you open the hats. It needs to be controlled, not overwhelming. Sustain refers to how long that wash lingers - too little and it's lifeless, too much and it's sloppy.
Feel & Response
This is all about how the hats feel under your sticks. Do they respond quickly and evenly? Are they stiff or floppy? A responsive pair will make your playing feel more fluid and expressive.
Durability & Construction
Let's be real, you're not buying B25s here. Expect some trade-offs. But a well-made pair shouldn't feel flimsy or start cracking after a few gigs. Look for consistent lathing and a decent weight.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're hunting for 13" hi-hats, huh? They're a sweet spot - tighter action, quicker response, perfect for jazz, funk, or just dialing back the volume when you don't need that huge crash. Finding a pair that sounds good and doesn't drain your gig money can be tricky, but it's doable. I've spent years sifting through gear, and I've got some solid recommendations for you in the under $500 range.
At this price point, you're mostly looking at bronze alloy or brass construction. Bronze will generally offer a more complex, nuanced sound, but brass is tougher and often more affordable. Don't expect a huge, long sustain like you'd get with higher-end cymbals - that's a trade-off for the smaller size and lower price.
Listen for a crisp attack and avoid anything that sounds overly dry or brittle.
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 28 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 bronze alloy hats really worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. Bronze tends to have a more complex, nuanced tone that brass often lacks, but the difference isn't always massive. If you're serious about your sound, the extra cash is usually justified. If you're just starting out, brass is a perfectly viable option.
What's the deal with 'medium thin' vs. 'medium' weight?
Generally, 'medium thin' means a quicker, more responsive action, good for lighter playing and intricate patterns. 'Medium' will have a bit more weight and sustain, better for a more driving feel. It's subjective - try to find sound samples before you buy.
Can I realistically expect a pair of hats under $500 to sound as good as Zildjian A Customs?
No. Let's be honest. You're not going to get that same level of refinement and complexity. However, there are plenty of hats in this range that sound really good and will serve you well for gigs and rehearsals. Manage your expectations.
I play a lot of funk. Should I get heavier hats?
Not necessarily. While heavier hats can provide a more defined 'chick' sound, the responsiveness is often sacrificed. For funk, you want something that's responsive and cuts through the mix, even if it's slightly lighter. Experiment to find what feels right for your style.
What about used hi-hats? Is that a good option?
Absolutely! You can often find fantastic deals on used hi-hats. Just be sure to inspect them carefully for cracks or excessive wear. A little bit of stick marks are fine, but avoid anything that looks like it's been through a war.





