Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals Under $500 2025

Affordable 13" hi-hat cymbals under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Fusion For R&B For Gospel For Studio Work For Medium Dynamics

BRANDS: Zultan Zildjian Meinl

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Hi-Hat Sultan Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Hi-Hat Sultan Series

by Istanbul Mehmet

Jazz Studio Work R&B

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Excellent for medium dynamics
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 14"
• May not cut through loud arrangements

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Hi-Hat Sultan Series13" hi-hat cymbalSultan seriesSound: defineddarkvery warm and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 312028

$402

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Istanbul Agop 13" Agop Signature Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 13" Agop Signature Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Studio Work Jazz Gospel

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

• Great balance of control and projection
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

• May not cut through loud arrangements
• Can sound thin in some applications

Istanbul Agop 13" Agop Signature Hi-HatHi-HatSize: 13"Agop Signature SeriesB20 BronzeHand-hammeredDry stick...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 527933

$488

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Meinl 13" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 13" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat

by Meinl

Medium Dynamics Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Good stick definition and foot chick

✗ CONS

• Less common size, fewer options
• Limited availability compared to 14"

Meinl 13" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat13" Extra dry medium hi-hatExtra dry (natural) finishVery dryearthy sound...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 223535

$494

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Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Hi-Hat Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Hi-Hat Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop

Studio Work Jazz Gospel

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Less common size, fewer options
• May not cut through loud arrangements

Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Hi-Hat BrilliantHi-hat cymbalSize: 13"Agop Xist seriesBrillant editionMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 265124

$306

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Meinl 13" Byzance Hi-Hat Medium - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 13" Byzance Hi-Hat Medium

by Meinl

Fusion R&B Medium Dynamics

Key Feature:

• Excellent for medium dynamics

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 14"
• May lack power for heavy rock

Meinl 13" Byzance Hi-Hat MediumHi-hat cymbalSize 13"Traditional designMedium hi-hatSeries: ByzanceCymbals are...

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 167211

$483

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Meinl 13" Byzance Serpents Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 13" Byzance Serpents Hi-Hat

by Meinl

R&B Medium Dynamics Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great balance of control and projection

✓ PROS

• Great balance of control and projection
• Excellent for medium dynamics

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy rock
• Limited availability compared to 14"

Meinl 13" Byzance Serpents Hi-HatHi-HatSize: 13"Derek Roddy SignatureBrilliant designDifferent designs for...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 278559

$483

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Istanbul Mehmet 13" Medium Hi-Hat Turk Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Medium Hi-Hat Turk Series

by Istanbul Mehmet

R&B Medium Dynamics Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Excellent for medium dynamics

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Great balance of control and projection

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 14"
• Less common size, fewer options

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Medium Hi-Hat Turk Series13" Medium Hi-HatTurk seriesDry and dark accentuated stick...

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 311540

$403

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Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat

by Meinl

R&B Jazz Gospel

Key Feature:

• Excellent for medium dynamics

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Great balance of control and projection

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 14"
• Less common size, fewer options

Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-HatDark Hi-Hat CymbalSize: 13"Byzance SeriesDark (natural/earthy) finishVery...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 225840

$488

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Zildjian 13" A-Series New Beat Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 13" A-Series New Beat Hi-Hat

by Zildjian

Gospel Studio Work Fusion

Key Feature:

• Excellent for medium dynamics

✓ PROS

• Great balance of control and projection
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• May not cut through loud arrangements
• Less common size, fewer options

Zildjian 13" A-Series New Beat Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 13"New beat modelRegular designProcesses all stock...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 149251

$439

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Istanbul Mehmet 13" Light Hi-Hat Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Light Hi-Hat Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Medium Dynamics Gospel Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great balance of control and projection

✓ PROS

• Good stick definition and foot chick
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy rock
• Less common size, fewer options

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Light Hi-Hat Traditional13" light hi-hatTraditional seriesRegular designDynamic spectrum...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 311948

$403

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Istanbul Agop 13" Mel Lewis Sign.1982 Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 13" Mel Lewis Sign.1982 Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Fusion Medium Dynamics R&B

Key Feature:

• Great balance of control and projection

✓ PROS

• Good stick definition and foot chick
• Excellent for medium dynamics

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 14"
• May not cut through loud arrangements

Istanbul Agop 13" Mel Lewis Sign.1982 Hi-Hat, Hi-Hat Cymbal, Size: 13", Mel Lewis Signature Model, Classic...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 382975

$461

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Meinl 13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat

by Meinl

Gospel Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Good stick definition and foot chick

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy rock
• May not cut through loud arrangements

Meinl 13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat13" Jazz Thin hi-hatByzance SeriesJazz versionExceptionally lightweight...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 223647

$461

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Paiste 2002 Classic 13" Sound Edge HH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 2002 Classic 13" Sound Edge HH

by Paiste

Medium Dynamics R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great balance of control and projection

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Excellent for medium dynamics

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 14"
• Can sound thin in some applications

Paiste 2002 Classic 13" Sound Edge HH13" hi-hat sound edgeMedium brightfullbrilliant hi-hatExtremeresponsive...

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 194949

$428

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Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Dry Dark Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Dry Dark Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Studio Work Jazz Medium Dynamics

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Excellent for medium dynamics

✗ CONS

• Can sound thin in some applications
• Less common size, fewer options

Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Dry Dark Hi-HatHi-HatSize: 13"Xist Dry Dark SeriesB20 BronzeHand-hammeredShort trashy...

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 474220

$306

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Ufip 13" Class Series Hi-Hat Medium - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Ufip 13" Class Series Hi-Hat Medium

by Ufip

Gospel Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Good stick definition and foot chick
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 14"
• Can sound thin in some applications

Ufip 13" Class Series Hi-Hat MediumHi-hat cymbalSize: 13"Class seriesMediumThe UFIP Class Series always has...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 201867

$351

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How to Choose the Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 13" hi-hat cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals Under $500 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Hi-Hat Sultan Series

Istanbul Agop 13" Agop Signature Hi-Hat

Meinl 13" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Hi-Hat Brilliant

Meinl 13" Byzance Hi-Hat Medium

Meinl 13" Byzance Serpents Hi-Hat

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Medium Hi-Hat Turk Series

Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat

Zildjian 13" A-Series New Beat Hi-Hat

Istanbul Mehmet 13" Light Hi-Hat Traditional

Istanbul Agop 13" Mel Lewis Sign.1982 Hi-Hat

Meinl 13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat

Paiste 2002 Classic 13" Sound Edge HH

Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Dry Dark Hi-Hat

Ufip 13" Class Series Hi-Hat Medium

How to Choose the Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 13" hi-hat cymbals?

How much should I spend on 13" hi-hat cymbals?

Are expensive 13" hi-hat cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 13" hi-hat cymbals?

Should I buy 13" hi-hat cymbals online or in-store?

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