Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals Under $800 2025

Affordable 13" hi-hat cymbals under $800 - great value without compromising quality

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

Zildjian 13" K-Series Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zildjian 13" K-Series Hi-Hat

Studio Work Jazz Medium Dynamics
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
  • • Great balance of control and projection
  • • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
  • • May not cut through loud arrangements
  • • May lack power for heavy rock

Zildjian 13" K-Series Hi-HatHi-hatFrom the K SeriesRegular finishDeep and full "chick" toneQuick...

4.7/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Paiste 13" Signature Dark Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Paiste 13" Signature Dark Hi-Hat

Medium Dynamics R&B Fusion
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
  • • Excellent for medium dynamics
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 14"
  • • Less common size, fewer options

Paiste 13" Signature Dark Hi-HatDark Crisp Hi-HatSize: 13"Universally applicableSoftdeep toneControlled...

4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Zildjian 13,7/14 K-Custom Session HiHat - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Zildjian 13,7/14 K-Custom Session HiHat

Medium Dynamics Fusion Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Great balance of control and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Great balance of control and projection
  • • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy rock
  • • Limited availability compared to 14"

Zildjian 137/14 K-Custom Session Hi-Hat13.7" / 14" Session Hi-HatsUnique hi-hatsModelled on the personal...

4.5/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Zildjian 13" K-Series/A Dyno Beat HH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Zildjian 13" K-Series/A Dyno Beat HH

R&B Jazz Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio standard
  • • Good stick definition and foot chick
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 14"
  • • May not cut through loud arrangements

Zildjian 13" K-Series/A Dyno Beat HHCombined Hi-Hat CymbalsSize: 13"Traditional finishDyno Beat hi-hat...

4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Sabian 13" HHX Evolution Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sabian 13" HHX Evolution Hi-Hat

R&B Jazz Medium Dynamics
Key Feature:
• Excellent for medium dynamics
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
  • • Great balance of control and projection
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy rock
  • • Can sound thin in some applications

Sabian 13" HHX Evolution Hi-HatHi-HatSeries: HHXSize: 13"Evolution hi-hatBrilliant finishBright and clear...

4.5/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10

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.

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