AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms Under $200 2026
The top pick is DrumCraft Series 6 13"x09" Tom Tom SN ($184). Pearl 13"x09" Export TT G. Silver gives you the most for the money at $155. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models across 3 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"
You get a 13 by 9 inch tom with a maple and walnut shell, a matte lacquered satin natural finish, and a Zero Gravity mount. It suits you if you want a small tom for a compact kit. Check the size before you buy, since it is a smaller drum.
Pros
- Shell is made from maple and walnut, giving a mixed wood build
- Matte lacquered finish in a satin natural colour
- Satin chrome shell hardware gives it a metal finish
64AudioFu
Index↓ 2.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$189 · Aug 17$184 now$184€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
You get a 13 by 9 inch tom with a six-ply shell made of 100% birch wood and a high-gloss black finish. It comes with the Yess Tom Tom mounting system, so you can mount it on your kit with that hardware. This one suits you if you want a small birch tom with a clean black look.
Pros
- Six-ply shell made of 100% birch wood
- High-gloss lacquered finish in Raven Black
- Comes with the Yess Tom Tom mounting system
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom from Yamaha's Stage Custom Birch Series. It has a 6-ply birch shell, a matte lacquer finish in Matte Surf Green, and the Yess Tom Tom mounting system. It suits you if you want a small tom in a matte green look and you plan to use a Yess-style mount.
Pros
- Built with a 6-ply birch shell
- Matte lacquer finish in Matte Surf Green
- Comes with the Yess Tom Tom mounting system
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom from Pearl's Export Series. It has a six-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, with a wrap finish in Graphite Silver Twist. If you want a small tom with a sturdy shell and a silver look that matches the chrome hardware, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Six-ply poplar shell gives a 7.5 mm thick build
- Drum shell has a wrap finish in Graphite Silver Twist
- Chrome-plated shell hardware for a finished look
57AudioFu
Index↓ 4.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$162 · Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
You get a 13 by 9 inch tom with a 6-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, in a metallic amethyst wrap. It comes from Pearl's Export series and has chrome shell hardware, so it suits you if you want a tom in a bold color from a known drum maker. Check that your mount or stand fits a 13 inch tom before you buy.
Pros
- Export series, a line from Pearl
- 6-ply shell built from poplar
- 7.5 mm thick poplar shell
53AudioFu
Index↓ 4.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$162 · Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom with a six-ply poplar shell that is 7.5 mm thick. It comes in a Satin Scarlet wrap finish with chrome shell hardware. It suits you if you want a small tom from Pearl's Export series in a bold colour.
Pros
- Six-ply poplar shell builds the drum from layered wood
- Shell is 7.5 mm thick, giving the drum a sturdy wall
- Satin Scarlet wrap finish covers the shell in one colour
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom from Pearl's Export series. It has a six-layer poplar shell that is 7.5 mm thick, with a jet black wrap finish and chrome-plated hardware. If you want a compact tom for a smaller kit, you will find it a good fit.
Pros
- Six-layer poplar shell gives this tom a built-up construction
- The 7.5 mm shell thickness gives the drum a sturdy body
- Wrap finish on the shell in a jet black colour
Cons
- The 13 by 9 inch size suits smaller kits and tight setups only
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$162 now$162€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom from Pearl's Export series. It has a six-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, with a Midnight Blue wrap finish and chrome hardware. If you want a small tom with a classic blue look, this one is worth a close look.
Pros
- Export series build, made for everyday playing and gigging
- Six-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, for a sturdy shell
- Wrap finish on the shell in Midnight Blue
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$162 now$162€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
13" Toms by the numbers
Measured across all 19 models we track, not a sample.
Median $178 — half of all 13" toms here cost less.
median of 19 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" toms
Overall Tone
At this price, you're not getting a vintage maple warmth. We're looking for a balanced tone, avoiding that ice-picky high end and hoping for at least a hint of low-end thump to sit well with your kick and floor toms.
Shell Construction
Most likely, you're looking at poplar or birch ply. Solid wood shells are a pipe dream here. We're evaluating how well the shells are constructed - are the seams tight? Is there excessive vibration?
Hardware Quality
Let's be real, the hardware won't be bomber. We're checking for functional lugs, a decent hoop tension, and mounting brackets that won't strip easily. It's about reliability, not aesthetics.
Sustain & Articulation
A good tom should sing when you hit it. We're listening for a decent sustain and how well it articulates - can you get a crisp attack or a washier sound depending on your playing style?
Head Compatibility
The stock heads are almost always going to be the first thing you replace. We're considering how the shells respond to different head types - do they sound better with coated heads, or do they need a little extra damping?
Buying guide
Alright, so you need a 13" tom, but your gig budget's tighter than a snare drum head. Believe me, I've been there. Finding a 13" that doesn't sound like a tin can is a challenge at this price point, but it's not impossible. We're looking for something that'll add some meat to your kit, not just rattle around in the mix.
At this budget, expect trade-offs. Shell thickness will be thinner, leading to more resonance and potentially less sustain. Hardware will be basic - don't expect chrome-plated perfection.
Focus on finding a drum that has a fundamentally decent shell - it's easier to improve the sound with better heads and some muffling than it is to fix a bad shell. And seriously, budget for new heads; it's the single biggest upgrade you can make.
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 19 13" toms 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 these toms suitable for recording?
They can be, but you'll likely need to use some creative mic placement and EQ to tame any harshness or boxiness. Don't expect studio-grade tones straight out of the box.
What's the difference between poplar and birch ply?
Poplar tends to be a bit warmer and more resonant, but can be a little less focused. Birch ply is generally brighter and more articulate, but can lack some low-end body. Both are decent choices at this price.
Can I upgrade the hardware?
You can, but it's often more cost-effective to put that money towards better heads and a good-quality drum muffling system. The shell itself is the biggest factor.
Are these toms loud enough for a band?
They'll cut through a rehearsal or smaller gig, but if you're playing with a really loud band, you might need to tune them lower and use more damping to avoid them getting lost in the mix.
What about used toms?
Definitely explore the used market! You might find a higher-end tom (better wood, thicker shell) for the same price. Just inspect the hardware carefully for wear and tear.
