AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms Under $300 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
Shell Material
Most in this range will be poplar or birch ply. Poplar tends to be warmer, rounder, and a little less articulate; birch ply will offer a bit more 'crack' and projection, but can sometimes sound a little sterile without proper dampening.
Bearing Edge
A sharper, more consistent bearing edge translates to more sustain and a more focused fundamental tone. This is where cheaper toms often fall short - inconsistent edges lead to muddy, undefined sounds.
Hardware
Let's be real, the hardware on budget toms is usually the first thing to go. Expect lighter weight, less robust mounting systems, and potentially flimsier legs. It's not a deal-breaker, but be prepared to potentially upgrade later.
Finish
The finish is purely aesthetic, but it affects the tom's resonance. Thicker, heavily lacquered finishes will dampen the vibrations slightly, while thinner, more open finishes will let the drum breathe more. Expect basic finishes at this price point.
Tuning Range
A well-constructed tom should be tunable across a decent range without sounding like a trash can. Look for a drum that responds well to both lower, warmer tunings and higher, more focused tones.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a 13" tom and you're not looking to drain your bank account? Smart move. That little tom can really fill out a kit, especially in smaller spaces or for tighter, funkier grooves. We're focusing on under $300 - it's a tight budget, but we can find some gems that'll actually sound good and hold up to gigging.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect perfection. The biggest corner that gets cut is usually in the hardware and bearing edges.
Listen for a clear, fundamental tone - avoid anything that sounds overly muddy or 'boxy.' If you're serious about the sound, consider saving up a bit more or looking for used options.
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
Can I realistically expect a 13" tom under $300 to sound as good as a $500 tom?
No, but you can get surprisingly close. You'll notice the difference in hardware quality and potentially a slightly less refined tone, but with careful tuning and dampening, you can make a budget tom sound very respectable.
What's the difference between poplar and birch ply in a 13" tom?
Poplar is warmer and more forgiving, good for a 'thud' or 'thump.' Birch ply is brighter and more articulate, better for cutting through a mix, but requires more careful tuning to avoid harshness.
How important is the bearing edge?
Very important. A poorly machined bearing edge will kill sustain and create unwanted overtones. Listen carefully for a consistent, clean edge when you can.
I'm a beginner - does it really matter which 13" tom I choose?
It does! Even a beginner can appreciate a drum that responds well and sounds good. It'll make practicing more enjoyable and help you develop better technique.
Can I upgrade the hardware later?
Absolutely. The hardware is often the weakest link on budget toms, so swapping out the legs or mounting system can significantly improve the drum's functionality and durability.
