AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms Under $500 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. Pearl Crystal Beat 13"x09" Tom #730 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 4 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.
-
- 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 with a seven-ply maple shell in Silver Oyster Pearl. You get Gretsch 302 steel hoops, a low-profile 12.7 mm suspension system, and Remo heads. It suits you if you want a maple tom with a 30° bearing edge and a compact, low-profile mount.
Pros
- Seven-ply maple shell gives this tom a built-up construction
- Foiled shells and a Gretsch Silver Sealer inner shell coating
- 30° bearing edge on the shell
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 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 ↗ -
- Size13"
This Crystal Beat tom is a modern take on a classic Pearl sound. The acrylic shell provides a beautiful, shimmering tone that cuts through a mix, perfect for players seeking a distinctive, articulate voice in their kit—especially great for studio work or situations where you need a focused, cutting tom sound.
Pros
- Seamless acrylic shell delivers a uniquely resonant, shimmering tone
- Optimount system minimizes interference, maximizes shell vibration
- Triple-flanged hoops offer enhanced attack and sustain
Cons
- Acrylic shells are prone to scratching and require careful handling
- The ultra-clear finish shows every imperfection in the drumhead
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
13" Toms by the numbers
Measured across all 25 models we track, not a sample.
Median $189 — half of all 13" toms here cost less.
median of 25 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" toms
Shell Material
Expect poplar, mahogany, or birch blends in this price range. Poplar tends to be warmer, mahogany a bit more focused, and birch brighter - each influencing sustain and overall character. Birch will generally give you the most 'cutting' quality.
Bearing Edge
This is huge. A sharp, consistent bearing edge will translate to a more focused, resonant tone. Many budget toms have rough edges - something to listen for and potentially address yourself later.
Hardware Quality
Don't expect buttery-smooth hardware. Lug placement and stability are more important than fancy features. Look for sturdy mounting points that won't wobble under a decent stick attack.
Finish & Resonant Frequency
The finish impacts the shell's resonance. A thinner, more open-grained finish will let the wood breathe more. Lower resonant frequencies generally mean more 'boom' and warmth, while higher frequencies give you more 'crack' and articulation.
Overall Dynamics
Can the tom respond to subtle stick strokes or does it just blast at a single volume? A good tom should offer a dynamic range - quiet ghost notes to powerful accents - without sounding muffled.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a 13" tom and you're trying to keep things reasonable - smart move. That little tom can really fill out your kit's voice, especially if you're aiming for a Bonham-esque low-end thump or a more articulate, punchy mid-range. Finding a good one under $500 requires a bit of digging, but it's definitely doable. Let's break down what's out there and what to expect.
At this price point, you're trading something. Expect thinner shells, simpler hardware, and potentially a less refined finish. Don't chase 'bright, sparkly clean' - you're more likely to get a thin, brittle tone.
Focus on finding a tom with a pleasing fundamental tone and decent sustain that can be shaped with muffling. If the bearing edge is rough, factor in the cost of having it professionally smoothed.
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 25 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?
Absolutely, but mic placement will be key. You'll want to experiment to find the sweet spot that minimizes any unwanted resonance or boxiness. A good gate can help tame any lingering sustain.
Can I expect a deep, low fundamental tone?
Not always. Many budget toms prioritize articulation over low-end thump. It's more about finding a tom with a balanced tone that sits well in a mix. EQ can help compensate.
What's the deal with 'hybrid' shells?
Hybrid shells are often a way to save money while trying to mimic the tonal qualities of more expensive woods. They're not inherently bad, but be prepared for a less consistent sound across the drum. Listen carefully.
Should I buy a single tom or a whole kit?
If you're just looking for a single tom to fill a gap in your existing kit, a single tom is the way to go. Buying a full kit can sometimes offer better value overall, but make sure the other drums are also decent quality.
What about used toms?
Used toms can be a goldmine! You can often find higher-end models within your budget. Just be sure to inspect the shell for any cracks or damage and check the hardware for wear and tear.
