AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms Under $800 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. Yamaha 13"x09" Recording Custom SOB leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models across 6 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.
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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 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 6-ply birch shell and a glossy black finish. It comes with the Y.E.S.S. System for mounting, and it has Remo Ambassador heads on both sides. It suits you if you want a small tom with a sleek black look for your kit.
Pros
- Shell is 100% birch, a classic material for toms
- 6-ply shell adds strength to the drum
- High gloss lacquer finish in Solid Black (SOB)
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$736 now$736€659 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 ↗
All 13 13" toms
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
13" Toms by the numbers
Measured across all 28 models we track, not a sample.
Median $189 — half of all 13" toms here cost less.
median of 28 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" toms
Tone
We're looking for a balance - not too boxy, not too thin. A good 13" tom should have some body, but primarily deliver that cutting, articulate crack that cuts through the mix, especially with a snare. Expect a darker, rounder tone than a 10" or 12", but it shouldn't lose all its high-end sparkle.
Shell Construction & Material
This price range usually means poplar, birch, or maple shells, or some combination. Poplar is often the budget choice, giving you a warmer, more fundamental tone but can lack sustain. Birch tends to be more focused and punchy. Maple offers a more complex, resonant sound, but you'll likely see thinner plies.
Hardware Quality
Let's be real, the lugs, hoops, and mounting hardware are often the first things to fail. We're assessing the build quality - are the lugs secure? Do the mounting brackets feel flimsy? Will they rattle on stage? Solid hardware is worth the investment.
Bearing Edges
These dramatically affect sustain and overtones. Sharper bearing edges generally mean more sustain and more complex overtones, but can also be harder to control. Rounded edges will dampen the sound, giving a more focused, controlled tone. Expect less refined bearing edges at this price point.
Finish & Aesthetics
This is purely subjective, but a decent finish can elevate the overall feel of the drum. We're not expecting exotic lacquer, but a consistent, well-applied finish is a sign of attention to detail - something that often translates to better build quality overall.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a 13" tom and you're not trying to drain your bank account? Smart move. These little guys are crucial for that high-midrange crack and fill, especially if you're playing anything beyond basic rock beats. Finding a 13" that sounds good, gig-worthy, and doesn't leave you eating ramen for a month takes some digging, but we've done the legwork.
At this budget, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect the same level of refinement as a thousand-dollar tom. Hardware will be the most likely area to show cost-cutting - check those lugs!
Shell thickness will also be thinner, meaning less sustain and more sensitivity to hitting variations. Focus on the tone - does it cut through the mix? Does it feel good in your hands?
Those are the things that matter.
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 28 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
What's the difference between poplar and birch 13" toms?
Poplar is warmer and more fundamental, good for a vintage vibe but can lack projection. Birch is punchier and more focused, cutting through the mix better - a solid all-around choice.
Can I use a 13" tom as a floor tom?
Technically, yes, but it'll be a very high-pitched floor tom. It's not ideal - a 16" or 18" floor tom will give you that low-end thump you need. But if space is tight, it's a workable compromise.
What about used toms? Are they a good option?
Absolutely! You can often find higher-end toms in the used market within this budget. Just be sure to check the hardware for wear and tear, and listen for any cracks or damage.
What kind of drumheads should I use?
Generally, a coated single-ply head will give you the most articulate, cutting tone. But experiment! Different head types will drastically change the tom's character. Don't be afraid to try different brands and thicknesses.
My 13" tom sounds muddy. What can I do?
Check your tuning! Often, a slightly higher tuning can tighten up the sound and reduce muddiness. Also, consider dampening the head with a small amount of Moongel or a drum dampener to control overtones.
