Best 16" China Cymbals Under $100 2025

Affordable 16" china cymbals under $100 - great value without compromising quality

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

Meinl 16" HCS China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Meinl 16" HCS China

Heavy Music Metal Professional
Key Feature:
• Excellent projection in large venues
✓ PROS
  • • Professional power and sustain
  • • Great for heavy rock and metal
✗ CONS
  • • Very loud and potentially overpowering
  • • Can dominate mix if not balanced properly

Meinl 16" HCS ChinaChina CymbalSize: 16"HCS seriesBeginners cymbal seriesCombines quality and valueMS63...

5.0/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Meinl 16" HCS Trash China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Meinl 16" HCS Trash China

Rock Power Metal
Key Feature:
• Substantial visual and sonic presence
✓ PROS
  • • Substantial visual and sonic presence
  • • Large 16-inch size for maximum china impact
✗ CONS
  • • Very loud and potentially overpowering
  • • Expensive investment

Meinl 16" HCS Trash China, Trash China Cymbal, Size: 16", Beginner cymbal series, MS63 brass alloy, Explosive...

4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Thomann China Cymbal 40cm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thomann China Cymbal 40cm

Large Venues Power Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for heavy rock and metal
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent projection in large venues
  • • Great for heavy rock and metal
✗ CONS
  • • Can dominate mix if not balanced properly
  • • May be too much for many musical styles

Thomann China Cymbal 40cm, China Cymbal, Diameter Ø = 40 cm, 16", Handmade in Wuhan

4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Zultan 16" Aja China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Zultan 16" Aja China

Metal Heavy Music Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent projection in large venues
✓ PROS
  • • Professional power and sustain
  • • Excellent projection in large venues
✗ CONS
  • • May be too much for many musical styles
  • • Expensive investment

Zultan 16" Aja China, China cymbal, China cymbal with characteristic "Aaahhh" or simply "Aja"...

4.7/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Millenium 16" B20 China - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Millenium 16" B20 China

Rock Large Venues Heavy Music
Key Feature:
• Professional power and sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Professional power and sustain
  • • Great for heavy rock and metal
✗ CONS
  • • Can dominate mix if not balanced properly
  • • Very loud and potentially overpowering

Millenium 16" B20 China, China Cymbal, Size: 16", B20 material, Fast responsive China cymbal with clear and...

4.8/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10

How to Choose the Best 16" China 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 16" china 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.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more