AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 20" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 20" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal ($535). Zildjian 20" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $233. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 115 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 20" Crash CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 20" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal
20" K Sweet Crash · Zildjian
35 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Zildjian 20" K Sweet Crash is a crash cymbal with a dark sound that responds quickly when you hit it. Its random hammering gives it a distinct character, and its tone is warm and round. This cymbal suits you if you want a crash that is round and dark rather than sharp and loud.
Pros
- Dark, fast-responding cymbal that speaks quickly when struck
- Random hammering gives it a distinct, varied character
- Part of Zildjian's K series, known for its dark character
84AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
20" S Series Thin Crash · Zildjian
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20 inch thin crash from Zildjian's S Series. It is made of B12 bronze alloy, has a brilliant finish, and is lathed on both sides. If you want a crash with a bright and open sound, this one is a good place to start.
Pros
- Made from B12 bronze alloy, 88% copper and 12% tin
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
- Lathed on both sides for a finished surface on each face
82AudioFu
Index↓ 4.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$245 · Aug 17$233 now$233€209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash Cymbal
20" A-Custom Crash · Zildjian
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20-inch crash cymbal from Zildjian's A-Custom Series, with a brilliant finish. It is not too thick and not too loud, and it responds very quickly when you hit it. It has a warm, round sound with a soft decay, so it suits you if you want a crash that fades gently rather than one that cuts hard.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's A-Custom Series
- Brilliant finish gives it a polished look
- Described as not too thick and not too loud, so it blends well with other sounds
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$444 now$444€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash Cymbal
20" Z Custom Crash · Zildjian
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This 20 inch crash is made for drummers who hit hard. You get an explosive crash with good cut, so it stands out when the band gets loud. It is a good pick if you want a powerful, versatile crash that is a bit lighter than the original Z Custom Crashes.
Pros
- Developed for heavy hitters who play hard
- Bright sound with explosive crash and cut
- Slightly lighter weight than the original Z Custom Crashes
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
20" A-Series Thin Crash · Zildjian
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20 inch thin crash cymbal made from B20 alloy with a brilliant finish. It responds fast when you hit it, so it suits drummers who want a quick crash. It is not necessarily a good match if you play heavy metal.
Pros
- Made from B20 alloy, a bronze mix suited to cymbals
- Brilliant finish gives it a bright, polished look
- Fast responding, so it speaks quickly when struck
Cons
- Not necessarily suitable for heavy metal drummers
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$447 now$447€400 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
20" K-Series Paper Thin Crash · Zildjian
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
If you want a crash that hits hard and then fades out fast, this one is worth a look. It is a dark, explosive 20-inch cymbal from the K-Series, with a soft feel under the stick. It suits you if you play tight, driving parts and want a crash that doesn't hang around for long.
Pros
- Paper thin build from Zildjian's K-Series dark crash line
- Explosive sound with fast decay, so it clears up quickly
- Soft under-stick feel that is easy on the stick
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$546 now$546€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" FX Oriental Crash of Doom Cymbal
20" Oriental Crash of Doom · Zildjian
22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a special-purpose crash for you if you want a big, dark, trashy sound. It gives an immense explosive attack and a long sustain, and it is made for special accents and Chinese-style effects. If you need an everyday crash for steady playing, this one is probably not the right pick for you.
Pros
- Traditional finish gives it a classic, cared-for look
- Built as a true monster crash with an immense explosive attack
- Dramatic full-sounded sustain lets notes ring out for a long time
Cons
- Ultra-trashy, very dark sound suits only specific musical moments
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$444 now$444€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Series Dark Crash Cymbal
20" Traditional Dark Crash · Istanbul Agop
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20 inch crash cymbal made from B-20 bronze. The maker describes its sound as warm and round, with few high overtones. If you want a crash that sounds mellow rather than sharp, this one fits that goal well.
Pros
- Made from B-20 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Part of the Traditional Dark Series, with a dark finish
- Described by the maker as having a warm, round sound
Cons
- Its mellow sound may not suit players who want a sharp, high-pitched crash
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$490 now$490€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash
20" Byzance Jazz M. Thin Crash · Meinl
20 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
You get a 20-inch crash that is thin and heavily hammered, so it reacts fast and gives a deep, basic tone. It is made from B20 bronze and has a brilliant jazz finish. This one suits you if you want a crash that speaks quickly and then fades out fast.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a traditional cymbal alloy
- Hand hammered for a deep, basic tone
- Thin, heavily hammered build for fast, explosive crashes
Cons
- Thin build makes it less suited to loud, heavy stage playing
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash
20" Byzance Jazz Thin Crash · Meinl
20 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20 inch crash from the Byzance Jazz series, made of B20 bronze and hand hammered. It responds fast and explosively, and you can also use it as a light ride, so it suits jazz players who want one cymbal that can do both jobs.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common alloy for cymbals
- Hand hammered for a distinct surface texture
- Fast, explosive response when struck
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$568 now$568€509 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 115 20" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash20" Byzance Extra Thin Crash · Meinl78Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 12
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash20" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash · Meinl78Stable$597€535$597€535Check ↗
- 13
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal20" 900 Color Sound Crash BK · Paiste77Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 14
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal20" 900 Series Crash · Paiste77Stable$240€215$240€215Check ↗
- 15
Paiste 20" RUDE Ride / Crash Cymbal20" Rude Crash/Ride · Paiste77Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 16
Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal20" K-Custom Dark Crash · Zildjian77Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 17
Sabian 20" HHX Complex Thin Crash Cymbal20" HHX Complex Thin Crash · Sabian77Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 18
Sabian 20" AAX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal20" HHX Plosion Crash · Sabian77Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 19
Zildjian 20" A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal20" A-Custom EFX · Zildjian76Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 20
Zildjian 20" K Custom Special Dry Crash Cymbal20" K Custom Special Dry Crash · Zildjian76Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 21
Zildjian 20" K Series Cluster Crash Cymbal20" K-Series Cluster Crash · Zildjian76Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 22
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Cymbal20" Byzance Polyphonic Crash · Meinl76↓ 5.0%$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 23
Paiste 20" Signature Full Crash Cymbal20" Signature Full Crash · Paiste76Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 24
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark CrashMeinl75Stable$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 25
Sabian 20" Stratus Crash Cymbal20" Stratus Dry Crash · Sabian75↓ 2.3%$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 26
Zildjian 20" K Series Dark Thin Crash Cymbal20" K-Series Dark Crash Thin · Zildjian75Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 27
Meinl 20" Byzance Brilliant Medium Crash20" Byzance Medium Crash · Meinl75Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 28
Paiste 20" PST X Swiss Medium Crash Cymbal20" PSTX Swiss Medium Crash · Paiste74Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 29
Paiste 20" 2002 Black Big Beat CymbalPaiste74Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 30
Zildjian 20" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal20" A-Series Medium Thin Crash · Zildjian74Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 31
Sabian 20" Stratus Crash Cymbal20" Stratus Crash · Sabian74Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 32
Paiste 20" Masters Extra Thin Cymbal20" Masters Extra Thin Crash · Paiste74Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 33
Paiste 20" RUDE Thin Crash Cymbal20" Rude Thin Crash · Paiste73Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 34
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Crash20" Xist Natural Crash · Istanbul Agop72Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 35
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Thin Crash · Meinl72↓ 2.9%$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 36
Paiste 20" 2002 Extreme Crash Cymbal20" 2002 Extreme Crash · Paiste72Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 37
Sabian 20" AA Spotlight Crash Cymbal20" AA Spotlight Crash · Sabian72Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 38
Paiste 20" Signature Power Crash Cymbal20" Signature Power Crash · Paiste72Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 39
Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve Light Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR · Meinl72Stable$702€629$702€629Check ↗
- 40
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dual Crash Cymbal20" Classics Custom Dual Crash · Meinl71Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 41
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr. · Meinl71Stable$409€366$409€366Check ↗
- 42
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Custom MH Crash · Meinl71Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 43
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash · Meinl71Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 44
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Custom Thin Cr. · Meinl71Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 45
Paiste 20" Signature Fast Crash Cymbal20" Signature Fast Crash · Paiste71Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 46
Zildjian 20" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal20" A-Custom Projection Crash · Zildjian71Stable$517€463$517€463Check ↗
- 47
Paiste 20" Signature Fast Crash Cymbal20" Signature Fast Med. Crash · Paiste71Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 48
Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin CrashIstanbul Agop70Stable$490€439$490€439Check ↗
- 49
Istanbul Agop 20" Signature Crash20" Agop Signature Crash · Istanbul Agop70↓ 4.2%$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 50
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash China Cymbal20" Byzance Dual Trash Crash · Meinl70Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
20" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 115 models we track, not a sample.
Median $447 — half of all 20" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 115 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" crash cymbals
Weight
Heavier crashes offer more low-end thump and sustain, while lighter crashes are quicker and more responsive. Think about your musical style - heavier stuff like metal needs a crash that can handle the dynamics, while a jazz kit benefits from something more delicate.
Bell Size & Shape
A larger bell generally means more volume and a brighter, more complex wash. A smaller bell is tighter and more focused, good for cutting through a busy mix. The shape of the bell also influences the tone - a hammered bell gives a more complex, vintage character.
Hammering/Lathing
This is where a lot of the character comes from. Heavy hammering creates a more complex, washy, and often darker tone. Light hammering results in a brighter, more defined sound with more articulation. Look for consistent lathing - uneven lathing can lead to unwanted overtones.
Metal Alloy
B20 bronze is the standard, but the ratios of tin, copper, and other elements affect the tone. Higher tin content generally leads to a brighter, more shimmering sound. Some manufacturers use custom alloys for their signature sounds - it's worth researching what those alloys are designed to achieve.
Sustain & Decay
Sustain is how long the cymbal rings, decay is how it fades. A crash with too much sustain can muddy up a dense mix, while a crash that dies too quickly won't have the impact you need. This is a big trade-off; more sustain usually means less articulation.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a 20" crash? Smart move. It's a sweet spot - big enough to get some serious wash and sustain, but still manageable enough to articulate cleanly. A good 20" can be the workhorse of your crash setup, the one you reach for most often. But with so many options out there, finding the right one can be overwhelming; let's cut through the noise and find you a crash that sings.
Don't chase the hype. A 20" crash isn't about flashy features; it's about reliable performance. Cheaper crashes often cut corners on hammering and metal quality, resulting in a brittle, one-dimensional sound.
While you don't need to spend a fortune, investing a little more gets you better alloy, more consistent hammering, and a cymbal that will last. Listen carefully for unwanted overtones - those are signs of poor manufacturing.
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 115 20" crash cymbals 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 a crash and a ride crash?
A ride crash is essentially a ride cymbal with a more pronounced crash character. They're often heavier and have a more defined bell for a louder, more cutting sound. They're a decent compromise if you want versatility but aren't the best at either function.
I'm a beginner. What should I look for?
Focus on playability. Find something that feels comfortable and responds well to your playing. Don't worry about fancy features - a well-made, medium-weight crash with consistent hammering will serve you well.
Can I use a 20" crash as my only crash?
Absolutely. It's a versatile size that can cover a wide range of dynamics. You might miss the extreme highs of a smaller crash or the massive wash of a larger one, but it's a solid all-rounder.
What does 'washes' and 'chick' mean?
'Washes' refers to the shimmering, sustained overtones that spread out after you hit the cymbal. 'Chick' is the bright, short sound produced primarily by the bell - it's what helps the cymbal cut through the mix. Ideally, you want a balance of both.
I'm recording. Should I spend more?
Definitely. A poorly recorded cymbal can sound awful. Invest in a crash that has a complex, nuanced tone that translates well through microphones - avoid anything too harsh or brittle. Consider the room acoustics too!
