Best 20" Crash Cymbals Under $500 2025

Affordable 20" crash cymbals under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Orchestral For Cinematic For Progressive Rock For Special Effects For Recording For Art Music

BRANDS: Paiste Meinl Zildjian Zultan Istanbul Agop Istanbul Mehmet Sabian

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Medium Crash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Medium Crash Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Recording Art Music Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Medium Crash Traditional20" Medium Crash CymbalRegular finishFast-response crashDeep...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 311590

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Dark Crash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Dark Crash Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Special Effects Art Music Recording

Key Feature:

• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Dark Crash Traditional20" Dark Crash CymbalRegular finishTraditional seriesFast-response...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 311567

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Bell Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Bell Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Progressive Rock Recording Art Music

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Bell Crash, Crash, Size: 20", Traditional finish, Material: B20 bronze alloy,...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 416446

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 20" A-Series Medium Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 20" A-Series Medium Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Orchestral Special Effects Progressive Rock

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Impractical for most drummers

Zildjian 20" A-Series Medium Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Medium thinA seriesB20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 313964

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Progressive Rock Special Effects Art Music

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Impractical for most drummers

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Traditional seriesB20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 523099

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Art Music Cinematic Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark CrashDark Crash CymbalSize: 20"Xist Dry Dark SeriesB20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 474206

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 20" A-Series Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 20" A-Series Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Progressive Rock Orchestral Art Music

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Can overpower any musical context

Zildjian 20" A-Series Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"A SeriesThin versionB20 alloyBrilliant finishFast...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 313962

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Power Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Power Crash

by Paiste

Orchestral Art Music Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Power CrashCrash Cymbal2002 Classic seriesSize: 20"Power CrashVolume: medium to very...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 169266

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr.

by Meinl

Special Effects Recording Art Music

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Can overpower any musical context

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr., Crash Cymbal, Size: 20", Pure Alloy Series, Finish: Traditional,...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581406

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Wild Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Wild Crash

by Paiste

Cinematic Progressive Rock Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Very limited musical applications

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Wild CrashWild Crash Cymbal2002 Classic SeriesSize: 20"Suitable fo medium to for...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 193540

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 20" 2002 Extreme Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 20" 2002 Extreme Crash

by Paiste

Orchestral Cinematic Art Music

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Paiste 20" 2002 Extreme CrashCrash CymbalMaterial: CuSn8 bronzeProduces a brightcutting attack and a very loud...

⭐ 5.0/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 457875

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Art Music Special Effects Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Requires professional technique

Istanbul Agop 20" Crash CymbalXist Seriespower versionBrilliant Finishprofessional quality in B20 (80% Copper20%...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 621971

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash

by Zildjian

Recording Cinematic Art Music

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Impractical for most drummers

Zildjian 20" Z Custom CrashCrash CymbalDiameter: 20"Developed for heavy hittersBright sound with explosive...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 589092

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash

by Meinl

Orchestral Special Effects Recording

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Very limited musical applications

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Finish: Smoke BronzeWarm tone with short sustainWide...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 483021

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash

by Sabian

Cinematic Orchestral Art Music

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Requires professional technique

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Strength: HeavyMaterial: B20 bronzeFinish: BrilliantSlightly...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 489483

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 20" Crash 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 20" crash 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.

Best 20" Crash Cymbals Under $500 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Medium Crash Traditional

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Dark Crash Traditional

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Bell Crash

Zildjian 20" A-Series Medium Thin Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark Crash

Zildjian 20" A-Series Thin Crash

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Power Crash

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr.

Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Wild Crash

Paiste 20" 2002 Extreme Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power Crash

Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Crash

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash

How to Choose the Best 20" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 20" crash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 20" crash cymbals?

Are expensive 20" crash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 20" crash cymbals?

Should I buy 20" crash cymbals online or in-store?

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