AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 20" Ride Cymbals Under $200 2026
The top pick is Meinl 20" HCS Ride ($118). Millenium 20" Still Series Ride Red gives you the most for the money at $66. Zultan 20" Aja Ride leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size20"
The Meinl HCS 20” Ride is a solid entry-level option for students or gigging musicians on a budget. It delivers a bright, clear sound with a good stick definition, making it easy to hear in a band setting. It’s not going to blow you away with complexity, but it's a reliable and affordable workhorse.
Pros
- Bright, clear stick attack cuts through busy mixes effectively.
- HCS Bronze offers a surprisingly responsive feel for its price point.
- Defined bell provides a pleasant, articulate accent.
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end bronze alloys.
- Durability is moderate; expect more frequent polishing.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$118 now$118€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal
PST7 20" Light Ride · Paiste
10 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
The Paiste PST7 20in Light Ride is a solid, affordable option for drummers needing a do-it-all cymbal. It's great for beginners or gigging musicians who want a bright, responsive ride that can also double as a crash – it's a real workhorse.
Pros
- Bright, shimmering wash provides a versatile, usable crash/ride option
- CuSn8 bronze delivers a warm, foundational tonal character
- Relatively thin weight allows for easy control and quick response
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end ride cymbals
- The bell sound is somewhat muted and not particularly prominent
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$186 now$186€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Sabian SBR 20 ride is a solid, dependable option for drummers needing a bright, articulate ride without the premium price tag. It's great for rock, pop, and funk where you need a clear stick definition and a usable bell. A good starting point or reliable workhorse for gigging musicians.
Pros
- Bright, clean stick articulation allows for precise patterns.
- Solid brass construction offers durability and a warm core tone.
- Versatile bell provides accents and a wider range of sounds.
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end, more expensive rides.
- The 'natural' finish can be prone to tarnishing requiring regular cleaning.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$163 now$163€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash / Ride
20" HCS Crash-Ride · Meinl
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl HCS Crash-Ride is a solid choice for beginner drummers or those needing a versatile, budget-friendly cymbal. It's surprisingly capable for both crashes and rides, though don't expect the depth of a high-end ride – it’s a great workhorse for practice and casual gigs.
Pros
- Bright, shimmering crash response with a surprisingly usable ride tone
- MS63 brass offers a warmer sound than higher bronze alloys
- The HCS series provides excellent durability for frequent use
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end cymbals
- The wash is somewhat thin and less defined than premium rides
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$118 now$118€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Paiste 101 Ride is a great entry-level ride, offering a good balance of warmth and clarity. It's ideal for students, gigging musicians on a budget, or anyone needing a reliable, all-purpose ride without breaking the bank. It’s a solid choice for a wide range of musical styles.
Pros
- Bright stick attack offers immediate, clear definition.
- Balanced wash provides a warm, musical sustain.
- Solid brass construction ensures durability and longevity.
Cons
- The 101 series is relatively thin, lacking some projection.
- The bell isn't particularly powerful or cutting.
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- Size20"
The Paiste PST3 20' ride is a great entry-level option for drummers needing a reliable, clear sound. It's a solid all-rounder, perfect for gigging musicians or students wanting a workhorse ride without the premium price tag—just don't expect it to replace a boutique cymbal.
Pros
- Bright, clear fundamental tone with a defined stick attack
- Offers a surprisingly controllable wash for its price point
- Solid brass construction provides good durability and resonance
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and shimmering overtones of higher-end rides
- The 'sizzling ping' can be a little harsh for some tastes
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- Size20"
The Paiste PST5 20 Rock Ride '14 is a solid choice for rock drummers needing a dependable and affordable ride. It cuts through a mix nicely with a clear, bright tone, and the medium-heavy weight makes it controllable even at higher volumes – perfect for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a workhorse ride without spending a fortune.
Pros
- CuSn8 bronze delivers a bright, responsive, and articulate wash.
- The slightly heavier weight provides excellent stick definition and control.
- Its '14 pattern adds a subtle visual flair and slightly alters the stick response.
Cons
- The sound leans toward bright, potentially lacking warmth for some genres.
- While versatile, it's primarily suited for rock and doesn't excel in softer styles.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$174 now$174€155 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This Millenium Still Series Ride is a neat little practice cymbal. It’s perfect for apartment dwellers, students, or anyone needing a quieter playing experience without sacrificing too much feel. Don't expect a full-bodied, concert-ready sound, but it’s surprisingly responsive for a budget-friendly, low-volume option.
Pros
- Nickel construction offers a slightly warmer, muted tone than bronze.
- Red finish provides visual distinction and reduces glare during performance.
- Significant volume reduction makes it ideal for quiet practice scenarios.
Cons
- Nickel alloy lacks the sustain and complexity of bronze cymbals.
- The muted tone may feel 'lifeless' to drummers seeking a bright, shimmering ride.
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- Size20"
This Millenium Still Series Ride is a solid budget-friendly option if you're primarily focused on quiet practice or unplugged gigs. The nickel construction delivers a noticeably darker, more controlled sound, and it's surprisingly lightweight for easy transport. It’s not going to fool anyone into thinking it’s a high-end bronze ride, but it gets the job done for low-volume needs.
Pros
- Nickel construction provides a darker, more muted tone than bronze.
- Regular finish reduces unwanted brightness, ideal for quiet practice.
- Still Series design effectively dampens sound for low-volume playing.
Cons
- Nickel cymbals lack the sustain and complexity of bronze alternatives.
- Regular finish can appear visually unremarkable compared to brighter finishes.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 12.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$89 · Aug 17$78 now$78€69 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Zultan Aja is a surprisingly bright and articulate ride for the price. It’s a great option for players looking for a clean, cutting sound without spending a fortune—especially good for modern pop, funk, or lighter rock styles where a crisp stick response is key.
Pros
- Bright, clear wash with a focused stick definition.
- B20 bronze alloy offers a unique tonal character.
- Relatively lightweight for extended playing sessions.
Cons
- Lacks the dark, complex overtones of higher-end cymbals.
- May be too bright for drummers preferring a vintage, dry sound.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$190 now$190€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 13 20" ride cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
20" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 16 models we track, not a sample.
Median $163 — half of all 20" ride cymbals here cost less.
median of 16 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" ride cymbals
Sustain
This is the big one. A ride needs to sing, not just clang. Expect shorter sustain compared to pricier rides, but look for models that still hang notes well enough for basic grooves and fills.
Bell Tone
The bell is what gives a ride its 'wash' and projection. Cheaper rides often have a thin, brittle bell tone that lacks warmth; listen for a bell that complements the overall sound, not fights it.
Wash & Stick Definition
Ideally, you want a ride that has a clear 'wash' - that shimmering overtone series - but also enough stick definition to be heard in a full band mix. Compromises are common here; some will prioritize wash, others stick.
Feel & Latency
How the cymbal responds to your stick is crucial. Budget rides sometimes feel 'dead' or have noticeable latency - a delay between striking and the sound occurring. This affects your control and expression.
Overall Projection
A ride needs to cut through. While you won't get the massive projection of a Zildjian A Custom, a good budget ride will still have enough presence to be heard without being buried in the mix. This is often tied to weight and alloy.
Buying guide
So, you're after a 20" ride and you don't want to remortgage your house? Been there, done that. Finding a ride that cuts through a gigging band without sounding like a trashcan lid takes some digging, but it's absolutely possible. We've rounded up 20 options under $200 that offer real playability - not just a metal disc to hit.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Expect thinner overall weight, which means less sustain and potentially more 'washes' but also less volume. The alloys used will be simpler - often bronze blends - which impacts the tonal complexity.
Don't expect shimmering, complex overtones; focus on finding a ride that's responsive, usable, and doesn't drive you crazy. B-stock is your friend - you can often snag a great deal on a cymbal with minor cosmetic flaws.
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 16 20" ride 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
Are these rides suitable for heavier music like metal?
Generally, no. The thinner nature of these rides won't handle aggressive playing as well, and they'll likely crack quickly. Stick to lighter genres like rock, pop, or jazz.
What's the difference between B20 and B8 bronze?
B20 bronze is the standard for professional cymbals - it's a tin/copper alloy. B8 is a cheaper bronze blend, typically with more tin. B8 rides will generally sound brighter and less complex than B20.
Can I realistically expect a ride that sounds like a Sabian AAX for under $200?
Absolutely not. Those are top-tier cymbals. This is about finding a ride that's usable and affordable, not a direct comparison.
I'm a beginner, does it really matter which ride I choose?
Yes! A responsive, well-sounding ride will make learning easier and more enjoyable. A dead or unpleasant-sounding ride will just be frustrating.
Will this ride crack if I hit it hard?
It's less durable than higher-end options. Avoid excessive, uncontrolled pounding, especially with heavier sticks. Proper care - cleaning and avoiding dry setups - can extend its lifespan.
