AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 8" Splash Cymbals Under $200 2026
The top pick is Sabian 10" B8X Splash Cymbal ($103). Meinl 08" HCS Splash gives you the most for the money at $33. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 30 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size8"
This is an 8 inch splash cymbal made from B8 bronze, with a hammered bell and stronger hammering. You get a warm and complex sound, and it is a successor to the popular Sabian B8 series. It suits you if you want a small, textured accent cymbal from a well-known series.
Pros
- Made from B8 bronze, the alloy used in the Sabian B8 series
- Hammered bell gives the cymbal its distinct character
- Stronger hammering adds to its texture
Cons
- Its 8 inch size suits small splash accents rather than full cymbal work
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- Size8"
The Meinl HCS 8' splash is a fantastic entry-level option for drummers needing a quick, bright accent. It's perfect for students, gigging musicians on a budget, or anyone wanting a splash without spending a fortune—just don't expect the depth and complexity of a professional-grade cymbal.
Pros
- Bright, explosive initial attack ideal for quick patterns
- HCS Bronze offers a surprisingly robust feel for the price
- Lightweight construction allows for fast, effortless playing
Cons
- HCS Bronze lacks the complex overtones of higher-end cymbals
- Sustain is very short, limiting its use in more ambient styles
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- Size8"
You get an 8-inch splash cymbal made from B-12 Bronze. It gives an explosive burst of sound for crisp accents. It suits you if your music needs plenty of volume and an assertive sound.
Pros
- Made of B-12 Bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Explosive splash sound for crisp accents
- Built for music styles that need volume and an assertive sound
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- Size8"
This is an 8 inch splash cymbal made of B25 bronze and hand hammered. It is hand sealed and polished, and it is described as having a dynamic sound with a rich overtone structure. If you want a small cymbal for short, quick accents on your kit, this one may suit you.
Pros
- Hand hammered for a textured surface
- Hand sealed and polished for a finished look
- Premium build from Turkish production, part of the CS Series
64AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$84 · Aug 17$82 now$82€73 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
This is an 8-inch splash cymbal from Meinl's Classics Custom series, with a brillant surface. It has a clear, transparent tone with gentle sound reflection and a short decay, so the sound stops quickly. It suits you if you want a splash that places clear accents in your cymbal play rather than one that rings on.
Pros
- Part of Meinl's Classics Custom series
- Brillant surface gives it a bright, polished look
- Clear, transparent tone with gentle sound reflection
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- Size8"
This 8" splash from Meinl's Pure Alloy series has a clear, bright sound and a short, crisp response. If you want a small accent cymbal that speaks quickly, you may find it a good pick. It suits players who want quick, sharp accents more than a long, washy shimmer.
Pros
- Pure Alloy series construction is the base of this splash cymbal
- Mechanical high-tech hammering is used in its making
- Traditional finish gives it a classic cymbal look
Cons
- Its short, crisp response is not suited to long, sustained wash sounds
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size10"
You get a splash cymbal with a crisp attack and a short sustain, so the sound stops fast. Its warm, slightly washed-out tone makes it a good pick if you want a quick accent that does not ring on. It is made in Germany from Pure Alloy and comes in a Smoke Bronze finish, as part of the Custom Series.
Pros
- Part of the Pure Alloy Custom Series from Meinl
- Finished in Smoke Bronze for a distinct look
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Short sustain means the sound fades quickly, which suits some styles better than others
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$154 now$154€138 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
This is an 8-inch splash cymbal from Meinl's Byzance series. It is hand-hammered from B20 bronze and has a brilliant finish. You get a very fast, dynamic attack and a fine, brilliant treble, so it suits you if you want quick, sharp accents on your kit.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common alloy for cymbals
- Hand-hammered construction gives each cymbal its own surface
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
You get a small 8-inch splash cymbal from the Byzance series. It has a traditional finish, a fast attack, and a spreading, washy sound. It is a good pick if you want a quick, traditional accent for your kit.
Pros
- Traditional finish gives it an old-school look and feel
- Fast attack means it responds quickly when you strike it
- Beautifully spreading sound fills out the splash character
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
You get a small, hand-hammered cymbal made from B20 bronze, with a dark, natural finish. It has a dark, earthy sound and short sustain, so the tone stops quickly after you hit it. It suits you if you want a quick, earthy accent on your kit and do not need a cymbal that rings for a long time.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common alloy for cymbals
- Hand-hammered, giving it a textured surface
- Dark, natural finish gives it a raw, earthy look
Cons
- At 8 inches, it is small and suits accent work rather than main cymbal duty
- Short sustain means it will not ring out for long
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$195 now$195€175 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 30 8" splash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Zultan 08" Aja SplashZultan63Stable$22€20$22€20Check ↗
- 12
Zultan 8" Aja Blaze SplashZultan63Stable$27€24$27€24Check ↗
- 13
Paiste PST5 08" Splash '14Paiste63Stable$47€42$47€42Check ↗
- 14
Zultan 08" Rock Beat SplashZultan63Stable$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 15
Zultan 08" Splash Dark MatterZultan63Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 16
Zildjian 08" S Series Paper Thin SplashZildjian63Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
- 17
Zildjian 08" A-Series SplashZildjian63Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 18
Paiste 2002 Classic 08" SplashPaiste63Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 19
Zildjian 08" A-Custom SplashZildjian63Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 20
Zildjian 08" K-Custom Dark SplashZildjian63Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 21
Zildjian 08" K-Series SplashZildjian63Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 22
Paiste 08" Masters Dark SplashPaiste63Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 23
Ufip 08" FX Traditional Spl. MediumUfip61↓ 4.4%$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 24
Masterwork 8" Troy Traditional SplashMasterwork59Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 25
Masterwork 08" Custom SplashMasterwork59Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 26
Istanbul Mehmet 08" Splash Turk SeriesIstanbul Mehmet59Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 27
Istanbul Agop 08" Xist Splash BrilliantIstanbul Agop59Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 28
Istanbul Agop 08" Xist ION Splash BrilliantIstanbul Agop59Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 29
Istanbul Mehmet 08" Splash Traditional SeriesIstanbul Mehmet59Stable$140€125$140€125Check ↗
- 30
Ufip 08" FX Traditional Spl. LightUfip59Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
8" Splash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 30 models we track, not a sample.
Median $133 — half of all 8" splash cymbals here cost less.
median of 30 models · 8"–8"
How to choose the best 8" splash cymbals
Sustain
Don't expect a long, shimmering sustain like you'd get from a premium splash. At this price point, sustain is usually short and crisp, which is fine for accents and quick splashes - just be aware of the limitations.
Articulation
How clearly does the cymbal define the stick's attack? You want something that's responsive and doesn't feel choked or muffled. Some cheaper splashes can be muddy; clarity is key.
Trashiness/Complexity
A little bit of 'trash' - that raw, complex overtones - can be a good thing, adding character. However, too much can become a sonic headache, especially in a well-miked recording. Finding the right balance is crucial.
Durability
Let's face it, these cymbals are going to take a beating. We looked at how well they held up to regular gigging, how they reacted to impacts, and how prone they were to cracking or developing unwanted markings.
Overall Volume/Cut
An 8" splash isn't meant to be a powerhouse, but it needs to cut through the mix - especially in a band setting. We assessed how well each cymbal projects its sound without becoming overly harsh or piercing.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need an 8" splash, but you're not looking to remortgage the house for it. Let's be real, a full-on Zildjian A Custom 8" is gonna cost you a small fortune. This list is about finding that sweet spot - a splash that cuts through a decent mix without sounding like a tin can, and that won't make your wallet weep. We're looking for bang-for-the-buck, pure and simple.
At this price, you're trading something. It's almost always going to be sustain or complexity. Don't expect a perfectly finished cymbal - expect some minor blemishes and a slightly less refined sound.
Look for good articulation and a reasonable amount of cut; those are the most important qualities. If you're recording, be extra critical of unwanted overtones - they'll bleed into everything.
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 30 8" splash 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 cymbals suitable for recording?
They can be, but be mindful of unwanted overtones. Careful mic placement and EQ are your friends. A brighter, more articulate splash will generally record better than one that's overly trashy.
What's the difference between a splash and a china splash?
A splash is typically higher-pitched and drier, focused on short, crisp accents. A china splash has a lower, more complex tone with a wider range of overtones - it's more versatile, but might be overwhelming in some situations.
Can I use these splashes in a loud rock band?
An 8" splash isn't a main volume driver, but they can add a nice rhythmic texture. Just don't expect them to carry the weight of a crash. Choose one with decent cut to help it poke through.
Are these cymbals easy to transport?
Absolutely! 8" splashes are small and lightweight, making them easy to pack for gigs or rehearsals. Just protect them from bumps and scratches.
What's the best way to care for these cymbals?
Regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner will help prevent buildup and maintain their tone. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads. Proper storage - ideally in a dedicated cymbal bag - is also important.
