Best Cymbal Sets for Beginner 2025

Perfect cymbal sets for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Pop For Complete Setup For Value For Beginner

BRANDS: Meinl Zultan Zildjian Sabian Paiste Istanbul Mehmet Istanbul Agop Millenium Masterwork

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set

by Istanbul Agop

Pop Beginner Rock

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
• Matched sound characteristics

✗ CONS

• May include cymbals you don't need
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal SetCymbal SetXist seriesNatural versionProfessional quality in B20 bronze (80%...

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 621959

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set

by Zildjian

Beginner Pop Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• Less flexibility than individual selection
• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set, Set of Cymbals, Thomann 70th Anniversary Model, Exclusive "Best of...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 583060

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 2

by Zultan

Complete Setup Pop Metal

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Consistent quality across all pieces
• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✗ CONS

• Quality may be compromised for price
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 2Set of Cymbals25th Anniversary seriesSet consisting of: 15" hi-hat18" crash...

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 612360

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian S Series Performer Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian S Series Performer Cymbal Set

by Zildjian

Complete Setup Metal Beginner

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

• May include cymbals you don't need
• Quality may be compromised for price

Zildjian S Series Performer Cymbal SetCymbal SetExplosivebrilliantexpressive and balanced soundLathed on both...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621594

$681

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Benny Greb - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Benny Greb

by Meinl

Beginner Metal Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

• May include cymbals you don't need
• May not suit specialized musical needs

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Benny Greb, Set of Cymbals, Benny Greb Artist's Choice Set, Byzance Series, Set compiled by...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 582123

$2,088

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian HHX Complex Praise&Worship Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sabian HHX Complex Praise&Worship Set

by Sabian

Metal Rock Beginner

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✗ CONS

• Less flexibility than individual selection
• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set

Sabian HHX Complex Praise&Worship Set, Set of Cymbals, Material: B20 bronze*Set consisting of:*, 14" Complex...

⭐ 4.4/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 563159

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl HCS Expanded Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl HCS Expanded Cymbal Set

by Meinl

Value Complete Setup Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• May include cymbals you don't need

Meinl HCS Expanded Cymbal Set, Set of Cymbals, HCS Series, Material: Brass, Model: Regular*Set consisting of:*,...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 582385

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set Pro

by Istanbul Agop

Value Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• May include cymbals you don't need
• May not suit specialized musical needs

Istanbul Agop Cymbal Set ProXist SeriesNatural Finishprofessional quality in B20 (80% Copper20" Tin)Set containing...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 621961

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus

by Meinl

Value Metal Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

• Quality may be compromised for price
• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus, Set of Cymbals, Byzance Series, Material: B20 Bronze, Hand hammered*Set consisting...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 582156

$1,648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt Garstka - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt Garstka

by Meinl

Rock Value Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase

✗ CONS

• May not suit specialized musical needs
• May include cymbals you don't need

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt GarstkaSet of CymbalsMatt Garstka Artist's Choice SetByzance SeriesSet compiled by...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 582126

$2,088

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive Set

by Istanbul Agop

Metal Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
• Matched sound characteristics

✗ CONS

• Less flexibility than individual selection
• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive SetSet of CymbalsExclusive Thomann special modelMaterial: B20 bronzeRaw...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612939

$1,022

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs Set

by Masterwork

Pop Complete Setup Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase

✗ CONS

• Quality may be compromised for price
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs SetCymbal SetSet consists of: 14‘’ Hi-Hat16‘’ Crash18‘’ Crash20‘’...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 611380

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ufip Class Series Full Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ufip Class Series Full Pack

by Ufip

Rock Complete Setup Pop

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• May include cymbals you don't need

Ufip Class Series Full PackSet of CymbalsClass SeriesMaterial: B20 bronze alloyTraditional surfaceProvides warm tone...

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 580739

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian AA MAX Bell Chime Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian AA MAX Bell Chime Set

by Sabian

Pop Metal Beginner

Key Feature:

• Better value than individual cymbals

✓ PROS

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

• May not suit specialized musical needs
• May include cymbals you don't need

Sabian AA MAX Bell Chime SetBell Chime SetConsists of 6"6.5"7" AA MAX Bell ChimeMike Portnoy (Dream...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 611819

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1

by Zultan

Metal Pop Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1Set of Cymbals25th Anniversary seriesSet consisting of: 14" hi-hat16"...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 612359

$855

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Cymbal Sets

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 cymbal sets 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.

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Best Drum Shell Sets

Best Cymbal Sets for Beginner 2025

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 2

Zildjian S Series Performer Cymbal Set

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Benny Greb

Sabian HHX Complex Praise&Worship Set

Meinl HCS Expanded Cymbal Set

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set Pro

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt Garstka

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive Set

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs Set

Ufip Class Series Full Pack

Sabian AA MAX Bell Chime Set

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1

How to Choose the Best Cymbal Sets

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying cymbal sets?

How much should I spend on cymbal sets?

Are expensive cymbal sets worth the investment?

What are the best brands for cymbal sets?

Should I buy cymbal sets online or in-store?

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