Best Cymbal Sets Under $500 2026
Affordable cymbal sets under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026
#1
⭐
4.8/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl HCS Thomann ltd. Cymbal Set
by
Meinl
Pop
Complete Setup
Beginner
Key Feature:
• Matched sound characteristics
✓ PROS
- • Matched sound characteristics
- • Consistent quality across all pieces
✗ CONS
- • May not suit specialized musical needs
- • Less flexibility than individual selection
Meinl HCS Thomann ltd. Cymbal SetCymbal SetHCS SeriesExclusively to Thomanna limited edition cymbal setMaterial:...
⭐
4.8/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 404383
$406
#2
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Zildjian L80 Low Volume 468 Box Set
by
Zildjian
Beginner
Metal
Value
Key Feature:
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for complete drum kit setup
- • Complete cymbal package in one purchase
✗ CONS
- • May include cymbals you don't need
- • Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
Zildjian L80 Low Volume 468 Box SetLow Volume Cymbal SetNew and innovative cymbal series with comparatively 80% quieter...
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 372317
$439
#3
⭐
4.7/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Zultan Impulz Cymbal Set
by
Zultan
Value
Pop
Beginner
Key Feature:
• Better value than individual cymbals
✓ PROS
- • Matched sound characteristics
- • Complete cymbal package in one purchase
✗ CONS
- • Less flexibility than individual selection
- • May not suit specialized musical needs
Zultan Impulz Cymbal SetCymbal SetImpulz seriesHandmade cymbal set of Turkish productionMaterial: B20 bronzeUniversally...
⭐
4.7/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 496574
$438
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Zultan Aja Fusion - Funk Bundle
by
Zultan
Value
Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
• Consistent quality across all pieces
✓ PROS
- • Consistent quality across all pieces
- • Better value than individual cymbals
✗ CONS
- • Less flexibility than individual selection
- • May include cymbals you don't need
Zultan Aja Fusion - Funk Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Zultan 20" Aja Ride*Ride*, With clear attack and volume,...
⭐
4.7/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 282623
$373
#5
⭐
4.7/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Zildjian L80 Low Volume 38 Box Set
by
Zildjian
Metal
Rock
Value
Key Feature:
• Consistent quality across all pieces
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for complete drum kit setup
- • Better value than individual cymbals
✗ CONS
- • May not suit specialized musical needs
- • Less flexibility than individual selection
Zildjian L80 Low Volume 38 Box SetLow Volume Cymbal SetNew and innovative cymbal seriesUp to 80% quieter cymbalsIdeal...
⭐
4.7/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 372313
$340
#6
⭐
5.0/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Paiste PST X DJs 45 Set
by
Paiste
Rock
Value
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
- • May include cymbals you don't need
Paiste PST X DJs 45 Set, Cymbal Set, PSTX Series, Developed with Daru Jones*Set comprises:*, 12" DJs 45 Hats,...
⭐
5.0/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 407611
$328
#7
⭐
4.9/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Paiste PST3 Profi Set 1 Profi Bag
by
Paiste
Complete Setup
Metal
Beginner
Key Feature:
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
✓ PROS
- • Consistent quality across all pieces
- • Perfect for complete drum kit setup
✗ CONS
- • May include cymbals you don't need
- • May not suit specialized musical needs
Paiste PST3 Profi Set 1 Profi Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Paiste PST3 20" Ride*Ride Cymbal*Size: 20"Paiste...
⭐
4.9/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 193007
$384
#8
⭐
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
#9
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Sabian SBR Promo Cymbal Set
by
Sabian
Value
Beginner
Metal
Key Feature:
• Better value than individual cymbals
✓ PROS
- • Consistent quality across all pieces
- • Better value than individual cymbals
✗ CONS
- • May not suit specialized musical needs
- • Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
Sabian SBR Promo Cymbal Set, Cymbal Set, SBR Series, Material: Brass*Set consisting of:*, 14" SBR Hi-Hat, 16"...
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 503284
$373
#10
⭐
4.9/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Paiste Set 3 201 14"HH/ 16"C / 20"R
by
Paiste
Rock
Metal
Complete Setup
Key Feature:
• Better value than individual cymbals
✓ PROS
- • Complete cymbal package in one purchase
- • Matched sound characteristics
✗ CONS
- • Less flexibility than individual selection
- • May include cymbals you don't need
Paiste Set 3 201 14"HH/ 16"C / 20"R, Cymbal Set, From the 201 Series, Material: Bronze, The most...
⭐
4.9/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 119377
$318
#11
⭐
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
#12
⭐
4.5/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Evans dB One Cymbal Pack
by
Evans
Beginner
Complete Setup
Metal
Key Feature:
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
✓ PROS
- • Matched sound characteristics
- • Better value than individual cymbals
✗ CONS
- • Quality may be compromised for price
- • May not suit specialized musical needs
Evans dB One Cymbal Pack, Cymbal Set, By 80 percent reduced volume, Ideal for practising quietly with an authentic...
⭐
4.5/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 546239
$439
#13
⭐
4.9/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Meinl HCS Super Cymbal Set
by
Meinl
Metal
Value
Rock
Key Feature:
• Matched sound characteristics
✓ PROS
- • Complete cymbal package in one purchase
- • Matched sound characteristics
✗ CONS
- • Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
- • Less flexibility than individual selection
Meinl HCS Super Cymbal Set, Cymbal Set, HCS series, Cymbal set Super, Material: Brass, Finish: Regular*Set...
⭐
4.9/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 346414
$428
#14
⭐
4.8/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl Classics Cust. Dark Effect Set
by
Meinl
Metal
Rock
Pop
Key Feature:
• Better value than individual cymbals
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for complete drum kit setup
- • Matched sound characteristics
✗ CONS
- • Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
- • May include cymbals you don't need
Meinl Classics Cust. Dark Effect Set, Set of Effect Cymbals, Classics Custom Dark Series, Material: B12 bronze*Set...
⭐
4.8/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 505540
$406
#15
⭐
4.8/5
(37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs Set
by
Masterwork
Beginner
Pop
Metal
Key Feature:
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
✓ PROS
- • Matched sound characteristics
- • Consistent quality across all pieces
✗ CONS
- • May not suit specialized musical needs
- • Quality may be compromised for price
Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs SetCymbal SetSet consists of: 14‘’ Hi-Hat16‘’ Crash20‘’ RideMaterial: B25...
⭐
4.8/5
(37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 611379
$468
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.
