Best Cymbal Sets Under $500 2025

Affordable cymbal sets under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 348 Box Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 348 Box Set

by Zildjian

Value Beginner Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 348 Box SetLow Volume Cymbal SetNew and innovative cymbal series with comparatively 80% quieter...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 372316

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan Aja Profi Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan Aja Profi Bundle

by Zultan

Rock Metal Beginner

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Consistent quality across all pieces
• Matched sound characteristics

✗ CONS

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

Zultan Aja Profi Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Zultan 20" Aja Ride*Ride*, With clear attack and volume,...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 282618

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan Aja Standard Cymbal Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan Aja Standard Cymbal Bundle

by Zultan

Beginner Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Better value than individual cymbals

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✗ CONS

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

Zultan Aja Standard Cymbal Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Zultan 20" Aja Ride*Ride*, With clear attack and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 282617

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan Impulz Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Evans dB One Cymbal Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 468 Box Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 38 Box Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian B8X Effects Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian B8X Effects Pack

by Sabian

Rock Complete Setup Value

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May not suit specialized musical needs
• Quality may be compromised for price

Sabian B8X Effects PackCymbal SetAlloy: B8 BronzeNatural finishHammered bellStronger hammeringWarm and complex...

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 363288

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Classics Cust. Dark Effect Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl HCS Super Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl HCS Thomann ltd. Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste Set 3 201 14"HH/ 16"C / 20"R - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set

by Meinl

Pop Metal Beginner

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

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

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set, Set of Cymbals, Material: MS63 brass, Extra quiet - perfect for practicing, Feel like...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 558077

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian AA MAX Bell Chime Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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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TOP

Best Drum Shell Sets

Best Cymbal Sets Under $500 2025

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 348 Box Set

Zultan Aja Profi Bundle

Zultan Aja Standard Cymbal Bundle

Zultan Impulz Cymbal Set

Evans dB One Cymbal Pack

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 468 Box Set

Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs Set

Zildjian L80 Low Volume 38 Box Set

Sabian B8X Effects Pack

Meinl Classics Cust. Dark Effect Set

Meinl HCS Super Cymbal Set

Meinl HCS Thomann ltd. Cymbal Set

Paiste Set 3 201 14"HH/ 16"C / 20"R

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set

Sabian AA MAX Bell Chime Set

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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