Best Drum Machines Under $500 2025

Affordable drum machines under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $500 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Electronic Music For Hip Hop For Techno For House For Trap For Beat Making

BRANDS: Elektron SOMA Behringer Korg

Elektron Model:Cycles Case Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Elektron Model:Cycles Case Set

by Elektron

Trap House Hip Hop

Key Feature:

• Often includes bass and synth sounds

✓ PROS

• Built-in drum and percussion sounds
• Often includes bass and synth sounds

✗ CONS

• Not suitable for melodic instrument needs
• May not suit acoustic music styles

Elektron Model:Cycles Case Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Elektron Model:Cycles*6 Track FM groove box*6 Machines:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 508825

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elektron Model:Samples - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Elektron Model:Samples

by Elektron

Beat Making Trap House

Key Feature:

• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✓ PROS

• Built-in drum and percussion sounds
• Great for live electronic performance

✗ CONS

• Programming can be complex initially
• Limited to rhythmic and percussive sounds

Elektron Model: Samples6 Track Groovebox and Sampler6 Audio tracks (can also be used as MIDI tracks)6 Velocity...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 457085

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Behringer RD-9 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Behringer RD-9

by Behringer

Hip Hop Techno Electronic Music

Key Feature:

• Often includes bass and synth sounds

✓ PROS

• Built-in drum and percussion sounds
• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✗ CONS

• Sound palette may become repetitive
• Not suitable for melodic instrument needs

Behringer RD-9Analogue Drum Machine11 Drum sounds: bass drumsnare drumlow tommid tomhigh tomrim shotclapopen and closed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 521315

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

cre8audio Boom Chick - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

cre8audio Boom Chick

by cre8audio

Trap Electronic Music House

Key Feature:

• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✓ PROS

• Often includes bass and synth sounds
• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✗ CONS

• Not suitable for melodic instrument needs
• Limited to rhythmic and percussive sounds

cre8audio Boom ChickSemi-Modular Analogue Drum Machine5 drum voices: KickSnareDrum 1Drum 2HatsIndividual drum trigger...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615151

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elektron Model:Cycles ECC-5b Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Elektron Model:Cycles ECC-5b Bundle

by Elektron

Electronic Music Hip Hop Beat Making

Key Feature:

• Perfect for electronic music production

✓ PROS

• Often includes bass and synth sounds
• Perfect for electronic music production

✗ CONS

• Sound palette may become repetitive
• May not suit acoustic music styles

Elektron Model:Cycles ECC-5b Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Elektron Model:Cycles*6 Track FM groove box*6 Machines:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 593385

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elektron Model:Samples Case Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Elektron Model:Samples Case Set

by Elektron

Hip Hop Electronic Music House

Key Feature:

• Often includes bass and synth sounds

✓ PROS

• Great for live electronic performance
• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✗ CONS

• Sound palette may become repetitive
• Limited to rhythmic and percussive sounds

Elektron Model:Samples Case Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Elektron Model:Samples*6 Track Groovebox and Sampler*6 Audio...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 508818

$378

Buy at Thomann View Details

1010music nanobox razzmatazz - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

1010music nanobox razzmatazz

by 1010music

Beat Making Trap Techno

Key Feature:

• Built-in drum and percussion sounds

✓ PROS

• Often includes bass and synth sounds
• Perfect for electronic music production

✗ CONS

• May not suit acoustic music styles
• Sound palette may become repetitive

1010music nanobox razzmatazzFM and Sampling Drum SequencerCompact desktop designFM synthesis and sampling8 Drum pads...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 553030

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Behringer LM Drum - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Behringer LM Drum

by Behringer

House Trap Hip Hop

Key Feature:

• Often includes bass and synth sounds

✓ PROS

• Great for live electronic performance
• Perfect for electronic music production

✗ CONS

• May not suit acoustic music styles
• Sound palette may become repetitive

Behringer LM DrumHybrid Sampling Drum Machine16 instruments – drums and percussionTrigger pads for each instrument...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 607531

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha SEQTRAK Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha SEQTRAK Black

by Yamaha

Hip Hop Techno House

Key Feature:

• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✓ PROS

• Often includes bass and synth sounds
• Built-in drum and percussion sounds

✗ CONS

• Not suitable for melodic instrument needs
• Limited to rhythmic and percussive sounds

Yamaha SEQTRAK BlackAll-in-One SystemDrum machinesynthsamplersequencer and USB MIDI and audio interface 24-bit / 44.1...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 583990

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elektron Model:Cycles - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Elektron Model:Cycles

by Elektron

Techno Electronic Music Beat Making

Key Feature:

• Perfect for electronic music production

✓ PROS

• Great for live electronic performance
• Often includes bass and synth sounds

✗ CONS

• May not suit acoustic music styles
• Not suitable for melodic instrument needs

Elektron Model: Cycles6 Track FM groove box6 Machines: KickSnareMetalPercTone and Chord4 Controllers for direct sound...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 486110

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Roland TR-08 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Roland TR-08

by Roland

House Hip Hop Trap

Key Feature:

• Perfect for electronic music production

✓ PROS

• Perfect for electronic music production
• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✗ CONS

• May not suit acoustic music styles
• Programming can be complex initially

Roland TR-08Drum machineCompact replica of the legendary TR-808 drum machineSound characterbehaviour and user interface...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 419461

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elektron Model:Samples Cover Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Elektron Model:Samples Cover Bundle

by Elektron

Techno House Trap

Key Feature:

• Perfect for electronic music production

✓ PROS

• Perfect for electronic music production
• Built-in drum and percussion sounds

✗ CONS

• Limited to rhythmic and percussive sounds
• Sound palette may become repetitive

Elektron Model:Samples Cover Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Elektron Model:Samples*6 Track Groovebox and Sampler*6...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 461354

$388

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elektron Model:Cycles Cover Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Elektron Model:Cycles Cover Bundle

by Elektron

Trap Beat Making Techno

Key Feature:

• Built-in drum and percussion sounds

✓ PROS

• Step sequencing for pattern creation
• Great for live electronic performance

✗ CONS

• Sound palette may become repetitive
• Not suitable for melodic instrument needs

Elektron Model:Cycles Cover Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Elektron Model:Cycles*6 Track FM groove box*6 Machines:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 539359

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Arturia DrumBrute Impact - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Arturia DrumBrute Impact

by Arturia

Techno Trap House

Key Feature:

• Great for live electronic performance

✓ PROS

• Often includes bass and synth sounds
• Step sequencing for pattern creation

✗ CONS

• Programming can be complex initially
• Limited to rhythmic and percussive sounds

Arturia DrumBrute ImpactAnalog Drum Computer10 Sounds: KickSnare 1Snare 2Tom HiTom LowCowbellCymbalClosed HatOpen Hat...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 444377

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Behringer RD-8 MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Behringer RD-8 MKII

by Behringer

Trap Techno House

Key Feature:

• Often includes bass and synth sounds

✓ PROS

• Perfect for electronic music production
• Great for live electronic performance

✗ CONS

• Limited to rhythmic and percussive sounds
• Not suitable for melodic instrument needs

Behringer RD-8 MKIIAnalogue Drum MachineOptimised circuit design with emulation of the BA662 VCAincreased...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 523081

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Drum Machines

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 drum machines 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.

Related Best Lists

TOP

Best Drum Machines Under $500 2025

Elektron Model:Cycles Case Set

Elektron Model:Samples

Behringer RD-9

cre8audio Boom Chick

Elektron Model:Cycles ECC-5b Bundle

Elektron Model:Samples Case Set

1010music nanobox razzmatazz

Behringer LM Drum

Yamaha SEQTRAK Black

Elektron Model:Cycles

Roland TR-08

Elektron Model:Samples Cover Bundle

Elektron Model:Cycles Cover Bundle

Arturia DrumBrute Impact

Behringer RD-8 MKII

How to Choose the Best Drum Machines

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying drum machines?

How much should I spend on drum machines?

Are expensive drum machines worth the investment?

What are the best brands for drum machines?

Should I buy drum machines online or in-store?

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