Last Updated On December 27th, 2021

Top 10 Reviews

Best Electronic Drum Kit in the UK 2022

Luxury Choice

Alesis Surge Mesh

4.5/5
Alesis Surge Mesh

Editor's choice

Alesis Nitro Mesh

4.7/5
Alesis Nitro Mesh

Best Table Top

Alesis CompactKit 4

4.4/5
Alesis CompactKit 4

If noise levels and limited storage space make an acoustic drum kit unsuitable for you, an electronic version is an excellent alternative for hassle-free drumming.  

Versatile and easy to use, electronic drum kits are becoming more popular with aspiring and professional drummers alike, so they’re a great choice if you would like to learn how to play in the comfort of your own home.

So, why not make your drumming dreams a reality with one of the best electronic drum sets on the market? After reading our research and reviews, you’re sure to find the best electronic drum kit to suit your needs and lifestyle, whether you’re a professional drummer or just starting out. 

Best Electronic Drum Kit List

Best Electronic Drum Kit Reviews – Top 10 Picks

A great starter kit, the highly-recommended Nitro Mesh Kit by Alesis is our overall favourite and editor’s choice. If you are looking for the best electronic drum kit for beginners, you can’t go wrong with the Nitro Mesh Kit.

Alesis Nitro Mesh

Features

This complete eight-piece drum set has a compact footprint and a space-saving collapsible design, making it an ideal choice if you’re short of space. With a dual-zone snare pad, three eight-inch tom-drums, three 10-inch cymbals, and a kick pedal, you have this acoustic kit features an entire setup.

Thanks to its Nitro Drum sound module, you can follow along to 60 built-in tracks with 40 drum kits and over 350 acoustic and electric drum sounds. Complete with a sequencer, metronome and performance recorder, you’ll have all the tools you need to improve and perfect your performance.

With everything you need, including a four post aluminium rack, connection cables, drumsticks and a drum key, this acoustic drum set is ready to play as soon as it arrives. You can also benefit from the USB MIDI and in/out ports to connect your synthesizer, headphones and computer. These entry-level electronic drums have all that you need to get started, including 60 bonus lessons when you register.

On the downside, the stand could be a little more robust, while some drummers may also find the eight-inch snare to be a little on the small side. The presets are fairly basic, although you can easily connect it up to your computer for more variation and adapt it to your personal style and preferences. 

PROS

CONS

Alesis Nitro Mesh
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Whether your a beginner drummer or a pro with the sticks, our luxury choice, the Surge Mesh Kit by Alesis Drums is sure to exceed your expectations. This complete eight-piece mesh drum kit is an ideal model for anyone with space and noise constraints looking for a premium electronic drum set. 

Alesis Surge Mesh

Features

Featuring a 10-inch dual-zone mesh snare pad, three eight-inch dual-zone mesh tom pads, three cymbals, plus a kick pad, these electronic drums have a comprehensive setup that’s ready to play. When practice is over for the day, simply fold it up and save space thanks to its sturdy collapsible four-point chrome stand.

The included Surge Drum sound module includes 40 kits, 60 play-along tracks and 385 sounds. It also serves as a metronome, three-band equaliser and an onboard sequencer, so you’ll have plenty of options to improve and vary your style. Thanks to this kit’s aux input and USB MIDI connectivity, you can also link your smartphone and other external equipment for even more options. 

All in all, if you are looking for an easy to set up, space-saving electronic drum set that’s a cut above the rest, then this electronic drum set by Alesis ticks all of your boxes. 

Unfortunately, you may find the included cables to be a little restrictive if you want to move the pads around to get your ideal placement. What’s more, the sound module can be a bit outdated for today’s music and you may find the volume a little low when using your headphones.

PROS

CONS

Alesis Surge Mesh
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Our favourite table-top model by Alesis, this could be the best electronic drum set if you’re looking for an educational model. Ideal for anyone who is just starting out playing the drums, this compact kit makes a great first electronic drum set and can be used plugged in at home or outdoors with batteries. 

Alesis CompactKit 4

Features

With its four velocity-sensitive electric pads, this Alesis model easily outperforms other table-top electronic drum sets, capturing your play style with a maximum level of responsiveness. Compact and easy to move for occasional use or storage, this kit is a good choice for small homes or if you’re not ready to commit to a full drum set. 

Thanks to its high-quality LCD screen and push-button control panel, this electronic drum set is both easy to use and set up. Follow along to its 50 songs, complete with 10 effects and 70 electronic and acoustic drums voices. Drummers both young and old will find the educational drum coach and game functions a fun way to improve their abilities 

For quiet practise sessions just plug in your headphones then, when it’s time to show off your progress, this unit has a built-in speaker or you can connect it to an amp. If you are looking for compact table-top electronic drums and are just starting to learn how to play, this model is an excellent choice for learning the basics and will provide a great drumming experience.

Bear in mind that there is not a kick pedal with this electronic drum set and it doesn’t feature any USB or MIDI connectivity. Also, the volume settings don’t save between modes, so be careful if you need to keep it on low. 

PROS

CONS

Alesis CompactKit 4
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A great choice for children or beginners alike, this entry-level Uverbon electronic kit is highly portable, compact, and easy to use. Whether you’re short on space or looking for an original gift for a music lover, this could be the best electronic drum set for you.

Uverbon Digital Roll Up

Features

Made from highly durable, flexible silicone, simply roll it up and put it away when you’re done. It is also a practical choice for transporting to local venues for sound effects or quizzes where an acoustic drum isn’t possible and would take up too much space.

Consisting of nine pads, including five drums, four cymbals, plus two pedals, this electronic drum set has a typical configuration that follows the conventional layout. The pads have a good degree of sensitivity and come with clear illustrations to help nay drummer get off to a flying start.

Connect your phone to play along to your favourite tracks or practise with a youtube tutorial. The built-in speakers are surprisingly powerful, although you can also connect your headphones to practise in private. Choose from five sound modes including pop, latin, rock, electronic or percussion and vary your playing style. There is also a handy metronome function to help you to improve your drumming skills and help you to keep the beat. 

While this is a good choice for children, you’ll need a spare USB plug handy to use with the provided cable, which is a little on the short side. Also, you may wish to have a set of headphones ready as the speakers are fairly loud, even when set on low. 

PROS

CONS

Uverbon Digital Roll Up
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One of the best electronic drum sets around, the Turbo Mesh Kit by Alesis Drums is a stylish seven-piece model. Thanks to its premium looks and responsive mesh heads, this kit is a highly popular choice, not least of all for its range of educational features.  

Alesis Turbo Mesh

Features

The sturdy steel rack is easily adjustable so you can configure your individual setup, while its foldable design makes this a great electronic drum set for small spaces. Consisting of an eight-inch snare drum, three eight-inch toms, three cymbals, plus a hi-hat pedal and a kick pedal, this kit by Alesis has everything budding drummers need to get started. 

Thanks to its Turbo Drum sound module, you can select one of the 10 ready-to-play drum kits or one of over one hundred sounds. To make learning to play the drums easier, this kit comes complete with a metronome, drum coach and 20 built-in play-along sounds. 

Connect your external equipment; with the USB MIDI port, aux input and headphones outlet, you can connect a wide range of accessories. Easy to assemble, this electronic drum set makes an outstanding choice, providing you with plenty of ways to hone your skills while taking up minimal space. 

If you opt for this model, you may find that the hi-hat pedal sounds a lot quieter than the rest of your setup. Also bear in mind that there is no cymbal choke option and the auto power-off will disconnect any MIDI connections you have set up.

PROS

CONS

Alesis Turbo Mesh
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If you are looking to get more seriously into drumming but don’t have a lot of space, the Digital Drums 400, our top compact choice, could be the best electronic drum set for you. Thanks to its compact, foldable design, this drum kit takes up next to no space when it’s not in use compared to standard models.

Digital 400

Features

While it is definitely a space-saver, this is still a complete electronic drum set consisting of a snare drum, three toms, a kick drum, a bass drum pad, and three cymbal pads – everything you need to take your learning to the next level. Thanks to its clear control unit with its LCD screen, setting up your session couldn’t be easier. 

With 10 pre-programmed drum kits, you can also set up your kit to sound just how you like it. Choose from 108 drum sounds and personalise your own custom drum kit. There is also a handy click function to practise your timing and, thanks to its numerous ports, you can connect a wide range of devices. 

What’s more, this electronic drum set comes with everything you need to get started, including headphones, drumsticks and a drum stool, making it a great purchase for people just starting up. Ideal for beginners or intermediate levels, if you are looking to purchase a space-saving drum kit, this model is understandably a highly popular choice.

You may find that you need to tighten up your drum connectors from time to time as they tend to work loose. Also, the pedals are very sensitive and the stool could be of better build quality, although these are only minor quibbles.

PROS

CONS

Digital 400
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If your child loves music, or if you’re thinking of learning to play the drums, then the Ohuhu Electronic Roll Up Drum Set could be the best electronic drum set to get you started. As it rolls up when not in use, it also makes a great choice for small spaces, or if you want a drum set that you can easily transport.

Ohuhu Roll Up Set

Features

With its nine drum pads, the front zone snare and bass drum area, complete with three toms and four cymbals, plus two pedals, this configuration matches your standard drum kit setup. Thanks to its rechargeable 10-hour battery, you can take this drum set wherever you want to practise, either far away from home, or just at a distance from your plug sockets. 

The 12 demo songs and nine rhythms make this could be the best electronic drum for practising the basics, while the seven timbres allow you to personalise your sound. Either listen to your progress with friends through the built-in speakers or plug in your headphones to practise without disturbing anyone. 

Complete with a USB port and MIDI connection, you can connect your drum kit to your external devices to play-along to all of your favourite songs. A great gift or starter electronic drum set for the young drummer, if you are looking for a compact, roll-up drum set, this entry-level model could be perfect for your needs. 

Unfortunately, there is no plug included with this model, although you can use any standard USB plug you already have with the included cable which is fairly short. While this drum kit is easy to use, you may find that the buttons are not very intuitive, so be sure to read over the instructions carefully. 

PROS

CONS

Ohuhu Roll Up Set
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The RockJam Mesh Head Kit is an eight-piece set ideal for any aspiring drummer. A great starter kit, this model could be the best electronic drum sets on the market if you are looking for something that is not only fairly compact, but that can be easily put up and taken down as needed.

RockJam Mesh Head

Features

Thanks to the four premium mesh heads, you get superior velocity sensitivity and less noise than with standard rubber versions. Three ten-inch cymbals with two durable metal pedals, controlling the bass and the hi-hat, complete this comprehensive kit. 

Connectivity is also a strong point with this electronic drum set; with a USB out, aux in, headphone jack and MIDI out, you can connect numerous devices to your drums to play along, mix, or record your finest moments. With 30 drum kit voices to choose from, you can personalise your set to sound just how you like it. The simple, easy-to-use sound module also features multiple demo tracks, so you can play along to a variety of styles

Complete with headphones and drumsticks, this electronic drum set has everything any drummer will need to get started. With its velocity-sensitive pads and choke managed cymbals, this drum set is a great sounding piece of kit that would also make an ideal gift. 

On the downside, the power cord is fairly short, which can limit your placement options. Also, the drumsticks are low quality and you’ll need to take care not to overtighten the plastic frame clamps or else they will round off and lose their thread.  

PROS

CONS

RockJam Mesh Head
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Looking for an entry-level set to start off your drumming career? Our best value pick, the Paxcess Electronic Drum Set is a great buy, whether you are looking for an electronic drum set for your kids or to start out yourself. 

Paxcess Roll Up

Features

This highly portable drum set features a ten-hour rechargeable battery. Simply charge it and roll it up for easy storage or transportation. Connect your headphones and you can use it just about anywhere, ideal for squeezing in quick practice sessions on the go. 

Featuring seven pads, one snare, three toms and three cymbals, plus two drum bass pedals, this handy electronic drum set has everything you need to start to learn playing the drums. Use the dual built-in speakers during the day and when you want feedback on your performance, or attach your headphones for late night playing and whenever you need to keep noise levels down. 

Complete with eight demo tracks, five timbres and three rhythms, you can also connect your MP3 player or computer to vary your play-along options. If you are looking for the best budget electronic drum kit, then this kit could be for you while you decide whether or not you want to take your drumming skills to the next level.

On the downside, these drum sets are very small, possibly too small for some drummers to use comfortably. Also, the sound quality is not the best and the pads are not always that responsive.

PROS

CONS

Paxcess Roll Up
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The Anpro Electric Drum Set is a compact and lightweight product that allows you to practice drumming from anywhere with ease.
Anpro 9 Pads Stereo

Features

This set includes 9 different pads plus a crash cymbal, ride cymbal, high tom, snare, and base drum. It essentially has all the different drum and cymbal types you need for a complete drum set.

We also like how the different pads are colour-coded and have markings on them so you can easily identify which is which. For practice, you can work with 12 different demo songs and a range of accompanying sounds. There is also a volume control for both the drums and the demo songs.

This kit is also durable and is waterproof. You should easily be able to clean it, and it can be quickly folded away for storage.

It is a decent electric drum set, but it may not be perfect. Firstly, some of the drum sounds may give off background noise. Also, the peddles may not be the quietest. Thirdly, the hitbox appears to be sensitive and you may have to aim carefully to activate the drum sounds.

PROS

CONS

Anpro 9 Pads Stereo
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How to Choose the Best Electronic Drum Kit

To help you in your quest to find your best electronic drum kit, here are some of the most important features that you should definitely keep a close eye on when making your decision. 

Type

a portable music deviceThe three most common types of electric drum kits are full sets, tabletop sets and roll up sets. Here’s a summary of each type.

  • Roll Up Drum Sets – generally marketed as a novelty product or for children, roll up drum sets often not of the best build quality. However, if you are taking up drumming on a whim, a roll up drum set can still give you a good idea if playing the drums is really for you or just another flash in the pan. 
  • Table top drum sets – somewhere between a roll up set and a full set, a table top drum set is a good option if you don’t want to commit to a full set before testing your commitment. They tend to have better connectivity than roll up versions and make a good choice for beginners who are short on space. 
  • Full set electronic drum kits – consisting of a full set of drum pads and cymbals on a stand, full electronic drum sets can vary hugely in quality and what is included. There are plenty of different options available to suit all levels and spaces. If you have tried drumming and are convinced that it’s for you, then starting out with a full set is going to be your best choice.  

Mesh or Rubber

When you first start looking at electronic drum sets, you’ll have to choose whether to go for mesh or rubber drum pads.

Here’s a detailed comparison of mesh and rubber drum kits, but if you just want a quick run through, basically, mesh wins. Mesh has a better “feel” to it and makes less noise, often an essential consideration when you’re looking for an electronic drum set. 

Module

Essentially a control panel for your drum kit, you’ll want a module that is easy to use and clear to decipher.

Be sure to read up in detail on what exactly your module is preloaded with. Some models feature LED screens for ease of use. Drum modules will give you complete control over how your electronic drums sound, so better make sure that it’s one that you feel you’ll be comfortable using.

Connectivity

Connectivity is another essential feature of any electronic drum kit.

From headphones to your smartphone, your synthesizer and computer, there are numerous external appliances, including a digital audio workstation, that can help you to get the most out of your electronic drums.

Whether you are looking to play along with one of your favourite songs, or want to connect your computer to record your drumming session as a MIDI track, the more ports you have, the greater the options available to you. 

Stand

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good stand. While it’s certainly not the most glamorous aspect, without it you won’t be able to play. Look out for strong, sturdy steel versions that fold away easily.

You should also check out how your pads connect to the stand. If you expect to be frequently taking your set down, then try to avoid plastic connectors that can easily be overtightened and lose their thread. 

Extras

musical instruments and headphonesWhen you’re just starting out, it can be helpful to purchase a full electronic drum kit package. This will save you time looking for each aspect of your kit.

As time goes by, you may choose to upgrade certain parts of your equipment, but everyone needs to start somewhere.

  • Drum stool/drum throne – it’s important to get the right drum throne to suit your needs. Most sets don’t include a stool, however. You’ll want one with a comfortable seat and easy-to-adjust height settings.
  • Drum sticks – every drummer needs a pair of drum sticks. Most kits will include a pair, however, they are not always of the best quality. For starting out, they should more than suffice though and you can treat yourself to a new pair as you progress. 
  • Headphones – most people who enjoy music will likely already have a good pair of headphones. If you don’t, this could be worth looking out for, or if your set doesn’t include headphones, you may wish to purchase a pair to use exclusively with your drum set. 
  • Leads – your drum set should include all connection leads. However, you may want to take a closer look to see if any other leads are included to connect your computer, smartphone or other external devices in your home studio. Otherwise, you may want to order specific leads when making your purchase so you can get full use of your drum set as soon as it arrives. 

Are Electronic Drum Kits Worth It?

If you’re on the fence and wondering whether it’s worth getting an electronic drum set, here are some of the main reasons that make them worth going for.

Greater Sound Control

If you are thinking of taking up playing the drums as a hobby, chances are other members of your household might not be too enthusiastic. Not to mention your neighbours.

Purchasing an electronic drum kit allows you to practise your heart out without anyone even realising you’re playing by using headphones. This also allows you to practise hard without worrying about what others think and to wow them when you do decide to show off the results of all your hard work.

Space Saving

Acoustic drum kits are big and bulky. An electric drum kit can fit in a much smaller space and they often fold away, ideal for apartment dwellers and small homes. With an electronic tabletop drum kit, you can even practise in the smallest of spaces. 

In-Built Metronome

It can be difficult to hear your metronome over your acoustic drum kit and watching the flashing light can distract you from other elements. An electronic drum kit with a built-in metronome, allows you to individually adjust the volumes of your beat and metronome, so you can easily focus on your timing

Educational Features

asian girl learning to play the musical instrumentsWith a wide range of educational features aimed specifically at beginner drummers, it is much easier to progress with an electronic drum set if you are short on experience.

While reading through beginner’s tips can help, you really need a kit you can put them into practice on. From built-in drum coaches to games that test your rhythm, speed and competence, not to mention specially included easy play-along songs, if you have little or no experience then an electronic drum set could help you to get through the preliminary stages much more easily without getting bored or put off. 

Conclusion

There has never been a better time to follow your dreams and get started learning to play the drums. With so many fantastic models available, we hope our electric drum kit reviews have helped. However, if you’re still struggling to find the best electronic drum kit, take a second look at our editor’s choice: the Nitro Mesh Kit by Alesis Drums

Featuring a complete eight-piece kit, this electronic drum set has everything you need to progress through the beginner stages. Thanks to its mesh head construction, it is quieter than rubber and has a better “feel”. With its collapsible stand, you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your home, while its play-along tracks, USB MIDI connectivity and easy to use command module make it an extremely popular choice. 

This compact kit has all the tools that you need to improve your skills, including a sequencer, metronome and performance recorder. Considering its premium mesh construction, excellent connectivity and a large number of acoustic and electric drum sounds, this is definitely the best electronic drum set available.

All in all, this is a superb choice to start and progress with. 

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