The Best Cymbals 2025

1. MEINL HCS Crash/Ride Cymbal 18 in.

These brass alloy models HCS crash/ride cymbals sound and look great, and let you get into playing MEINL at very realistic prices. The HCS series from MEINL Cymbals is designed to offer all of the cymbal types and sizes normally found in professional lines to beginners, in order to deliver the same sound options a working drummer may look for. The HCS 18" crash/ride blends the cutting "ping" sound found in a ride cymbal with a smooth crash effect when played as a crash cymbal. The size and weight of this model makes it useful for a multitude of purposes. The HCS crash/ride has excellent stick definition and a clear, penetrating bell with warm undertones and a medium sustain. When heavier moments arise in the music, it makes for a perfect crash cymbal. MEINL HCS cymbals are recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound. These are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets. No, MEINL HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players. Playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play. Plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals.

Cymbal Type: Crash-Ride Size: 18" Alloy: MS63 Brass Weight: Medium Sound: Warm, harmonical with mid-bright timbre Sustain: Medium

2. MEINL HCS China Cymbal 14 in.

This brass alloy China cymbal sounds and looks great, and lets you get into playing MEINL at a very realistic price. The HCS series from MEINL Cymbals is designed to offer all of the cymbal types and sizes normally found in professional lines to beginners, in order to deliver the same sound options a working drummer may look for. The HCS China cymbal has an explosive, brash attack with dark, trashy undertones that are ideal for adding a unique element to your playing. The sizes are industry standard, and the sound quality is unsurpassed in this price range. This cymbal has excellent crashing abilities with a medium sustain, perfect for big accents. Pair with the HCS Trash Crash or HCS Bell (sold separately) to really add some innovative sounds to your kit. MEINL HCS cymbals are recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound. These are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets. No, MEINL HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players. Playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play. Plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals.

Meinl Cymbals HCS 14" China

3. Rock Band 2 Double Cymbal Expansion Kit

Crash, Ride & Hi-Hat cymbals. Game sold separately.Velocity-sensitive for precise drummingAdjustable heightEasy-to-install clamps for quick setupOnly compatible with Rock Band 2 Drum kits

The Officially Licensed Rock Band 2 Double Cymbal Expansion Kit provides the means for you to drum like the pros do with velocity- sensitive Crash, Ride, and Hi-Hat cymbals. With the easy-to-install mounting brackets, you have total control and can setup your drum kit in any configuration you see fit. Once your drum kit has been customized to your standards, you'll be all set to attack your song library with new vigor and achieve the next step in drumming perfection.

4. MEINL HCS Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair 13 in.

These brass alloy models HCS hi-hat cymbals sound and look great, and let you get into playing MEINL at very realistic prices. The HCS series from MEINL Cymbals is designed to offer all of the cymbal types and sizes normally found in professional lines to beginners, in order to deliver the same sound options a working drummer may look for. These HCS line hi-hats have gained immense popularity due to their versatility, durability and outstanding sound quality. When played closed, these hi-hats have a crisp "chick" sound along with warm undertones that carry over when played open. MEINL HCS cymbals are recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound. These are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets. No, MEINL HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players. Playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play. Plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals.

Versatile hihat in medium weight Warm, clean sound and an articulate open hihat Meinl Cymbals HCS Series Hi-Hats 13 inches

5. Meinl 20" HCS Ride Cymbal | HCS20R

The Meinl HCS ride cymbal projects a clean, warm sound with a defined ping and solid bell. The tone is on the brighter side due to the brass MS63 alloy, made with 63% copper and 37% zinc, which also keeps it highly affordable for students and first-time players. It's great for riding through big choruses. When struck with the stick shoulder, this ride can also yield powerful accents that cut through the loudest pop and rock music.

Meinl 20" HCS Ride Cymbal | HCS20R Clean, warm sound, with a defined ping and nice bell. Good for all situations. Styles: Rock, Pop Timbre: Mid-Bright Character: Warm, Harmonical Pitch: Low-Mid Volume: Medium to Low Sustain: Medium to Short Weight: Medium Finish: Traditional Material: MS63 Lathe: Wide Blade SKU: HCS20R By unknown

6. Zildjian ZBT18CH ZBT 18" Thin China Cymbal

A Fast, bright, "trashy" China ideal for special accents and musical exclamation points.

Zildjian ZBT18CH ZBT 18" Thin China Cymbal

7. Zildjian ZBTS3P9 ZBT 3 Cymbal Starter Box Set

Crafted of B8 alloy, ZBT cymbals provide a bright cutting sound that’s ready to go from the practice room to the gig.

Zildjian ZBTS3P9 ZBT 3 Cymbal Starter Box Set

8. Paiste PST3 Series 10" Splash, Multicolor, 0632210

The fusion of Swiss cymbal sound know-how with German hi-tech expertise. Featuring a medium bright, clean, and fast character with a medium range, fairly complex mix. It has a balanced feel and explosive, fast fading splash with a somewhat trashy character as well, making it well suited for fast accents. Features: Medium bright, clean, and fast character Medium range, fairly complex mix Balanced feel and explosive, fast fading splash Somewhat trashy character Well suited for fast accents Get your Paiste PST3 Series Splash today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.

Paiste PST3 Series 10" Splash, Multicolor, 0632210 Medium bright, clean, and fast character Medium range with a fairly complex mix Balanced feel for versatile play Explosive, fast fading splash sound Somewhat trashy character for added texture Ideal for fast accents in various musical styles

9. Paiste PST3 Series 18" Crash Ride

The fusion of Swiss cymbal sound know-how with German hi-tech expertise. Energetic, full and focused character. Its somewhat narrow range & fairly clean mix blends well with the even, balanced feel to make it a great multi-purpose cymbal. With fast, powerful crash and soft, mellow ride qualities, you can be confident this cymbal with almost any percussion application! Features: Energetic, full and focused character Narrow range & fairly clean mix Even, balanced feel to make it a great multi-purpose cymbal Fast, powerful crash and soft, mellow ride qualities Get your Paiste PST3 Crash Ride today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.

Energetic, full and focused character Narrow range & fairly clean mix Paiste PST3 Series 18" Crash Ride

10. Stagg Music CXA SET Cymbal

Stagg Music CXA SET Cymbal, 2 Piece, Brass

Stagg Music CXA SET Cymbal Maximum Number of Pieces: 2 Percussion Instrument Details: Crash Cymbal - 16" Diameter, Hi-hat Cymbal - 13" Diameter Product Material: Brass Maximum Number of Pieces: 2 Percussion Instrument Details: Crash Cymbal - 16" Diameter, Hi-hat Cymbal - 13" Diameter Product Material: Brass