Best Cymbals for Beginners (2026): 4 Picks Compared
Updated Nov 1, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
The HAIRIESIS set leads as Best Overall: a 5-piece set with a 14-inch hi-hat, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. If you want a splash too, the Meinl HCS Box Set adds a 10-inch splash to the same core sizes.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Beginners who want two crashes plus a ride and hi-hats in one set: HAIRIESIS Cymbal Exquisite Alloy Cymbal Set 14"/16"/18"/20" See pick 1More picks: Best Beginner Cymbal Pack
- New players who want a hi-hat pair, one crash, and a ride: Zildjian ZP4PK Planet Z Complete 14/16/20-Inch Cymbal See pick 2
- Beginners who want a splash with hihats, crashes, and a ride: Meinl Cymbals HCS Box Set Cymbals See pick 3
- Beginners who want a china and a splash with the core set: Meinl Cymbals Super Set Box Pack See pick 4
Want the full range? Best Cymbals ranks the top cymbals for every buyer, or browse all 22 guides.
The 4 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
HAIRIESIS Cymbal Exquisite Alloy Cymbal Set 14"/16"/18"/20"
- Cymbal pack
It earns Best Overall as a 5-piece beginner set with a 14-inch hi-hat, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride for practice.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want two crashes plus a ride and hi-hats in one set
- New players who practice with a hi-hat, crashes, and a ride
Skip it if
- You want a splash cymbal in the box
- You want a china cymbal in the box
The set holds a 14-inch hi-hat, a 16-inch crash, an 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride, five pieces in all. The surface is copper-plated and polished, with treated car patterns and hammer points, and the alloy is thickened and cold forged. It comes with a 30-day warranty service.
2Runner-Up
Zildjian ZP4PK Planet Z Complete 14/16/20-Inch Cymbal
- Cymbal pack
- Size: 20 in
- 2-year warranty stated
It holds Runner-Up with a 14-inch hi-hat pair, a 16-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride in a bright finish from nickel-silver alloy.
Who it suits
- New players who want a hi-hat pair, one crash, and a ride
- Beginners who want a nickel-silver alloy set in a bright finish
Skip it if
- You want an 18-inch crash in the set
- You want a splash cymbal in the box
The pack holds a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride in a traditional bright finish. The cymbals are crafted in the USA from nickel-silver alloy and produce cutting bright tones with short sustain. It carries a 2 year manufacturer warranty.
3Also Great
Meinl Cymbals HCS Box Set Cymbals
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with a 10-inch splash added to 14-inch hihats, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride in brass.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a splash with hihats, crashes, and a ride
- Players who want brass cymbals made in Germany
Skip it if
- You want a china cymbal in the box
- You want a nickel-silver alloy set
The box holds a 10-inch splash, 14-inch hihats, a 16-inch crash, an 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. The cymbals are made in Germany from brass alloy, with lathe grooves and hammer marks, and the sound is bright and clean without harsh ringing. It carries a 2 year manufacturer warranty.
4Also Great
Meinl Cymbals Super Set Box Pack
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with a 16-inch china and a 10-inch splash beside 14-inch hihats, a 20-inch ride, and 16-inch and 18-inch crashes.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a china and a splash with the core set
- Players who want effect cymbals in the same box as the core set
Skip it if
- You want a set without a china cymbal
- You want a nickel-silver alloy set
The box holds 14-inch hihats, a 20-inch ride, a 16-inch crash, an 18-inch crash, a 16-inch china, and a 10-inch splash. The cymbals are made in Germany from brass alloy with a traditional finish, lathe grooves, and hammer marks. It carries a 2-year limited Meinl warranty.
Side by side
| Product | Cymbal pack | Size | Alloy | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAIRIESIS Cymbal Exquisite Alloy Cymbal Set 14"/16"/18"/20" | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Zildjian ZP4PK Planet Z Complete 14/16/20-Inch Cymbal | Yes | 20 in | Not stated | Not stated | 2-year |
| Meinl Cymbals HCS Box Set Cymbals | Yes | Not stated | Brass | Not stated | 2-year |
| Meinl Cymbals Super Set Box Pack | Yes | Not stated | Brass | Not stated | 2-year |
How we ranked these cymbals
Every pick ranks in Amazon's best-seller list for its category and has a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Cymbal pack weight 1
Buying advice: cymbals for beginners
Match the set to the sounds you need
A core set covers hi-hats, crashes, and a ride. The HAIRIESIS set and the Meinl HCS Box Set pair 14-inch hihats with 16-inch and 18-inch crashes and a 20-inch ride. The Zildjian Planet Z pack pairs 14-inch hi-hats with a 16-inch crash and a 20-inch ride. A splash or a china adds effect sounds: the Meinl HCS Box Set adds a 10-inch splash, and the Meinl Super Set adds a 10-inch splash and a 16-inch china.
Compare alloys and finishes
The Zildjian Planet Z pack uses nickel-silver alloy in a traditional bright finish. The Meinl HCS sets use brass alloy made in Germany, with the HCS Box Set and the Super Set both in a traditional finish. The HAIRIESIS set uses alloy with a copper-plated and polished surface.
Check the warranty before you buy
The Zildjian Planet Z pack and both Meinl HCS sets carry a 2-year warranty. The HAIRIESIS set comes with a 30-day warranty service. Warranty length differs across these sets, so weigh it beside the sizes and contents when you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What cymbals does a beginner set need?
Hi-hats, at least one crash, and a ride cover the core sounds. The HAIRIESIS set and the Meinl HCS Box Set add a second crash, and the Meinl sets add a splash for effect sounds.
Do these sets include hi-hats?
Yes. The HAIRIESIS set includes a 14-inch hi-hat, the Zildjian pack includes a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, and both Meinl sets include 14-inch hihats.
Which set includes a china cymbal?
Only the Meinl Super Set includes a 16-inch china, beside a 10-inch splash, 14-inch hihats, a 20-inch ride, and 16-inch and 18-inch crashes.
Are these cymbal sets sold as packs?
Yes. Each set comes as a pack with hi-hats, crashes, and a ride, and the Meinl sets add a splash to that core.
Gear that goes with it
Best Snare Drum for MetalTop pick: Gibraltar Deluxe Classic Snare Drum Throw Off
Best Drum SticksTop pick: OIETON 5A Drum Sticks Bulk 12 Pairs
Best Bass Drum PedalTop pick: Foraineam Drum Kit Pedals Heavy Duty SingleMore cymbals guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Nov 1, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.