Best Small Hi Hat Cymbals (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 30, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The ULUOBO 13-inch pair leads this list for small hi-hat cymbals: it pairs a 13-inch size with a stainless steel alloy and a 90-day warranty. The Foraineam 13-inch pair follows for beginners, and the SABIAN, Zildjian I and Planet Z 13-inch pairs round out the list.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Beginners who want 13-inch practice cymbals: ULUOBO Hi Hat Cymbals See pick 1More picks: Best Cymbals for Beginners
- Beginners who want a 13-inch hi-hat pair: Foraineam 13" Hi Hat Cymbals Pair See pick 2More picks: Best Beginner Cymbal Pack
- Players taking a first step into cymbals: SABIAN 13" SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals See pick 3
- Players who want 13-inch B8 bronze hi-hats: Avedis Zildjian Company 13 inch I Series See pick 4
- Beginners who want a 13-inch hi-hat pair: Zildjian Planet Z 13" Hi Hat Cymbals See pick 5
Want the full range? Best Cymbals ranks the top cymbals for every buyer, or browse all 22 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
A 13-inch pair in a stainless steel alloy with a 90-day warranty suits beginners learning the drum set.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want 13-inch practice cymbals
- New players learning their way around a drum set
Skip it if
- You need hats larger than 13 inches
- You want a warranty longer than 90 days
The pair includes two 13-inch cymbals in a gold color, made from a thickened stainless steel alloy. It suits beginners and students learning the drum set. The warranty runs 90 days from the date of purchase.
2Runner-Up
A 13-inch pair, sharp, focused and full-bodied, suits beginners and players of all styles.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a 13-inch hi-hat pair
- Players who want hi-hats for all styles
Skip it if
- You need hats larger than 13 inches
- You want hi-hats in a color other than gold
The pair includes two 13-inch hi-hats in a gold color. The pair is durable and versatile, with a sharp, focused and full-bodied character. It suits beginner drum set students and players.
3Also Great
SABIAN 13" SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals
- Cymbal pack not stated in the listing
- Size: 13 in
- Alloy: Brass
- Two-year warranty stated
A 13-inch brass pair, tight and clean when closed, suits a first step into cymbals.
Who it suits
- Players taking a first step into cymbals
- Players who want 13-inch brass hi-hats
Skip it if
- You need hats larger than 13 inches
- You want cymbals in an alloy other than brass
The pair is 13-inch SBR brass, tight and clean when closed and loud and full when open. It carries a two-year warranty. The pair suits a first step into cymbals.
4Also Great
Avedis Zildjian Company 13 inch I Series
- Cymbal pack not stated in the listing
- Size: 13 in
- Alloy: B8
- 2-year warranty stated
A 13-inch pair made from B8 bronze suits players wanting a traditional pair.
Who it suits
- Players who want 13-inch B8 bronze hi-hats
- Players who want a traditional hi-hat pair
Skip it if
- You need hats larger than 13 inches
- You want cymbals in an alloy other than B8 bronze
The pair is a 13-inch hi-hat pair made from B8 bronze in a traditional style. It carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty. The pair comes in a gold color.
5Also Great
Zildjian Planet Z 13" Hi Hat Cymbals
- Cymbal pack not stated in the listing
- 2-year warranty stated
A 13-inch pair with bright, responsive sound suits beginners in practice and performance.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a 13-inch hi-hat pair
- Players who want bright, responsive hi-hats
Skip it if
- You need hats larger than 13 inches
- You want a warranty longer than two years
The pair is a 13-inch hi-hat pair with bright, responsive sounds for beginners in practice and performance. It carries a 2-year warranty. The pair is made in the USA.
Side by side
| Product | Cymbal pack | Size | Alloy | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULUOBO Hi Hat Cymbals | Yes | 13 in | Not stated | Not stated | 90-day |
| Foraineam 13" Hi Hat Cymbals Pair | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| SABIAN 13" SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals | Not stated | 13 in | Brass | Not stated | two-year |
| Avedis Zildjian Company 13 inch I Series | Not stated | 13 in | B8 | Not stated | 2-year |
| Zildjian Planet Z 13" Hi Hat Cymbals | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 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: small hi hat cymbals
Size comes first for small hi-hats
All five picks are 13-inch hi-hats. Size is the first spec to compare, since every pick here shares the same 13-inch diameter. A matched pair matters: both cymbals in a hi-hat pair are the same size, so check the size before buying.
Match the alloy to your kit
Alloy is stated for three picks here. The SABIAN pair is brass, the Zildjian I pair is B8 bronze, and the ULUOBO pair is a stainless steel alloy. Compare those stated alloys when you choose, and weigh the warranty term alongside: the SABIAN, Zildjian I and Planet Z pairs carry two-year terms, while the ULUOBO pair carries 90 days.
Beginner-friendly pairs and practice
Several picks suit beginners. The ULUOBO pair is made for beginners and students, the Foraineam pair suits beginner drum set students and players, and the Planet Z pair suits beginners in practice and performance. The SABIAN pair suits a first step into cymbals. If you are new to the drum set, start with the pair whose description matches your playing level.
Frequently asked questions
What size are the hi-hats in this guide?
Every pick here is a 13-inch hi-hat. The ULUOBO, Foraineam, SABIAN, Zildjian I and Planet Z pairs all share that size.
Which pair suits a beginner on the drum set?
The ULUOBO pair is made for beginners and students, and the Foraineam pair suits beginner drum set students and players. The Planet Z pair suits beginners in practice and performance.
What warranty terms do these hi-hats carry?
The ULUOBO pair carries a 90-day warranty. The SABIAN, Zildjian I and Planet Z pairs carry two-year terms.
Are these hi-hats sold as pairs?
The ULUOBO and Foraineam pairs include two 13-inch cymbals each. The Zildjian I and Planet Z pairs are 13-inch hi-hat pairs.
Gear that goes with it
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Best Bass Drum PedalTop pick: Foraineam Drum Kit Pedals Heavy Duty SingleMore cymbals guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 30, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.