The Best Cymbals 2025

Updated On April 16th, 2025

Looking for the best Cymbals? You aren't short of choices in 2022. The difficult bit is deciding the best Cymbals for you, but luckily that's where we can help. Based on testing out in the field with reviews, sells etc, we've created this ranked list of the finest Cymbals.

Rank Product Name Score
1
GameShark Rock Band 3 RB3969110N02/02/1 Gaming Drum

GameShark Rock Band 3 RB3969110N02/02/1 Gaming Drum

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100%
2
MEINL HCS Crash/Ride Cymbal 18 in.

MEINL HCS Crash/Ride Cymbal 18 in.

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100%
3
Rock Band 2 Double Cymbal Expansion Kit

Rock Band 2 Double Cymbal Expansion Kit

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84%
4
Meinl 20" HCS Ride Cymbal | HCS20R

Meinl 20" HCS Ride Cymbal | HCS20R

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80%
5
MEINL HCS Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair 13 in.

MEINL HCS Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair 13 in.

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0%
6
Zildjian ZBT18CH ZBT 18" Thin China Cymbal

Zildjian ZBT18CH ZBT 18" Thin China Cymbal

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0%
7
Zildjian ZBTS3P9 ZBT 3 Cymbal Starter Box Set

Zildjian ZBTS3P9 ZBT 3 Cymbal Starter Box Set

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0%
8
Paiste PST3 Series 10" Splash, Multicolor, 0632210

Paiste PST3 Series 10" Splash, Multicolor, 0632210

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0%
9
Paiste PST3 Series 18" Crash Ride

Paiste PST3 Series 18" Crash Ride

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0%
10
Stagg Music CXA SET Cymbal

Stagg Music CXA SET Cymbal

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0%

1. GameShark Rock Band 3 RB3969110N02/02/1 Gaming Drum

GameShark Rock Band 3 RB3969110N02/02/1 Gaming Drum
100%

Our Score

Add another layer of authenticity to your rock experience with the all-inclusive Wireless Rock Band 3 PRO-Drum & PRO-Cymbals Kit. With four durable drum pads and a metal-reinforced kick pedal, the drum kit can withstand strikes from the most enthusiastic drummers. Velocity-sensitive drumheads respond to the force exerted on them and their sound-dampening properties help ensure you don't wake the neighbors during those late-night jam sessions. A height adjustable stand lets you customize your layout and the included wooden drum sticks impart a real-life feel to videogame rocking.

GameShark Rock Band 3 RB3969110N02/02/1 Gaming Drum Go wireless and casually play the video games you love Playing video games on Wii is always more fun when connected to a controller

2. MEINL HCS Crash/Ride Cymbal 18 in.

MEINL HCS Crash/Ride Cymbal 18 in.
100%

Our Score

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 Music Style Rock, Pop Pitch Low-Mid Character Warm, Harmonical Timbre Mid-Bright Volume Medium to Low Lathe Wide Blade Sustain Medium to Short Material MS63 Alloy Finish Traditional Shaping Pressure Point Technology Size 18" (45.7cm) Weight Medium

3. Rock Band 2 Double Cymbal Expansion Kit

Rock Band 2 Double Cymbal Expansion Kit
84%

Our Score

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 20" HCS Ride Cymbal | HCS20R

Meinl 20" HCS Ride Cymbal | HCS20R
80%

Our Score

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.

Cymbal Type Ride Music Style Rock, Pop Pitch Low-Mid Character Warm, Harmonical Timbre Mid-Bright Volume Medium to Low Lathe Wide Blade Sustain Medium to Short Material MS63 Alloy Finish Traditional Shaping Pressure Point Technology Size 20" (50.8cm) Weight Medium

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

MEINL HCS Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair 13 in.
0%

Our Score

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

6. Zildjian ZBT18CH ZBT 18" Thin China Cymbal

Zildjian ZBT18CH ZBT 18" Thin China Cymbal
0%

Our Score

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

Zildjian ZBTS3P9 ZBT 3 Cymbal Starter Box Set
0%

Our Score

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

Paiste PST3 Series 10" Splash, Multicolor, 0632210
0%

Our Score

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

Paiste PST3 Series 18" Crash Ride
0%

Our Score

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
0%

Our Score

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


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