Electronic drum kits have become increasingly popular over the last few years as an alternative to traditional acoustic drum sets. One of the major benefits of electronic drums is that they take up much less space than a full acoustic kit. This makes them ideal for practice and play in small rooms, apartments, or condos where space is limited.
In this blog post, we will cover the 10 best electronic drum kits that are perfect for small spaces in 2024. We evaluate key factors like size, sound quality, features, and price to find the top options for compact electronic drum sets on the market this year.
Benefits of Electronic Drums for Small Spaces
Before we get into the product recommendations, let’s look at some of the main benefits of using an electronic drum set in a small space:
- Smaller footprint – Electronic drum modules, pads, and cymbals take up much less room than a full acoustic kit with multiple toms, cymbals stands, etc. Many e-drum kits have a very compact footprint.
- Volume control – Electronic drums allow you to play using headphones for silent practice. You can also adjust master volumes to keep sound levels lower for apartments.
- Portability – Electronic drum components are lighter and easier to transport than acoustic drums. E-drum kits are easy to set up, break down, and store.
- Customization – With electronic kits, you can add and arrange pads, cymbals, and modules to best suit your available space.
- Variety of sounds – Electronic drums offer a wide range of onboard sounds and effects for practicing different styles. You don’t need separate drum sets for each genre.
Now let’s get into this year’s top compact electronic drum set options for small spaces!
The 10 Best Electronic Drum Kits for Small Spaces
1. Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit
Number of Pads: 4 Drum Pads, 3 Cymbal Pads
Pad Type: Mesh Heads
Module Sounds: 385
Key Features: Mesh heads, compact size, 60 built-in songs
The Alesis Nitro Mesh is our top pick for the best electronic drum kit for small spaces in 2024. It’s an inexpensive mesh-head kit with great response and natural feel.
Despite the small footprint, the Nitro Mesh includes 4 drum pads and 3 cymbal pads. The all-mesh construction provides excellent dynamic response for solid practice sessions. There are 60 built-in songs and 385 sounds to play along with.
If you need an affordable electronic drum set that doesn’t occupy much space, it’s hard to beat the value of the Alesis Nitro Mesh. It provides a nice quality mesh pad playing experience in a very compact kit.
Price Range: $300-$400
2. Roland TD-1DMK
Number of Pads: 4 Drum Pads, 3 Cymbal Pads
Pad Type: Rubber Pads
Module Sounds: 15 Drum Kits, 15 Songs
Key Features: Compact size, V-Drums sound engine, Coach functions
The Roland TD-1DMK is Roland’s most affordable V-Drums electronic kit. It’s designed to deliver core V-Drums playing experience in a very compact size.
The TD-1DMK module has 15 drum kits and 15 built-in songs. It uses Roland’s quality SuperNATURAL Sound engine for great acoustic drum tones. For practice, there are onboard coaching functions to develop timing and technique.
With 4 drum pads and 3 cymbal pads on a small rack, the TD-1DMK is an excellent electronic drum set for small spaces. It captures the quality and features of Roland V-Drums at an entry-level price point.
Price Range: $500-$600
3. Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit
Number of Pads: 4 Drum Pads, 3 Cymbal Pads
Pad Type: Mesh Heads
Module Sounds: 200
Key Features: Mesh pads, 30 preset kits, sequencer
The Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit is another great compact electronic drum set with mesh heads. Along with the 4 drum pads, it includes an 8” dual-zone mesh snare drum for excellent response from the snare.
The Turbo Mesh module provides 200 sounds, 30 preset kits, and 20 preloaded song tracks. It also has a built-in sequencer so you can record yourself playing. This is a convenient tool for practice and development.
Overall, the Turbo Mesh has quality mesh pads for realistic feel in a small footprint. The larger mesh snare is a nice touch at this affordable price point.
Price Range: $400-$500
4. Pyle-Pro Portable Tabletop Electronic Drum Kit
Number of Pads: 7 Drum Touch Pads
Pad Type: Rubber Pads
Module Sounds: 10 Drum Kits, 5 Percussion Sounds
Key Features: Tabletop design, headphone jack, demo songs
For a super compact electronic drum set, the Pyle-Pro Portable Tabletop Electronic Drum Kit is a great option. As the name suggests, this is an electronic drum set designed to sit right on a table surface.
The tabletop layout has 7 velocity-sensitive drum touch pads and 3 cymbal touch pads. It uses stereo headphone output for private practice. There are 10 drum kits and 5 additional percussion sounds built into the module.
This electronic drum set has an ultra-small footprint, mimicking a real drum layout in a tabletop form factor. The affordable price makes it accessible for beginners learning drums in an apartment, dorm room, or other small space.
Price Range: $60-$100
5. Alesis SamplePad Pro
Number of Pads: 8 Rubber Pads
Pad Type: Rubber with RGB Illumination
Sample Memory: 2GB
Key Features: Compact and portable, velocity sensitive pads, sample importing
If you want electronic percussion in a small space without a full kit, the Alesis SamplePad Pro is a fantastic option. It’s an 8-pad electronic drum pad controller focused on samples and loops.
The lightweight, compact frame makes it highly portable. The responsive rubber pads arevelocity sensitive with RGB illumination. 2GB of built-in storage allows you to load your own samples via USB.
With high-quality sounds, seamless playback, and responsive pads, the SamplePad Pro provides pro electronic percussion performance in a tabletop form factor. It’s perfect for drummers with limited space.
Price Range: $200-$300
6. Roland TM-6PRO Trigger Module
Number of Inputs: 6
Triggers Supported: Acoustic drums, pads, cymbals
Sounds: Over 700
Key Features: Ultra-compact, versatile trigger inputs, high-quality sounds
For working electronic drums into an acoustic kit in a small space, the Roland TM-6PRO is an excellent compact trigger module. It turns your existing acoustic drums into an electronic/acoustic hybrid kit.
With the TM-6PRO module, you can attach up to 6 triggers onto your bass drum, snare drum, toms, and cymbals. When you play the acoustic drums, they will trigger the high-quality Roland sounds from the module using the added transducers.
This helps add electronic drum versatility in a small area by utilizing your existing acoustic drums. The TM-6PRO has over 700 sounds, 55 ambience types, and advanced triggering features.
Price Range: $400-$500
7. Pintech Portable Electronic Drum Kit
Number of Pads: 5 Drum Touch Pads, 3 Cymbal Pads
Pad Type: Rubber Pads
Module Sounds: 10 Kits, 128 Instruments
Key Features: Extremely compact and portable, foldable frame, drum throne included
The Pintech portable electronic drum kit is designed for maximum portability and fast setup anywhere. The 5 drum pads and 3 cymbals attach to a foldable aluminum frame.
Despite the tiny footprint, this kit includes important practice features like an integrated metronome, recording function, and headphone jack. 10 drum kits and 128 instruments provide sounds for practice.
For drummers that want to take their e-kit on the go for practice on trips, small gigs, or remote locations, the highly portable Pintech kit is a great choice. The included drum throne completes the ultra-compact setup.
Price Range: $250-$350
8. KAT Percussion KTMP1
Number of Pads: 5 Touch Pads
Pad Type: Rubber Pads
Module Sounds: 21 Kits, 25 Effects
Key Features: Tabletop design, battery-powered, headphone output
For electronic percussionists focused solely on portability, the KAT Percussion KTMP1 is designed for travel and street performances. This is a miniature tabletop drum pad set powered by battery.
The standalone unit has 5 velocity-sensitive rubber drum pads and built-in stereo speakers. With battery operation and a headphone jack, you can use this electronic drum kit anywhere without outlets or amps.
The module provides 21 drum kits and 25 effects for drumming on the go. The ultra-compact size is great for street performers and drummers that want a practice pad set for travel.
Price Range: $60-$100
9. Carlsbro CSD130 Electronic Drum Kit
Number of Pads: 3 Drum Pads, 2 Cymbal Pads
Pad Type: Rubber Pads
Module Sounds: 100 Drum Kits
Key Features: Very small footprint, 20 rhythm patterns, headphone jack
For electronic drummers tight on space, the Carlsbro CSD130 kit has one of the smallest footprints available. It’s a tabletop e-drum set with 3 drum pads – snare, tom, bass drum.
The hi-hat and crash cymbal pads round out the ultra-compact kit. It connects via headphone jack for quiet practice and has 100 drum kits and 20 rhythms built-in.
Beginners can use the CSD130 to learn drums and practice fundamentals without disturbing others, thanks to the small size and headphone output. The streamlined pad setup is easy to fit into any room.
Price Range: $100-$200
10. Alesis CompactKit 4
Number of Pads: 4 Drum Pads
Pad Type: Rubber Pads
Module Sounds: 70
Key Features: Ultra-compact and portable, battery-powered, built-in speaker
The Alesis CompactKit 4 earns a spot on our list for its ultra-portable tabletop footprint. The 4-pad setup contains just the essential drum trigger pads – no cymbals.
This battery-powered electronic drum kit has 70 built-in sounds, 10 demo songs, and an input for playing over music. The built-in speaker allows use anywhere without amps or headphones.
For basic drum practice on the go, the CompactKit 4 provides responsive pads in the smallest possible footprint. Drummers with limited practice space will appreciate the tiny kit.
Price Range: $50-$100
Choosing the Best Electronic Drum Kit for Small Spaces
When choosing an electronic drum set for a small space, be sure to consider these key factors:
- Footprint – Consider the total dimensions of the pad rack and any additional cymbal stands/pads. Prioritize compact kits.
- Features – Look for important practice features like headphone jacks, volume control, and sound variety.
- Budget – Set a firm budget and look for affordable kits packed with value like the Alesis options.
- Assembly – Opt for electronic kits with easy, tool-free assembly so you can move and store the set conveniently.
- Sound – Test compact kits in person when possible to ensure the drum and cymbal pads have good sound quality and response.
- Upgrades – Look for kits that let you expand and add cymbals or pads later if you move into a larger space.
FAQs About Electronic Drum Kits for Small Spaces
What electronic drum kit takes up the least amount of space?
Some of the most compact electronic kits are tabletop models like the Alesis CompactKit 4, Pyle Pro Tabletop Kit, and Carlsbro CSD130. These miniature drum pad models take up just a couple square feet of surface space.
How loud are electronic drum sets?
Electronic drums played through amps or speakers can reach volumes over 100 decibels. However, most kits offer headphone jacks and master volume control. With headphones or low volumes, electronic drums can be played almost silently.
Should I get an acoustic or electronic drum kit for an apartment?
For apartments and smaller spaces, electronic drum kits are strongly preferred over acoustic kits. Electronic drums are much quieter and take up less room. Acoustic kits often violate noise rules in apartments and condos.
Are mesh heads or rubber pads better for electronic drums?
Mesh drum heads provide the most natural, responsive feel close to an acoustic kit. But they are pricier than traditional rubber pads. Rubber pads offer great playability too, especially in compact practice kits meant for beginners.
Can electronic drum kits be expanded later?
Many drum manufacturers sell add-on pads, cymbals, and mounts that are compatible with their electronic kits. This allows you to start small and add more pieces later if you move or want to upgrade. Check for compatibility before expanding a kit.
Get Jamming with a Compact Electronic Drum Kit!
An electronic drum set designed for small spaces makes it easy and enjoyable to practice drums anytime – even in a studio apartment! With excellent electronic kits now available under $500, it’s more affordable than ever to get started.
The kits we covered provide realistic playing feel with essential practice features like headphone jacks, metronomes, and sound libraries. Look for a compact kit that fits your practice space and budget constraints.
With one of these electronic drum kits for small spaces, you’ll be able to improve your drumming skills while respecting noise levels and roommate/neighbor boundaries. Get ready to develop your technique on a great e-drum kit that fits perfectly in a small home!
Here is a summary table of the electronic drum kits mentioned in this article:
| Model | Pad Type | Number of Pads | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit | Mesh heads | 4 drum, 3 cymbal | Mesh heads, compact size, 60 built-in songs |
| Roland TD-1DMK | Rubber pads | 4 drum, 3 cymbal | Compact, V-Drums sound engine, coaching functions |
| Alesis Turbo Mesh Kit | Mesh heads | 4 drum, 3 cymbal | Mesh pads, 30 kits, sequencer |
| Pyle-Pro Portable Tabletop | Rubber pads | 7 drum, 3 cymbal | Tabletop design, headphone jack, demo songs |
| Alesis SamplePad Pro | Rubber pads | 8 drum | Compact and portable, velocity sensitive, sample importing |
| Roland TM-6PRO | Triggers | 6 inputs | Ultra-compact, versatile triggers, 700 sounds |
| Pintech Portable Kit | Rubber pads | 5 drum, 3 cymbal | Foldable frame, very portable, drum throne included |
| KAT Percussion KTMP1 | Rubber pads | 5 drum | Tabletop, battery-powered, built in speakers |
| Carlsbro CSD130 | Rubber pads | 3 drum, 2 cymbal | Very small footprint, headphone jack |
| Alesis CompactKit 4 | Rubber pads | 4 drum | Ultra-compact, battery-powered, built-in speaker |
