Best Bongos of 2025

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Bongos are a popular percussion instrument that originated in Cuba. They consist of two small drums that are connected by a wooden or metal bridge. Bongos are played by striking the drumheads with the fingers and palms of the hands. They are commonly used in Latin American music, jazz, and rock and roll. Bongos are available in various sizes and materials, including wood, fiberglass, and synthetic materials. They are a great instrument for beginners and professionals alike, and can add a unique and rhythmic sound to any musical performance.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Bongos
EastRock Bongo Drum Set for All Ages with Natural Animal Skin Heads
The EastRock Bongo Drum Set is made of high-quality wood and metal, providing sturdiness and durability. The bongo drums produce crisp, full, and grainy sounds thanks to their natural animal skin heads. Safe for all ages, this set is an ideal gift for children and anyone with an interest in bongo drums. The package includes one 4” and one 5” bongo drum, as well as an adjusting wrench for tuning.
Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable All-Weather Shells and Buffalo Skin Heads
Meinl Percussion Bongos are made with durable synthetic all-weather shells, hand-selected natural buffalo skin heads, and 8mm strong tuning lugs for superior sound quality. The 2mm rounded rims provide comfortable playing experience. They are 6-3/4" and 8" in size, making them a great option for both beginners and professionals.
Glory Bongo Drums 6” and 7”
The Glory Bongo Drums are a versatile percussion instrument suitable for players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner, professional, teacher, student, or just a bongo drum lover, these drums are perfect for you. With 6" and 7" shells, they provide a range of tones that can be played both indoors and outdoors. The set includes the drums, a convenient bag for easy transportation, and a tuning key to keep your drums sounding their best. The Glory Bongo Drums are not only a great addition to any musician's collection, but they also offer convenience and portability for all your drumming needs.
RockJam 7" and 8" Bongo Drum Set
The RockJam 7" and 8" Bongo Drum Set features authentic skin heads, chrome hardware, and a natural gloss finish. The set includes a padded carry case and a tuning key. The drum skins need to be tightened gradually and evenly to avoid stressing both the frame and skin.
MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set
MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set is a percussion instrument suitable for beginners and professionals alike. With its FSC certification, it ensures that the wood used in its construction is sourced responsibly. The drum set features selected authentic natural skin heads, delivering a superior lively tone and providing a range of melodic options. The well-designed construction includes smooth black powder coated hardware and a natural glossy finish, making it visually appealing for both starters and professionals. Additionally, the package is made of environmentally friendly kraft paper. The drum set comes with a tuning wrench for easy and accurate tuning. With a 1-year guarantee, MUSICUBE aims to fulfill customer wishes and exceed expectations.
Latin Percussion Bongo LP601D-OX-K
The Latin Percussion Bongos offer exceptional sound quality and durability, thanks to their unique HD shell construction and reinforced edges. You will appreciate the 6-1/4" and 7-1/4" rawhide heads, which provide a rich, authentic tone, perfect for various musical styles. The EZ Curve rims make playing comfortable and intuitive, allowing you to focus on your rhythm. Additionally, the black powder-coated hardware ensures a sleek look while resisting wear and tear. With included tension rods, you can easily adjust the sound to your liking, making these bongos a versatile choice for any musician.
EastRock Bongo Drum Set
The EastRock Bongo Drums offer a delightful musical experience with their natural animal skin drum heads, producing crisp and rich sounds that enhance your playing. Made from high-quality, weatherproof materials, these drums are built to last, ensuring you can enjoy them for years to come. Safe for all ages, the design features no sharp edges, making it perfect for beginners and children alike. Additionally, the included tuning wrench allows for easy adjustments, so you can maintain optimal sound quality with minimal effort.
Soulmate 4” and 5” Bongo Drum Set
The Soulmate Bongo Drum Set features high-quality materials that ensure both durability and great sound. The natural animal skin drum heads produce a bright, crisp sound that enhances your musical experience. With a sturdy design, these drums offer excellent stability, allowing you to comfortably play anywhere. This set is also a perfect gift for kids, helping them develop musical skills while enjoying the fun of percussion. Plus, it's portable, so you can take your music with you wherever you go!
LP City Wood Bongos
Experience the rich and vibrant sounds of the LP City Wood Bongos. Crafted with Siam Oak shells and featuring black powder-coated hardware, these bongos are designed to deliver exceptional performance. The 9/32" lugs ensure easy tuning, allowing you to achieve the perfect pitch for your music. With rubber bottoms, these bongos provide stability and prevent slippage during intense playing sessions. The rawhide heads produce authentic tones, adding depth and character to your music. Whether you're a beginner or a professional musician, the LP City Wood Bongos offer a versatile and reliable option for your percussion needs.
Eastar Bongo Drums EBO-1
The Eastar Bongo Drums are a perfect percussion instrument for kids, adults, beginners, and bongo drum enthusiasts. Made of superior solid wood, these bongos produce a crisp and bright sound while ensuring durability. The drums are safe for children with no sharp edges and a smooth arc-shaped interior that won't scratch hands. With real animal skin drum heads and a 6” + 7” configuration, players can easily create different timbres. The simple round rim allows for easy tone and sound adjustment, even for beginners. The set includes a tuning wrench and a lightweight hard bag for portability. Experience the natural timbre and convenience of the Eastar Bongo Drums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it hard to learn bongos?
Learning to play the bongos is not too difficult, especially if you have a good sense of rhythm. With practice, you can develop the necessary skills. While it may seem daunting at first, bongos are relatively easy to learn. You don't necessarily need formal lessons and can add some swing to various types of music.
2. Are bongos used in Mexican music?
Yes, bongos are commonly used in Mexican music. Along with other percussion instruments like vibraphones, bongos contribute to the unique sounds of Mexican music. Musicians often showcase the cultural traditions of Mexico through their performances, wearing traditional costumes.
3. Is it hard to play the bongo drums?
Playing the bongo drums is not difficult and can be quite enjoyable. The bongos are typically positioned between your knees and played by striking the drumhead with your palm and fingers. Different strokes produce different sounds, allowing for a range of rhythmic possibilities.
During our bongo research, we found 24 bongo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 43,645 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bongos list. We found that most customers choose bongos with an average price of $80.34.
The bongos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bongos, including EASTROCK, Meinl Percussion, GLORY ESTD. 1962, RockJam, MUSICUBE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 933 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.
Bongos Comparison Table
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Brand | EASTROCK | Meinl Percussion | GLORY ESTD. 1962 | RockJam | MUSICUBE | Latin Percussion | EASTROCK | soulmate | Latin Percussion | Eastar |
Color | Black | Black | Natural | Beige | 31509 | Onyx | Red | White 2 | Natural | Wood Style |
Material | Metal,Wood | Buffalo Rawhide Heads, Steel Hardware, Synthetic Shells | Wood | Wood | Wood, Metal | HD Shell Construction | Metal,Plastic | Wood and Natural Animal Skin | Siam Oak Wood, Rubber | Wood |
Body Material | Wood | Synthetic | Wood | - | Wood | HD Shell Construction | plastic | Plastic | Wood | - |
Item Weight | 3.1 pounds | 6.6 Pounds | 1.1 pounds | - | 6.49 pounds | 8.75 pounds | 2.38 pounds | 2.25 pounds | 1 Kilograms | - |
Color Name | Black | Black | Natural | - | 31509 | Onyx | Red | White 2 | Natural | - |
Material Type | Metal,Wood | Buffalo Rawhide Heads, Steel Hardware, Synthetic Shells | Wood | - | Wood, Metal | HD Shell Construction | Metal,Plastic | Wood and Natural Animal Skin | Siam Oak Wood, Rubber | - |
Item dimensions L x W x H | - | 8.46 x 9.45 x 17.52 inches | - | 15.34 x 7.08 x 7.08 inches | 14 x 7 x 7 inches | 19 x 11 x 9 inches | - | 11.4 x 6.3 x 5.6 inches | 18.9 x 8.7 x 10.25 inches | 16.54 x 8.86 x 7.48 inches |
Finish Type | Metal | Powder Coated | - | - | Glossy Finish | Powder Coated | Metal | - | Satin | - |
Model Name | 1 | Journey Series | - | RockJam 7" and 8" Bongo Drum Set with Padded Bag and Tuning Key | - | Discovery Series 6-1/4-inch and 7 1/4-inch Bongo with FREE Carrying Bag - Onyx | - | - | LP601NY AW | Eastar EBO-1 |
Size | - | 6 1/2-inch and 7 1/2-inch | - | - | 6"+7" | 6-1/4-inch and 7 1/4-inch | - | 4+5 | 7-inch | - |
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