Best Bongos of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 14, 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

EastRock Bongo Drum Set for All Ages with Natural Animal Skin Heads Cover #TOP 1
EastRock Bongo Drum Set for All Ages with Natural Animal Skin Heads
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable All-Weather Shells and Buffalo Skin Heads Cover #TOP 2
Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable All-Weather Shells and Buffalo Skin Heads
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Glory Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Cover #TOP 3
Glory Bongo Drums 6” and 7”
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bongos

#TOP 1

EastRock Bongo Drum Set for All Ages with Natural Animal Skin Heads

bongos drum
Black
4“+5” log
EastRock Bongo Drum Set for All Ages with Natural Animal Skin Heads Cover
EastRock Bongo Drum 4” and 5” Set for Adults Kids Beginners Professionals Tunable Wood and Metal Drum Percussion Instruments With Tuning Wrench

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.

What We Like
Good sound quality
Durable carrying case
Great for children
Fast delivery
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Loose tone over time
#TOP 2

Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable All-Weather Shells and Buffalo Skin Heads

HB50BK
Black
Meinl Percussion Bongos with Durable All-Weather Shells and Buffalo Skin Heads Cover
Meinl Percussion Bongos Hand Drum Set 6.5" and 7.5" with Synthetic Shells and Tuning Key — NOT Made in China — Journey Series, 2-Year Warranty (HB50BK)

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.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Sturdy construction
Good for beginners
Attractive design
Affordable pricing
What We Don't Like
Plastic shell may concern some
Higher pitch sound might not suit all
#TOP 3

Glory Bongo Drums 6” and 7”

GLYBDRUMN
Natural
Glory Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Cover
Glory Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Wood Percussion Instrument Bongos with bag and tuning Key,Natural

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.

What We Like
Very cute design
Good value for money
Well-made and sturdy
Fun for kids
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Sound lacks depth
Small size
#TOP 4

RockJam 7" and 8" Bongo Drum Set

100300
Beige
Full-Size
RockJam 7" and 8" Bongo Drum Set Cover
RockJam 7" and 8" Bongo Drum Set with Padded Bag and Tuning Key, Natural

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.

What We Like
Great sound quality
Affordable price
Good for beginners
Includes tuning wrench
Decent carrying bag
What We Don't Like
Cheap neck strap
Minor finish issues
#TOP 5

MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set

31509-1
31509
6"+7"
MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set Cover
MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set, 6” and 7” Percussion Instrument, Wooden and Metal Drum for Adult Kids Beginners Professionals with Tuning Wrench

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.

What We Like
Great quality for the price
Easy to transport
Sturdy and well-made
Perfect for beginners
Good sound after tuning
What We Don't Like
Dull sound if played incorrectly
Not for instant gratification seekers
#TOP 6

Latin Percussion Bongo LP601D-OX-K

LP601D-OX-K
Onyx
Latin Percussion Bongo LP601D-OX-K Cover
Latin Percussion Discovery Series 6-1/4-inch and 7 1/4-inch Bongo with Free Carrying Bag Drum, Onyx, (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.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Attractive design and colors
Good value for the price
High-quality carrying case
What We Don't Like
Patch durability issues
#TOP 7

EastRock Bongo Drum Set

bongos drum
4“+5”
EastRock Bongo Drum Set Cover
EastRock Bongo Drum 4” and 5” Set for Adults, Beginners,Percussion Bongos Drum With Tuning Wrench (Red)

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.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Fun for young children
Reasonably priced
Good gift option
Lightweight and easy to handle
What We Don't Like
Sound may not be ideal
Smaller than expected
#TOP 8

Soulmate 4” and 5” Bongo Drum Set

soulmate
White 2
Soulmate 4” and 5” Bongo Drum Set Cover
Soulmate Bongo Drum 4” and 5” Set for Kids Adults Beginners,Percussion Bongos Drum With Tuning Wrench (White)

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!

What We Like
Real animal skin
Good size for all ages
Great sound quality
Includes tuning tools
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Missing egg shakers
#TOP 9

LP City Wood Bongos

LP601NY-AW
Natural
7-inch
LP City Wood Bongos Cover
Latin Percussion LP601NY-AW LP City Wood Bongos - Natural 7-inch

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.

What We Like
Great build quality
Robust for professional use
Fits well with congas
Positive brand reputation
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Sound quality could improve
#TOP 10

Eastar Bongo Drums EBO-1

EB0196
Wood Style
6'' and 7''
Eastar Bongo Drums EBO-1 Cover
Eastar Bongo Drums 6” and 7” Wood Percussion Instrument Bongos for Kids Adults Beginners Natural Finish, 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.

What We Like
Good quality and value
Rich and full sound
Beautiful design and finish
Portable and travel-friendly
Great for beginners and pros
What We Don't Like
Possible delivery delays
Minor blemishes on skins
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

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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#TOP5
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#TOP10
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 -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.4
ftb score rating icon 8.3
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