Best Bongos of 2026
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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.
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.
EastRock Bongo Drum Set 4” & 5”
The EastRock Bongo Set is perfect for anyone starting out or looking for a reliable percussion instrument. It includes two drums, 4” and 5”, along with a tuning wrench, so you can easily adjust the sound to your liking. The drum heads are made from natural animal skins, giving you a rich and clear tone that’s great for practice or performance. The drums themselves are crafted from durable plastic and metal, making them sturdy and weather-resistant, so they’ll last through many sessions. Plus, the smooth edges ensure comfortable play, reducing the chance of damage to your hands or the drums.
Remo KD-5400-01 Kids Percussion Bongo Drum
The Remo Kids Bongo Drum is designed specifically for young musicians, featuring two drums sized at 5 and 6 inches. These sizes make it easier for kids to handle and play comfortably, helping them develop their rhythm skills. The drum has an acoustic shell, which produces natural, vibrant sounds without needing any electronic components. This makes it perfect for learning and enjoying music in a simple, hands-on way. Being part of the Remo Kid's Percussion Collection, it is tailored to suit children's needs, offering a fun and engaging musical experience right from the start.
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.
MUSICUBE Bongo Drums
MUSICUBE Bongo Drums are a pair of hand-crafted wooden shell bongo drums, perfect for beginners and experienced players. The drums have a unique two-color body made of different wooden materials, giving them a craft-like appearance. With a diameter of 6" and 7", they are the ideal size for indoor and outdoor play. The set includes a tuning wrench and a storage bag, making it convenient for travel and storage. The drums are made of safe and non-toxic materials, certified by TUV and meeting the standard of ASTM F963. The tuning wrench allows you to adjust the tone of the drums, while the goatskin head ensures a professional and beautiful sound quality. Whether you play by hand or on a stand, these bongo drums will provide a crisp and resonant tone. With a 1-year guarantee and excellent after-sale service, MUSICUBE Bongo Drums are a perfect gift choice and exceed expectations.
LP City Wood Bongos - Vintage Sunburst
Experience authentic Latin percussion with the LP City Wood Bongos. The Siam Oak shells produce a warm, resonant sound, while the black powder-coated hardware ensures durability. The 9/32" lugs and rubber bottoms provide stability during play, and the rawhide heads offer clear and crisp tones. Perfect for percussion enthusiasts of all levels.
Pyle Bongo Drums - PBND10
Pyle Hand Crafted Bongos, model PBND10, are a pair of wooden bongo drums perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. These hand-crafted drums feature a pure natural 'true skin' animal hide drum head, which delivers a crystal clear acoustical percussion sound. With tuneable heads and chrome-plated hardware, you can easily adjust the sound to your preference using the included tuning key wrench. The rounded rims of these bongos allow for comfortable and versatile positioning while playing. Made with top quality materials, these drums are extremely sturdy and durable, ensuring they will stick with you for years. Whether you are a musician looking to jazz up your music or a parent searching for a safe and fun instrument for your child, these Pyle bongo drums are the perfect gift idea for all ages.
Remo Rhythm Club Bongo Drum
The Remo Rhythm Club Bongo Drum is perfect for kids who are interested in music. It features a synthetic head that doesn't change pitch with temperature and humidity changes, making it highly durable even in heavy use environments. The product has a reputation for being long-lasting and can withstand institutional use. The drum is 5"-6" in size and comes in package dimensions of 13.716 L x 31.242 H x 16.002 W (centimeters).
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.
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 60,862 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bongos list. We found that most customers choose bongos with an average price of $39.82.
The bongos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bongos, including EASTROCK, RockJam, Remo, Eastar, MUSICUBE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 858 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 | RockJam | EASTROCK | Remo | Eastar | MUSICUBE | Latin Percussion | Pyle | Remo | Latin Percussion |
| Body Material | Wood | Wood | Plastic | Acousticon | Wood | Wood | Wood | Wood | Engineered Wood | HD Shell Construction |
| Item Weight | 3.1 pounds | 5.3 Pounds | 2.31 pounds | 2.45 Pounds | 1 Kilograms | 6.6 pounds | 9.5 Pounds | 5.96 Pounds | 1.7 Pounds | 8.75 pounds |
| Color Name | Black | Natural | Brown | Fabric Rain Forest | Natural Finish | Natural Skin with Bag | Vintage Sunburst satin | Red | Brown/Black | Onyx |
| Material Type | Metal,Wood | Wood | Metal,Plastic | Remo | Wood | Wood | Siam Oak | Birch Wood | Wood | Hardwood, Animal Hide |
| Color | Black | Natural | Brown | Fabric Rain Forest | Natural Finish | Natural Skin with Bag | Vintage Sunburst satin | Red | Brown/Black | Onyx |
| Material | Metal,Wood | Wood | Metal,Plastic | Remo | Wood | Wood | Siam Oak | Birch Wood | Wood | Hardwood, Animal Hide |
| Model Name | 1 | RockJam 7" and 8" Bongo Drum Set with Padded Bag and Tuning Key | - | KD 540001 | EBO-1 | MUSICUBE Bongo Drum Set | LP601NY VSB | PBND10 | RH 5600 0 | Discovery Series 6-1/4-inch and 7 1/4-inch Bongo with FREE Carrying Bag - Onyx |
| Size | - | Full-Size | - | inch | 6" and 7" | 6"+7" | inch | - | 5"-6" Bongo Drum Rhythm Club | 6-1/4-inch and 7 1/4-inch |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | - | 15.34 x 7.08 x 7.08 inches | - | 18 x 12 x 12 inches | 16.54 x 8.86 x 7.48 inches | - | 8.66 x 10.24 x 18.7 inches | 8 x 16 x 7 inches | 13 x 6 x 7 inches | 19 x 11 x 9 inches |
| Finish Type | Metal | Lacquered | Metal | - | Metal,Polished | - | Powder Coated | Glossy Finish,Metal | - | - |
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