Best Drum Machines of 2025

"I find the Alesis SR18 Drum Machine to be amazing. After struggling with computer-based drum programs, I discovered that this machine really clicked for me. In just two days, I created three full-length drum tracks. The ability to customize drum setups and change pattern lengths is a huge plus!"

"As someone teaching myself bass, I wanted something more engaging than a metronome. This drum machine has become a great practice tool. I simply plug my bass in and use headphones for a clear and crisp sound. The multiple outputs allow me to experiment with effects, which is incredibly fun!"

"I really appreciate the solid build of this machine. Despite its limitations like the lack of USB support, it offers a lot of flexibility and power for its price. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make some nice beats without the hassle of complex setups."

"This machine uses batteries and a plug-in. The AC must be ordered separately. I've only tried the pre-programmed drum patterns so far, and they sound great. It's very lightweight and portable. I chose this model for its simplicity and the easily readable tempo window."

"I think this little drum machine is awesome. I previously owned a Roland 505 that I liked, and this machine is a simpler, cleaner, and cheaper alternative. It offers lots of good usable beats and a decent sound when connected to my PA. While I can't chain beats except with a footswitch or change the volume within the drumkit without using the 'tap' function, the mix is usually pretty good. I've been having a blast exploring the different genres since I got it a few days ago. It’s mostly plug and play, and the ability to tap or dial in a BPM is invaluable."

"As an acoustic solo performer, the KR 11 works great and truly makes me sound like a band. I was thrilled that the seller was the only one to have it in stock since not even Korg or Sweetwater had them. It's definitely a hot item!"

"I really enjoy this drum machine. It brings back memories of my Korg drum machine from the '80s, especially with the great sounds it produces. Overall, I'm pleased with the performance and the value for the money."

"For me, this drum machine has been a fantastic addition to my private practice sessions. It’s been easy to learn, allowing me to create detailed songs without much hassle."

"I find this to be a fantastic replica of the Roland TR-606. The analog circuitry and 3.5mm outputs for each drum sound are impressive. Even though the sound alteration is limited, the programming is simple and quick. I'm also a fan of the unique tangerine orange color, even if it feels a bit large in my studio."

"This is the perfect Christmas gift! My son started making video game music right away and loves playing with it."

"I really enjoy this little device for stress relief. It has solid features for a toy drum machine and is a lot of fun for creating song ideas."

"I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun this little beat maker is. It truly offers great functionality for its price!"

“I'm currently traveling and needed something portable yet enjoyable. This synth has been a joy on planes, trains, and outdoors. It's easy to charge and lasts a good while. The drums are fun to play with and sound surprisingly good. I can make a full beat with just this device!”

“For $200, I can plug this into my R20 and effortlessly add drums and synth bass to my tracks. While it doesn't replicate classic drum machines exactly, it offers a great blend of sounds. The 303 section is impressive, and I've spent hours modifying stock patterns. The battery life is also commendable.”

“I bought this after a jam session with a friend and it's packed with features. There are plenty of tutorial videos available, making it easy to learn. It's a hit with kids too, keeping them engaged and off screens. I highly recommend it for its fun and versatility.”

“I absolutely love this drum machine! It's incredibly fun right out of the box, and I found the controls to be very intuitive. The individual outputs for different instruments allow me to create some super cool sounds by running them through effects. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a solid analog drum machine!”

“This instrument has become a staple in my setup. It complements synthesizers perfectly, and while it won't replace natural sounding drums, it excels in creating unique rhythms. I appreciate the well-thought-out sequencer, though there are a few features I'd like to see added. Overall, for the price, it's a great value.”

“Having used this for about a month, I find the build quality satisfying, though I'm a bit cautious about the knobs after extended use. The polyrhythm feature is impressive, and while I think the sound palette could be richer, it still offers a lot for the price. I chose this over more expensive options, and I’m glad I did.”

"I find this pedal absolutely amazing. As a singer/songwriter, I've struggled with drum machines in the past, but the BeatBuddy has changed everything. It's incredibly easy to use—even my grandma can jam with it! The colorful LCD display shows me the beat type at a glance, making it straightforward to follow along. Plus, it has improved my timing significantly, and I’ve even inspired myself to write original tunes. The sound quality is so impressive that my musician friend thought I had a real drum set!"

"I love this device! It has truly reinvigorated my passion for guitar. The sound quality is exceptional, especially when connected to my PA system. I've discovered that the Beat Buddy user community is fantastic, offering tons of resources, including custom beats. I highly recommend getting the optional footswitch for even more creative possibilities. This is not just a backing track; it's a simulated drummer that adapts to my playing!"

"This mini drum machine sounds incredible! It can be a bit of a pain to program, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fantastic. The MIDI implementation and audio over USB are great features that I appreciate."

"At first, I found it a bit confusing, but after a couple of days of playing and watching some YouTube videos, I became comfortable with it. I love using it for EDM and HipHop, and even for 90s groove metal! The 626 kit is a must-have!"

"This device is so playable and delivers such a great range of classic sounds. The buttons and knobs allow for instant tweaks, making it a joy to use. It’s definitely a powerful and fun machine!"

"I couldn't be happier with this drum machine. At this price, it's a massive deal! The classic analog sound is just what I was looking for, and it pairs perfectly with my TD-3."

"While it might be a bit quirky to program, it leads to some unique patterns. I use it alongside another machine through MIDI, and for the price, I really can't complain!"

"I bought this for my kids to learn sequencing, and it's just right. It's not a toy, but perfect for old-school drum enthusiasts. The separate outputs are a nice touch too!"

"This thing sounds like Fisher Price my first drum machine... Alesis is the go-to for me."

"I find it a great Roland ripoff. Totally worth the price of admission, but the distortion is poor. It sounds bad, and when I switch to distortion, there's an obvious clipping sound. I really have to turn the sound all the way down to avoid killing everything during a live set. It's a fun, cheap way to explore programming a drum machine, but I wouldn't use it live without running it through other distortion pedals or apps."

"Una excelente forma de entrar en el mundo de los programadores de ritmo. Muy asequible, aunque el manual de uso es un poco escueto, lo que hace que la curva de aprendizaje sea empinada para un principiante, igual que su hermana la TD-3."