Best Hi-Hat Cymbals of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Hi-Hat cymbals are a crucial component of any drum kit. They consist of two cymbals that are placed on top of each other and are played with a foot pedal. Hi-Hats produce a distinct sound that can be adjusted by varying the pressure on the pedal, making them versatile for various genres of music. They are commonly used in rock, jazz, and funk music, and their sound can range from a sharp, cutting tone to a soft, delicate shimmer. Hi-Hat cymbals come in various sizes and materials, such as bronze, brass, and nickel silver, allowing drummers to customize their sound to their liking.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Zildjian Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair Cover #TOP 1
Zildjian Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl Cymbals HCS 13” Hihats for Drum Set Cover #TOP 2
Meinl Cymbals HCS 13” Hihats for Drum Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Zildjian Planet Z 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals Cover #TOP 3
Zildjian Planet Z 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hi-Hat Cymbals

#TOP 1

Zildjian Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair

ZIL ZP13PR
Gold
Zildjian Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair Cover
Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair (ZP13PR)

The Zildjian Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair is a great choice for those with a developing ear. Made of brass, it produces a bright and focused sound that is perfect for beginners. The cymbals come in a package that measures 33.02 H x 3.81 L x 33.02 W (centimeters) and weighs 1.61 kilograms. With its compact size, it is easy to transport and store. Additionally, this HiHat Cymbal Pair is proudly made in the United States, ensuring quality craftsmanship. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your current cymbals, the Zildjian Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair is a reliable and versatile choice.

What We Like
Bright and focused sound
Compact and lightweight
Quality craftsmanship
#TOP 2

Meinl Cymbals HCS 13” Hihats for Drum Set

HCS13H
Brass
Meinl Cymbals HCS 13” Hihats for Drum Set Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS 13” Hihats (Hi Hat) Cymbals for Drum Set, Pair— Made in Germany — Traditional Medium Brass, 2-Year Warranty, (HCS13H)

The Meinl Cymbals HCS 13" Hihats for Drum Set includes two hihat cymbals that can be played in a closed position for a crisp "chick" sound or opened apart for a crash sound. They are specially weighted for a classic sound and are made of durable brass alloy that can produce a dialed-in mix of volume, clarity, and warmth to fit any musical style. These cymbals are perfect for beginner drummers due to their ultra-clean sounds, classic good looks, and uniform sound that can build up your drum set exactly how you want. They are also multi-use for any skill level, making them a solid, musical, and reliable fit for practice setups or to use in your main kit to find new sounds. The cymbals are made in Germany with 100% renewable energy, ensuring the highest quality.

What We Like
Includes two hihat cymbals
Specially weighted for a classic sound
Durable brass alloy for all styles
Perfect for beginner drummers
Made in Germany with 100% renewable energy
#TOP 3

Zildjian Planet Z 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals

PLZ14PR
Gold,Black
Zildjian Planet Z 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals Cover
Zildjian Planet Z 14" Hi Hat Cymbals Pair

Zildjian Planet Z 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals deliver a range of sounds and respond precisely to how you play them. They're clean and crisp when open, or short and separated when closed, making them perfect for beginners in practice and performance. These cymbals are versatile and great value for your money, allowing you to make serious music at home or in the studio. They are made in the USA by the trusted name in cymbals since 1623.

What We Like
Precise and responsive sounds
Versatile and great value for money
Made by trusted name in cymbals
#TOP 4

Zildjian Planet Z Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair

ZIL ZP14PR
New 2020
Zildjian Planet Z Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair Cover
Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair, New 2020, 14" (ZP14PR)

The Zildjian Planet Z Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair is an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players. The 2020 redesigned cymbals are crafted from brass, providing bright cutting tones with more control and a focused sound. The ZP14PR Hi-Hat pair combines a medium weight hi-hat top and heavy hi-hat bottom that delivers a great NonechickNone sound and excellent stick definition. Overall, the Planet Z Hi-Hats provide a serious upgrade to a beginner's kit at an affordable price.

What We Like
Redesigned for 2020
Bright cutting tones with more control and a focused sound
Great NonechickNone sound and excellent stick definition
#TOP 5

Meinl 14” Hihat Cymbal Pair – HCS Traditional Finish Brass

HCS14H
Brass
Meinl 14” Hihat Cymbal Pair – HCS Traditional Finish Brass Cover
Meinl 14” Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair – HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set, Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (HCS14H)

The Meinl HCS 14” Hi-hat Cymbal Pair is a great entry point for beginner drummers, yet equally suitable for advanced players. These cymbals produce warm, balanced tones and pleasant, ultra-clean sounds with a classic and refined appearance. Our special weighting process helps produce a cleaner response, and with two hihat cymbals included, you can mount them on a pedal-activated stand to play closed for a crisp "chick" sound or opened apart for a crash sound and use your foot pedal to keep time. Made in Germany with 100% renewable energy, Meinl HCS cymbals offer a full range of sounds and are durable enough for any style of music.

What We Like
Warm, balanced and ultra-clean sounds
Two cymbals included with special weighting process
Great entry point for beginners
Full range of sounds for any style of music
Made in Germany with 100% renewable energy
#TOP 6

Meinl 14" Hihat Cymbal Pair - Classics Custom Dark

CC14DAH
Dark
Meinl 14" Hihat Cymbal Pair - Classics Custom Dark Cover
Meinl 14" Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair - Classics Custom Dark - Made in Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (CC14DAH)

The Meinl 14" Hihat Cymbal Pair - Classics Custom Dark is a high-quality cymbal pair made in Germany. With a dark finish and extra hammering, it delivers shadowy tones and plenty of volume, making it perfect for high octane styles like rock and metal. Made from B12 Bronze Alloy, it has a uniform sound that packs a punch and cuts through dense mixes easily. The cymbals open up to deliver an energetic drive at loud dynamics. When playing these hihats closed, you get all of the definition you need for blazing singles and doubles, and playing the hats open sends out a powerful crashing effect.

What We Like
Delivers shadowy tones and plenty of volume
Made from B12 Bronze Alloy for uniform sound that packs a punch
Perfect for high octane styles like rock and metal
#TOP 7

Zildjian 14" A Zildjian HiHats

ZIL A0133
14 Inch
Zildjian 14" A Zildjian HiHats Cover
Avedis Zildjian Company A Series New Beat Hi-Hat Cymbals - 14 Inches

Zildjian 14" A Zildjian HiHats are widely considered as the most versatile HiHat cymbals available today. They produce a perfect blend of "stick" and "chick" sound for all-purpose use while being symmetrically hammered and lathed with a traditional wide groove to ensure a classic bright, expressive A Zildjian sound. Originally designed by Louie Bellson, these HiHats are a great fit for drummers looking for exceptional sound quality.

What We Like
Versatile for all-purpose use
Classic bright and expressive sound
Designed by the late great Louie Bellson
#TOP 8

Meinl 14" Medium Hihat Cymbal Pair

CC14MH-B
Classics Custom
Meinl 14" Medium Hihat Cymbal Pair Cover
Meinl 14" Medium Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair - Classics Custom Brilliant - Made in Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (CC14MH-B)

Introducing the Meinl Medium Hihat Cymbals, a must-have for drummers seeking exceptional performance. These hihats are perfect for both closed and open playing styles, providing you with the ideal balance of definition and shimmering cut. Crafted with a brilliant finish and fully lathed surfaces, these cymbals deliver a stunning shine that not only enhances their sound but also adds an eye-catching touch to your drum set. Designed for power players, the Meinl Medium Hihat Cymbals produce explosive sound and drive at loud dynamics, making them the perfect choice for high-energy genres like rock and metal. Made from B12 bronze alloy, these cymbals offer a uniform sound that easily cuts through dense mixes, making them ideal for heavier hitters. Plus, these cymbals are made in Germany with green energy, ensuring both quality and sustainability. Upgrade your drumming experience with the Meinl Medium Hihat Cymbals today!

What We Like
Exceptional performance
Stunning shine
Explosive sound
#TOP 9

Stagg SH-HM10R 10-Inch SH Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals

SH-HM10R
Copper
-inch
Stagg SH-HM10R 10-Inch SH Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals Cover
Stagg SH-HM10R 10-Inch SH Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals

The Stagg SH Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals are a versatile percussion instrument that can enhance your drumming experience. With a package dimension of 1.016 cms (L) x 24.638 cms (W) x 25.4 cms (H), these hi-hat cymbals provide a crisp and clear sound. Made by Stagg, a trusted brand in the industry, these cymbals are designed to deliver excellent performance. The 10-inch size is perfect for most drum kits, offering a balanced and responsive feel. With a country of origin in China, these cymbals are built to last. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drummer, the Stagg SH Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals will bring a new level of versatility and quality to your drumming sessions.

What We Like
Versatile
Crisp sound
Trusted brand
#TOP 10

Meinl 14" Hihat Cymbal Pair

CC14EMH-B
Brilliant
Meinl 14" Hihat Cymbal Pair Cover
Meinl 14" Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair - Classics Custom Extreme Metal - Made in Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (CC14EMH-B)

The Meinl 14" Hihat Cymbal Pair is made in Germany from B12 bronze alloy, and is designed for heavy metal music. The cymbals feature extra deep hammering for a well-rounded sound, a brilliant finish and are fully lathed, delivering a classic, clean sound. The cymbals are made with 100% renewable energy and add a stunning look to your kit.

What We Like
Designed for heavy metal music
Features extra deep hammering for a well-rounded sound
Made with 100% renewable energy
Beautiful brilliant finish adds stunning look to kit
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What cymbals go on hi-hats?

Hi-hats can be paired with various cymbals, such as Bosphorus Lyric Series 14" hi-hat cymbals, UFIP Class Series 12" Wave hi-hat cymbals, Meinl Byzance Dark Spectrum 14" hi-hat cymbals, and Zildjian K Custom 14 1/4" Hybrid top cymbal. These cymbals are designed specifically for hi-hat use and offer different tones and characteristics to suit different musical styles.

2. What size cymbals for a hi-hat?

The traditional sizing for hi-hat cymbals is 13"–14", although sizes like 12", 15", and 16" are becoming more common. The size of the hi-hat cymbals can affect the sound and response, and different drummers may have preferences for different sizes based on their playing style and musical genre.

3. Are bigger hi-hats louder?

In general, larger hi-hat cymbals tend to produce a louder sound compared to smaller ones. Bigger hi-hats also have a washier sound when played semi-open, which is often desirable in heavier rock music. On the other hand, smaller hi-hats are brighter and more responsive, making them suitable for fast and intricate rhythms.

4. Is the hi-hat with the left or right hand?

Playing the hi-hat involves using both hands and both feet. The right foot is placed on the bass drum pedal, the left foot on the hi-hat pedal, the left hand plays the snare drum, and the right hand strikes the hi-hat cymbals. This is the basic position for playing the hi-hat in a drum set.

5. Does the heavier hi-hat go on top or bottom?

In a hi-hat setup, the heavier hi-hat cymbal is placed on the bottom, while the thinner and lighter hi-hat cymbal goes on top. The top hi-hat cymbal has a greater influence on the sound, especially in the open position. Using a thinner top hi-hat cymbal can result in a faster attack and different tonal characteristics.

Editor's Notes

During our hi-hat cymbal research, we found 24 hi-hat cymbal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 16,345 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hi-hat cymbals list. We found that most customers choose hi-hat cymbals with an average price of $235.40.

The hi-hat cymbals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hi-hat cymbals, including Avedis Zildjian Company, Meinl Cymbals, Stagg. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.