Best Hi-Hat Cymbals of 2026
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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
Top 10 Hi-Hat Cymbals
Biaungdo 23 Pcs Cymbal Replacement Set
The Biaungdo Cymbal Accessory Set offers 23 essential pieces that help keep your drum kit in top shape. The set includes durable felt pads that protect your cymbals from metal contact, improving both sound quality and cymbal lifespan. Smooth sleeves are designed to hold your cymbals at the right height, giving you better control over your setup and performance. With standard-sized parts, this set works well for most drum kits and cymbal stands, making it a versatile choice. Plus, the wing nuts and washers included help secure your cymbals and felts firmly, ensuring everything stays in place while you play.
Gibraltar SC-QRHHC Hi Hat Clutch
The Gibraltar Quick Release Clutch lets you mount your hi-hat cymbal quickly without the hassle of threading a screw mount, saving you time during setup. It features a spring and ball bearing locking sleeve, which ensures smooth operation and reliable hold. The locking nut is designed to stay securely in place, so you won’t worry about it loosening while you play. This clutch also allows you to switch your hi-hat cymbal swiftly and easily, making it perfect for drummers who want to change sounds on the fly. Plus, it works with a 7mm pull rod, fitting most standard hi-hat stands.
Gibraltar Quick Release Hi Hat Drop Clutch
Make drumming easier than ever with the Gibraltar Hi Hat Drop Clutch. This hi-hat clutch features a quick-release mechanism, allowing for effortless adjustments and seamless playing. The spring and ball bearing design ensures smooth and responsive operation, providing a reliable grip that can withstand even the most intense drumming sessions. With the quick drop mechanism, you can quickly and easily disengage and re-engage the hi-hat cymbals, giving you maximum flexibility and control. Constructed with high-quality metal, this hi-hat clutch is built to last, making it an ideal choice for both newbies and professionals alike. Invest in the Gibraltar Hi Hat Drop Clutch and elevate your drumming experience.
TAMA Upper Pull Rod w/Hex Nut (M6) 350mm (HH905D3S)
The TAMA Pull Rod is a versatile drum set percussion mount designed for convenience and ease of use. With its short HiHat Rod and silver color, this pack of 1 pull rod is a must-have for drummers. The short HiHat Rod allows for precise control and adjustment of the cymbals, ensuring optimal performance. The silver color adds a touch of elegance to your drum set. The TAMA Pull Rod is perfect for drummers who value precision and style. With its reliable brand, TAMA, you can trust that this pull rod is made with high-quality materials and built to last. Upgrade your drum set with the TAMA Pull Rod and experience the difference it can make in your performance.
Meinl 14” Hihat Cymbal Pair – HCS Traditional Finish Brass
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.
Cympad Optimizer Foam Cymbal Washers Set
The Cympad Cymbal Washers are designed to boost the sound quality of your cymbals by improving their tone and projection, helping you get a clearer and richer sound. They also enhance how your cymbals perform overall, making your setup more responsive and enjoyable to play. These washers work with all types of cymbals and setups, so you can use them no matter your style or gear. Additionally, they help protect your cymbals from damage, giving you peace of mind while you play. Installing them is quick and easy, so you can upgrade your cymbal setup without any hassle.
Evans SoundOff Drum Mute Pads
The Evans SoundOff Mute Pads help you practice your drums quietly by cutting down the volume by about 95%, so you can play anytime without disturbing others. Made from tough rubber, these pads sit on your drum heads and don’t change how your drums feel, allowing you to keep a natural playing experience. They also provide realistic rebound, which means you’ll get a true drumstick bounce even at low volumes. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced drummer, these mute pads let you practice comfortably at home or late at night without worrying about noise.
Cheerock Cymbal Sleeves Pack of 12
The Cheerock Cymbal Sleeves come in a set of 12, with three different sizes to fit various cymbal stems, ensuring a snug and secure fit for your drum kit. Made from durable plastic, these sleeves protect your cymbals by minimizing unwanted vibrations and isolations, which helps maintain the quality of your sound. Their lightweight and compact design make them easy to carry, so you can take them with you wherever you go. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these sleeves improve your cymbal's performance and keep your gear in great shape.
Foraineam 13" Hi Hat Cymbals
Foraineam 13" Hi Hat Cymbals Pair are a durable and versatile set of hi-hat cymbals that produce a sharp, focused, and full-bodied sound. They are well-suited to integrate into any setup and ideal for all styles of music. These cymbals are perfect for beginner drum set students and players.
Zildjian Planet Z 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals
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.
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.
During our hi-hat cymbal research, we found 24 hi-hat cymbal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 24,605 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 $15.19.
The hi-hat cymbals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hi-hat cymbals, including Biaungdo, Gibraltar, Tama, Meinl Cymbals, Cympad. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 680 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.