Best Tablas of 2026

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Tablas are a pair of hand drums used in traditional Indian music. The larger drum, called the bayan, is made of metal and produces a deep bass sound. The smaller drum, called the dayan, is made of wood and produces a higher-pitched sound. Tablas are played by placing them on the ground and sitting cross-legged in front of them. The player uses their fingers and palms to create a wide range of rhythms and melodies. Tablas are a popular instrument in Indian classical music and are also used in fusion and world music.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Handmade Tabla Drum Set Cover #TOP 1
Handmade Tabla Drum Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
eSplanade Brass Miniature Musical Set Cover #TOP 2
eSplanade Brass Miniature Musical Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
MAHARAJA Padded Tabla Gig Bag PDI-TBG1 Cover #TOP 3
MAHARAJA Padded Tabla Gig Bag PDI-TBG1
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tablas

#TOP 1

Handmade Tabla Drum Set

Multicolor
Handmade Tabla Drum Set Cover
STORE ONE INDIA HANDMADE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY TABLA DRUM SET, STEEL BAYAN, SHEESHAM WOOD DAYAN, GREAT SOUND WITH TUNING HAMMER, CUSHIONS & COVER

Introducing the Handmade Tabla Set by Store One India, a brand new original product that has been professionally tested before shipping. This authentic instrument is handcrafted in India, ensuring professional quality. With the purchase of this tabla set, you will receive a free safety bag, cushions, and tuning hammer, providing you with everything you need to start playing immediately. The safety bag ensures that your tabla drum set is protected during transportation and storage. The cushions offer comfort while playing, allowing you to focus on your performance. The tuning hammer allows you to easily adjust the sound of the tabla drums to your preference. Experience the great sound and craftsmanship of the Handmade Tabla Set and elevate your musical journey.

What We Like
Professional Quality
Authentic Handcrafted Design
Includes Safety Bag, Cushions, and Tuning Hammer
#TOP 2

eSplanade Brass Miniature Musical Set

Veena Tabla and Harmonium Set
Gold
Small
eSplanade Brass Miniature Musical Set Cover
eSplanade Brass Miniature Musical Set - Veena Sitar Tabla and Harmonium Set | Home Decor Showpiece | Home Decor

eSplanade Miniature Musical Set is a beautiful and intricate home decor showpiece made of brass. It includes a Veena, Sitar, Harmonium, and two Tabla sets. Handmade by skilled artisans, this set not only adds a touch of elegance to your homes or workplaces but also makes for a great gift for friends and family. With its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, it showcases the art and craft of old times. Whether you are a music lover or simply looking for a unique decorative piece, eSplanade Miniature Musical Set is a perfect choice.

What We Like
Intricate Design
Handmade by Skilled Artisans
Great Gift Idea
#TOP 3

MAHARAJA Padded Tabla Gig Bag PDI-TBG1

MAHARAJA Padded Tabla Gig Bag PDI-TBG1 Cover
MAHARAJA Tabla Bag, Padded, Premium Gig Bag for Tabla Drum Set, Fits Standard Size Bayan, Dayan, Ring Sets & Accessories, Upto 22 x 15 x 12 Inch - (PDI-TBG1)

The MAHARAJA Tabla Gig Bag offers sturdy protection for your valuable tabla set, ensuring your instrument stays safe wherever you take it. It features premium padding that cushions your drum from bumps and scratches, giving you peace of mind during travel or storage. The bag comes with a durable zipper that includes lockable sliders, so you can secure your tabla set with an external TSA or luggage lock for added safety. Plus, it has a comfortable hand grip that makes carrying your tabla easy and convenient, reducing strain during transport. This bag is designed to fit standard size bayan, dayan, ring sets, and accessories, making it a practical choice for tabla players.

What We Like
Premium padded protection
Durable lockable zipper
Comfortable hand grip
Fits standard tabla sets
#TOP 4

Handmade Wooden & Leather Indian Folk Tabla Drum Set

Dholak10
10 x 6 Inches
Handmade Wooden & Leather Indian Folk Tabla Drum Set Cover
Small 10 x 6 Inch Compact Dholak Drum Set, Handmade Wood & Leather Classical Indian Hand Percussion Drums, World Musical Instruments Punjabi Tabla Dhol Dholki For Decor & Travel Gift For Music Lovers

Experience the rhythmic high and low pitches with this Handmade Wooden & Leather Indian Folk Tabla Drum Set. The drum is made from authentic Wood and leather, and measures 10 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter. It is easy to use and can be tuned by adjusting the rope wrapped around it. Widely used in classical dance and Indian film music, it is a perfect gift idea for anyone interested in folk culture and history.

What We Like
Authentic Wood and leather construction
Easy to use and can be tuned
Widely used in classical dance and Indian film music
Perfect gift idea for anyone interested in folk culture and history
#TOP 5

QUEENBRASS Professional Dayan Tabla Black Sheesham PDI-CHH

QB9839
BLACK
QUEENBRASS Professional Dayan Tabla Black Sheesham PDI-CHH Cover
Professional Dayan Tabla in Black Sheesham Wood – Handcrafted, Concert Quality, Tuned to C Sharp (PDI-CHH) – Rich Sound, Perfect for Classical Performances & Practice

The QUEENBRASS Dayan Tabla is handmade from high-quality Black Sheesham wood, giving you a durable and stable instrument with rich sound. The drumhead is fully crafted by hand, ensuring better tone and resonance than machine-made versions, so your music sounds authentic and vibrant. Its standard size and weight make it comfortable to handle, whether you’re a beginner or a professional. Plus, it comes as a complete set with a wooden drum, a protective cover, and a padded cushion, making it easy for you to store and play comfortably during practice or performances.

What We Like
Handcrafted Black Sheesham wood
Authentic handmade drumhead
Standard size and weight
Complete tabla set included
#TOP 6

FAMA.store Darbuka Doumbek Drum 17 Inch

classic
Duke
FAMA.store Darbuka Doumbek Drum 17 Inch Cover
Darbuka doumbek drum tabla 17/17.5 inch inlaid mother of pearl with free bag (Duke)

The FAMA.store Doumbek Drum is a beautifully crafted Arabic percussion instrument ideal for musicians seeking authentic sound and style. Handmade in Egypt, this drum offers a traditional design that enhances your playing experience with its genuine cultural touch. Its 17-inch height and well-balanced weight make it comfortable to hold and play, whether you're practicing or performing. The drum features a skin head that delivers clear, resonant tones, perfect for various musical styles. Additionally, the intricate mother of pearl inlay adds an elegant, royal look, making the drum not only a musical tool but also a stunning piece of art you can proudly show off.

What We Like
Handmade Egyptian craftsmanship
Authentic Arabic drum sound
Elegant mother of pearl inlay
Comfortable 17-inch size
Durable skin head
#TOP 7

Generic Tabla Bayan Head Pudi 9" Deluxe

Generic
RRTTY
skin
9.50 INCH
Generic Tabla Bayan Head Pudi 9" Deluxe Cover
TABLA SKIN BAYAN HEAD PUDI 9" INCH DELUXE

The Generic Tabla Bayan Pudi is a high-quality 9-inch skin designed for your tabla drum. Made in Jaipur, India, this handcrafted bayan head offers professional-grade performance, ensuring your instrument sounds clear and authentic. Its deluxe quality means you get a durable and well-crafted piece that enhances your playing experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this value-priced skin provides reliable and excellent sound, making it a great addition to your tabla setup.

What We Like
Handcrafted quality
Professional-grade sound
Durable 9-inch size
Made in Jaipur, India
Value-priced
#TOP 8

Mid-East Economy Nylon Tabla Case

NCTE
Mid-East Economy Nylon Tabla Case Cover
Tabla Case, Economy Nylon

The Mid-East Nylon Tabla Case is designed to protect your tabla with practical features that make carrying and organizing easier. It includes a handy side pocket, perfect for storing small accessories or personal items you want within reach. The interior space measures 11 inches wide, 21.2 inches long, and 8 inches deep, providing a good fit for your instrument. The case offers about an inch of padding to safeguard your tabla against bumps. Plus, a removable divider with its own padding helps keep your tabla parts separated and secure during transport. This case is a solid choice for musicians looking for convenience and protection.

What We Like
Side storage pocket
Spacious interior
Protective padding
Removable padded divider
#TOP 9

Mid-East banjira Special Dayan Tabla Head 5.5"

TBHDS-550
#N/A
Mid-East banjira Special Dayan Tabla Head 5.5" Cover
banjira Special Dayan Tabla Head 5.5"

The Mid-East banjira Tabla Head is a specialized drumhead designed for the Dayan, the smaller drum in a tabla set. Measuring 5.5 inches, this tabla head offers a precise fit for your instrument, ensuring a clear and authentic sound. Its construction supports consistent tone quality, helping you achieve traditional rhythms with ease. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this tabla head provides reliable performance, making your practice and performances more enjoyable and effective.

What We Like
Accurate 5.5-inch size
Specialized for Dayan drum
Consistent tone quality
Reliable performance
#TOP 10

Balajicreation Deluxe 5-Inch Tabla Dayan Head

Black
5 inch
Balajicreation Deluxe 5-Inch Tabla Dayan Head Cover
TABLA SKIN DAYAN DAHINA HEAD PUDI PUDDI 5 INCH DELUXE QUALITY TABLA RIGHT HEAD

The Balajicreation Tabla Dayan Head is a professional-quality right head made for the Dayan, crafted in Jaipur, India. Its 5-inch size offers a perfect fit for your tabla, giving you clear and authentic sound. Handcrafted with care, this head ensures durability and excellent tonal quality, enhancing your playing experience. Plus, it comes at a reasonable price, making it a great value for both beginners and seasoned players who want reliable and authentic tabla skin without overspending.

What We Like
Handcrafted quality
Professional sound
Authentic Indian origin
Value priced
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you use tabla in a sentence?

Here are some examples of using tabla in a sentence: 'He recently formed a duo with the renowned tabla maestro Sanju Sahai that combines western percussion with tabla.' 'For this tour, they play each in one half of the concert as soloists accompanied by tabla.' 'Not content with one instrument, Mohamed is also a talented tabla player.'

2. What is the difference between tablas and congas?

The main differences between tablas and congas are as follows: Tablas are smaller and have a different build and design compared to congas. Tablas have a wider range of sounds available, while congas have a more limited range. Additionally, the playing methods for these hand drums are also different.

3. Is tabla harder than drums?

The difficulty level of learning tabla versus drums depends on the desired level of proficiency. Generally, drums are considered easier to start with as you can learn basic beats and fills fairly quickly. However, tabla is a complex instrument that requires years of practice to master and play it well.

4. Is it hard to learn tabla?

Yes, learning tabla can be challenging. It is a complex instrument that requires dedication, practice, and patience to become proficient. It takes years of consistent effort to master the techniques and rhythms associated with tabla playing.

Editor's Notes

During our tabla research, we found 24 tabla products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,073 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tablas list. We found that most customers choose tablas with an average price of $177.93.

The tablas are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tablas, including STORE ONE INDIA, eSplanade, Maharaja Musicals, The Great Indian Bazaar, QUEENBRASS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 13 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

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.