Top 10 Best cymbals in 2026

Main highlights

• •MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players
• •WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals
• •WHAT'S IN THE BOX: includes 13” hihats (top and bottom), a 14” crash, a FREE 10” splash, and 1 pair of FREE size 5A hickory drumsticks; plus, you'll get access to online drum lessons recorded by renowned educator and Meinl Cymbals artist, Mike Johnston
• •DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones
• •CATCH UP QUICK: HCS exceeds expectations because Meinl brings experience crafting cymbals since 1951; we make HCS and other lines in our German factory, and our top-of-the-line professional Byzance cymbals are hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze
• •ZOOM IN: the surface shimmers and shines under light, which is a bonus if you like your kit to look beautiful; HCS cymbals also feature the same logo treatment as our professional lines, including a small laser engraved logo and serial number
• •OF NOTE: you can find any sound in the seemingly never-ending selection of cymbal types in the HCS line; all essentials in multiple sizes are covered along with effects cymbals that let you expand your sound with variety
• •THE BOTTOM LINE: these are German made, top-quality entry level cymbals that resemble more high-end models with their crisp, bright tone and musical feel; they have a long lifespan, even for hard hitters, and fit any musical style