Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Snare Drums

Updated September 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Mendini MSN-1455P-BK
Mendini
MSN-1455P-BK
Check Price
Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

Starting drum snare to add to any new drummer set wanting to learn the instrument.

Pros

Good bundle kit with essentials: 14" x 5.5" drum, neck strap, 1 set of drum sticks, padded gig bag, 30 inch adjustable stand, and drum mute to dampen sound.

Cons

Might need to replace heads for desired sound.

Best Bang for the Buck
Vangoa Kids Snare Drum Set
Vangoa
Kids Snare Drum Set
Check Price
Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This option is manufactured with maple wood and has an old-school bright tone.

Pros

Manually adjustable snare wires are sensitive for a more balanced sound with less attack.10 adjustable lugs aid in creating perfect tension.

Cons

Drum head included is fairly standard.

Pearl Piccolo Snare Drum
Pearl
Piccolo Snare Drum
Check Price
Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

The piccolo snare has a higher register, and this model is of an exceptional quality from a trusted brand.

Pros

13" x 3" for a crisp attack and great action. Steel shell construction. Snare switch is smooth and positioned well. Drum is nicely priced.

Cons

Not the ideal choice for someone new to using a snare.

ADM Complete Snare Drum Kit
ADM
Complete Snare Drum Kit
Check Price
Most Stylish
Bottom Line

Quality instrument that looks great and colorful while sounding full.

Pros

14" x 5.5" for loudness. High-gloss outer finish has 10 tuning lugs for a more precise tone. Practice pad reduces volume lower and helps focus sticks on center.

Cons

Stand is too short for a standing position.

GRIFFIN Acoustic Marching Percussion Instrument Set
GRIFFIN
Acoustic Marching Percussion Instrument Set
Check Price
Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Made of Poplar Wood with gloss finish and chrome hardware for a timeless look to fit any music style.

Pros

14" x 5.5" for a full sound. White coated drum head with top-notch and snare strainer for precise tuning. Snare beds that are carved into the drum shell to reduce shell buzz.

Cons

Snare strainer screws tend to strip easily.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
185
Consumers
Consulted
24
Hours
Researched
Category cover
The team that worked on this review