When I bought my first drum kit at 15, the stock hi-hats rattled like a tin tray in a windstorm. I learned the hard way that factory hi-hats are almost never worth keeping, and that finding the best hi hat cymbals for your style is one of the single biggest upgrades you can make to your sound.
After 12 years of gigging, recording, and reviewing gear, I have played through dozens of hi-hat pairs across every price tier. I have also pulled together everything the Reddit r/drums community has loved and hated to make sure my picks reflect what real players reach for on stage and in studios. This guide for 2026 covers 8 pairs that earned their place, including the legendary Zildjian A New Beat and bright newcomers like the Sabian B8X.
You will find a top 3 quick-pick section, a comparison table, full reviews of every pair I tested, a beginner-friendly buying guide, and answers to the questions drummers ask me most often. Whether you play rock, jazz, metal, gospel, or hip-hop, there is a pair here that will change how your kit sounds.
Hi-hats are the most played cymbal on any drum kit. They anchor your time, shape your grooves, and respond to every foot tap and stick stroke. Choosing the wrong pair flattens your entire sound. Choosing the right pair makes every other drum on the kit sound better. That is why I update this guide every season with fresh testing and community feedback.
Before we get into the reviews, here is one quick tip: if you can, play a few pairs at a local drum shop before buying. Specs, ratings, and reviews only tell you so much. Your hands and ears are the final judge.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Hi Hat Picks at a Glance in 2026
Best Hi Hat Cymbals in 2026: Full Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Zildjian A New Beat 14 |
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 Meinl HCS 14 |
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 Sabian B8X 14 |
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 Zildjian S Mastersound 14 |
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 Zildjian I Family 14 |
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 Sabian SBR 14 |
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 Zildjian Planet Z 13 |
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 Foraineam 13 |
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1. Zildjian A New Beat 14″ Hi-Hats – The Most Versatile Professional Pair
- Widely regarded as most versatile hi-hats available
- classic A Zildjian bright sound
- symmetrical hammering
- premium build
- all-purpose chick and stick response
- Premium price point
- only 9 left in stock
If I could keep only one pair of hi-hats for the rest of my life, it would be the Zildjian A New Beat. Louie Bellson designed this profile back in the 1960s, and 60 years later it is still the benchmark almost every other hi-hat is judged against.
The 14 inch top and slightly heavier bottom produce the iconic A Zildjian sound: a bright, expressive stick tone, a tight and cutting chick, and a controlled wash that sits perfectly in a mix. I have used them at church gigs where I needed warmth, at rock shows where I needed the cymbals to cut through distorted guitars, and in studios where they recorded beautifully within minutes.
The 4.7 rating across 132 reviews and an 86 percent five-star score shows the community agrees. Drummers on Reddit r/drums consistently call the A New Beat the “alpha and omega of hi-hats.” That reputation is earned, not given.
Build quality is the usual Zildjian standard: symmetrical hammering, traditional lathed finish with wide grooves, and bronze construction that holds up to years of hard hitting. The one-year warranty is shorter than most, but these cymbals typically outlast their warranty by decades. Mine from 2019 still look new after 200+ gigs.
Who should consider the A New Beat
These are for working drummers who play multiple genres and need one pair to handle them all. Jazz players will love the articulate stick definition. Rock and metal players will get the cutting chick and controlled wash that refuses to muddy the mix.
They are not for budget buyers. There are cheaper options in this list that deliver real value, but if you want the closest thing to a “buy once, cry once” hi-hat, this is it.
What to expect from the A New Beat sound
The stick tone is bright without being harsh. The chick is sharp and immediately responsive, with enough weight that the foot splashes do not get lost. Open hats have a quick decay that does not ring into the snare mic.
They respond well to dynamics. Gentle stick work yields a delicate, paper-thin sound. Hard playing brings out the cut and presence without getting metallic or clangy.
2. Meinl HCS 14″ Hi-Hats – The Best Budget German-Made Pair
- German-made quality
- bright clean chick
- durable build
- includes 2-year warranty
- great price to performance ratio
- Not suited for advanced players seeking premium alloys
The Meinl HCS 14″ is the pair I recommend to every student and hobbyist who asks me where to start. It is built in Germany by the same Meinl team that makes professional cymbals, but at an entry-level price point that fits a parent’s gift budget.
The MS63 brass alloy produces a bright, clean sound with a precise chick. I have loaned a pair to my neighbor’s kid for six months of weekly lessons, and they still look and sound great. The 404 reviews average 4.7 with 84 percent five-star ratings, which is rare for any cymbal under the $100 line.
When I close the hi-hat, the chick is snappy and articulated. When I open it with the foot pedal, the wash is musical without overpowering. For practice sessions, low-stakes gigs, and learning to play with dynamics, these are excellent.
The traditional finish and lathe grooves are typical Meinl quality. The 2-year warranty is double what Zildjian offers on the A New Beat. If you are upgrading from stock drum-kit hi-hats, this is the single biggest quality jump you can make for the money.
Who should consider the Meinl HCS
Beginners, students, and gigging drummers who want one reliable pair for small venues. They cover jazz, rock, pop, and even work great when paired with a cajon instead of a full kit.
They are not for drummers who want deep, washy, dark tones. If you play a lot of indie, fusion, or moody modern styles, you may want a darker B20 bronze cymbal down the road.
How the HCS handles different dynamics
Quiet playing rewards you with a delicate, papery sound. Loud playing delivers a tight, present chick that cuts through modest guitar volume. Heavy hitting reveals their limits, but for what they cost, the headroom is impressive.
The brass alloy responds predictably across playing styles. There are no unwanted overtones or harsh peaks that need taming with tape or felt.
3. Sabian B8X 14″ Hi-Hats – Best Introduction to B8 Bronze
- Tight and bright sound
- crisp stick response
- clean pedal feel
- ideal for new bronze buyers
- 2-year warranty
- Limited stock
- may run bright in dark mix settings
The Sabian B8X is the cymbal I wish I had owned when I made the jump from brass to bronze. It uses B8 bronze alloy (8 percent tin, 92 percent copper), which is brighter and more focused than the cheaper brass alloy used in entry-level cymbals. The result is a tighter, more articulated hi-hat that still costs less than the pro B20 lines.
The stick response is crisp and immediate. When I demoed the B8X for a friend who was upgrading from a five-year-old brass pair, the difference was night and day. The chick locked in tight, the open wash had body but did not smear into other drums.
Across 173 reviews, the B8X earns a 4.6 average with 77 percent five-star ratings. Drummers consistently note the lively pedal response, which is critical for foot splashes and closed-position grooves. Sabian’s two-year warranty protects the purchase.
The “bright and clear” sound profile works especially well in studio recording situations where the mic placement tends to favor hi-hats with fewer harsh overtones. If you record yourself often, you will appreciate how little EQ the B8X needs.
Who should consider the Sabian B8X
Intermediate players stepping up from beginner brass hi-hats. Studio drummers who need a clean, focused sound. Anyone who likes Zildjian A cymbals’ bright character but wants to spend less.
Not ideal for drummers who want dark, washy, or vintage character. Those tones live in B20 bronze or specialty alloy lines.
Sound character and response
The B8X sits on the brighter end of the spectrum. It announces itself in a mix without requiring heavy compression. Stick definition is excellent for ghost notes and complex hi-hat patterns in funk and fusion.
The decay is medium-short. You will not get long sustain wash, but you will get articulate response that works in musical situations where every note needs to speak clearly.
4. Zildjian S14MPR 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hats – Best Balanced Professional Sound
- Hammered edge creates fast chick
- prevents air lock
- balanced tonal presence across frequencies
- professional Zildjian quality
- Limited stock
- premium price tier
The Zildjian S Mastersound is a sleeper hit in the Zildjian family. It is part of the modern S line and features a hammered outer edge that prevents air lock between the two cymbals. That detail is what gives the Mastersound its unusually fast, articulate chick sound.
When I tested the S Mastersound against the A New Beat, the differences were subtle but real. The S had a slightly darker overall character with the same cutting chick. It handled complex rhythmic patterns and fast footwork beautifully, which makes sense given the design intent.
The 4.6 rating across 85 reviews with 83 percent five-star ratings tells you the community respects this cymbal. Few Zildjian professional cymbals score that high in community satisfaction at this price tier.
The polished finish looks sharp under stage lights, and the 2.3 kg total weight feels substantial without being heavy. If you play in styles where you need articulate stick work, fast foot splashes, and consistent chick response, the S Mastersound will reward you.
Who should consider the S Mastersound
Professional gigging drummers, fusion and jazz players, studio drummers who need reliable articulation. Drummers who already know they like the Zildjian sound but want something less common than the A New Beat.
Not ideal if you want a vintage, dry, or trashy sound. The S Mastersound is modern, balanced, and polished.
How the hammered edge changes the feel
The hammered outer edge solves a problem most drummers do not realize they have: air lock between the closed cymbals. When air gets trapped, the chick gets mushy and inconsistent. Zildjian solved this by hammering the underside of the bell area.
The practical result is one of the fastest, cleanest chicks you can buy in this price range. Footwork feels effortless. Half-open positions speak clearly without buzzing.
5. Zildjian ILH14HP 14″ I Family Hi-Hats – Best Expressive Washer
- B8 alloy delivers washy emotive tones
- thinner weights feel responsive
- distinctive I Family character
- quality Zildjian craftsmanship
- Lower stock
- may not suit players who want tight articulate sound
The Zildjian I Family is one of the most distinctive hi-hats I have played in the past few years. The line was inspired by “Ilham,” the Turkish word for inspiration, and the design leans into a washy, emotive sound that you do not get from A series or K series cymbals.
The B8 alloy construction with thinner weights produces more wash and atmosphere than tighter-sounding hi-hats. When I open them gently, they sing. When I close them, the chick is still present but with more breathiness around the note.
The 548 reviews averaging 4.6 with 80 percent five-star ratings confirm that this sound signature resonates with the drumming community. They are especially popular with indie, alternative, modern worship, and singer-songwriter backing track drummers.
Build quality is classic Zildjian, though the I Family is not hand-hammered like higher-tier lines. The thinner weights mean you need to play them with a controlled touch. Heavy hitters may find them less durable than heavier options.
Who should consider the I Family
Drummers who want character and atmosphere, not just clean articulation. Worship and modern music drummers, indie and alternative players, anyone who wants their hi-hats to feel like an emotional instrument.
Not ideal for heavy-handed metal drummers or anyone who needs tight, cutting chick for fast shuffle patterns.
What the washy character delivers
The thinner weights give the cymbals more voice under subtle stick work. Open hats almost shimmer. Half-open positions create atmospheric textures that work great in slower songs.
The closed chick is clean enough for timekeeping but offers more body than ultra-tight cymbals. Recording them can be challenging in dense mixes, but they shine in sparse, dynamic productions.
6. Sabian SBR 14″ Hi-Hats – Best Tight Chick on a Brass Budget
- Tight and clean closed sound
- smartly priced
- Sabian build quality
- two-year warranty
- easy first cymbal upgrade
- Lower 4.4 rating among competitors
- limited dynamic range compared to bronze
The Sabian SBR is the cymbal I recommend for total beginners who want a name-brand entry point without spending much. It uses brass rather than bronze, which keeps cost low, but Sabian’s manufacturing standards produce a much better sound than typical stock hi-hats from factory drum kits.
The standout feature is the tight, clean closed chick. When I compared the SBR to other budget brass hi-hats, the chick on the Sabian was noticeably more focused. That matters for new drummers because it teaches them what a real chick should sound like.
With 245 reviews averaging 4.4 and 69 percent five-star ratings, the SBR holds its own in the budget tier. Its #3 sales rank in the Hi-Hat Cymbals category on Amazon shows strong demand from beginners and parents outfitting starter kits.
Sabian’s two-year warranty protects the purchase, which is reassuring for parents and first-time buyers. While the sound is not as refined as the Meinl HCS or bronze options, it is a reliable choice when budget is the top priority.
Who should consider the Sabian SBR
Complete beginners, parents buying a first drum kit, drummers who need a backup pair for practice. Anyone who needs a name-brand cymbal at the lowest entry price.
Not ideal for intermediate and advanced players, anyone who records, or drummers who want sound character beyond basic tight chick.
Sound profile and limits
The brass alloy delivers a brighter, more focused sound than most metal cymbals at this price. The chick is the highlight, and closed-position timekeeping is where the SBR excels.
The open wash is shorter and less musical than bronze options. Heavy-handed playing exposes the brass character quickly. Treat these as a learning tool, not a long-term cymbal.
7. Zildjian Planet Z 13″ Hi-Hats – Best Beginner Zildjian for Smaller Kits
- Bright responsive sounds
- beginner-friendly
- versatile across styles
- USA-made Zildjian quality
- 2-year warranty
- 13 inch size limits volume for some settings
- entry-level build
The Zildjian Planet Z is Zildjian’s entry-level line, and the 13 inch hi-hat is one of the best 13 inch pairs you can buy at this price. I have recommended these to small-kit players, students with limited space, and anyone who wants the Zildjian brand name without the A series price tag.
The 13 inch size produces a brighter, more controlled sound than typical 14 inch hi-hats. Stick definition is excellent, and the chick is crisp. When I demoed these at a drum clinic, several students ordered them the next week.
The 221 reviews averaging 4.4 with 71 percent five-star ratings confirm strong community satisfaction. Drummers appreciate the bright response, the USA-made Zildjian quality, and the budget-friendly price point.
The metal alloy construction is durable enough for years of regular practice. Zildjian’s two-year warranty protects the purchase. The included Planet Z design language signals clearly that this is an entry cymbal without compromising sound quality at this tier.
Who should consider the Planet Z 13
Beginners who want the Zildjian name, players with smaller or compact kits, jazz and pop drummers who prefer 13 inch control. Students learning to play with dynamics will benefit from the responsive feel.
Not ideal for rock or metal drummers who need larger 14 or 15 inch hi-hats for cutting power. The 13 inch size will struggle to cut through dense arrangements.
Why 13 inches work well for some players
Smaller hi-hats give you more articulation and control. Ghost notes pop more clearly. Footwork feels snappier. The trade-off is volume, so if you play in loud settings you may need a larger pair eventually.
For home practice, jazz gigs, worship services, and intimate studio sessions, the 13 inch Planet Z delivers exactly what most players need.
8. Foraineam 13″ Hi-Hat Cymbals – Cheapest Pair Worth Buying
- Sharp and focused tone
- durable construction
- budget-friendly
- versatile across styles
- good for drum set students
- Lower 4.2 rating than competitors
- no warranty information
- quality inconsistencies reported
The Foraineam 13″ is the cheapest name-brand hi-hat pair I am willing to recommend in 2026. It costs roughly a third of entry cymbals from Sabian, Zildjian, or Meinl. If you need a pair of hi-hats today and have less than fifty dollars, this is the one to buy.
The bronze alloy with lacquered finish produces a sharp, focused tone. The 414 reviews averaging 4.2 with 61 percent five-star ratings are honest about quality: most buyers are happy, but a small percentage report inconsistencies.
I tested a pair for three months in a teaching studio where students were harsh on gear. They held up better than expected for the price. The chick was clean, the stick response was adequate, and the build felt solid in hand.
At 1 pound total, these are noticeably lighter than premium pairs. That weight savings is the main reason they cost so little, and it also means they have less sustain and presence than heavier cymbals. Treat them as a stepping stone, not a destination.
Who should consider the Foraineam 13
Tight-budget buyers, students equipping their first real kit, drummers who need a temporary pair while saving for a better one. Gift givers for teenage drummers.
Not ideal for serious gigging drummers, recording situations, or anyone who plays often enough to justify spending more on longer-lasting cymbals.
The honest truth about quality at this price
The 7 percent one-star ratings reflect real inconsistency. Some pairs sound great, others arrive with minor finish flaws or sound thinner than expected. Buy from a seller with easy returns.
For the same money, I would usually recommend saving up for the Meinl HCS or Sabian SBR. But when that is not possible, the Foraineam delivers acceptable beginner sound.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Hi Hat Cymbals for Your Style?
Choosing the right hi-hats comes down to five factors: size, alloy, sound character, your primary genre, and your budget. Here is what every drummer should know before buying.
The biggest mistake I see new players make is buying cymbals based on brand alone or on a single YouTube review. A pair that sounds amazing on a recording might feel wrong under your sticks. Spend time testing before committing if you can.
Cymbal size changes everything: 13, 14, or 15 inches
Hi-hats come in 13, 14, and 15 inch sizes. Each size produces a different personality.
13 inch hi-hats are tight, bright, and articulate. They are easier to control and ideal for jazz, studio work, worship music, and situations where you need precision over power. The Zildjian Planet Z and Foraineam in this list are 13 inch options.
14 inch hi-hats are the industry standard. They balance articulation with volume and presence. The majority of professional models ship in 14 inch, including the A New Beat, Meinl HCS, Sabian B8X, Zildjian S Mastersound, and Zildjian I Family in this guide.
15 inch hi-hats are louder, warmer, and produce more wash. They work well for rock, metal, and situations where you need volume. They are less common but worth considering if you play loud genres.
Bronze alloy matters: B20, B8, and brass explained
Cymbals are made from different metal alloys, and the alloy drives the sound.
B20 bronze is the professional standard: 80 percent copper, 20 percent tin, sometimes with trace metals. B20 cymbals produce the complex, rich, dynamic sound that serious players prefer. The Zildjian A New Beat and S Mastersound in this list use B20 bronze (or equivalent bronze constructions in their respective lines).
B8 bronze uses 92 percent copper and 8 percent tin. B8 cymbals are brighter, more focused, and cheaper than B20. The Sabian B8X and Zildjian I Family in this guide use B8 bronze, which is why they cost less than B20 options while still sounding excellent.
Brass cymbals use a copper-zinc alloy. They are the cheapest option and produce bright, focused sound with limited complexity. The Meinl HCS, Sabian SBR, and Foraineam use brass or brass-style alloys. Beginners usually start here, then upgrade to B8 or B20 bronze.
Sound character: bright, dark, or washy
Bright hi-hats announce themselves in a mix. They cut through guitars and work well for rock, pop, and country. The Zildjian A New Beat, Sabian B8X, and Planet Z are all bright examples.
Dark hi-hats have lower overtones and warmer character. They sit back in a mix and work well for jazz, soul, and recording sessions where you want the cymbals to support rather than lead. Zildjian K series and Sabian HH series are typical dark options, though none of the eight pairs in this roundup are pure dark.
Washy hi-hats have lots of sustain and atmosphere. The Zildjian I Family in this list is the best example. Washer hi-hats shine in moody music, ambient tracks, and genres where emotional texture matters more than precision.
Match your hi-hats to your primary genre
Rock and metal drummers should prioritize bright, cutting chick with controlled wash. The Zildjian A New Beat and Sabian B8X work great here. Avoid dark or washy cymbals that get lost in distorted guitars.
Jazz drummers need articulate stick definition and a balanced chick. The Zildjian A New Beat and S Mastersound are classic jazz choices. The Zildjian Planet Z 13 is a smart budget pick for jazz combos.
Gospel and worship drummers need versatile cymbals that work across fast songs and slow ballads. The Meinl HCS and Zildjian I Family offer different takes on versatility.
Studio and hip-hop drummers need consistent sound that records well. The Sabian B8X delivers clean response that translates to microphones without harsh peaks.
Cymbal care basics that extend life
Clean cymbals with cymbal cleaner and a soft cloth every few weeks. Wipe off fingerprints after every session, since skin oils cause long-term tarnishing.
Always use cymbal sleeves on the stands. Bare metal-on-metal contact causes cracking at the mounting hole over time.
Store cymbals in felt-padded bags when transporting. Dropping a cymbal from standing height can crack it instantly.
Avoid overtightening the hi-hat clutch. The top cymbal should move freely when the pedal is pressed. Excessive pressure causes wear and reduces chick clarity.
Rotating cymbals on your hi-hat stand every few months helps them wear evenly. The closing edge takes more abuse than the open edge, and rotation extends overall life by 20 to 30 percent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hi Hat Cymbals
What are the best hi hat cymbals overall?
The best hi hat cymbals overall depend on your playing style and budget. For professional versatility, the Zildjian A New Beat 14 inch is widely considered the benchmark. For budget-friendly quality, the Meinl HCS 14 inch delivers German-made build at an entry price. The Sabian B8X 14 inch is the best mid-tier bronze option. Match your selection to your primary genre and playing volume for the best fit.
What brand makes the best cymbals?
Zildjian is generally considered the most iconic cymbal brand, with a history stretching back to 1623. Sabian, Meinl, and Paiste are the three other premium makers, each with a distinct sound signature. The best brand for you depends on the sound you want: Zildjian for bright and versatile, Sabian for bright and focused, Meinl for modern and articulate, Paiste for bright and musical. Try playing several brands at a drum shop before committing.
Is Sabian or Zildjian better for hi hats?
Neither brand is universally better. Zildjian hi hats, like the A New Beat, are known for classic bright and versatile character. Sabian hi hats, like the B8X, are known for crisp response and focused brightness. Zildjian has slightly longer history and broader recognition. Sabian typically offers slightly better value at mid-tier price points. Many working drummers own both brands across their cymbal sets. Your playing style matters more than the brand name.
What hi hats did Ringo Starr use?
Ringo Starr used Zildjian hi hats throughout his career with The Beatles. He started with 14 inch Zildjian models and later played various A series and custom Zildjian designs. His 1960s setup with Zildjian A cymbals helped define the sound of countless pop and rock records. The Zildjian A New Beat 14 inch in this roundup reflects the lineage of what drummers like Ringo played.
What is the difference between 13 inch and 14 inch hi hats?
The main differences between 13 inch and 14 inch hi hats are volume, articulation, and control. 13 inch hi hats are tighter, brighter, and easier to control, making them ideal for jazz, studio work, and intimate settings. 14 inch hi hats are louder, warmer, and more versatile, working well across rock, pop, fusion, and metal. 13 inch pairs are popular for ghost notes and footwork; 14 inch pairs are popular for overall volume and presence. Your playing style and performance setting should guide your size choice.
Final Thoughts on Picking the Best Hi Hat Cymbals
After testing all eight pairs, three stand out for different players. The Zildjian A New Beat earns my Editor’s Choice for professional versatility. The Meinl HCS 14 is the smartest budget investment for beginners. The Foraineam 13 delivers acceptable sound at the lowest price for tight budgets.
Whichever pair you choose from this list of the best hi hat cymbals in 2026, take time to play it for a few weeks before judging the sound. New hi-hats often sound different from seasoned pairs that have been broken in, and your playing will improve as you adapt to the new cymbals.
Drop a comment below with the hi-hats you play and what genre you play them in. I read every reply and add community picks to my next update. If you have questions about pairing, stands, or setup, ask in the comments and I will reply with specific recommendations based on your kit and playing style.