Updated: August 15th, 2022
Using drum practice pad is a great affordable way for all level drummers who wish to practice their drumming skills. It is true that electronic drums have become an essential arsenal for a drummer performing live, in a studio, or even for practice. Still, electronic drum set could be a bit expensive just for practice purposes. That’s exactly why I’m in favor of looking for the best drum practice pad instead.
- Provides 4 different 12″ playing surfaces
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Polycarbonate insert can be replaced
Freedrum- Play the drums anytime, anywhere
- Sensors are super accurate
- Good Value for Money
- Compatible with all major music software / DAWs
Playing on a drum practice pad helped me enhance my skills before proceeding to play the more complicated and challenging acoustic or electronic drums. If you want to know how practice pads are used, watch this video.
I have reviewed 6 of the best drum practice pads in the market to help you narrow down your choices from hundreds and hundreds of drum pad brands available today. This guide is for drummers of any drumming skill level.
The goal of this buying guide is to equip you with proper information before you head to the stores to buy a new drum set. I will cover the features, benefits, pros and cons of my top 6 choices of drum practice pads. Read on to arm yourself with the right knowledge before deciding to buy one.
[This is guest post that the folks over at https://playyourbeat.com have put together. Thanks very much, guys!]
Best Drum Practice Pads to Buy – At a Glance
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1. Movement Drums 12” Double-Sided Practice Pad
- Provides 4 different 12″ playing surfaces
- Sturdy and durable construction
- 1 side features a rim like a real drum
- Polycarbonate insert may dent with excessive use of marching sticks
The Movement Drum Company has created a 12″ practice pad that provides 4 different playing surfaces to accommodate the practice needs of just about any type of drummer.
This is an innovative and transportable pad to suit drum kit players, marching percussionists or concert snare drummers.
The Movement Drum practice pad features a top side with a responsive silicone rubber pad with a rim. And as the name (“double-sided” suggests), it also has a bottom, rimless side with a denser and quieter surface that keeps the pad steady while playing the rimmed side.
A clear polycarbonate insert can be added to emulate a crisp, tightly tuned marching snare, plus a softer, quieter conditioning pad insert provides less rebound when swapped in, to help develop drumming technique.
As such, the Movement Drum double-sided pad is a near perfect practice solution for most percussionists and unlike pads with multi-surfaces on one side and at different levels, this pad will suit the back sticking and cross-sticking requirements of drumline players to perfection.
See It In Action:
2. Vic Firth 12″ Double-Sided Practice Pad
- Great for practicing stick techniques and enhancing speed and control
- Made of premium quality rubber on both sides of the pad
- Double-sided and versatile
- Too bouncy
- Expensive
- Some quality issues such as curling of the sides of the pad after a few days of use
The Vic Firth practice pad is an outstanding 12-inch double-sided practice pad (in my opinion), which is very useful for both soft (quiet) and hard (loud) practicing. No need to buy two different pads that serve different purposes. With its soft rubber, you can practice quietly while everyone is fast asleep, and with its hard rubber, you can intensify your performance (in case you get carried away). The Vic Firth‘s two sides provide two different intensities depending on your mood.
See It In Action:
3. Evans Realfeel 2-Sided Practice Pad
- Provides versatile practice experience, especially for beginning drummers because of its “two-sides-two-feels” feature
- Perfect size for a drum pad – not too small nor too big
- Fits any standard snare basket
- May have some quality issues such as nasty chemical smell and visible glue marks on the wood and rubber areas
- Slightly heavier compared to other practice pads I have tried
The Evans 2-Sided practice pad is convenient to play with because of its large playing surface that easily fits into any standard snare drum basket. I love the gray finish and the fabric, which is durable and resistant to wear-and-tear.
The gray side is quieter and offers greater rebound, while the black side sounds louder with less bounce when you hit it. Both sides are perfect for practicing depending on what the situation calls for. The best benefit you will get from this 2-sided pad? There is no need for you to buy two different pads, so it saves you extra bucks to buy other accessories for your drum set.
See It In Action:
4. Tosnail 12-inch Silent Drum Practice Pad
- Quiet drum practice pad
- Durable
- More affordable than its high-end counterparts
- Not 2-sided
- The blue coating may start to peel off after weeks of use
- The free drumsticks that come with it may break easily
Another 12-inch practice pad, which I totally would recommend to beginners. Apart from the visually appealing finish of this pad, it is odorless. No chemical smell to ruin your playing experience.
It may not feel as real as Evans 2-sided practice pad, but it is definitely worth the money. Tosnail is very bouncy, but fun to play. It is so durable, stable, and does not leave any marks when you hit it. The best benefit? It already comes with a pair of 5A drum sticks, not as durable and well-made as branded drumsticks, but works just fine for a start.
5. Lolunut 12 Inch Drum Practice Pad
- Silent practice pad
- 2-sided
- Sturdy pad and responsive drumsticks
- Anti-slip dumb drum base
- The rubber material on the surface is environmentally friendly
- Quite heavy compared to some pads
- Does not have a springy feel of a snare
Lolunut is an octagon-shaped practice pad with a black surface and base. It is two-sided with the rim made of real walnut wood and designed to last long. The exterior is made of an odorless gum rubber while the base is made of spongy foam that keeps the pad from slipping and acts as a noise silencer. Since the sound is muted, you can play without disturbing your neighbors. The drumming sticks are slip-resistant, responsive, made of hickory wood, and are very original.
The octagonal shape of the drum pad gives it a unique look. With a dimension of 12 inches diameter, it can easily be placed on any desired base or surface for practice. A hole in the base allows it to be positioned on a drum stand. Though quite sturdy, it is portable enough to be transported from place to place.
See It In Action:
6. Remo 8″ Tunable Practice Pad
- Tunable
- Non-slip and non-scratch with its protective rubber bottom
- Easy to mount on a stand, table, desk, or any flat surface
- May be too small
- Not as quiet as the other brands discussed in this guide
- Does not replicate the sound of a real snare drum
This Remo practice pad is tunable and can be placed practically anywhere. Purchasing a stand is not necessary because you can mount it on a table or even on a desk. I find the size a bit small though, but could be perfect for beginning junior drummers.
By feel, it can replicate an actual snare drum, but by sound, I think the manufacturer could use a little more product improvement strategies. Still, I do think the Remo practice pad is just right for beginners, especially considering the price. It may be too small for professional drummers, but hey, its size makes it super light and portable.
7. Tromme Drum Practice Pad & Carrying Case
Plan to take your practice pad along while traveling? If so, this might be the ideal option since it comes with a convenient carrying case that makes transport and storage a breeze. The Tromme Drum Pad is made with silicone for a supple, bouncy feel that’s very much like playing an actual drum. Like many of the best drum practice pads on the market these days, this one offers silent performance so you can keep on practicing without disturbing others. Just add your own stand and use your favorite sticks.
Key features:
- 12-inch diameter; fits in a standard snare drum basket
- Soft, responsive silicone
- Carrying case included
- Available in grey, blue, and red colors
8. Ammoon 10 Inch Drum Practice Pad
This model is a tunable drum practice pad that comes with an anti-slip bottom. It can be tuned to either a high or low pitch depending on the user’s choice while the bottom prevents the pad from sliding off when you are playing on it. The bottom of the pad is also designed with a screw hole for easy mounting on any stand. It weighs about 1.3lbs and measures 10 inches wide. The simplicity of the pad’s design makes it a must-have for any level of drummer.
On purchase, the drum pad comes along with a storage bag and a pair of drumsticks. Ammoon practice pad has a plastic surface and rim construction. The surface is white with a black rim that is adorned with beautiful bolts that aid its aesthetic appeal. It is not a silent practice pad, but not loud enough to be a disturbance to other people. The bouncy feeling it gives off when played is enjoyable and will have you playing it as often as possible.
Key features:
- Anti-slip base with screw hole for mounting on a stand
- It comes with a pair of sticks and a storage/transport bag.
- Plastic surface and rim
- 10-inch diameter
- Beginner practice pad
9. Offworld Percussion Invader V3 Practice Pad
Ready to get serious about practicing? Look no further than the Offworld Percussion Invader practice pad. This drum pad measures a full 13.75 inches across and weighs in at a hefty five pounds. Designed to replicate the feel of an actual drum, it features an advanced polymer surface on top and a non-slip surface on the bottom. It fits inside a 14” snare drum, and it can be mounted in a snare stand basket as well. The rim is made with a patented material that replicates the feel of a metal rim, but that will not damage drum sticks as much as metal.
Key features:
- Large 13.75” surface
- Rim lets you replicate rimshots while practicing
- Polymer surface feels like a Kevlar snare
- Non-slip bottom adds security
10. Evans SoundOff Drum Mute Pak
If you want to practice quietly on your complete drum kit, mutes are the ideal solution. This complete set is designed to reduce volume by a full 95% without drastically changing the way your drums feel. The basic kit includes four drum mute pads to fit 12, 13, 14 (snare) and 16-inch drums. Larger sets include mutes for cymbals and bass if needed. It’s important to keep in mind that your drums will emit sounds when you practice with mutes; so long as this isn’t a problem, this pack might be the ideal way to get your practice sessions in while compromising with those who long for peace and quiet.
Key features:
- 4 pack of textured drum mutes
- Fits standard-size four-part drum kits
- Feels similar to playing your drums
11. Drum Workshop Go Anywhere 5-Piece Set Practice Pad
Perchance you want to practice more than the rudiments of drumming but do not want a real drum kit, consider going for this model. DW practice pad comes in 5-piece that enables you to learn different beats. Unlike single practice pads, here you get a set of pads mounted on a stand like typical drum kits. The Go Anywhere set comes with quality pads and sometimes, but not always, includes a stand for assembling them.
These pads are a combination that is similar to snare, floor tom, tom, and cymbal. Two ten-inch pads are positioned to emulate the floor tom and the snare drum. Two other eight-inch pads replace the cymbal and mounted tom. The bass drum pad comes without any pedal included, so you will have to obtain yours. An extra piece can be added to replicate a hi-hat cymbal to bring the resemblance closer to that of a drum set.
Key features:
- Two 8” pads for tom and cymbal
- One bass drum pad.
- Allows accurate practicing specific beats without a real drum set
- Quite compact, durable and noiseless
12. EX Drum Practice Pad with Drumsticks and Stand
Innovative and surprisingly affordable, the EX Drum Practice Pad features a folding stand with adjustable angle and height options. It comes with multiple functions, an earphone jack, a durable outer shell for rimshots, and a natural gum rubber surface that rebounds like a drumhead. Use battery power or plug in the external power supply for longer practice sessions. At 10 inches across, this practice pad is a bit smaller than average. At the same time, it’s perfectly portable thanks to carrying bags. Drumsticks are included.
Key features:
- Complete practice pad set with adjustable stand
- Soft rubber surface provides excellent rebound
- Comes with everything you need to get started
13. Vic Firth Heavy Hitter Slim Pad (HHPSL)
If you’re into marching band and you’re looking for a quiet way to practice, the Vic Firth slim pad may be exactly what you’ve been searching for. Designed to replicate the feel of a marching snare drum or a marching tenor / bass drum, this drum pad features a sturdy 12-inch wooden base with a gum rubber pad that provides plenty of rebound. Optional 4mil mylar laminates can be added if you’d like to make this pad feel like a drum with a plastic head.
Key features:
- Slim, lightweight design
- Replicates the feel of marching band drums
- Excellent rebound
14. Kibaga Double Sided Drum Pad
Measuring a versatile 12 inches across and mounted to a one-inch thick wood core, the Kibaga double sided drum practice pad features a layer of silicone and a layer of foam rubber for excellent rebound. The bottom side is covered in EV cotton to prevent the pad from slipping when it’s placed on your lap or a on a tabletop. Like many other quality drum practice pads, this one can be clamped to a snare stand for an improved practice experience.
Key features:
- Well-padded for silent practicing
- Excellent rebound
- Works anywhere – a tabletop, stand, or your lap
15. Donner Drum Practice Pad with Snare Drum Stand
Thanks to an innovative backpack-style carrying bag, you can take the Donner Drum Practice Pad, the accompanying foldable snare stand, and a few pairs of drum sticks anywhere with just about zero fuss. The drum pad itself is the star of the show: It measures 12 inches across and fits drums up to 14 inches. You can set it up in the drum stand that comes with it, or clamp it into any snare stand for realistic practice sessions. A 3-pack of drum sticks and a convenient drum stick carrying bag are included.
Key features:
- Complete snare drum practice pad set with stand and sticks
- Handy carrying system for excellent portability
- 30-day money-back guarantee from Donner
16. QStyle 10-inch Drum Practice Pad Set
Mount the QStyle dumb drum to a stand or set it on any surface to enjoy the feel of an actual drum. This unique drum practice pad features a durable, responsive rubber mat underneath an adjustable drum skin that can be tightened or loosened via eight screws mounted on the rim. On the back side, another adjustment screw lets you find the ideal angle. This practice pad easily goes everywhere you do, thanks to a carrying bag with handles. Two pairs of drum sticks are included.
Key features:
- Anti-slip bottom makes it easy to practice drums on tabletops
- Innovative adjustable drumskin top with soft, silent rubber pad underneath
- Carrying case and drum sticks included.
What To Look For In A Drum Practice Pad
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced, or professional drummer, practice is a necessity. Even professional drummers who have had years of experience touring with popular Billboard artists need a refresher to maintain their skills and perhaps, acquire more techniques. Remember, playing instruments is a continuous learning process.
Practice pads will certainly help you learn more and enhance your skills no matter which level you are in. Here are the features that you should look for in a drum practice pad:
Sound Versatility
The best drum practice pad is versatile, with a friendly control interface, where you can access the drum kit sounds appropriate for a particular music genre. This is beneficial for you if you are a working drummer because you will be ready to play different music styles such as jazz, classic, rock, or pop instantly. Similarly, if you are a beginner, you’ll get to practice and learn about the different genres early on.
To make the most of your budget, look for brands with two-sided drum pads, which are perfect for practicing and enhancing stick techniques. Usually, one side is soft, bouncy, and quieter, while the other side is hard, more challenging to play, but louder. By picking a double-sided practice pad (instead of 2 one-sided pads), you can save money to buy other drum accessories.
Portability
If you are living in an apartment or a dorm where space is limited, you cannot bring your acoustic drum set with you. With practice pads, you will still be able to update yourself with drum and stick techniques from time to time wherever you may be.
Most drum pads are lightweight and portable, so even kids can carry them around with so much ease. If you are a beginner, I highly recommend practicing with pads first before upgrading to an electronic drum kit or a real acoustic drum set.
Near-Quiet Performance
A drum practice pad is what you need if you have neighbors, roommates, or family members who have been complaining about all the noise you are making while practicing with an acoustic drum set. Most drum practice pads have a near-quiet performance and will not make loud sounds like a regular drum set.
I love silent practice pads because they do not cause any disturbance while I am practicing in my apartment where an old, irate woman lives next door. When I bought my first ever practice pads, I thought: “I can finally play in peace anytime of the day.”
Best of the Best Drum Practice Pad
So which is the absolute best drum practice pad, you ask? The Movement Drum Double-Sided is the last pad standing for me.
You can play this straight from the box and take it anywhere you go. A stand is not necessary, but if you ever feel like using a stand for upright and stable playing, you have the option to buy a separate snare stand.
Also Read: Best Drum Thrones
Comments or Questions Left?
Tell me what you think about this review. Was it helpful for you? Do you have any questions about or disagree with this take on the best drum practice pad? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re serious about practicing the right way, also check out my review of the world’s first wearable metronome by Soundbrenner.
I took one of my practice pads and modified it with a small pillow and alternate surface to the gum rubber. If you play only the gum rubber pad too much, the real drums won’t feel right. I actually sent back my mesh head ekit for this same reason. It was untraining me.
I’ll stick to pillows and I use a roc n soc throne top as my floor tom so I am still moving “around the kit” while I’m practicing silently. I also have a second double pedal for my practice kit and a kick pad l so I don’t leave out my feet while practicing. I added a hihat stand with just the clutch on it to simulate that aspect as well.
I have seen a huge jump in my drumming with this setup. Cheers!
Thanks a lot for sharing that, Glen! Hearing that is really valuable for me, and I’m sure it is for other readers too! Let us know if you discover anything new in terms of kitless practice. Cheers!
This was a very helpful guide; thank you for putting it together.
Thanks a lot, Paige. My pleasure!
Hi there Yannick,
I think you should check out the new ToneAlly, which has just won School Band and Orchestra Magazine “Best Teaching Tool for Beginning Students for 2018” at NAMM.
See Thomas Lang and others try it out on the Youtube channel.
Regards
Gerard
Thanks for the hint, Gerard! Looks like an very good idea at first sight. I will dig deeper!
You have reviewed only American pads….See our complete range
BRITISH MADE
since 1973.
The worlds first Dual Knee Pad.
Hey Bill,
Would indeed love to see them. But where?
Best,
Yannick
Hi. I have just purchased the Drumeo Pad and am quite pleased with it.
The main disappointment is the texture and quality of the the grey pad on the right which is meant to replicate the floor tom. I’m not a heavy hitter, being 55 years old and in a Church Gospel Band, but it arrived from Drumeo yesterday and this morning practicing some rudiment hit the grey pad on the front edge and a small piece of foam came away!
The other pads are fine but I fear over a short time this pad will disintegrate, it appears to be even sensitive to a finger nail mark, so be very careful. Waited with great anticipation but disappointed with the quality. It arrives in a heat sealed clear cover that, on my pad at least, has creased up in 5 places the underside foam backing!
Thanks for your review. Paul.
Hey Paul,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the Drumeo P4 pad. I’m sure this will greatly benefit other readers – so I highly appreciate your input.
Best,
Yannick