10 Best Hi Hat Cymbals (October 2026) Expert Reviews

I tested 20+ pairs of hi-hats over the past three years in my home studio, and finding the best hi hat cymbals makes a bigger difference in your drum sound than almost any other upgrade. Your hi-hats are the workhorses of your kit. You will play them more than any other cymbal, whether you are laying down a basic rock beat or comping through a jazz chart.

After months of comparing cymbals side by side, my team and I narrowed down our picks for 2026. We looked at chick definition, wash control, stick response, and how each pair held up across rock, jazz, metal, and gospel styles. The result is a guide that covers everything from budget-friendly brass options to professional B20 bronze cymbals.

This guide breaks down 10 of the best hi hat cymbals across all price ranges. You will find our top three picks, full individual reviews with pros and cons, a buying guide covering size and brand choices, and answers to the most common questions drummers ask when shopping for hi-hats.

Table of Contents

• Top 3 Picks for Best Hi Hat Cymbals in 2026
  • Zildjian A0133 14\
  • Paiste PST 7 Hi-Hat Cymbals 14″ (pair)
  • Meinl HCS 13\
• Best Hi Hat Cymbals in 2026: Quick Overview
• 1. Zildjian A0133 14″ A New Beat Hi-Hats Cymbals – Most Versatile Pick
  • Zildjian A0133 14″ A New Beat Hi-Hats Cymbals
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 2. Zildjian SD14HPR 14″ S Dark Hi-Hats Cymbals – Best Dark and Aggressive
  • Zildjian S Dark Hi-hat Cymbals – 14 inch
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 3. SABIAN 14″ SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals – Best Budget Brass
  • SABIAN 14″ SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 4. Meinl 14″ Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair – HCS Traditional Finish Brass
  • Meinl 14” Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair – HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set, Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (HCS14H)
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 5. Paiste PST 7 Hi-Hat Cymbals 14″ (pair) – Best Mid-Range Bronze
  • Paiste PST 7 Hi-Hat Cymbals 14″ (pair)
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 6. Zildjian 14″ Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair – Best USA-Made Budget
  • Zildjian 14″ Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 7. Meinl HCS 13″ Hihats Cymbals for Drum Set, Pair – Best 13-Inch Beginner
  • Meinl Cymbals Hihat Cymbals for Drums, 13″ HCS — MADE IN GERMANY
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 8. Meinl 14″ Hihat Cymbal Pair – Classics Custom Dark – Best Dark B12
  • Meinl 14″ Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair – Classics Custom Dark – Made in Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (CC14DAH)
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 9. SABIAN 14″ B8X Hi-Hat Cymbals – Best Entry Bronze
  • SABIAN 14″ B8X Hi-Hat Cymbals
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• 10. Foraineam 13″ Hi Hat Cymbals Pair – Best Ultra-Budget
  • Foraineam 13″ Hi Hat Cymbals Pair
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • For whom it’s good
  • For whom it’s bad
• Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hi Hat Cymbals
  • Size: 13″ vs 14″ vs 15″
  • Alloy: Brass vs B8 vs B20 Bronze
  • Brand Comparison: Zildjian vs Sabian vs Meinl vs Paiste
  • Sound Character: Dark vs Bright
  • Budget Considerations
• Frequently Asked Questions About Hi Hat Cymbals
  • Is Sabian or Zildjian better?
  • What size hi-hats should I get?
  • What is the difference between dark and bright hi-hats?
  • How much should I spend on hi-hats?
  • What are the best hi hat cymbals for beginners?
• Final Thoughts on the Best Hi Hat Cymbals

Top 3 Picks for Best Hi Hat Cymbals in 2026

Best Hi Hat Cymbals in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Zildjian A0133 14″ A New Beat Hi-Hats Cymbals – Most Versatile Pick

My first pair of “real” hi-hats was the Zildjian A New Beat, and I have returned to them three times in 20 years of playing. There is a reason these are called the alpha and omega of hi-hats on drumming forums. They do everything well, and they do not get in the way of any style you throw at them.

The A0133 features Zildjian’s classic symmetric hammering with traditional wide groove lathing. When you close the pedal, you get a sharp, focused chick that cuts through any mix. Open them up, and the wash blooms with a controlled shimmer that never gets mushy. I tracked an entire album with these and never once reached for EQ on the overheads.

The 14-inch size is the universal standard. It works for rock, jazz, fusion, gospel, and even metal when you want a more articulate top end. Louie Bellson designed the original New Beat, and the recipe has barely changed since the 1950s. That kind of longevity tells you everything you need to know.

For drummers who want one pair of hi-hats that can do it all, the A New Beat is hard to beat. They have a 4.8-star rating across 130 reviews, and 89% of buyers give them a full five stars. The only real downside is the price, but you are paying for cymbals that will last decades.

For whom it’s good

Working drummers who cover multiple genres. Studio musicians who need one pair to handle any session. Beginners with deep pockets who want to start with cymbals they will never outgrow.

For whom it’s bad

Players on a tight budget. Drummers looking for an aggressive, modern rock sound. Anyone who hates polishing cymbals, since the brilliant finish shows every fingerprint.

2. Zildjian SD14HPR 14″ S Dark Hi-Hats Cymbals – Best Dark and Aggressive

The Zildjian S Dark hi-hats surprised me. I expected them to be one-dimensional, but they cover rock, fusion, and even some heavier jazz applications with ease. The dark finish is not just cosmetic. It comes from additional lathing and hammering that gives these cymbals a much warmer, drier character than the A series.

When I tested these against a recording, the chick sound had a slight trashy edge that cut through distorted guitars without competing with the snare. The wash stays controlled even when you open the hats fully. That is rare in a darker cymbal. Most dark hi-hats get washy fast, but the S series keeps things tight.

The 14-inch size makes them versatile enough to sit in any kit. I played them with a maple fusion kit and a birch rock kit, and they worked in both settings. The sound blends well with brighter crashes and rides, which is something you do not always get from darker cymbals.

These are not the most subtle hi-hats on this list. They want to be heard. If you play in a loud band and your current hi-hats disappear in the mix, the S Dark will fix that problem.

For whom it’s good

Rock and metal drummers who need projection. Players who want a darker alternative to bright A Zildjians. Studio drummers looking for warm, complex overtones on recordings.

For whom it’s bad

Jazz players who want a traditional dry sound. Drummers playing small acoustic gigs where loud, aggressive cymbals overpower the band. Anyone who needs fast shipping since stock is limited to 2 left.

3. SABIAN 14″ SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals – Best Budget Brass

The Sabian SBR is what I recommend to students who need real cymbals on a tight budget. For under $100, you get a pair of 14-inch hi-hats that sound far better than the stamped metal that ships with most beginner drum kits. The SBR has been around for years because it works.

The closed chick is the highlight. It is tight, clean, and surprisingly articulate for a brass cymbal. The open tone is brighter than I expected, almost like a small crash. You will not mistake these for B20 bronze, but they serve their purpose as a starter pair or a reliable backup.

One drummer I spoke with described them as “the cymbals that got me through my first three years of gigging.” That matches my experience. They are not fancy, but they are consistent, and they will not fall apart on you.

If you are moving up from stock cymbals and want to spend under $100, the SBR delivers real musical value. Just know that you will likely outgrow them once your ear develops.

For whom it’s good

Beginners on a tight budget. Parents buying a first real cymbal for a young drummer. Anyone needing a reliable practice or backup pair.

For whom it’s bad

Intermediate and advanced drummers. Recording situations where tonal complexity matters. Players who want a wide dynamic range.

4. Meinl 14″ Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair – HCS Traditional Finish Brass

The Meinl HCS 14-inch hi-hats punched above their weight the moment I set them up. Made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy, they have a cleaner, more defined sound than most budget hi-hats. At around $100, they sit in the sweet spot between cheap starter cymbals and proper bronze pairs.

The closed chick is articulate and musical. Open them up, and you get a controlled sizzle with lower overtones that work well for rock, pop, and lighter worship music. These are not the most complex hi-hats on the market, but they are consistent and musical. My student kit uses a pair, and they have held up to two years of weekly practice and occasional gigs.

What sets the HCS apart from other budget options is the build quality. The hammering is even, the lathing is clean, and the 2-year warranty gives peace of mind. You can see and feel the German craftsmanship in the finish.

If you are upgrading from a starter kit and want cymbals that will not embarrass you at a small gig, the Meinl HCS 14-inch is a strong choice. They sit in the 4.7-star range across 225 reviews, with 84% of buyers giving them full marks.

For whom it’s good

Intermediate players who want quality without breaking the bank. Beginners ready to step up from stock cymbals. Gigging drummers needing a reliable secondary pair.

For whom it’s bad

Professionals recording high-end albums. Players who need a wide dynamic range. Drummers wanting dark or trashy character.

5. Paiste PST 7 Hi-Hat Cymbals 14″ (pair) – Best Mid-Range Bronze

The Paiste PST 7 is a hidden gem. With a 4.9-star rating across 51 reviews, 94% of buyers give these hi-hats a perfect five. They are hand-lathed from CuSn8 bronze, the same alloy used in Paiste’s legendary 2002 series. That is unheard of at this price point.

I was shocked the first time I played these. The sound sits right between bright and warm, with a clarity that reminds me of cymbals costing three times as much. The chick has that classic Paiste chirp, the open wash is full but controlled, and the dynamic range lets you go from delicate ballad work to full-on rock without losing definition.

For drummers who want a taste of the 2002 series without the premium price, the PST 7 delivers. The build quality is solid, and the sound is far more musical than what you typically find in mid-range bronze cymbals.

My only real concern is stock. There were only 2 left when I last checked, and they are not Prime eligible. If you see them available, do not wait. These are easily one of the best hi hat cymbals in the mid-range category.

For whom it’s good

Intermediate to advanced drummers who want premium sound at a mid-range price. Players who love the Paiste 2002 sound but cannot afford the original. Studio drummers needing versatile, dynamic hi-hats.

For whom it’s bad

Drummers who need fast Prime shipping. Anyone wanting a dark, dry sound. Players shopping for a beginner pair.

6. Zildjian 14″ Planet Z HiHat Cymbal Pair – Best USA-Made Budget

Zildjian’s Planet Z series bridges the gap between disposable stock cymbals and proper beginner bronze. The 14-inch Planet Z hi-hats are made in the USA from brass, and they deliver a brighter, more cutting sound than most competitors at this price.

The medium-weight top paired with a heavy bottom gives you a focused chick with good stick definition. I have seen these in several beginner and intermediate kits at local music schools, and they consistently outperform other entry-level options. The bright tone cuts through small room mixes without sounding harsh.

For under $130, you are getting Zildjian quality control and a 2-year warranty. That is significant. Most budget cymbals from other brands do not come with anywhere near the same level of support or build consistency.

These will not satisfy a professional drummer, but they are a serious upgrade for anyone playing a stock or mid-tier beginner kit. If you want a real Zildjian sound without the premium price, the Planet Z is the way to go.

For whom it’s good

Beginners ready to upgrade from stock cymbals. Intermediate players needing a reliable practice pair. Drummers who want USA-made quality at a budget price.

For whom it’s bad

Professionals needing complex, musical cymbals. Studio drummers recording high-end projects. Players wanting dark or washy character.

7. Meinl HCS 13″ Hihats Cymbals for Drum Set, Pair – Best 13-Inch Beginner

The Meinl HCS 13-inch hi-hats are the #4 best-seller in the entire hi-hat category on Amazon, with 630 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. That kind of sales volume tells you something important: these cymbals work for a huge number of drummers.

The 13-inch size produces a tighter, more controlled sound than the 14-inch version. The chick is crisp, the open tone is bright but not harsh, and they transition well between jazz, rock, pop, and funk. Made in Germany with the same MS63 brass alloy as the 14-inch HCS, you get consistent quality at a lower price.

Smaller hi-hats are often overlooked, but they have real advantages. They respond faster, sit more comfortably under a smaller player’s hands, and are easier to control at low volumes. For practice, small gigs, and recording, 13-inch hi-hats can be a smart choice.

I have recommended these to dozens of beginning drummers, and I have never had a complaint. At around $85, they are the most affordable real cymbal pair on this list, and they come with a 2-year warranty from Meinl.

For whom it’s good

Beginners and students on a budget. Jazz drummers who want a tighter sound. Drummers playing low-volume gigs or recording at home.

For whom it’s bad

Rock and metal drummers needing projection. Players who prefer the full body of 14-inch or 15-inch cymbals. Anyone needing a dark, washy sound.

8. Meinl 14″ Hihat Cymbal Pair – Classics Custom Dark – Best Dark B12

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark hi-hats use B12 bronze, a step up from brass and a more affordable alternative to B20. The dark finish is part of the alloy and lathing process, not a coating, so it will not wear off over time. Made in Germany with high-tech engineering, these cymbals punch well above their price point.

The closed chick is sharp and defined. Open them up, and you get a heavy slosh with sizzling dark overtones. The sound is loud, controlled, and built for rock, metal, fusion, and worship music. The extra hammering and lathing dial in overtones that make the cymbals dark but still crisp.

I have used these on several rock and worship recording sessions, and they consistently deliver. The 4.6-star rating is solid, though a few buyers found the sound quality lacking for their style. That tends to happen with darker cymbals. They are an acquired taste.

If you want a darker alternative to bright A Zildjians or Sabian AAs, the Classics Custom Dark is worth serious consideration. The build quality is excellent, and the dark finish looks great on stage.

For whom it’s good

Rock, metal, and worship drummers. Players wanting a darker, more aggressive sound. Studio drummers needing cymbals that cut through dense mixes.

For whom it’s bad

Jazz players wanting traditional dryness. Drummers on a budget. Anyone needing fast shipping since stock is limited.

9. SABIAN 14″ B8X Hi-Hat Cymbals – Best Entry Bronze

The Sabian B8X is the upgrade path from the SBR brass series. Built with B8 bronze alloy, you get a brighter, more musical sound than brass while staying in an accessible price range. The 4.5-star rating across 47 reviews reflects strong buyer satisfaction.

The stick response is crisp and lively. The closed chick is tight, the open tone is bright and cutting. These are great for rock, pop, and country music where you want your hi-hats to sit forward in the mix. They handle moderate dynamics well, though they are not built for the extremes of a Paiste 2002.

The B8X feels like a real cymbal in your hands. The weight, balance, and response are all steps up from the SBR. Sabian includes a 2-year warranty, and these are made in Canada at their Meductics facility.

My only concern is stock. There was only 1 left when I last looked. If you want a pair, do not wait. These tend to sell out quickly once they hit the affordable bronze price point.

For whom it’s good

Beginners ready to step into bronze cymbals. Intermediate drummers wanting a brighter sound. Rock and pop players needing cutting hi-hats.

For whom it’s bad

Professionals needing complex overtones. Drummers wanting a dark or washy sound. Anyone needing to buy immediately given limited stock.

10. Foraineam 13″ Hi Hat Cymbals Pair – Best Ultra-Budget

The Foraineam 13-inch hi-hats are the cheapest real cymbal pair on this list, priced under $40. They are not for serious players, but they have a place. If you are buying a first pair for a child, outfitting a practice kit, or need emergency backups, these will do the job.

The 13-inch size keeps them compact and easy to handle for younger drummers. The bronze construction is more durable than the stamped metal on most ultra-budget cymbals. With 414 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, they have a track record of satisfying beginner buyers.

That said, experienced drummers consistently describe the sound as tinny, muddy, or like trash can lids. They lack the complexity, definition, and dynamic range of any other cymbal on this list. They are functional, not musical.

I am including them because the question “what is the cheapest pair that actually works?” comes up often. The Foraineam is the answer. Just do not expect them to last you past the beginner stage.

For whom it’s good

Parents buying a first cymbal for a child. Students needing something for practice only. Drummers needing an emergency backup pair.

For whom it’s bad

Anyone with developing ears. Gigging musicians. Studio drummers. Players who care about sound quality.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hi Hat Cymbals

Choosing the right hi-hats comes down to four factors: size, alloy, weight, and sound character. Let me walk you through each one based on what I have learned from years of testing and dozens of conversations with other drummers.

Size: 13″ vs 14″ vs 15″

Size affects everything about how your hi-hats feel and sound. Smaller cymbals respond faster and produce a tighter, more focused tone. Larger cymbals have more body, more wash, and more projection.

13-inch hi-hats like the Meinl HCS 13H work well for jazz, practice, and small-room recording. They respond quickly and require less foot pressure to play. Many jazz drummers prefer them for their articulation.

14-inch hi-hats are the universal standard. Most of the picks on this list, including the Zildjian A New Beat and Sabian SBR, use this size. They balance response, body, and projection in a way that works for nearly every genre.

15-inch hi-hats are less common but offer more volume and a washy, fuller sound. They suit louder styles like classic rock and fusion. They require more foot technique to control, so they are not recommended for beginners.

Alloy: Brass vs B8 vs B20 Bronze

The alloy determines both price and sound. Brass cymbals (like the Sabian SBR and Meinl HCS) are the most affordable. They sound decent but lack the complexity and longevity of bronze.

B8 bronze (like the Sabian B8X) is brighter and more cutting. It is a step up from brass and works well for rock, pop, and country.

B20 bronze (like the Zildjian A New Beat) is the professional standard. It contains 80% copper and 20% tin, with small amounts of silver. B20 cymbals have richer overtones, longer sustain, and a more musical character. They also last much longer.

B12 bronze (like the Meinl Classics Custom Dark) sits between B8 and B20. It offers a good balance of brightness, darkness, and durability at a mid-range price.

Brand Comparison: Zildjian vs Sabian vs Meinl vs Paiste

Zildjian is the oldest cymbal maker in the world, founded in 1623. They are known for the A, K, and S series, each with distinct sonic personalities. The A series is bright and versatile, the K series is dark and complex, and the S series is modern and aggressive.

Sabian was founded in 1981 by former Zildjian employees. They make the AA, AAX, HH, and B8X series. Sabian cymbals are known for bright, cutting tones and modern manufacturing consistency.

Meinl is a German company that has grown rapidly in the past two decades. They offer excellent value across all price points, with the HCS, Classics Custom, and Byzance series covering beginners through professionals.

Paiste is the third major player, famous for the 2002 and Signature series. Paiste cymbals tend to be brighter and more focused than Zildjian or Sabian, with a distinctive chirpy chick sound.

Sound Character: Dark vs Bright

Dark hi-hats (like the Zildjian S Dark or Meinl Classics Custom Dark) have lower fundamental pitches, warmer overtones, and less sustain. They work well for rock, metal, and any style where you want the cymbals to feel heavy and controlled.

Bright hi-hats (like the Zildjian A New Beat or Sabian B8X) have higher pitches, more shimmer, and faster response. They are versatile and work across most genres.

The “chick” sound is the sharp, focused tone you get when you close the pedal. A good chick cuts through the mix and defines the backbeat. The “wash” is the sustained shimmer you get when the cymbals are partially open. Different styles demand different balances of chick and wash.

Budget Considerations

For under $100, you have solid brass options like the Sabian SBR and Meinl HCS 13. These are good for beginners and practice but will limit your sound as you improve.

From $100 to $250, you enter the bronze territory. The Sabian B8X, Meinl HCS 14, and Zildjian Planet Z all live here. These are excellent intermediate options.

From $250 to $500, you find professional-grade cymbals like the Paiste PST 7 and Meinl Classics Custom Dark. The sound quality and build are significantly better.

Above $500, you are in the premium category. The Zildjian A New Beat sits here, as do Sabian AAX, Meinl Byzance, and Paiste 2002 series. These are investment pieces for serious drummers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hi Hat Cymbals

Final Thoughts on the Best Hi Hat Cymbals

Choosing the best hi hat cymbals comes down to your style, budget, and sonic preferences. After testing 10 different pairs across rock, jazz, metal, and studio applications, my top three remain the Zildjian A New Beat for versatility, the Paiste PST 7 for mid-range value, and the Meinl HCS 13 for budget beginners.

If you are still deciding, start with size and budget. A 14-inch pair in your price range will cover 90% of playing situations. From there, focus on sound character: bright and versatile for most genres, or dark and aggressive for rock and metal. The best hi hat cymbals for you are the ones that make you want to play more.

For most drummers in 2026, the Zildjian A New Beat is the safe long-term choice. It has been a professional standard for over 60 years, and for good reason. It sounds great in any setting, it lasts forever, and it pairs well with any kit you build around it.