Hi-hats are one of the most important parts of the overall drum kit. Much like ride cymbals, they’re one of the most utilized members of any drummer’s cymbal collection.
Some drummers even use two hi-hats of different sizes for even more sonic options! But when shopping for the best hi-hats, things can get a little confusing.
Considering size, weight, alloy, and sound quickly narrows down your options. Cymbals in general are as varied as the metals they’re made from and the companies that make them.
Here are some of our favorite hi-hats and the reasons we like them.
Best hi-hats overall: Zildjian A 15” New Beat
The A Series New Beat hats are the preferred choice by a lot of drummers. They’re a balanced, medium/heavy combination with good volume and sustain. The B20 cast bronze alloy is a good blend that works well for multiple playing styles.
Considering how loud they are, they respond really well to stick articulations. Open, closed, and any tightness in between these cast bronze hi-hats molded from Zildjian’s centuries-old alloy sound full and bright. Just like great rock hi-hats should.
They’re an investment, but more than worthwhile.
Best premium hi-hats: Zildjian A Custom Mastersound
Balanced, cutting, and well-made, Zildjian’s A Custom series is a top choice of drummers worldwide. Their 14” Mastersound hats are tonally balanced across the board in pitch, sustain, and volume. Whatever your playing style or genre the sound of this set will fit right in to your cymbal collection.
They’re an alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin with traces of silver. These are another set that only comes in a 14” size. But considering the stellar combination of build quality and sound profile they are a perfect pair if you have some cash to spend.
Best signature hi-hats: Sabian Neil Peart Paragon
There are a lot of signature hi-hats to choose from. But if you’re going with a signature model, why not go with one endorsed by one of the best drummers of all time (RIP)?
Tight attack, a thick and dark wash, and a fast, crisp response is the best way to define their sound. Like the legend they’re based on, they let you show off tight sticking patterns with a distinct “chick” that keeps the groove going. They’re constructed of a B20 metal with a medium weight and bright sound.
Paragon hi-hats come in 13″, 14″, and 15″ versions so you can select the size that best suits your kit. They might have Neil Peart’s “name” on them, but these high end hi-hats are designed to mesh with your sound.
Most versatile hi-hats: Paiste 900 Series Sound Edge
With over 100 years of cymbal-crafting experience, Paiste has a versatile cymbal lineup. And if you’re on a budget, the 900 Series Sound Edge 14” hi-hats are a great choice.
What sets them apart from other budget hi-hats is the slight differential between the top and bottom hats – a medium top hat and medium-heavy bottom hat.
The bottom hat has extra machine hammering around the edge that creates better response between the two. The model name is derived from this unique matchup. The sound is nuanced and complex, as hi-hats should be.
It’s warm and bright at the same time, with a pleasing width. Sustain is critical for a hi-hat sound, and the sustain is on the longer side than many others. Volume won’t be an issue, as these are meant to project.
They only come in a 14” size, but Paiste clearly made sure that extreme care went into crafting these hi-hats.
Best hi-hats for recording: Sabian HHX Click Hats
When you’re choosing hi-hats for recording, most drummers (and producers!) prefer smaller sizes. Larger cymbals sound that way, and the studio is all about the right sound. The stage is where you get loud, the studio is where you get precise.
This is an interesting choice, and here’s why this was our choice for the best hi-hats for recording. They’re 14”, which is a great balance of volume and sustain. Cymbals can often be captured as too bright, causing the recording engineers to have to use certain microphones or additional post-processing to reel them in.
HHX hi-hats are darker – a perfect pairing with the microphones usually used to record drums. The sound is thick without being too weighty and there’s a pleasant resonance. A good range across the length of the cymbal gives you additional tonal options – perfect for the studio.
Expensive, finely-crafted, versatile? Check. Great for pretty much any recording scenario? Absolutely.
Best hi-hats for live performance: Meinl Byzance Extra-Dry Medium
In general, it’s best practice to use smaller cymbals for recording and larger cymbals for live performance. This is due to the fact that bigger cymbals offer more projection and sustain, two things that can be counterproductive in a recording environment.
This model from Meinl presents a lot of features that make them great for live performance. With a 16″ diameter they have weight to the sound without being too overpowering.
The stick response is considered “dark”, which prevents them from being too bright. And with a drier sound than most hi-hats the character of the playing environment shines through.
The raw-hammered B20 bronze alloy offers a shorter sustain and easy playing feel that’s great for rock, country, pop, jazz, even metal.
Best hi-hats for rock: Paiste Giant Beat
Rock is all about power and projection. So why not go with a model of cymbals preferred by one of the greatest drummers of all time – John “Bonzo” Bonham? These monsters will have no problem getting you there. A medium top and heavy bottom gives a little separation to the overall sound and cuts right through a dense rock mix.
As big as they are, they’re more about volume than a sharp, cutting sound. There’s a mellow bottom and a shimmery top end that fits into the mix context anywhere from open to closed.
With a great overall balance you’ll be able to play precisely without worrying about hitting a little harder due to their inherent projection. You can choose from 15” or 16” so there’s not much room there, but they’re meant to be monsters.
Giant Beat cymbals first came out in 1967. And over the years they still sound as great as ever.
Best budget hi-hats: Paiste PST 3
If you’re a beginner to the drum world, you’re probably looking for an affordable cymbals to put in your set up. The PST 3 might be smaller, but they never lack in excitement.
The MS63 Brass alloy offers a medium sustain with a full, focused, and clear sound. They have a good wash too, and the smaller size helps to keep that in check.
They’re a little smaller, coming in 13” and 14” options. But don’t let the size fool you. Their volume rating is “soft to loud”. So the volume is really dependent on the player. The smaller size also makes them great for studio work.
Best hi-hats under $100: Meinl HCS
This affordable hi-hat is composed out of brass alloy that gives a crisp, clean, and bright sound. When you play them closed there’s a pronounced “chick” with warmth. These qualities are carried over when you play them open too.
Their only real downside is that they’re made of brass, which might be a little harsh for some drummers. But they work well in multiple music and playing styles and are a great choice for beginner and intermediate players.
If you’re looking to get into Meinl, this is one of the best products to start with.
What to look for when shopping for hi-hats
Size and diameter
The most common hi-hat sizes range from 13″ to 15″, but you’ll also find smaller or larger options for specific sounds.
Smaller hi-hats (like 13″) offer a crisp, fast response and cut through the mix with higher frequencies. These are great for funk, pop, and fast playing. Larger hi-hats (like 15″) have a deeper, washier sound with more volume and sustain. These are ideal for rock or genres that benefit from weight and presence.
Your playing style and the music’s dynamics should guide your size choice.
Alloy material
Most professional hi-hats are made from B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin), which gives a warm, complex tone with rich overtones. B8 bronze (92% copper, 8% tin) offers a brighter, more cutting sound, often found in entry- to mid-level cymbals.
Brass hi-hats are budget-friendly and good for beginners, though they tend to lack depth, durability, and can sound harsh.
Cymbal alloys play a big role in tonal color, so consider your desired sound when choosing which option to go with.
Thickness and weight
Hi-hats come in varying weights, and it’s common for the top hat to be lighter than the bottom.
Heavier cymbals are louder, brighter, and are more defined when closed. They’re ideal for live settings or heavier genres. Lighter cymbals have more wash and softer attack. These work better in jazz, indie, or low-volume gigs.
The thickness directly affects articulation and sustain, so think about how much definition versus texture you need.
FAQ
Which hi-hat is best?
Our choice is the Zildjian A Custom Mastersound. There’s a reason Zildjian is generally considered to be the best of the best. But this really depends on your needs.
Are you looking to use them for recording, live work, or both? Size, weight, and alloy all affect sound characteristics.
What hi-hats should I get?
You have to evaluate what type of sound you’re going for. Smaller hi-hats, like 13” and 14” have a brighter tone. Larger 15” and 16” hats are warmer and darker.
What are the best hi-hats for jazz?
Jazz players are choosy about their hats, there’s no doubt about it. Larger, darker high hats work well because they have a good mix of definition and articulation. Many jazz players like 14” or 15” hi-hats.
The weight and size matter more than the brand – as long as it’s a good one.
Are Zildjian hi-hats good?
Zildjian makes fantastic cymbals, but they’re by no means the only option. When shopping around for cymbals don’t get too caught up on the manufacturer. Make sure you critically listen to find the best choice for your style and setup.
