The Complete Alesis Electric Drums Comparison

We've put together this complete Alesis electric drums comparison list so you can get all the information you need and make the right choice when it comes to your electronic drum kit.

Choosing an Alesis electric drum kit shouldn't be a difficult decision, which is why we've collected each option and discussed the key differences between each model, when you should upgrade and when you need to spend a little extra to get the functionality you need.

We've split this comparison between all the Alesis drum kits into three tiers; Beginner, Intermediate and Experienced/professional but of course, you should always aim a little higher than your skill level so you can improve your playing.

Alesis electric drum kits are relied upon by professionals all over the world, so you're joining a special club of drummers when purchasing one of these and helping to ensure you get the best out of each drum session.

The following kits from Alesis are budget friendly, but they certainly provide a comfortable, enjoyable playing experience ensuring you get the most enjoyment out of each session. These kits are aimed at beginners, but also make great practice kits for drummers who need a kit for around the home, too!

The Alesis Debut is an all-mesh kit with stool, headphones, sticks and learning software has everything your child needs to start playing drums - and it's priced at just over £200! 

The Alesis Debut Electronic Drum Kit is the perfect electric drum kit for children and parents who want to start their youngsters on the path of electronic drums.

The best thing about the Alesis Debut Electronic Drum Kit is the fact you have all mesh drums. This is beneficial in three ways; 1. because they are a lot easier on little wrists 2. they mimic the response of an acoustic drumkit making the transition to an acoustic easier and 3. they are a LOT quieter, so your child can practice without disturbing others in the home.

You get everything you need including 4x 6” Drums, 3x 10” cymbals, Kick pedal & Hi-hat pedal, Cables, Rack, Power Supply, Module, Stool, Headphones, Sticks and a Drum Key. So you're good to go straight out of the box! A perfect gift for drummers and a great way to get started.

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Parents in need of a starter electric drum pack for children

Key features:

• All-mesh kit with stool, headphones, sticks and learning software
• All-mesh drums – quiet and responsive.
• Complete Package – All drums, Cables, Rack, Power Supply, Module, Stool, Headphones, Sticks and a Drum Key included
• 120 sounds arranged into 10 classic and modern kits
• 30 built-in play-along tracks, built-in coach and metronome features.
• Smartphone input to play along with your own songs.
• USB/MIDI connection for virtual instruments and recording software.
• Stereo line outputs and headphone output.
• Melodics Educational Software and 60 Free Lessons included

The next kit in our complete Alesis electric drums comparison is the Alesis Turbo Mesh Electric Drum Kit. This is a full-sized all-mesh kit with sturdy steel rack aimed at aspiring drummers on a budget. With this electronic drum kit you get performance quality, without the big price tag.

Straight out of the box, you get an incredible performance-ready drum kit complete with mesh drum heads and 4x 8” tom pads, 3x 10” cymbals, Kick pedal & Hi-hat pedal.

This is another complete set that includes everything you need such as connection cables, drumsticks, drum key, and power supply included. You'll just need headphones.

The Turbo Mesh kit includes the Turbo Electronic Drum Module which provides 10 ready to play kits, 120 sounds and 30 built in tracks and coach features. You've got everything you need to crate some seriously cool sounds, jam with a band and record your tracks.

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Beginners of all sizes
• Experienced drummers in need of a kit at home/recording
• Gigging musicians on a budget

Key Features

• Mesh drumheads for a quiet yet natural response.
• Everything you need - 4x 8” tom pads, 3x 10” cymbals, Kick pedal & Hi-hat pedal.
• Steel rack—super solid for stability and flexibility.
• Connection cables, drumsticks, drum key, and power supply included.
• Includes the Turbo Electronic Drum Module.
• 10 ready-to-play classic and modern kits—120 sounds.
• 30 built-in play-along tracks, built-in coach and metronome features.
• Smartphone input to play along with your own songs.
• USB/MIDI connection for virtual instruments and recording software.
• Stereo line outputs and headphone output.
• Melodics Educational Software and 60 Free Lessons included

In this section we'll talk about a few Alesis electric drum kits that we think will make great intermedaite kits or kits for those just starting out who KNOW they're gonna stick with it. They're a little more expensive, have some upgraded features and are designed for live performance and recording.

The Alesis Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum Kit is firmly aimed at intermediate (and experienced) drummers who need functionality like advanced playing techniques such as Rimshots and cymbal chokes.

Although it's aimed at drummers Wanting a compact, portable drum kit with advanced features, it's still in the budget-friendly price tag making it a great option for determined beginners too.

When comparing the range of Alesis electric drum kits, the Alesis Nitro Mesh kit is always one of the most talked-about options. Quite simply its a performance level kit at beginner prices!

You no longer get the accessories with this kit. But you do get upgraded drum pads and a far better module.

The 8” dual-zone snare pad with rimshot functionality and 3x 8” tom pads are extremely easy to play thanks to the mesh pads. They respond beautifully to your playing.

However it's the 3x 10” cymbals; ride cymbal, hi-hat, crash w/choke that drummers will appreciate more. The choke feature allows you to achieve the same playing dynamics of a real cymbal - ideal for gigging musicians and a feature that will come in really handy.

The key upgrade here is the Nitro drum module, which provides a whopping 40 ready-to-play classic and modern kits as well as 385 drum and cymbal sounds. You can also connect your smartphone, trigger MIDI and enjoy playing along to 60 built-in play-along tracks.

One of the cool features about this kit is the ability to expand it. This has been designed for the drummer who needs more!  Should you want to expand your drums, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Drum and Cymbal Expansion Pack is a great addition. 

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Intermediate/experienced drummers
• Recording musicians
• Gigging musicians
• Committed beginners

Key Features

• Mesh drumheads for a quiet yet natural response
• 8” dual-zone snare pad, 3x 8” tom pads
• 3x 10” cymbals: ride cymbal, hi-hat, crash w/choke
• Kick drum, Kick Pedal, HiHat Pedal
• 4-post aluminium rack—super solid for stability and flexibility
• Connection cables, drum key, and power supply included
• 40 ready-to-play classic and modern kits—385 drum and cymbal sounds
• 60 built-in play-along tracks, sequencer, metronome, and performance recorder
• Smartphone input to play along with your own songs
• USB/MIDI connection for virtual instruments and recording software
• MIDI in and out ports connects directly to stand-alone MIDI gear
• Stereo line outputs and headphone output

Next up in our Alesis electric drums comparison, we have the Alesis Surge Mesh Electronic Drum Kit. This kit is still in the intermediate category but is a bigger kit designed for high-energy drumming and adult frames.

Although it's still aimed at price-conscious drummers, you get a lot for your money as you have more zones and larger snare drum akin to an acoustic drum kit.

First off, you have a 10” dual-zone mesh snare and three 8” dual-zone mesh tom pads which provide a superior feel and far greater response than the previous kits.

The 3 x 10” cymbals, including chokeable ride and crash are extremely useful additions to the kit as you have the same dynamics and response as an acoustic kit, making the transition back and forth from an acoustic a lot easier.

The module itself is worth the extra expense! Straight out of the box you have the Surge Drum Module packed with 40 kits, 60 play-along tracks and 385 sounds. You can even record performances onboard the module and play back or add to your DAW.

You also get a 4 post chrome rack and all the connection cables, a set of drumsticks, drum key and power supply included.

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Intermediate drummers
• Experienced drummers
• Recording musicians
• Studio owners

Key Features

• 10” dual-zone mesh snare and three 8” dual-zone mesh tom pads for great feel and natural response.
• 8” mesh kick drum tower with kick drum pedal included.
• 3x 10” cymbals, including chokeable Ride & Crash.
• Surge Drum Module with 40 kits, 60 play-along tracks and 385 sounds.
• Record your own playing onboard.
• 4-post chrome rack.
• Connection cables, drumsticks, drum key and power supply included.

The next and final kit in our intermediate section is the highly regarded Alesis Command Mesh Electronic Drum Kit. This 8 Piece Electronic Drum Kit comes in at around £600 making it obtainable for players who are serious about their sound, but won't break the bank.

We feel the extra investment is totally worth every penny as you can load your own sounds and songs onto the Alesis Command drum module and enjoy a host of advanced sounds and customisation features.

One of the main features that performing drummers will appreciate is the Command's ability to load .WAV samples and play-along tracks via USB memory stick. You can basically load entire songs and samples to jam on!

You also have real-time recording functionality that provides 5 tracks internally and up to 99 tracks via USB memory stick. You can record performances, fills and sections for use on your DAW.

As for pads, you have an 8” mesh kick and 10” dual-zone snare pad for enhanced feel and playing response which provides a very similar feel to acoustic kits.

In addition, you have two 8” dual-zone rack toms and an 8” dual-zone floor tom as well as 3 x 10” cymbals with a chokeable ride and crash. It's also still quite portable too, so you can take it to gigs and break it down easily when the show is finished!

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Professional drummers
• Recording musicians
• Houses of worship
• Function bands

Key Features

• 8” mesh kick and 10” dual-zone snare pad
• Two 8” dual-zone rack toms and an 8” dual-zone floor tom
• 3x 10” cymbals including chokeable Ride & Crash.
• Kick drum pedal included
• Alesis Command Drum Module with 70 kits (50 factory pre-set + 20 user-customizable) and 60 sounds
• Load .WAV samples and play-along tracks via USB memory stick
• Real-time recording (5 tracks internally; up to 99 tracks via USB memory stick)
• USB/MIDI output for use with virtual instrument and recording software
• Premium chrome 4-post rack and boom cymbal arms
• Connection cables, drumsticks, drum key and power supply included

The next part of our complete Alesis electric drums comparison features a range of electronic drum kits that are aimed at preofessional, or at the very least experienced drummers. This is not to say that intermediates and even beginners shouldn't buy one - because you should always aim a little higher than your current skill level, it just means they have featres and functionality that expert, live, sessiona nd experienced drummers would rely on. 

Here they are in price ascednding order.

The first in our experienced drummers category is the Alesis Crimson II Special Edition Drum Kit. This is a pretty special drum kit as it plays and feels just like an acoustic kit.

It's specifically aimed at drummers in need of the feel and features of an acoustic kit as well as the functionality of an electric drum kit.

This kit features a 6-piece pad set with 2x8"and 1 x 10" dual-zone toms. The larger 12" dual-zone snare is incredible to play thanks to the multi zone playing field and the 8" kick pad responds really well to even the slightest of nuances.

All four cymbals feature choke functionality whilst the ride has a triple zone playing surface for added dynamics.

The sturdy 4-post quick-lock steel rack and double braced snare stand are great for the harder hitting musicians who also need to set up or pack down quickly too!

This kit includes the Crimson II drum module which allows you to select from 671 sounds and 74 kits - more than enough for the pro musicians out there! If that wasn't enough you can also load custom MP3/WAV samples and play along to your own tracks via USB.

If you want an electronic kit that offers a very realistic acoustic experience, start here! Contact us to special order.

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Acoustic drummers who want to transition
• Pro level drummers
• Acoustic drummers in need of a kit at home

Key Features

• 6-piece pad set with 8''/8''/10'' dual-zone toms, a 12'' dual-zone snare and an 8'' kick pad
• Includes power supply, mounting hardware and connection cables.
• High-quality, sturdy 4-post quick-lock steel rack.
• Double braced snare stand.
• Hi-hat pedal included.
• Use alongside recording software and virtual instruments via the USB/MIDI output.
• Real-time recording.
• Load your own custom MP3/WAV samples and play along to favourite tracks using a USB stick.
• Powered by the Crimson II drum module - select from 671 sounds and 74 kits.
• White mesh drums heads for a realistic playing experience.
• Four cymbals (crashes feature a choke function; the ride contains a triple zone playing surface).
• Five-pad configuration (dual-zone toms and dual-zone snare).

We're firmly in the realms of professional level electric drum kits here with the Alesis DM10 MKII Pro Kit.

This is a highlight of our complete Alesis electric drums comparison and is an imposing 10-piece kit with a powerful module at its core. It's firmly aimed at serious drummers in need of a performance kit with plenty of drums to hit and advanced features that will keep the fussiest of drummers happy.

One of the key features within this kit comes in the form of the tightly woven black mesh drumheads that mimic the feel of an acoustic skin pretty closely. If you're an experienced acoustic drummer, you won't struggle to make the transition here.

You have a 6-piece pad set with 10"/10"/12"/12" dual-zone toms, a 12" dual-zone snare and an 8" kick pad that all use multi-zone technology and respond effortlessly to your playing.

The inclusion of a four-piece cymbal set with a 12" hi-hat, two 14" crashes, and a 16" triple-zone ride means you're ready for a wide range of genres whilst the included fully adjustable snare stand and chrome rack means you're good to go for gigs and recording.

The DM10 MKII Pro sound module includes 80 Drum Kits (50 Preset + 30 User Slots), over 700 sounds/voices and an impressive 100 preset sequencer patterns, so you're never going to run out of sounds to play with!

A great gig for professional and experienced drummers in need of a high-quality electric drum kit.

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Acoustic drummers who need an electric kit
• Professional gigging drummers
• Church bands
• Studio drummers

Key Features

• Tightly woven black mesh drumheads enhance feel and playing response
• 6-piece pad set with 10''/10''/12''/12'' dual-zone toms, a 12'' dual-zone snare and an 8'' kick pad
• Four-piece cymbal set with a 12'' hi-hat, two 14'' crashes, and a 16'' triple-zone ride
• Heavy-duty four-post quick-lock chrome rack with integrated boom cymbal arms
• Fully adjustable snare drum stand
• Includes DM10 MKII Pro sound module
• Download your favourite voices to the DM10 MKII Pro Drum Module
• Enjoy playing and recording with the Songs
• Mix input for practising with digital music and CD players

Last but not least in our Alesis electric drums comparison, we have the Alesis Strike Pro SE, 11 Piece Professional Electronic Drum Kit. This is the pinnacle of Alesis design and the ultimate option or the discerning drummers out there.

The Alesis Strike Pro SE is a pretty special electric drum kit designed for players who hate electric drum kits! At first glance, you'll be forgiven for thinking that this is an acoustic kit as you have deep shells and full-size drums.

However, this is probably one of the best electric drum kits on the market today as you get all the playability and aesthetics of an acoustic, but the reliability and functionality of an electric kit.

this kit provides unrivalled realism both in feel and sound quality. The latest-generation mesh heads ensure the fastest, most natural response ever seen on an Alesis kit and the enhanced Articulation system with multi-zone technology ensures the drum responds wherever you hit it.

You have a full-sized 20" kick drum, 14" dual-zone mesh snare w/hybrid wood shell to play with straight out of the box.

The 8", 10", 12" and 14" dual-zone mesh toms w/hybrid wood shells offer that classic acoustic look, too.

You also get a 16" Strike ride cymbal (3-zone) w/full rubber pad and hammer marks, 3 x 14" Strike crash cymbals w/choke, with full rubber pads and hammer marks and a 14" hi-hat cymbal with full rubber pads and hammer marks as well.

If that wasn't enough, the Strike module includes over 1800 drum and percussion instruments as well as 136 kits ready to go.

You also get 45,000 sample sounds included or you can load .wav files through the included 16GB SD card. To be honest, there's not a lot this kit can't do!

If you want the ultimate Alesis electronic drum experience, this is your kit!

Who is this kit ideal for?

• Absolute professionals
• Recording musicians
• n-house drummers
• Session drummers

Key Features

• Latest-generation mesh heads for fastest, most natural response ever
• Patented Enhanced Articulation System
• Full-sized 20-inch kick drum
• 14-inch dual-zone mesh snare w/hybrid wood shell
• 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-inch dual-zone mesh toms w/hybrid wood shells
• 16-inch Strike ride cymbal (3-zone) w/full rubber pad and hammer marks
• 3x 14-inch Strike crash cymbals w/choke, w/full rubber pads and hammer marks
• 14-inch hi-hat cymbal w/full rubber pads and hammer marks
• Strike software editor for creating your own custom kits and instruments
• Strike Performance Module with 4.3-inch colour LED screen
• Over 1800 drum and percussion instruments and 136 Kits
• 45,000 sample sounds included or load .wav files through included 16GB SD card
• Premium 4-post steel rack

And that wraps up our Alesis drum kit comparison. We hope this has helped you decide on what kit is right for you. If you're still unsure, feel free to speak to our experts in your local PMT store, or call 0151 448 2089 for more information on any Alesis Electric Drum kit. We're here to help!