Roland is possibly the best known brand name in electronic drums, and for good reason. Roland has been making electronic drums since 1985, and invented the mesh drum head which led to the first V-Drums, the TD-10, in 1997. Such is the success of that original design, almost all electronic drums available today have followed suit by adopting the mesh head since Roland’s patent expired.

In this round-up, we’ll run down the best Roland electronic drum kits to help you decide which is right for you. All Roland kits currently available are broken down into high-end, mid-range and low-end price groupings. Within each, we rank the best Roland drums.

Roland drum modules and pricing structure

Each Roland range is named after the drum module that comes with it, such as the TD-17 or TD-27. Within these ranges, there are different packages that come kitted out with different sets of drum and cymbal pads. These packages are denoted by letters like “K”, “KV” or “KVX”.

One quirk of the Roland V-Drums range is the high-end version (Often “KV” or “KVX”) of a particular type of drum kit can sometimes come with a better set of drum and cymbal pads than the low-end version of the next range up. Effectively, this is a choice between having the better drum module or the better set of pads out of the box. Depending on your needs, the kit with the better module is not always the best buy, especially if you’re not expecting to expand your kit at a later date.

Because of this, our Roland drum kit round-up below does not cover the entirety of the range, only the kits we think are best buys.

Scoring Methodology

Each of the kits in this round-up of Roland electronic drums are scored out of five on three factors:

Value: Value for money, comparing what you get in each package vs the cost, relative to the other kits in this round-up

Drum Sounds: The quality of the onboard drum sounds relative to other Roland V-Drum modules

Pads & Hardware: The overall quality of the pads and hardware relative to other Roland V-Drum kits

The scoring system has been designed to help you compare and contrast eDrums in the Roland range. In each score out of 5, 2.5 represents “good” or “average” while, a 5 represents the best you can currently get on the eDrum market. All three categories are then averaged for an overall score.

The best high-end Roland eDrum kits

Our high-end picks include kits that come with either the TD-50X or TD-27 V-Drum modules. Both modules support all three of Roland’s latest digital drum pads and at least 4 additional trigger inputs for expansion. Drum sounds are based on Roland’s prismatic sound engine, which has recently been updated on the TD-50X and are almost comparable to those found on a VST such as EZdrummer 3.

Roland VAD 507

The VAD 507 is the best Roland electronic kit if you want an eKit that looks acoustic. The kit combines the TD-27 module, digital snare, ride and hi-hat pads, plus some great looking acoustic style drum pads, offering an immersive playing experience.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

Overall, the VAD 507 offers better value than the high-end 706 kit, lacking only the TD-50X module and available only in black. Choose the 504 if you prefer a 4-piece kit or the 507 for a 5-piece with a second crash cymbal pad.

4.2

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Roland TD-27 KV2

The high-end TD-27 KV2 is a great alternative to the TD-50X for less money, almost matching the Roland flagship for expandability, sounds and undercuts the TD-50X by offering all three digital pads for much less money. Perfect if you don’t need the pro features of the TD-50X.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

The KV2 is the latest SKU of the TD-27 range and includes the new 14-inch digital hi-hats, which replaces the older VH-10 hi-hats. If you’re not interested in the V.A.D series, this is the ultimate TD-27 kit you can currently buy.

4.3

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TD-27 Review

Roland VAD 706

The VAD 706 is the ultimate Roland electronic drum kit, pairing the flagship TD-50X module with full-size shells and a range of finishes. The 706 is a truly high-end kit that will fool many into thinking it’s a real acoustic kit!

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

The VAD 706 is pure luxury with a price to match. Drummers on a budget should consider the 507, especially if the pro features of the TD-50X are not needed. All in all, the VAD 706 is the absolute best kit from Roland that money can buy, but be sure to compare it against other high-end options such as the EFnote Pro or Drum-tec Pro 3.

3.8

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Roland TD-50X K2

The K2 is the most affordable version of the TD-50X, achieved with slightly smaller and cheaper bass and tom pads compared to the top-end KV2 model. However, the K2 is still undercut by the TD-27 KV2 which also includes all three digital pads for much less. The TD-50X K2 is therefore best for drummers who absolutely need the pro features of the TD-50X.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

The TD-50X K2 is a great choice for drummers needing the high-end features of Roland’s flagship module, such as 8 direct outs and 14 trigger inputs, but without the expense of the VAD 706 or the TD-50X KV2.

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The best mid-range Roland eDrum Kits

Our picks of mid-range Roland kits are based on the TD-17, which is based on a cut down version of the TD-50’s sound engine, and lacks digital pad support. However, this module is great for drummers looking for affordable eDrums, and can be connected to a VST to make your eDrums sound more real. Learn more in our guide to connecting eDrums to Superior Drummer 3 or using eDrums with EZdrummer 3.

Roland VAD-307

The VAD-307 is Roland’s top compact acoustic style electronic kit, with shallow, single-sided mesh drum pads paired with a TD-17 module. This kit looks somewhat like a compact acoustic kit, but still has a bit more of an ‘eDrum’ vibe to it than the VAD 504.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

If you’re a fan of the acoustic-style drum shells of the VAD-307 and don’t want to stretch to the VAD-504, this kit is a great buy. However, be aware that the TD-17 KV2 is cheaper without the acoustic-style pads. Be sure to try both before you buy!

3.5

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Roland TD-17 KVX2

The KVX2 replaces the KVX and adds the latest CY-12C-T and CY-14R-T cymbals which are thinner and have a more realistic feeling. Because of the included stand-mounted VH-10 hi-hat, this is the best version of TD-17 to buy unless you want to step up to the larger pads of the VAD series.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

The TD-17 KVX2 is a quality mid-range kit at a good price if you don’t want to stretch to the TD-27 and its digital pad support. It’s ideal for intermediate and experienced drummers needing a quiet practice tool for the home without compromises.

3.5

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TD-17 Review

The best budget Roland eDrum kits

Our picks for budget Roland electronic drums are based on the TD-07 module, which is like a cut down version of the TD-17. The kits listed below are essentially the minimum spec you need for an authentic drumming experience, without the major compromises that even cheaper eDrum kits have, but without the bells and whistles of more expensive kits. Learn more about how much you should spend on electronic drums.

Roland VAD-103

The VAD-103 is the cheapest and most compact acoustic design kit in the V-Drums range. This kit could be a great compact practice tool for the home, offering a 4-piece kit with hi-hat, crash and ride. However, be aware that the only additional pad that can be added to the included TD-07 module is a second rack tom.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

A great budget acoustic-style electronic kit only let down by a lack of expansion options. Consider if you already have an acoustic kit and need a quieter way to play drums at home, or aren’t looking for a large eKit with lots of pads.

3.5

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Roland TD-07 KVX

The TD-07 KVX is the cheapest Roland kit with the VH-11 – a free floating, stand mounted hi-hat that is much more realistic than traditional, non-movable hi-hat pads and foot switches. Complemented by mesh drum pads all round, this is a great kit for the price.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

Thanks to the VH-11 hi-hat, this kit offers one of the best playing experiences compared to other kits in this price range. It is only let down by the basic drum module which offers no expansion such as additional drum or cymbal pads.

3.5

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TD-07 Review

The best compact Roland eDrum kits

These compact kits are primarily designed to take up minimal space while being played, as well as being quick to pack up and stow away. This makes them great for people with a small playing space, or even playing drums in an apartment with the right soundproofing measures.
To allow for such a small footprint, some compromises need to be made, such as small pads, or an integrated bass drum foot switch instead of a traditional drum pedal. Learn more about how much room you need for eDrums.

Roland TD-07 DMK

The TD-07 DMK is the cheapest kit in the TD-07 range, offering the same drum rack as the TD-07 KVX but swapping out pads for smaller versions. Even the kick drum tower is swapped out for a compact rack-mounted kick trigger that even supports double bass drum pedals.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

The TD-07 DMK is a good compromise between footprint and functionality, but not the smallest eKit out there. This kit is great for intermediate to experienced drummers who need a way to play at home in a limited space.

3.3

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Roland TD-02 KV

The TD-02 is the higher-end version of Roland’s most affordable eDrum kit, swapping the rubber snare pad on the base TD-02 K’s for a mesh pad, offering a more realistic playing feel. The kit is based around a compact rack that can be adjusted for players of different sizes, and takes up about as little space as is possible for an electronic drum kit.

– eDrumHub

Value

Drum Sounds

Pads & Hardware

Summary

The TD-02 KV is a great budget electronic kit for children or beginners, set apart over other budget compact kits thanks to Roland’s well renowned build quality. However, more experienced drummers may want to look higher in the V-Drums range for a more fully-featured kit that will provide more longevity.

3.2

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TD-02 Review

The best used Roland eDrum kits

Roland TD-15 KV

2.7/5

★★★★★

The TD-15 is the short lived predecessor to the TD-25, featuring many of the features from the TD-11 with an additional trigger input and audio routing options. The TD-15 is worth considering as an alternative to a used TD-11, especially if you can find one for a similar price. Learn more about the TD-15.

Roland TD-11 KV

3/5

★★★★★

The TD-11 is the predecessor to the TD-17 and can be easily found on the used market. The best models are the KV with mesh heads, or the rare KV Special Edition which adds the VH-11 floating hi-hat. Opt for any model with mesh pads, avoiding lesser models using rubber pads unless at a significant discount. Learn more about the TD-11.

Roland TD-30 KV

3/5

★★★★★

The TD-30 was Roland’s flagship before the TD-50, meaning it has individual TRS trigger inputs instead of a cable snake, individual volume faders on the module, and enhanced drum editing compared to lesser modules.

Unfortunately, as a former flagship, used pricing can be quite high. Only buy the TD-30 if you can find one for a significant discount against a new or used TD-50 or TD-27. You should also decide if the TD-25 KVX is right for you, which features a very similar pad selection as the base model TD-30 K.

Roland TD-25 KVX

2.5/5

★★★★★

The TD-25 launched in 2015 and is an upgrade over the TD-15 by adding positional sensing on the snare pad when used with A PD-128 or PD-125 snare, or other pad with a centre-mounted trigger cone. Unfortunately, for drummers looking to add extra pads beyond the number of included trigger inputs, the TD-25 does not support trigger splitter cables.

The TD-25 is a good used option provided you can get it for a discount compared to a TD-30 (which has the same sound engine) and the TD-27 (Which supports digital pads)

Roland TD-9 KX2

2.5/5

★★★★★

The TD-9 is an older drum module that lacks a USB interface but has a MIDI-in port. This allows you to add a secondary module via MIDI-in to greatly expand the number of pads on your kit, and is a feature dropped from most modern eDrum modules. Learn more about the Roland TD-9.

Does Roland make good drums?

Roland has built a reputation for building quality electronic drums since the company’s first eDrum range in 1985, to the first V-Drums in 1997 and up to the present day. Roland V-Drums typically focus on reliability with tried-and-tested designs honed over many years, which is reflected in the relatively high used prices compared to other eDrum brands. Similarly, Roland V-Drums are trusted for on stage use by some of the world’s biggest artists.

Why are Roland electronic drums so expensive?

It’s true that Roland electronic drums tend to be more expensive than other brands. Roland drums are typically well made and as a result, have a reputation for durability and reliability. As a result, it’s not uncommon for drummers to keep their Roland kits for upwards of 10 years. On top of that, Roland drums hold their value well, with used previous generation kits often selling for around 2/3rds the price of new Roland kits.

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Featured image by Joel Drzycimski