Korg Volca Beats
A capable drum machine (analog) for hands-on beat-making.
The Best Drum Machines in the UK (2026)
A drum machine lets you build beats and rhythm tracks by hand - no computer, no drum kit, just you and a step sequencer. The choice comes down to the sound (classic analog warmth versus flexible digital and sampling), the workflow, and how it connects to the rest of your gear. This guide explains what matters, then lists our top picks.
Quick answer
For that classic 808/909 warmth, an analog machine (Behringer RD range, Korg Volca Beats, Arturia DrumBrute); for flexibility and sampling, a digital groovebox (Novation Circuit, Akai MPC); for beats on the go, a Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator or the Korg Volca. Roland's TR range spans the modern take on its own legends. Match the sound and workflow to how you make music.
What to look for
- Sound engine - analog (warm, classic) or digital/sample-based (flexible).
- Sequencer - step sequencing to program patterns by hand.
- Sounds and parts - the drums on board, and whether you can sample.
- Connectivity - MIDI, USB and sync/CV to link to your setup.
- Portability - battery power and compact size for jamming anywhere.
- Workflow - hands-on immediacy versus deep menu-diving.
How we pick
We rank on real-world usefulness: sound and character, sequencer and workflow, connectivity, sampling and portability. We don't show scraped prices or star ratings; our editorial score reflects how good each is for actually making beats. A drum machine is standalone gear (no computer needed) and it's not an electronic drum kit you play with sticks. Check the live Amazon price, as this gear is often discounted.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Behringer RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-6-SR
A capable drum machine (analog) for hands-on beat-making.
#3 
Akai Professional MPC One+
A capable drum machine for hands-on beat-making.
#4 
Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer
A capable drum machine for hands-on beat-making.
#5 
#6 
Behringer RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-6-BK
A capable drum machine (analog) for hands-on beat-making.
#7 
Behringer RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-6-BB
A capable drum machine (analog) for hands-on beat-making.
#8 
Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm Pocket Operator
A capable drum machine (pocket operator, portable) for hands-on beat-making.
#9 
Novation Circuit Tracks
A capable drum machine (groovebox) for hands-on beat-making.
#10 
Frequently asked questions
What is the best drum machine?
It depends on your sound: for classic analog warmth, the Behringer RD range, Korg Volca Beats or Arturia DrumBrute; for flexibility and sampling, a Novation Circuit or Akai MPC groovebox; for portability, a Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator. Roland's TR range offers the modern take on its own 808/909 legacy.
Do you need a computer to use a drum machine?
No - drum machines are standalone, so you build full beats and patterns without a computer. You can connect one to a DAW via MIDI or USB to record or sync if you want, but the whole point is hands-on beat-making that works entirely on its own.
Is a drum machine the same as an electronic drum kit?
No - a drum machine is a box where you program beats with a sequencer and buttons, while an electronic drum kit has pads and pedals you play with sticks like an acoustic kit. Drum machines are for producing and sequencing beats; e-kits are for playing and practising drumming.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Korg Volca Beats (our score 9.6/10) - A capable drum machine (analog) for hands-on beat-making..