Drum machine buying guides

Expert-tested drum machines for every need and budget.

Our top drum machines for making beats, from classic to modern.

Warm, classic circuit-based drum machines with 808/909 character.

All-in-one grooveboxes with drums, synths and sequencing.

Approachable, affordable machines to start making beats.

Great beat-making machines that don't cost a fortune.

Battery-powered, take-anywhere machines for beats on the go.

The TR range, from the 808/909 legacy to the modern TR-8S.

Affordable analog recreations - the RD range, ranked.

Analog vs digital, sequencing, connectivity and what matters.

How the two sound engines compare, and which to choose.

Where a pure drum machine ends and a groovebox begins.

Step sequencing, patterns and building your first beats.