Any musician worth their salt knows the importance of using a metronome to practice rhythm and timing. The best metronomes, also known as click tracks, are available in both mechanical and electronic varieties, with prices ranging substantially according to the characteristics that are essential to you.
It’s inevitable: practicing is the only way to become a great musician. Experts estimate that in order to properly master an instrument, you must practice for at least 10,000 hours over the course of a lifetime, just like with any other talent. Investing in a metronome can aid you in improving your proficiency on your preferred instrument, be it an electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, or even pounding out beats with a drum set.
Rhythm training is an essential component of learning any musical instrument. Metronomes are meant to provide an audible tick at a steady rate of your choice, which is configurable in beats per minute (BPM), so that the clicks or beeps keep you on track as you practice scales, arpeggios, exercises, and entire works.
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MUSICFEVR CHOICE
We believe that the Boss DB-90 is the greatest metronome overall because of its extensive feature set and adaptability. In short, it’s hard to top this one. But the unbeatable Korg MA-2 deserves special recognition for being a reliable, tough option with a stellar reputation that costs practically nothing. Our top budget choice is this.
In our guide to the finest metronomes, the Wittner 811 is the unrivalled, albeit pricey, option for the more conventional setting. With its classic style and superb construction, this metronome will likely be the only one you ever need to purchase. If you don’t require a bell, you can get away with the less expensive Wittner 836 Taktell Piccolo if your budget doesn’t allow for it.
TOP IN EVERY WAY
Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type: Digital Standalone Tuner: No
Tap Tempo?: Yes Tempo Range (BPM): 30-250
Number of tick sounds: 4
Power: Battery / Mains
Connectivity: 6.3mm instrument input, 6.3mm trigger input, MIDI Input, 6.3mm headphone output, 3.5mm headphone output, 6.3mm footswitch input, 6.3mm memory up/down input, AC Adaptor input
Weight : 450g
Dimensions: 122 x 164 x 38mm
REASONS TO BUY:
+Wide tick selection
human voice count
Rhythm coach functions
REASONS TO AVOID:
-PCM drum sounds
The Boss DB-90, more akin to a tiny drum machine than a metronome, is the all-singing, all-dancing king of timekeepers, with a wide range of capabilities that are represented—or rather, properly, let’s face it—in its relatively pricey price tag.
This highly pro timekeeping equipment has it all: four non-abrasive metronome sounds, including human voice count, realistic PCM percussion sounds, 50 pattern memory, instrument input, and even a 5-pin MIDI input to sync to an external sequencer for onstage cueing.
Note mixing allows you to modify the levels of different note values to generate new beat variants, and there is an onboard Rhythm Coach training tool with a built-in microphone to improve speed and accuracy. You only get a reference tone generator instead of an actual tuner, but the DB-90 appears to be the best metronome overall, with Boss having thought of everything.
Most Effective on a Budget
Korg MA2-BLBK Pocket Digital Metronome
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Digital Standalone Tuner?
Tap Tempo?: Yes Tempo Range (BPM): 30-252
No. Of Tick Sounds: 1 Power: Battery (2 x AAA)
Connectivity: 3.5mm headphone output Weight: 68g
Dimensions: 100 ✕ 60 ✕ 16mm
REASONS TO BUY
portable and affordable
reliable and stable
REASONS TO AVOID
not overly feature-laden
-All beeps and no tick
With this update to Korg’s best-selling MA-1 digital metronome, the company has made several improvements over the last model while keeping the price very low. The MA-2 has a 30% bigger pendulum swing display than the MA-1, and the beep tone has been boosted to fix problem users had with the old model being too loud.
When you add in the new Timer mode and the fact that a pair of AAA batteries can last for 400 hours, you get a much better package that is still a great deal.
The only thing left to do is decide between the two possible colors—blue/black or black/red—if you can tolerate the single beep tone. After that, you should be moving ahead smoothly.
TOP TRADITIONAL
Wittner 811M Pyramid Mahogany Metronome
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type: Mechanical Tuner?
Tap Tempo?: No Tempo Range (BPM): 40-208
No. Of Tick Sounds: 1 Power: Clockwork
Connectivity: n/a Weight: 476 g
Dimensions: 110 x 110 x 210mm
REASONS TO BUY
+Well made
+Classic design
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited features
-Quite expensive
Pyramid-type pendulum metronomes excel at one thing, and Wittner’s large selection of models provides the ideal balance of ancient design and modern build quality for those who prefer a traditional approach to timekeeping.
The Wittner 811 is the most popular model in the German company’s Maelzel line, and while there are arguably few boxes to check with this sort of metronome, the 811 checks all of them, with its sleek wooden finish and classical tempo scale printed behind the pendulum shaft for reference.
It has a bell that can be programmed to indicate 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, or 6/8 time, chiming on the downbeat of each bar. If the bell selector is fully pushed in, the bell is turned off, and you only hear a steady metronome tick. The 811 is not the cheapest option, but its timeless quality makes it well worth the investment.
THE MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Wittner 836 Taktell Piccolo Metronome
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mechanical Tuner?
Tap Tempo?: No Tempo Range (BPM): 40-208
No. Of Tick Sounds: 1 Power: Clockwork
Connectivity: None Weight: 181g
Dimensions: 70 x 45 x 150mm
REASONS TO BUY
+Compact
Simple to use
modern twist on a classic design
REASONS TO AVOID
-No bell or volume control
The Wittner Taktell Piccolo is the logical choice if you’re looking for a typical pendulum-style mechanical metronome but want something a little less retro and a little more affordable. It is also less expensive than the Wittner that is mentioned above in this guide.
The plastic-bodied Piccolo, which fits snuggly into the crease of a piano’s music rest and is available in a wide variety of vibrant and colourful colours, is nonetheless sufficiently retro to look well atop an acoustic or digital piano.
Since it is a clockwork device, it features much of the classic click tone as well as the crucial tempo-graded and weighted pendulum, whose swinging movement serves as a time cue almost as much as the click tone. The Piccolo is a terrific little device that is reasonably priced and simple to use.
BEST TUNER/METRONOME COMBINATION
Korg TM-60 Tuner and Metronome Combo
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Digital Standalone Tuner?: Yes
Tap Tempo?: Yes Tempo Range (BPM): 30-252
No. Of Tick Sounds: 1 Power: Battery (2 x AAA)
Connectivity: 6.3mm instrument input, 3.5mm headphone output
Weight : 100g Dimensions: 111 x 74 x 18mm
REASONS TO BUY
Metronome and tuner functionality
great value and pedigree
microphone input jack
REASONS TO AVOID
only beeps, so no ticks
Korg is known for its outstanding digital instrument tuners, so it’s a plus to have a digital metronome like the TM-60 that also has a tuner of usual Korg quality inside the same compact unit that’s durable enough to fit into a music case.
It has features including a tap tempo function, 15 rhythm variations, auto power down, and a memory backup that remembers your previous settings. It can run for up to 130 hours on a pair of AAA batteries.
With a 30% larger backlit LCD screen than the previous TM-50 model, the TM-60 lets you practice while staying in tune by displaying both the metronome and the tuner at the same time. To improve tuner sensitivity, Korg offers an optional TM-200 contact microphone with an input jack.
TOP PORTABLE
KLIQ MetroPitch Metronome
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Digital Standalone Tuner?: Yes
Tap Tempo?: Yes, Tempo Range (BPM): 30-250
No. Of Tick Sounds: 1 Power: Battery (2 x AAA)
Connectivity: 6.3mm instrument input, 6.3mm output, 3.5mm headphone output
Weight: 91g Dimensions: 109 x 61 x 15mm
Dimensions: 109 x 61 x 15mm
REASONS TO BUY
large rotary dial for tempo setting
packed with features
+Three-year guarantee
Multiple colour options
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only one beep sound
huge, bright LED display and huge rotary jogwheel for tempo adjustment are highlights of this compact, ultra-portable Kliq tone generator, metronome, and tuner.
A tap tempo tool, a respectable selection of beats and rhythm patterns, a tuner with multiple tuning modes, transposition options, and pitch calibration for a wide range of instruments are just a few of the features available on the metronome side. The metronome just makes one beep sound; however, compared to other beeps we’ve heard, this one isn’t as loud or unpleasant.
The MetroPitch requires two AAA batteries to operate for 40 hours. It comes in stylish metallic black, blue, gold, or red finishes. It is clear that Kliq understands the needs of artists because the device is backed by a three-year guarantee and a protective sleeve.
BEST DIGITAL/TRADITIONAL CROSSOVER
Korg KDM-3 Digital Metronome
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Digital Standalone Tuner?
Tap Tempo?: Yes Tempo Range (BPM): 30-252
No. Of Tick Sounds: 8 Power: Battery (4 x AAA)
Connectivity: 6.3mm headphone output Weight: 167g
Dimensions: 60 x 73 x 113mm
REASONS TO BUY
Eight different click tones
It looks great on a piano
+Timer mode
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited connectivity
If you’re looking for a metronome that combines classic good looks with cutting-edge functionality, look no further than the Korg KDM-3, with its distinctive truncated pyramid form. One of the limited edition versions has a hardwood front panel, among other finishes.
You can choose from eight different click tones on the KDM-3, including a sampled mechanical metronome tick and a human voice count of 1, 2, 3, and 4. An additional visual cue that flashes in sync with the beat is the big start/stop button located on top.
The KDM-3 strikes an excellent mix between classic metronome style and contemporary features, including an integrated timer mode for timed practice sessions and helpful tempo guidance written on one side.
THE MOST SUITABLE
Soundbrenner Pulse Metronome
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Digital Wearable Tuner?
Tap Tempo?: Yes, Tempo Range (BPM): 20-400
No. Of Tick Sounds: 0 (21 via app) Power: Rechargeable Battery
Connectivity: Micro USB charging socket, Bluetooth 4.0
Weight: 47g Dimensions: 50 x 14 x 420mm (with long strap)
REASONS TO BUY
cool wearable design
+App for extra functionality
REASONS TO AVOID
It takes some getting used to
somewhat chunky on the wrist
If you don’t like the sound of a clock ticking, vibration may be a better way to keep track of time. The Soundbrenner Pulse is useful in these scenarios because it provides haptic feedback when an audible click might not be possible or useful.
Pulse is a circular device with a diameter of 50 cm that comes with two straps that can be used to attach it to your wrist or worn across your arm or leg, like a big smartwatch. An optional long strap can even be used to wear it across the body. It vibrates to the beat and flashes an LED instead of making a sound.
The Pulse is like a smartwatch; it has a capacitive touch sensor that lets you tap and interact with it and an outer wheel that spins to choose the pace value. It connects to a stylish and complete partner app via Bluetooth, which lets you change the colour of the LEDs, change the level of vibration, add an audible click, make set lists, sync multiple Pulses together, and do a lot more.
Greatest for drummers
Tama Rhythm Watch RW200
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Digital Standalone Tuner?
Tap Tempo?: Yes, Tempo Range (BPM): 30-250
No. Of Tick Sounds: 2 Power: 9V Battery / Mains
Connectivity: 6.3mm footswitch input, 3.5mm headphone output, 6.3mm line output, AC adaptor input
Weight: 285g Dimensions: 127 x 35 x 150mm
REASONS TO BUY
+Goes loud!
+MIDI Input for external sequencers
great feature set for live drummers
REASONS TO AVOID
-Bit OTT for everyone else
The Tama RW200 is great for live performances because it was made with players in mind. It’s loud, can be plugged into the wall, has a big backlit screen, a big start/stop button, a big rotary dial for quick speed changes, and a start/stop footswitch input. And that’s just the beginning.
You can make an infinite number of different beats with the two click tones and six spinning knobs for mixing in subdivisions. The unit also has a lot of memory for storing patterns and a 30-song memory for making your own setlists.
In the new Stage mode, the click goes away after eight bars. The RW200 has a 5-pin MIDI-in port that lets you connect it to an external sequencer, and Tama’s optional RWH10 mount lets you mount it straight to a kit.
