We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Keep the Beat with the Best Metronome

  1. Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome
  2. Boss DB-60 Dr. Beat Metronome
  3. KORG TM-50 Tuner Metronome
  4. Boss DB-30 Metronome
  5. KLIQ MetroPitch Metronome
  6. Buyer's Guide

The metronome is a powerful musical learning tool and within the last few years, the technology behind it has advanced considerably. Digital metronomes are becoming more common than mechanical metronomes because of the variety of features they are equipped with. Be sure to practice with these best metronomes on a regular basis, but be sure to use the right model which will force you to think and challenge your ability to keep time. Scroll down to our metronome buyers guide for additional information to help you find the perfect model.

Best Metronomes Worth Considering in 2022

Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome - Best Metronome Overall

Boss is the most recognizable name in metronomes and the DB-90 is their best model. Known as the "Dr. Beat," it has been praised as being the best metronome in the industry because of its advanced features. The Boss DB-90 is fully programmable for mixed metered passages and can also play back multiple subdivisions. It has adjustable volume faders for each subdivision and you can adjust the amount of accent as well. There are also several different voices for the click and two headphone jacks so you can plug in headphones, or plug it into speakers. This option has a wide range of tempo adjustments, allowing you to move quickly from 60 bpm to any tempo.

The internal speaker is louder than most, so you can hear the time signature even over loud playing while the unit’s spin wheel adjusts tempo and other audio options much quicker than push button adjustment used on other metronomes. It also has an extensive memory so you don’t need to waste practice time on daily reprogramming. The metronome itself is constructed with durability in mind to promise years of reliable function and will last many years. While it's one of the most expensive metronomes available, its range of capabilities justifies the price of admission.

Boss DB-60 Dr. Beat Metronome - Runner Up

The Boss DB-60 is the best choice for players who don't need the full gamut of options available on the more expensive DB-90; in fact, this pick has many of the same features at a fraction of the price. It has separate volume controls for all of the standard subdivisions and the level of accent can be adjusted as well. It’s also programmable for changing rhythms with “write” and “memory” options. This metronome also offers a tap tempo option and even a timer for determining song length.

Additional features include the vital headphone jack, an internal speaker for the click as well as push buttons to change tempo. The size of the actual metronome is smaller than its competitors, making more portable which is always a plus for the actively gigging musician. This metronome has also been constructed to provide years of reliable service, not surprising given the Boss reputation for long lasting electronics.

KORG TM-50 Tuner Metronome - Honorable Mention

Korg is a very reputable manufacturer of electronic musical equipment and their TM-50 is one of the most popular metronomes available because of its reputation fort reliability. It has a wide tempo range from 30-252 beats per minutes and fifteen different rhythmic variations that sub-divide the beat. Additionally, the tap tempo function is easier to use than most budget metronomes yet remains very accurate. This metronome also functions as a tuner which is helpful for timpani practice or drum tuning. There’s also a backlight LCD screen with a needle meter if you prefer a visual click, a volume dial, as well as a headphone and input jacks.

Boss DB-30 Metronome - Consider

Boss has been long known for making the best metronomes and the DB-30 offers the best overall performance options and value for your money. It produces different time signatures and rhythmic patterns along with a headphone jack so you can plug in headphones and hear it over your drums (or instrument of choice). The DB-30 can also produce subdivisions, has a memory function for mixed metered passages, a “tap tempo” function, as well as a mute button.

Like most budget metronomes, the tempo is adjusted through the use of separate buttons for increasing and decreasing the speed of the click which actually reacts quicker than you might expect it to. The DB-30 is the smallest and most portable of all the Dr. Beat metronome, which is great for musicians who practice in many different locations. And despite this pick bearing the hallowed Dr. Beat name, it’s surprisingly inexpensive.

KLIQ MetroPitch Metronome - Best Budget Metronome

Kliq’s Metropitch is a great metronome which features a wide tempo range  of 30-250 beats per minute, a headphone jack, adjustable click volume, tap tempo function, and different rhythmic options. The beat can be subdivided a number of different ways and this will help you practice more effectively. This metronome is also a tuner and can produce different pitches for ear training. This is also one of the few budget metronomes which has a dial for quick tempo adjustment which is faster and easier to use than button orientations. Available in three different colors, this pick is housed in a very durable case with an integrated foldout kickstand mounted to the back allowing it to stand up on a table or desk.

Buyer's Guide

The metronome is an important practice tool every musician should use. Modern metronomes come equipped with advanced capabilities and features to push your practicing and time-keeping abilities to new levels. Many top metronome models have capabilities similar to sequencers and can be programmed for any time signature. The following buyer’s guide covers the key features all metronomes should have and will help you choose the best practice tool for your needs.

Essential Features

External Speaker

External speakers allow you to hear the metronome click. Missing even one beat can throw your timing off, so make sure your metronome has an adjustable external speaker.

Headphone Jack

It helps to be able to plug a set of headphones into the metronome. Often the metronome's external speaker isn’t loud enough to be heard over the sound of music, especially if you’re playing drums or an electric instrument. Ensure you can keep track of your tempo when playing any instrument by ensuring your metronome has a headphone jack. Mechanical metronomes rarely have a headphone jack, so consider looking into digital metronome options for this feature.

Adjustable Tempo

A good metronome allows tempo adjustments. There should also be a speed adjustment feature to quickly skip ahead by several beats per minute (often 10). The best metronomes will allow you to adjust your tempo by any increment, whether it be one beat per minute or twenty.

Wide Tempo Range

Most metronomes will offer a good tempo range from 35-250 beats per minute. The most common tempo sits around 60 bpm, but the best metronomes have a wide range of tempos so you can play in perfect time with any piece.

Adjustable Volume

Allows you to adjust the volume of the metronome click and balance it against your music. Adjustable volume saves your hearing and helps prevent the metronome from becoming a crutch.

Click Options

Some metronomes provide different options for the actual sound of the click, while some even feature audible numeric counting.

Visual Click

Typically, a light flashes on the beat or sometimes a traveling line that simulates a conductor. This provides you with a visual guide to your time signature, which can help when playing louder instruments that may obscure the sound of the metronome.

Subdivision

The click should be able to subdivide notes into quarters, eighths, and sixteenth notes with some metronomes offering triplets and accented beats. The best metronomes will have an individual volume control for each subdivision. 

Program Functions

Some metronomes can be programmed to perform specific meter and tempo changes and are similar to sequencers.

Mounting Capabilities

Some metronomes have attachments allowing them to be screwed onto a cymbal stand or attached to a music stand.
 

Additional Features

Tuner

Some metronomes can double as a tuner for guitars or other musical instruments. This is feature is not part of the time keeping function of the metronome, but a tuner is also an essential tool for any musician, so it may benefit you to have both tools in one package.

Tone Producer

Most metronomes produce a tone pitched at “A” 440 and can be changed to other pitches.

Recorder

Some metronomes can record a session and offer you playback.

Reliability

The Dr. Beat line of metronomes from Boss has become the standard for professional musicians. There are several different models of these reliable metronomes offered in a wide price range. Tama and Korg are two other manufacturers also known for making reliable metronomes which will last you a long time.

Digital or Pendulum?

Weight-based pendulum metronomes don’t have the advanced capabilities necessary for proper practicing. Additionally, simple mechanical metronomes can actually become a crutch for a player because they’re only capable of producing a simple click. Therefore, you should always consider purchasing a digital metronome first to get the full range of time signature and bpm capabilities. Digital metronomes are equipped with features that help you make the most of your playing and stay in time efficiently.
 

Price / Value

Generally, the more features, the more expensive the metronome. Regardless, professional musicians should invest in a quality metronome to maximize their practice sessions.

For specific examples of top-end metronomes, you can refer to our list of Best Overall Metronomes. There’s also Best Budget Metronomes for musicians who prefer not to spend as much.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
RELATED CONTENT
Go to top