The Korg TM50BK Instrument Tuner and Metronome is our best metronome and this high quality metronome from Korg is also an instrument tuner so it is an all in one solution when it comes to live performances or recording with the highest form of accuracy. There are buttons each for the metronome and tuner on / off function and there is also a unique tap tempo function which allows the user to tap in the tempo that they want and the system will automatically know what it is. This metronome has a lot of simple yet dynamic features.
Our step-up pick is the KLIQ MetroPitch All Instruments Metronome Tuner and this amazing metronome is for use in a wide range of instruments due to its versatility. You can even use this metronome tuner for its chromatic tuning modes so you can feel at ease when it comes to tuning various instruments. Because this metronome is so portable, you can definitely take it to any gig or live session without much problems. The various tuning modes also complement its metronome function.
The budget pick is the Neewer Lightweight Portable Mini Digital Metronome and like most metronomes that are digital in format, this one has a tap button function to help you achieve an ideal tempo for any song or recording or live performance. It only uses a 3-volt cell battery which is included and the buttons are also straightforward and easy to press due to its great design. For those who want to practice quietly with their headphones or earphones, there is a stereo jack within the metronome for such use.
A Little Background
A metronome is a ticking musical device that helps you keep in sync when playing an instrument. People who often play the drums use a metronome to help them keep in track with the music and to set the rhythm. If you often train yourself with a metronome then you will eventually develop a sense of rhythm and style no matter what instrument you are using or playing.
How We Picked
In choosing the best metronome, we considered the following:
Range – the range of tempo that you can choose and the beats you can set up should be very diverse.
Additional feature – some metronomes, especially electronic ones, have a built-in tuner for guitars, violins and other instruments.
Ease of use – the metronome, whether it is traditional or an electronic one, it should be relatively easy to use and the controls should be simple and straightforward.
Our Pick
Korg TM50BK Instrument Tuner and Metronome
Our best metronome is the Korg TM50BK Instrument Tuner and Metronome and this high quality metronome from Korg is also an instrument tuner so it is an all in one solution when it comes to live performances or recording with the highest form of accuracy. The metronome can be used simultaneously with the instrument tuner or independently as a metronome or as a tuner depending on your needs and the LCD meter has a needle type display and is also highly responsive when it comes to helping you get in sync with the beat.
This metronome has a lot of simple yet dynamic features and buttons to help you accomplish your music goals and there are buttons each for the metronome and tuner on / off function. There are selector buttons (up and down) for the note calibration as well as for the beat and the tempo and there is also a unique tap tempo function which allows the user to tap in the tempo that they want and the system will automatically know what it is.
It has mini speakers for the microphone as well as the output and there is an input port plus a port for headphones. A convenient settings button is also seen in the interface and the headphones port allows you to practice in rhythm quietly which makes it very versatile for any situation or home practice or even for live performances. Its key detection range is from C1 up to C8 so it is quite accurate when it comes to tuning your favorite instruments.
The tempo range of this metronome is from 30 BPM up to 252 BPM so it is quite diverse when it comes to handling tempos. There are also 15 various rhythm formats to help you achieve a sense of musicality and also gain more knowledge, skill and diversity when it comes to different genres of music and you can also use the full steps feature to set the tempo you want or use the pendulum steps which emulates a real mechanical metronome.
There are also various intervals from a given pitch that can be detected by the built-in tuner on this metronome. There is also a sound back button which captures the nearest reference tone to effectively correct your sense of pitch and it is also a great chromatic tuner other than a regular tuner with a metronome.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
However, some things to know about the Korg TM50BK Instrument Tuner and Metronome as the best metronome that may be flaws but not deal breakers include the fact that it may not sound as realistic as a wooden metronome or a mechanical metronome and that it might need a little bit more volume compared to other metronomes.
Step-up Pick
KLIQ MetroPitch All Instruments Metronome Tuner
Our step-up pick is the KLIQ MetroPitch All Instruments Metronome Tuner and this amazing metronome is for use in a wide range of instruments due to its versatility. You can use it for ukuleles, guitar, violin, bass and various string instruments that might need tuning and the metronome function also allows you to adjust the tempo that you want in the key that you want.
You can even use this metronome tuner for its chromatic tuning modes so you can feel at ease when it comes to tuning various instruments. The metronome tuner also has a fancy yet helpful tone generator so that it will help you identify which key is which – it is also a training function for your ears and a helpful tool for your performance and it is also available in red and black designs for your different preferences. A carrying pouch is also included for this compact yet fully functional metronome tuner for all of your needs on the go.
You can also use the transposition settings when you want to transpose notes to a different key and there are also flats and sharps on the function board so that you won’t just have to stick with majors but also on minors. Because this metronome is so portable, you can definitely take it to any gig or live session without much problems.
Pitch calibration is a breeze with this awesome metronome due to its fully functional tuner design. The various tuning modes also complement its metronome function. You can easily dial in the tempo that you want due to its jog dial that mimics the style of the jog wheels on a DJ controller. There is also an option to tap in the tempo that you want to achieve so even if you do not have much knowledge about BPMs, you can work with this metronome just fine.
The metronome has a tempo range of 30 BPM up to 250 BPM so it is quite wide and diverse in its patterns and beats that you can create with it. There are also output jacks for electric guitars (1/4 inch jack) so you can definitely tune your guitars with this awesome metronome that is fully functional. You can even use it for brass instruments if you play in a marching band or school band alongside woodwind instruments like flutes, oboes and the like.
Its LCD is very good and has LED indicators, all of which allow you to easily read the information even in low light such as the tempo and the key settings. The built-in microphone has great sensitivity so you know that you are adjusting your tunes just right. There is also a kick stand that folds and helps keep the metronome as portable as possible.
The metal finish of this metronome is premium and of high quality to make it highly durable to the test of time. It has a tuning range of A0 up to C8, which is significantly more diverse than our top pick, while its calibration range is from 410 Hz up to 450 Hz. At only 2 by 4 inches, it is an ultra portable metronome to take with you to your next gig. The unit is backed by a manufacturers’ warranty of 3 years.
Budget Pick
Neewer Lightweight Portable Mini Digital Metronome
Our budget pick is the Neewer Lightweight Portable Mini Digital Metronome and this metronome is very simple yet straightforward when it comes to its design and overall value. The simple display of the LCD screen allows you to easily view the tempo, volume, beat and other information in your portable digital metronome. Because this works like a calculator, it simply runs on cell battery due to its simplicity so you can run it for hours without compromising power.
Like most metronomes that are digital in format, this one has a tap button function to help you achieve an ideal tempo for any song or recording or live performance. Its small size allows you to slip it in your pocket for your next gig or performance or even recording session or you can use it for practice without worry and the design of this metronome is a lanyard hole and clip so it is relatively easy to maintain. For those who want to practice quietly with their headphones or earphones, there is a stereo jack within the metronome for such use.
The buttons are also straightforward and easy to press due to its great design and it only uses a 3-volt cell battery which is included. You can adjust the beat value from 0 to 9, allowing for odd time signatures in the palm of your hands and the tempo range of this metronome is from 30 BPM up to 280 BPM, making it quite diverse. At only less than 1 pound, it is truly an ultra portable metronome to take with you anywhere you want to go. With a user’s manual plus the CR2032 cell battery, you can enjoy this mini metronome’s functions in adjusting your tempo or learning a sense of rhythm.
Unique Metronome with MIDI Connection Function
BOSS DB-90 Metronome
Our best MIDI enabled metronome is the BOSS DB-90 Metronome and this ultra flexible metronome can store up to 50 user defined memory settings so you can enjoy creating various scenes for different kinds of instruments, setups, drums and many more. It also uses a rhythm coach feature that is built-in within the metronome because it has a trigger input to help you access this feature to help you master the art of tempo and rhythm in the long run.
It is a very versatile and advanced metronome because of its wide range of features and sophisticated rhythm exercises and settings and you can also use this awesome metronome for your DAW or digital audio workstation or recording interface due to its MIDI in port for your other sequencers out there. The patterns included in the PCM of the metronome provide a feel similar to a real drum machine because of its diversity and flexibility and you can use a plethora of musical instruments here and not just drums – you can also use keyboards, bass guitar, electric guitar, and many others.
You also get a human voice count feature so you can make sure that the tempo is just fine and accustomed to human voices and you also get tons of inputs such as inputs for your microphone, bass guitar, electric guitar and drum trigger and you can also use your headphones to practice silently. Beginners will definitely benefit from the rhythm coach that is built-in within the unit.
There is also a reference tone generator to help you keep in tune with any instrument that you hold and if you have the Boss DB-88 then this is a great upgrade from that model due to its expanded features and expansive memory slots. The play and stop button is large enough to be used in live performances so it is very reliable and the jog wheel also does its function well when it comes to controls. You can also use the swing sliders plus the triplet function to your liking and if you are using foot switches then this metronome will definitely be a great help for your next level of performance.
Best Wooden Metronome
Bravodeal Traditional Triangle Bell Mechanical Metronome
Our ideal wooden metronome, the Bravodeal Traditional Triangle Bell Mechanical Metronome is a great deal to consider as this metronome has a traditional triangle design that can definitely feel natural and aesthetic on any home or studio due to its classic wood finish. The classic tower shape of this metronome also gives it authenticity and reliability because it does not require electronics or a power source to power up and also you can use it for playing the piano or drums or just about any instrument that there is.
It has a tempo range of 40 BPM up to 208 BPM so it is quite diverse as a mechanical metronome and it is also equipped with a bell function for your other purposes in keeping up with the rhythm. You can also use it for its down beats function that allow you to change the tone differently from the BPM.
You can enjoy a high quality spring mechanism with a lot of precision on the go because of its authentic metronome mechanism and high accuracy. The metronome is also available in ten different designs to choose from so it also doubles as an added accessory to your home or music room or recording studio as a rustic piece of musical equipment and the tone selector can be set from 0 to 6 so it is quite diverse in its settings.
From the left or from the right side, you can easily move the pendulum with ease after winding the spring inside using a clockwise motion of the winding key. Moreover, it has a tolerance of less than 1 percent so it is highly accurate and the winding mechanism of this traditional metronome will add finesse to your music piece.
As for maintenance, just remember to keep it away from places with high potential for moist, dust and the like and watch oil that is of high grade is an advised cleaning solution. As with most traditional metronomes, you should not use harsh cleaning chemicals and only use a soft cloth while cleaning it to avoid staining of the quality of the rustic finish.
Best Quartz Metronome
Seiko SQ50-V Quartz Metronome
For our best semi traditional quartz metronome, we have the Seiko SQ50-V Quartz Metronome and this metronome has a visual tempo detector which makes it easy for you to adjust to the tempo that you want manually. It also has a large LED light on the top so you can easily know when it is working.
The metronome is made only from the highest quality of quartz, as we all know that Seiko is a top maker of quartz products such as quartz wall clocks and watches and the like and you can choose between two styles of beats and tempos for your preferences due to its spinning dial that can be set to your liking. Also, the device is very straightforward and simple to use as a metronome for music purposes and other related purposes.
At less than 1 pound, it fits on your hand and your pocket just fine so you can take it to your next live performance or studio or while traveling easily. Also, the tempo sound choices are very great and the wooden click is very authentic and is above most electronic metronomes with harsh beeping sounds. The volume control of this awesome metronome makes it very versatile and reliable and it won’t hurt your ears and the metronome unit also already includes a battery with 9 volts of power.
There is also a tuning reference for 440 Hz up to 415 Hz (concert A or concert Bb) and a silent mode is available and can be seen using the LED indicator. There is also a kick stand for your ease of use and the headphone jack allows you to listen to the metronome sounds privately. You also have the option to change the click sounds in any way you want with two options. Because it is small and portable, its low profile design allows you to easily let it sit on top any piano or large instrument or table.
Ideal Metronome with a Loud Volume
Moozikpro Loud Beat Sound Digital Metronome
If you want a metronome with a loud volume then go for the Moozikpro Loud Beat Sound Digital Metronome as this highly reliable digital metronome is quite loud in its sounds and beats so it is a must-have for larger venues where you can barely hear the sounds of the metronome. This device is also unique because it is 5-in-1 in its functionality. Also, the device is not just a metronome – it is also equipped with other functions such as a clock function, a thermometer function, an alarm function and a hygrometer function.
Ease of use is guaranteed because of the fact that the interface display of this digital metronome is very straightforward in its design and allows you to easily see what your settings are and current tempo. The sounds are clear and loud enough unlike other metronomes out there and it is only powered using 3 AAA batteries so it is very convenient in its power source. Overall, it is a great metronome for the piano, violin, guitars, drums, banjo, viola, ukulele and many more instruments.
You can also choose from various sounds such as mechanical, human, metronome, electronic or even a traditional wooden fish sound for its click sound and it has an effective and diverse tempo range of 30 BPM up to 280 BPM. You can choose from various beats from 0 to 9 and it is also highly portable as a metronome due to its functional design. It is a great buy for students learning music or taking up a similar course or learning any musical instrument and learning a sense of rhythm and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Ideal Metronome with a Tone Generator
Matrix MR500 Metronome
A good metronome with a tone generator is the Matrix MR500 Metronome. This highly accurate metronome has a tone generation at concert A (440 Hz) and it has an effective and very diverse tempo range of 40 BPM up to 208 BPM and this metronome is also powered up with a regular battery that is of 9 volts of power and is sold separately.
There is also an output for earphones or headphones so you can listen to the sounds of this metronome for private practice so as not to distract others and this amazing quartz metronome is like our Seiko brand such that it also has a handy dial for selecting the tempo that you want and the style of rhythm that you want to achieve your sounds with.
At only less than 1 pound, it is super light weight and easy to carry around for your next gig or on top of your piano or instrument. The LED flashing light is also an alternative to its audible beep. If you want a reliable metronome that is battery operated then this is a great metronome to consider for its features and reliability.
Reliable Metronome with Built-in Beats and Patterns
Korg MA1RD Visual Beat Red Counting Metronome
A great metronome with built-in beats is the Korg MA1RD Visual Beat Red Counting Metronome and this metronome uses visual beat counting features that significantly displays all of the information that you need such as the current beat, the number of beats and the remaining beats in the display so you know that you are right on track.
The metronome is also very diverse in its tempo range, from 30 BPM up to 252 BPM like most of our best metronomes here. You can also set the tempo in various methods such as the tap tempo function button, the pendulum steps option or the full steps option. It is available in both red and blue designs as well and the straightforward design and simple build of this metronome makes it a favorite among users who want a reliable and fully functional metronome.
There is also an automatic power off option to save the battery life of the Korg metronome and there is also a volume control available for the headphone jack port so you can enjoy practicing with this electronic metronome without compromising your ears. Its reference tuning pitches have a range of C4 up to B4 for a full octave experience and you also get up to 10 beats and eight different diverse patterns to mix and match to help you achieve a unique performance and learn different styles of music.
There is also a memory back up feature to save all of your preferred settings on the go for future use and it is a great tuning aid other than a tempo teacher or rhythm coach. It has a sound accuracy of +/- 1 cent or better and it uses a dynamic speaker with a diameter of 23 mm and a max power rating of 0.5 watts. The tempo accuracy is about +/- 0.2 percent and it only powers up with 2 AAA batteries, both of which are included and are at 3 volts of power. The battery of this metronome can last up to around 70 hours of regular use and you can choose from 1 to 9 beats on this effective metronome.
Best Traditional Metronome
Cherub Metronome Black WSM-330
The Cherub Metronome Black WSM-330 has a tempo range of 40 BPM up to 208 BPM so it is very diverse in its design even as a traditional metronome and its metal mechanism is very high quality and quite sturdy to withstand the test of time. It has a tempo tolerance of 1 percent or lower for high accuracy. Because it does not require a battery, you can definitely use it for emergency situations where you might need a metronome and it can be used as an alternative to electronic metronomes out there.
It also has bell which can be turned on or off and can be positioned in five different ways and it gives off a very natural wood block chip sound because of its traditional build. The black finish adds a sleek design to this traditional metronome. At only 1 pound of weight, it is still portable and light weight even as a traditional metronome.
The Competition
Other metronomes out there did not match our criteria simply because they are not powerful enough or good enough to help you achieve your best performance when it comes to getting a sense of rhythm for your live session whether it is playing drums, keyboard, guitars, violin, bass or any other instrument whatsoever. It is important to get a good sense of beats and rhythm to achieve a high-class performance.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is a metronome a very vital part of the music industry?
A: Metronomes add a sense of rhythm to the player of the instrument and helps keep everything in sync and it also helps you develop independence when it comes to building your own rhythm and pace which is highly important especially for drum players.
Q: How does a metronome improve your performance?
A: It gives you a sense of time and tempo and it also improves your internal rhythm and to keep and maintain a steady rhythm, especially with recording.
Wrapping It Up
To sum it up, the Korg TM50BK Instrument Tuner and Metronome is our best metronome for helping you practice a sense of rhythm or to keep you in track with the beats per minute.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.