Technology

Best Metronomes: Digital Metronomes

Keaton Robbins | June 27, 2022

A digital metronome may look different than the traditional mechanical pendulum, but the beauty is that it does all that the mechanical metronome does, plus much more. Nearly every model on this list is both a tuner and a metronome, which can be a serious plus.

Even the simplest digital metronomes on Amazon still have an advantage over mechanical models because the lack of bells and whistles makes for a compact unit with long-lasting battery life. 

In this article

  1. The Top Ten Digital Metronomes
  2. Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome 
  3. Soundbrenner Pulse 
  4. Korg KDM-3 Digital Metronome 
  5. Seiko Tuner SQ200 
  6. Boss Dr. Beat DB-30 
  7. Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome 
  8. KLIQ MetroPitch 
  9. Long Beach Music Digital Metronome
  10. Seiko Metronome DM51B 
  11. MOREYES Mini Digital Metronome ME60

Traditional metronomes get the job done, but digital metronomes provide musicians and voice actors greater versatility, whether that means reference pitches, a subtle wearable watch design, or a clip feature.

The Top Ten Digital Metronomes

There are clear frontrunners at both the high and low ends of metronome price points, with several mid-range options to fill out the middle. An average metronome tends to include tuning capability and costs about $30. 

Pricier alternatives have features such as memory slots, several beat sound options, and even a rhythm training coach, in the case of the Boss DB-90. Cheaper metronomes are smaller, only serve as metronomes, and lack finer tempo and volume selection, but are more likely to be able to clip onto another surface and be highly portable.

All ten metronomes have standout features to make them a worthy buy. They are organized from highest to lowest average price:

Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome 

Price range: High (about $170)

Pros: Packed with useful features, Rhythm Coach, 50 memory slots

Cons: Expensive, short battery life, memory lost when the battery dies

The Boss DB-90 is simply the best of the best when it comes to digital metronomes. With practically every conceivably desired feature present, this one is best for drummers or professional musicians who need a complex metronome (and the hefty price tag to go along with it). 

Soundbrenner Pulse 

Price range: Mid-high (about $100-150)

Pros: Unique and subtle wearable watch design

Cons: Tempo not displayed on the watch, dependence on the companion smartphone app

Voice actors looking for subtle timekeeping might find the perfect fit with this wearable metronome. Instead of clicks or otherwise audible tones, the Pulse cues with vibrations on the wearer’s wrist. The vibrations can be loud and distracting for some users.

Korg KDM-3 Digital Metronome 

Price range: Mid-range (about $70)

Pros: Memory backup, familiar mechanical-like appearance, many beat sounds and patterns

Cons: Accented beat, tempo range up to 252 bpm, short battery life

This Korg digital metronome is ideal for voice actors and musicians who need a loud and small yet sophisticated option. Reviewers appreciate the simple controls and intense tones most, while they wish it was not battery-powered only because the battery life can be short.

Seiko Tuner SQ200 

Price range: Mid-range ($50-70)

Pros: Tempo range from 1-300 bpm, 3-channel memory, simple controls

Cons: Hard to find online for purchase, only 3 beat sounds

This Seiko digital metronome has many similar features to the Korg KDM-3, but this model has a wider tempo range and comes with an AC adapter. The tradeoff, however, is that the SQ200 has far fewer beat sounds and you may struggle to find a model available for sale.

Boss Dr. Beat DB-30 

Price range: High-end average (about $40)

Pros: Small, portable, simple

Cons: Expensive but lacks features, battery-only

The Boss DB-30 is a much smaller and simpler version of the DB-90 metronome. While it still includes tuner functionality, this metronome doesn’t offer many extra bells and whistles and is appreciated for its ease of use on the go. 

Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome 

Price range: Average (about $30)

Pros: Backlit screen, tuner/metronome are accessed independently or together

Cons: Narrower tempo range (30-252 bpm), battery-only

This tuner/metronome combination is a solid choice for any musician or voice actor looking for a simple but practical unit at a convenient price. The screen is large, for the metronome’s overall size, and the functionality is straightforward.

KLIQ MetroPitch 

Price range: Average (about $30)

Pros: Tone generator as well as tuner and metronome

Cons: Narrower tempo range (30-250 bpm), battery-only, ease of use issues

The KLIQ MetroPitch stands out at its price point for offering a dial control and tone generation for tuning purposes. Some reviewers have found difficulty stopping the metronome feature, however. 

Long Beach Music Digital Metronome

Price range: Average (about $30)

Pros: Familiar mechanical-like appearance, tone generator as well as tuner and metronome

Cons: Narrower tempo range (30-208 bpm), battery-only, lack of tempo precision

This model is similar to the MetroPitch. However, this Long Beach Music metronome stands out because it also offers reference pitches for tuning. Some reviewers have found the lack of precise tempo control frustrating, but it remains a good value for the price point.

Seiko Metronome DM51B 

Price range: Average (about $30)

Pros: Small and simple, long battery life

Cons: Lack of extra features

This Seiko metronome is one of the smallest and simplest on this list. It is a single-purpose metronome but boasts an extra-long battery life and has a convenient clip. This would be a good choice for voice actors who need a small metronome and don’t need a ton of features along with it.

MOREYES Mini Digital Metronome ME60

Price range: Low (about $10)

Pros: Small and simple, wide tempo range for its price point (30-280 bpm)

Cons: Lack of extra features

While this mini metronome might be the cheapest on this list, it packs a surprising punch with its wide-ranging tempo and loud tone. Perfect for simple timekeeping needs, reviewers only take issue with the loud volume and auto-shutdown feature.

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