The Best Metronomes
When it comes to performing music, playing the right notes is only half the battle. The rest comes down to timing, and it’s crucial for musicians to have a great rhythm when they play so that the whole band or orchestra can perform in sync. If you’re a musician and you’re looking to tighten up your chops or gradually build up your speed, you’ll most likely need a metronome. That's why we’ve made a list of the top metronomes available, so you can spend less time shopping and more time practicing.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best metronomes on the market, we considered product design, features, accuracy, and price. For example, if you want an extremely accurate digital metronome with plenty of functions, the KLIQ Music Gear MetroPitch metronome tuner may be the one for you. If you want something a little more traditional, on the other hand, the Ueteto mechanical metronome can give you an accurate count with vintage flair. Read on to see all our top picks and find the metronome that’s right for you.
Ueteto Mechanical Metronome
Reliable old-school style
If you’re looking for a classic metronome, it doesn’t get much better than this mechanical metronome from Ueteto. With this vintage design, you won’t have to worry about batteries. Just wind it up and set the tempo for 12 to 45 minutes of uninterrupted practice time. It even has the Italian tempo terms written up the center of the front panel with notches indicating the correct tempo for each term. If you’re a classical music enthusiast, this metronome can help you follow along accurately with your sheet music using the correct Italian tempo terminology.
Pros:
- It comes in several different colors to suit your style and home decor.
- It features a beat selector knob to choose which beat gets accented with a bell in various time signatures.
Cons:
- The clicking sound is fairly loud and doesn’t offer volume adjustment.
KLIQ Music Gear MetroPitch Metronome Tuner
When three is better than one
If you’re looking for a versatile digital tool, this may be the perfect one for you. This device is a metronome, tuner, and tone generator, all in a single unit that can fit in your pocket. It features a tap tempo setting to find the bpm of a song you’re playing along to, and it has a circle dial for quick tempo adjustments. The dial also acts as a pitch adjustment for the tone generator, so this device has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
Pros:
- This metronome comes in several different colors, so you can pick one that suits your style.
- It has an output jack for speakers or headphones with its own volume settings.
Cons:
- The microphone isn’t ideal for tuning, so you may have to use the instrument input jack to get accurate tuning.
Korg TM60BK Tuner and Metronome Combo
Smaller is smarter
Korg is a name that’s become synonymous with quality after decades of manufacturing synthesizers and pro audio gear. This metronome is no different. With both tuning and metronome capabilities, this tool is handy to have for any gigging musician. The clip-on microphone can get a clear signal for more accurate tuning, and the LCD screen is large and bright for easy reading. It even has 15 different rhythm variations for the metronome, so it’s extremely versatile. If you want a sophisticated metronome and accurate tuner in an easily portable design, this is for you.
Pros:
- This has a headphone jack so you can practice with a metronome quietly.
- It comes with handy features like memory backup and auto shut-off to preserve your settings and battery life.
Cons:
- It’s a bit pricier than other metronomes its size, but it’s definitely good quality.
Luvay Digital Metronome
Don't break the bank
Playing in time is a crucial skill, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. This budget-friendly metronome is fit for players of all kinds and comes in a compact clip-on design. You can clip it onto your belt or music stand for easy access while practicing. It features a tap tempo function, a visual metronome via a blinking light, options for different beat values, and a headphone jack for quiet practicing. Given its features, this metronome packs a punch way above its price range.
Pros:
- This metronome has a lanyard hole in case you want to hang it around your neck or keychain.
- It has an adjustable volume, so you can tailor it to your surroundings.
Cons:
- The sound may be a bit harsh for some users, but it’s still perfectly functional.
Tempi Analog Metronome
If you’re a bit of an old soul, you may find yourself drawn to analog metronomes. These classic feats of mechanical wonder can keep time without any batteries needed. Just wind it up, set your BPM, and start practicing. Each full wind lasts about 20 minutes, which is perfect for a short practice session. It ranges from 40 to 208 BPM, covering the tempo of almost every piece of music. Better yet, it comes with a classy look that’s just as much a piece of decor as it is a functional tool.
Pros:
- It comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth to clean your instrument and your metronome.
- This metronome features an optional beat bell to accent the first beat of a measure.
Cons:
- It’s made with a plastic veneer, not natural wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there metronome apps on the app store?
Yes, there are plenty of options for metronome apps on your smartphone. They’re all digital metronomes, and they require that your phone be out while you practice, but they can be a great affordable alternative to purchasing a physical metronome.
What does BPM stand for?
BPM stands for beats per minute, and it’s the way that musicians assign tempo to a song. Metronomes count in beats per minute to help you play along at a specific and constant tempo.
How fast do metronomes get?
Most metronomes can count from around 35 BPM to about 250 BPM, though the exact range varies. Although this may not seem like a huge range, there’s little reason to need any higher or lower BPM. This range encompasses basically every recorded song in history.
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