Top 10 Best Metronomes for 2023 Reviews

Korg is a highly respected name in music business. Aside from producing professional quality instruments, they also make excellent metronomes for serious players. The TM50BK is a great option if you want to go beyond the basic tick-tock of a typical unit. This one also has a built-in tuner so that's one less device that you have to carry. Both functions may be used at the same time or in turns. This is a digital metronome powered by 2 AAA batteries that can last for a long time.

The user interface features a monochrome LCD needle-type meter. On the left-hand side are the controls for the tuner including power, calibration, note, and sound. Meanwhile, the right-hand side has the controls for the metronome including beat, tempo, start/stop, and tap tempo. The mic, speaker, and indicator lights are at the front as well. At the sides are ports for earphones and input. The Korg TM50BK typically retails for $57.99 with accessories.

PROS
- Easily replaceable batteries
- Dual metronome and tuner
- Pocket-sized portability
- Great for wind instruments
- 30-252 BPM tempo range

CONS
- Tuner not ideal for guitars

Here is another combo device from Kliq with a more modern look and feel. It is advertised as being suitable for all instruments including the guitar, violin, and ukulele. Aside from having a metronome and a tuner, this one also has a tone generator. The surplus of features have not adversely affected the size as it is as pocketable as they come at just over 4 inches in length and about half an inch in thickness. Designers found room for a large LDC display, LED indicator lights, control buttons, a big jog dial, audio ports, and even a folding kickstand.

This device also accepts 2 AAA batteries which is always a good thing. There is no need to worry about dwindling battery life as you can buy cheap replacements almost anywhere. Always have spares at hand to avoid frustration. It is a highly precise accessory with a wide tuning and tempo range. This all-in-one device is great for minimalists who want their kits to be simple and uncluttered. The MetroPitch retails for $24.97.

PROS
- Impressive accuracy
- Metronome goes from 30 to 250 BPM
- Compact and feature-packed
- Specific settings for each instrument

CONS
- Difficulty recognizing sharps and flats

If you would like a dedicated device, then this could be a viable option. Seiko is well-known in the world of timepieces, so it should not be a surprise to see the company provide what is essentially a timer for musical instruments. This stripped-down unit is a breeze to use. Instead of a dozen buttons, it only has a single rotary dial for quick adjustments. The tempo can go from 40 beats per minute up to 208 beats per minute. The dial offers 39 positions throughout the stated range.

Users can choose from two different sounds. The speaker resides on top of the dial while a red LED light towers above both for visual tempo. The light is a great alternative so intermediate and advanced users who wish to practice without sound or have guidance during a performance. There is a built-in kickstand so it is easy to prop up virtually anywhere you need. Pricing is reasonable at just $25.52.

PROS
- Easy to use
- Blinking LED light
- Clearly labeled dial
- Affordable price

CONS
- Fine adjustments not possible

Metronome design has evolved dramatically over the past centuries. Mechanical ones have been in use more than a thousand years ago, though the first one to be patented was made in the early 1800s. These used counterweights that allowed a stick to rock back and forth, just like a reverse pendulum. This type of design remains popular even today. Many buy one to illustrate the concept behind the device more clearly to beginners. Classic pieces also serve as beautiful decorative items in any music room.

Cherub attempts to recreate this nostalgic feel in the WSM-330. It looks like a black pyramid with knobs at the side and a weighted stick at the front. A cut-out features labels to guide users in controlling the tempo. Sliding the weight up and down the stick will slow down or speed up the movement. It uses a traditional wood block instead of a cheap plastic chassis for better quality. Since this is a mechanical unit, you do not need to put any batteries. It retails for only $26.69.

PROS
- Elegant traditional styling
- No need for batteries
- High quality mechanism
- Reasonable price

CONS
- Not as precise as digital options

If you are looking for a metronome that doubles as décor, then this could be the product that you're looking for. It is a mechanical piece just like Cherub mentioned above but with an even fancier design. While the former was minimalist in its all-black styling, this one celebrates the contrast between the wooden grains of the box and the gold-plated weight. Despite the retro feel, the angular cuts and smart details make this truly modern. You will be happy to show this off to friends and family.

You might think that this is all show but hollow on the inside but that really is not the case. Many prefer mechanical metronomes for their actual utility and this one does not disappoint. In fact, you might have wished that you bought one sooner rather than later. This is a good option for those who are teaching kids how to play the guitar or other instruments. The audible ticks and visual cues are easy to follow. This retails for $34.95.

PROS
- Beautiful design
- Accurate timing
- Adjustable beat bell
- Steel gears
- 40 to 208 BPM range
- 2-year warranty
- No need for batteries

CONS
- Plastic mahogany veneer instead of real wood

For advanced musicians, a simple tick-tock will not suffice. They have needs far beyond those of beginners who are seeking to get their timing right. Thus, they require equipment that is equal to their level. This is where the BOSS DB-90 comes in. This is billed as the most advanced device of its kind in the market right now. A quick look at its feature set shows that this is not an empty boast. Unlike basic units, this one has a MIDI IN for connections to external sequencers. It also has PCM sounds for drum machine patterns.

The DB-90 is the flagship model of the Dr. Beat line. In professional circles, this is known as the device to get if you are serious in your craft. The controls can be intimidating at first but users should be able to figure things out rather quickly. The display provides all the information you need. Buttons, sliders, and a dial allow quick adjustments. The retail price is $132.13.

PROS
- Most advanced metronome available
- Note Mixing function
- Connection for drums, guitars, and sequencers
- Rhythm Coach for training

CONS
- A bit expensive

Here is another option for fans of mechanical devices. Like most of its brethren, the most striking feature of this product is its design. The plastic casing comes in black, ruby, and mahogany brown. Ruby Red look particular eye-catching. The pendulum at the bottom of the stick is usually hidden but this one leaves it exposed. Thus, the entire front part is a clean straight plane instead of the usual cutout. The top part features the beats label while the bottom has grills for the speaker.

Users are generally happy with the sound that comes out of the unit. The volume is just right to provide guidance without being too overbearing during practice. It is small and light enough to be portable, so those who need a mechanical device that they can lug around may be satisfied with this. The price of $40.99 is decent although shoppers should also check out similar options with better deals.

PROS
- Vintage styling
- No batteries
- Easy to use
- Crisp sound
- Compact design

CONS
- Slows over time, reducing accuracy
- Plastic casing requires careful handling

If the aforementioned KORG TM50BK feels a bit too much, then this one might be worth a look. It is the company's attempt to provide budding musicians with a small no nonsense metronome. The standalone device is compact but it still packs a punch. This unit has a simple display that shows the tempo and provides a beat counting feature. It has a built-in speaker and earphone port for quiet monitoring. The range goes from 30 to 252 BPM. Also available are 9 beats and 9 patterns.

Settings can be saved in the internal memory so you don't have to do things all over again every time you practice. A found out leg makes viewing a bit easier. These devices come in blue and red with black trims. This requires 2 AAA batteries which are already included in the package. It retails for $27.99.

PROS
- Batteries included
- Visual beat feature
- Easy to use
- Small and compact

CONS
- Not as many features as advanced devices

If you like things simple and straightforward, then this unit might be for you. There are no displays or buttons to confuse users. There is only a single dial to adjust tempo and a built-in speaker to bark out the markers. An LED light also pulses to the beat. The range goes from 40 to 208 BPM which is not the widest but might be suitable for most people. The manufacturer even included an earphone in the package. Plug this in is you want to practice without disturbing your bandmates.

At a retail price of $18.35, this Wittner is easy to grab. It is a small price to pay for excellent craftsmanship and a hardwood case. You can be sure that this device will last for generations if handled with care. Internally, it features a wind-up mechanism that spurs the pendulum's movement. Users argue that the sound produced by this unit is much better than the beeps of any digital device.

PROS
- Simple controls
- Satisfying sound
- High quality hardwood case

CONS
- Non-adjustable volume

If you need a cheap metronome for practice, then look no further than this product from Luvay. It sells for less than $10 so you should be able to pick up one without deeply disturbing your budget. It's a nice option for students who just want to have a guide while they play. The numbers on the display are big and easy to read. Volume is adjustable. Power comes from the included cell battery.

PROS
- Very cheap
- Easy to read display
- Clip on

CONS
- Limited functions