7 Best Ways to Play Drums Quietly at Home in 2025

Drums are exhilarating to play — but let’s be honest, they’re also one of the loudest instruments you can bring into your home. Whether you’re in an apartment, a suburban neighborhood, or just sharing space with family, controlling your volume is key to keeping the peace.

Here are seven proven ways to make your drumming quieter while still keeping that authentic playing feel.

Option 1 — Swap Out Your Sticks

Switching your standard wooden drumsticks for lighter alternatives can make a noticeable difference in volume.
Hot Rods or Bundled Sticks: Deliver a softer, brush-like sound.
Nylon Tip Brushes: Provide a whispery texture, ideal for jazz or practice.
Lightweight 7A Sticks: Easier on your ears and your neighbors.

Option 2 — Outfit Shells with Gels

Drum dampening gels (like Moongel) can cut overtones and sustain without completely killing your tone. Place them near the rim for subtle dampening or closer to the center for maximum effect. They’re inexpensive, reusable, and a quick fix for overly “ringy” drums.

Option 3 — Meet Your Muffler (JBK-Muffler Drum Set 518 Series)

If you want to keep the real feel of an acoustic kit but drastically cut down the volume, the JBK-Muffler Drum Set 518 Series is a game-changer.

Why it’s the Best Silent Drum Kit:
Drastically Reduced Volume: Play day or night without disturbing others.
Full Acoustic Experience: Real drumheads and hardware, not mesh pads.
Built-in Adjustable Mufflers: Fine-tune your volume for home, studio, or small gigs.

Configuration:

13″ × 5″ snare

10″ × 7″, 12″ × 8″, 14″ × 12″ toms

18″ × 16″ bass drum

Complete professional hardware set

If you want the quiet drum set that still feels like the real thing, this is it.

Option 4 — Recruit Some Mutes

Cymbal mutes, tom pads, and bass drum covers can transform your regular kit into a quieter version instantly. These rubber or foam accessories absorb vibrations, significantly reducing sound while letting you keep your kit intact.

Option 5 — Shed Those Heads

Mesh drumheads are a fantastic way to reduce volume while preserving stick rebound. They’re easy to install on your existing shells and can be paired with triggers if you want to go hybrid (acoustic + electronic).

Option 6 — Yield to Shields

Drum shields (acrylic panels) can help control sound projection, especially in shared spaces. They don’t mute drums completely but can help direct and contain sound away from others.

Option 7 — When All Else Fails, Go Electronic

Electronic drum kits are the ultimate in volume control. They let you practice with headphones and even load custom sounds — perfect for apartments or late-night sessions. However, they lack the exact feel of acoustic drums, so many players prefer quieter acoustic solutions first.

Final Tip: Whether you choose stick swaps, mutes, mesh heads, or the JBK-Muffler Drum Set 518 Series, there’s always a way to enjoy your drumming without upsetting those around you.