Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on Jun 1, 2026
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Are you thinking about buying a handpan for yourself or giving one as a gift soon? Do you want to know which instruments and options are currently the best? How do you choose from all the available options? Where can you find the best deals right now?
After playing the handpan for over 5 years and buying nearly 10 different models during that time, Iâve had the chance to compare many offers and test several versions of this all-metal percussion instrument. As a result, Iâm well equipped to give you the practical advice you need to make the best possible choice when buying this sound-making instrument.
Letâs start by debunking a myth: it would be unrealistic to think that one single handpan model outperforms all the others. In reality, there is no one âbestâ handpan, but rather a handful of excellent models that may be perfectly suited to your expectations.
This article lists the most common uses for the handpan in order to help as many musicians as possible. By the end, youâll have a very clear idea of which handpan will fit you best so you can enjoy wonderful musical moments with it.
Now, letâs begin this list of the best handpans.
What is the best handpan available on the market?
As briefly mentioned in the introduction to this article, strictly speaking, there is no single âbestâ handpan. Depending on how you plan to use it, as well as your experience in music, the instrument thatâs perfect for you can be radically different. Do you prefer playing alongside other musicians? Then you should avoid models tuned to 432 hertz. Are you a complete beginner who has never studied solfĂšge or music theory? A handpan in the D Kurd scale is an excellent choice for your situation. Are you more focused on relaxation and meditation? In that case, another model would be recommended.
Thatâs why choosing the best handpan is highly subjective. It depends mostly on what you want and what youâre looking for. The challenge is that the handpan is a very varied instrument. Between the scale, material, number of notes, and frequency, there are many factors to consider. The good news is that Iâve also written a guide to help you choose the perfect handpan. It will help you clearly define the instrument you need so you can then select the best possible option.
What are the top 10 high-quality handpans or Hang drums?
Now, letâs take a closer look at the 10 best handpans that caught my attention for the most common uses.
1 - The D Kurd-tuned handpan by Instruments du Monde
This magnificent handpan tuned to D Kurd logically takes first place on this list for several reasons. First, it is tuned to the famous D Kurd scale, which is highly appreciated by both beginners and experienced players for its ease of use and creative possibilities. In short, it makes composing hundreds of melodies simple and intuitive. In addition, with its nine notes and high-hardness stainless steel, it is a versatile handpan that requires very little maintenance compared to a nitrided steel model. Its price remains very reasonable for this type of instrument, and to top it all off, it is available in 440 or 432 hertz to satisfy every percussionist.
It is also sold by the reputable brand Instruments du Monde, which offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. That allows you to test the handpan during this period and return it if it does not suit you, making it an excellent way to see whether the instrument is right for you. Finally, with this instrument, youâll receive a video training book with an instructor that also includes sheet music. In other words, you have all the accessories and tools you need to start learning the handpan under the best possible conditions. And of course, the tones and acoustics are excellent, as you can hear in the video below. Discover this magnificent handpan with golden highlights right now by clicking this link.
2 - The Spacedrum Evolution Deep Sky by Metal Sounds
Metal Sounds is a French brand that calls its handpans âSpacedrumâ because their tones evoke airy, cosmic sounds. Made only to order, which usually takes several weeks, the Spacedrum Evolution Deep Sky has the advantage of a 23.6 in (60 cm) diameter compared to other handpans that usually measure between 18 and 22 in (45 and 55 cm). This allows it to produce slightly deeper tones. In addition, its Deep Sky scale will appeal to anyone looking to move away from the classic, yet effective, D Kurd scale that dominates handpan sales. It is therefore a more exotic model than many others.
The Spacedrum Evolution Deep Sky has only 8 notes, but it offers beautiful acoustics, quality steel, and an appealing design with a silver ding and dimples that create a striking look. The only drawback is that Metal Sounds is reportedly facing financial difficulties at the moment. So I recommend getting one quickly, as it may soon no longer be possible to order this instrument at all. You can find a presentation of this instrument in the video below:
3 - The handpan recommended by excellent player Sam Maher
If you arenât familiar with him yet, Sam Maher is an excellent Australian handpan player who went on a months-long road trip, especially through South and North America, living solely on donations from passersby while he played his instrument. His popularity grew significantly after a video of him playing in the famous New York subway was published. The video quickly went viral and introduced many people to the handpan. You can watch it right here:
It turns out that Sam Maher has also promoted several handpan brands that he considers to be very high quality, such as the 10-note model featured here. Tuned to D Kurd and made with exceptional steel and acoustics, this model has everything youâd expect from a high-end instrument designed for both professionals and passionate amateurs. The aesthetics of this handpan have also been carefully crafted, with a golden ding and a shell decorated with spiral patterns. It requires a larger budget, but you can find this handpan for sale right here. As a bonus, you can watch Sam Maher himself, a few years later, demonstrating the huge potential of this unique sound-making instrument:
4 - The harmony handpan: excellent value for the price
Among the instruments that offer strong value for their performance, I simply had to mention the harmony handpan. Available in 9-, 10-, and 12-note configurations, this handpan can also be ordered in 440 or 432 hertz. It may not have the most refined finish, and the maker may not have spent the most time on its visual details, but the sound is absolutely there. With its D Kurd scale and a price under $1,000, you get your moneyâs worth while knowing you own a quality instrument. Listen to a short melody played on this model:
Personally, I recommend this purchase if your budget is tight or if you simply donât want to invest more than $1,000 in a percussion instrument.
5 - The Neotone electronic handpan
Like most classic musical instruments such as the piano, violin, or guitar, it turns out that the handpan now exists in an electronic version. And in this category, the Neotone brand offers the most complete experience and instrument. With a traditional handpan, you must choose a scale and frequency that cannot be changed later. The Neotone, however, lets you modify both parameters almost endlessly. It is therefore the recommended instrument for artists who produce studio compositions because it gives them access to a nearly infinite sound palette.
On the other hand, youâll have to accept all the limitations of electronics, namely a much more expensive instrument that can cost more than $3,500, with the risk that it could break down at any time and the unavoidable need for a battery, speaker, or headphones to actually produce sound. Its tones will also never fully match a true acoustic instrument, but if youâre looking for a handpan with endless possibilities, the Neotone is the one I recommend. You can see it in action in the video below:
6 - The Astronaut F2 by Yishama
In the world of high-end, even luxury, handpans, Yishama clearly ranks near the top. In fact, this brand offers some of the most expensive handpans on the market, with models that can sometimes exceed $7,000 each! And that is only the base price, since Yishama is based in Israel and import fees, and possibly VAT if you live in the European Union, will need to be added if you want to buy such an instrument.
With that kind of budget, you can expect an exceptional level of finish and extremely precise tuning. Still, is it really worth several thousand dollars when much cheaper alternatives exist? In my opinion, no, which is why this handpan appears so low in this ranking. Consider it if you want to own an exceptional piece and price is not a concern. Hear this handpan by watching the video below:
7 - The 432 hertz handpan for entering a world of wellness and sound therapy
According to several musicians, the 432 hertz frequency is said to be connected to nature and to promote well-being, unlike the 440 hertz frequency, which is used in the vast majority of music. This is where the 432 hertz handpan becomes especially relevant because it has been specially tuned to that frequency. As a result, it is particularly popular with practitioners of yoga, meditation, and music therapy, meaning the use of music and instruments as part of a therapeutic approach.
Even better, this model has a beautiful bluish, iridescent color, 10 notes, and a high-hardness stainless steel alloy that makes it especially appealing. If you want to combine wellness with the handpan, this is clearly an option to consider seriously. Watch this handpan release its good vibes in the video below and join the wellness community by getting yours here:
8 - The ember steel handpan
Ember steel is a very specific type of steel whose main characteristic is that it offers longer sustain than standard stainless steel or nitrided steel. In other words, with the same amount of force applied by the playerâs hand, the notes will last longer. As a result, the instrumentâs overall resonance is greater, making the ember steel handpan especially interesting for musicians who want to play slow, meditative, or even melancholic pieces where each note has time to reach the listenerâs ears.
In return, this steel takes longer to shape when hammering the notes and requires more heat for forging. So for a handpan with the same number of notes and the same diameter, the price will be noticeably higher. Still, it remains an interesting instrument that may be worth it if this is exactly the playing style you want to develop. Hear the difference in the video below:
9 - Sonobe D Sabye 9-note handpan
Among the more unusual handpan makers, I personally recommend Sonobe. It is a Japanese brand based in Tokyo that produces excellent-quality models with beautiful resonance. Their model tuned to D Sabye is one of my favorites because this scale is associated with daydreaming and imagination, which I find suits this melodic percussion instrument very well. Prices remain very reasonable since the 9-note model starts at „275,000, or about $1,500, plus various import taxes. Another notable point is that this handpan is slightly smaller than average at 20.9 in (53 cm). Take a moment to listen to this handpan in the video below:
10 - The small 18 in (45 cm) handpan for children
The handpan is not just for adults. The problem is that models designed for adults often measure between 22 and 23.6 in (55 and 60 cm) in diameter, which can be difficult for children to handle. That is why smaller versions, such as this 18 in (45 cm) model, were created. On the plus side, they are lighter and more affordable because they require less time and material to make. On the other hand, because of their smaller size, they have a smaller resonance chamber and their tones do not develop as deeply.
If youâd like to introduce a child to the world of music through a handpan, this childrenâs model is ideal. It can be a wonderful stepping stone at a competitive price to help younger players start composing and playing melodies. Find this childrenâs handpan right here and hear its potential below:
Purchase your future instrument from a trusted store
Like any item with a significant cost, a handpan is an investment. Prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, which means you should take your time to make the best possible choice. Thanks to all the models presented in this article, you now have several very interesting options for buying a fantastic handpan.
However, the number of short-lived online shops that never deliver or have no customer service has increased significantly in recent years. That is why I recommend turning to Instruments du Monde, a company that has specialized in selling exotic instruments, including handpans, since 2021. By shopping with this trusted store, you can be confident that youâre getting a quality handpan and that you can return it within 30 days if it does not satisfy you, whatever the reason.
Explore the full range of handpans offered by Instruments du Monde by clicking the image below:
Now that youâve considered these tips, do you know the difference between a Hang drum and a handpan? I invite you to discover it in this interesting article exploring the historical roots of this sound-making instrument.
