Best Metronomes in the UK

Whilst the previous instalment was already quite brilliant, the Korg MA2-BKRD Digital Metronome is a huge improvement across the board. The display is 30% less compact, improving visibility and making the screen more readable from a distance. With the digital needle moving between left and right, the screen offers the beat's visual indication to go with an audible indication, with the triangular icon displaying the beat's position as well as the timing at which its measure changes. Its robust and easily audible sound will not be buried by loud instruments and high frequencies.

When it comes to rhythm training (setting the tempo), the metronome lets you chose between pendulum step, specifying a numeric value like mechanical models, full step specifying the tempo with one-step increments, or tap tempo that enables you to specify the tempo by pushing a button, matching the song that you are playing. Besides that, the model lets you combine time signatures between 0 and 9 beats with 8 rhythm types, supporting different musical practices.

The volume dial can be a little temperamental, making small adjustments a little difficult. Setting this minor issue aside, the Korg MA2-BKRD Digital Metronome will make sure you improve as a musician even if you don't feel like it.

The Donner DT-4 can work with acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and countless string and wind instruments like banjo, ukulele, violin, mandolin, and more. With its backlit display, the model makes the values readable even in low-light conditions. Then, this device presents its 360-degree construction and an adjustable clamp. Between the two, you can easily find the best viewing angle and position the metronome with optimal comfort. The clip feels a little fragile though, so we would not recommend excessive fiddling. What we can recommend is trusting the clip's sensitivity. With its help, you can tune with ±1% accuracy, which is nothing to scoff at when we're talking about budget metronomes.

Considering the sizable LCD screen, you'd expect the device to be terrible at energy consumption yet the opposite is the case here. First, the model comes with an integrated rechargeable battery, so you can use any USB-enabled device as a power source. Second, the low-power mode and the automatic shut-off feature will preserve the battery and let you use this device without recharging for 2-3 days straight.

The short version is, with its broad tempo range (30 - 280 BPM) and 8 different rhythms and accents, the Donner DT-4 will adapt to almost countless musical instruments and styles.

The WEGROWER WM-100 is as adaptable as mid-range metronomes come. You can use the metronome and tuner capabilities simultaneously and separately too. In other words, this single unit will enable pitch and rhythm training.

Its pickup line and pitch range from 410 to 450Hz, incrementing by 1Hz. That means you'll be able to tune basically any instrument that makes audible sounds. The device will let you specify any tempo between 30 and 260 beats per minute with one-step increments, improving timing regarding multiple musical styles.

The LCD screen is large and easily readable. Plus, you can choose between two backlighting brightness settings, so you'll be able to figure out the values even in low-light places. You can adjust the metronome's volume and make the device as loud as you want. The built-in speaker is able to get surprisingly loud.

Apart from that, the device measures ~11.5 x 1.5 x 7.5 centimetres, neither too compact nor too bulky. You can use the built-in stand and clip-on pickup attachment to position the device just about wherever and however you want.

In short, most musicians will be able to benefit from the WEGROWER WM-100. Sometimes, the device will fail to pick up low and high notes but that's always the case with tuners within this price range.

The JHT Multi-Functional Digital Metronome is tiny. Measuring just 55.8 x 31 x 12.9 millimetres, it is even more compact than most digital metronomes that are already small to begin with. Despite its size, the model works with the same instruments that most metronomes work with, including pianos, violins, different guitars, drums, and more. While the LCD screen is not necessarily enormous, the font is quite large, so the values are more readable than you would expect. The integrated clip will let you attach the unit onto a belt, moving an already small device from the way. Likewise, the lanyard hole will let you hang the metronome on a neck, which will prove especially comfortable with headphones (the model comes equipped with a standard 3.5-mm headphones output).

Its tempo range was a nice surprise, covering the standard 30 - 280 BPM range. A less nice surprise was the beeping sound that the device produces. Whilst most metronomes produce something similar as an audible indication, the model's 'beep' is a little more annoying than usual. Nevertheless, taking into accounts its broad tempo range, accuracy, and size, the JHT Multi-Functional Digital Metronome is the best option for people who need/want something they can comfortably use on the go.

This model from LEKATO has the best display that we've seen on budget metronomes, so that's where we'll start. First, the screen is huge (relative to the model's compact size). Stretching 3.7 x 2.3 centimetres, the screen makes its countless values more than readable, with the backlighting making these values visible even with practically nonexistent ambient light. Also, the same screen boasts wide viewing angles (~178 degrees).

The buttons to the screen's left and right let you adjust the parameters, choose the mode/item, note/rhythm, and turn the device on/off. Aside from these controls, the model also includes memory backup and automatic shut-off functions, conserving the battery's life, which's great since this device already burns through CR2032 batteries without mercy. On the construction front, the clamp lets you rotate the metronome 360 degrees and tilt 135 degrees. Made from high-quality rubber, this clamp protects the instrument from scratches yet ensures that the device does not fall off.

Bottom line, this LEKATO metronome is the best gift you can buy for your beloved instrument. With its help, the instrument should sound better than ever before, all without you worrying about scratching its surface.