The Alesis Nitro Max, the third model of the Nitro electronic drum kit series, introduces a larger snare pad and upgraded drum module. It features significant upgrades compared to the former model, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit. Both kits receive high praise for their build quality and versatile features, but Max's upgraded drum module offers more sound, Bluetooth connectivity, and a headphone output.
Alesis Nitro Max vs Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit (2025) Head to Head
The Alesis Nitro Max and Nitro Mesh Kits are both great, cost-effective electronic drum sets tailored for beginner drummers. Both from the Nitro Series, the Nitro Max is the upgraded model of the Nitro Mesh Kit with a better drum module, four mesh drum pads, and three rubber cymbal pads. Both kits are reliable, affordable, and feature-rich entry-level e-drum kits but the Max model offers slightly more value.
Key Differences
The Alesis Nitro Max Kit features a 5" kick pad, while the Nitro Mesh Kit offers an 8" kick pad. A larger kickpad is more suitable if you want to add a double bass pedal.
The Nitro Max Kit has a larger snare pad with a 10" pad compared to the 8" pad of the Nitro Mesh Kit, and the Nitro Max Kit drum module is an upgrade to the Nitro Drum Module.
The Nitro Max drum module features 48 drum kits, 440 sounds, and 60 built-in play-along tracks, while the Nitro drum module has 40 drum kits, 385 sounds, and no play-along tracks.
The Nitro Max drum module also has Bluetooth connection, headphone output, but the Nitro drum module does not have any of these features.
The Nitro Mesh Drum Kit has MIDI-over-USB and MIDI-5-Pin connectivity options, while the Nitro Max Kit only features MIDI-over-USB.
The Nitro Max set has a backlit LED screen, while the Nitro Mesh set comes with a Backlit segment LCD.
The Alesis Nitro Max is equipped with the Nitro Max Drum Module, while the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit uses the Nitro Drum Module.
Key Features in Common
Both drum kits come with three 8" single-zone mesh tom pads, a single-trigger 10" crash cymbal pad, a single-trigger 10" crash ride pad, and a single-trigger 10" rubber hi-hat pad along with a tower-syle kick.
The dual-zone mesh pads of both kits are mounted to the rack.
Both kits have a kick tower and an electronic hi-hat pedal, and the crash cymbals on both kits have the choke feature.
Both drum modules offer a metronome, and performance recorder, and have a MIDI feature.
The drum kits both have two additional inputs for additional pads and cymbals.
They both have two main outputs (left and right).
Check out the Alesis Nitro Max in action.
And here's a video of the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit.
Price Comparison Between The Alesis Nitro Max and Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit
Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Alesis Nitro Max and Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit
Hi-Hat
Cymbal Pads
Toms
Drum Module
Snare
Kick
Overview
Verdict
In conclusion, the third version of the Alesis Nitro series, the Alesis Nitro Max Drum Kit, is an upgrade to the Nitro Mesh Drum Kit with its upgraded drum module with extra features and a larger snare pad. Both kits are aimed at beginner drummers, offering great value for the price. If you want more versatility with extra sounds and features by paying a little extra, the Nitro Max can be a better choice. If the budget is more important for you and if this kit is only a temporary option before moving to a higher-end kit, the Nitro Mesh is also a highly reliable and cost-effective choice.
Berk Oztuna