Choose the TD313 for a compact practice kit with a separate hi-hat controller and fewer stands to accommodate. Choose the TD316 if you want a hi-hat on a conventional stand, two crashes from the outset and the PD-12P snare. The TD316 is worth considering for its playing hardware; you do not need it simply to get V31 sounds or USB recording.
Roland TD313 vs Roland TD316 (2026) Head to Head
The Roland TD313 is the smaller V31 kit for a home practice corner. The TD316 adds a stand-mounted hi-hat, a different snare and a second crash. If those are parts of your normal acoustic setup, the TD316 is the more complete starting point.
Both kits use the same V31 module, three mesh toms and KD-10 kick pad. Moving to the TD316 changes how you arrange and play the kit, while keeping the sound library and recording connections the same.
Key Differences
The hi-hat is the biggest everyday difference. The TD313 uses a CY-5 cymbal pad with an FD-9 controller pedal on the floor. The TD316 uses a VH-10 that moves on a conventional hi-hat stand. The VH-10 layout will be more familiar if you regularly move between electronic and acoustic drums. The TD313's separate controller is easier to place where a full stand would get in the way.
Both snares are 12 inches, but the TD313's PDX-12 and TD316's PD-12P are different pads. The PD-12P uses three piezo sensors and supports positional sensing. That makes the upgrade relevant to players who vary their strike position and snare articulations. Diameter alone does not explain the difference, and neither kit includes a digital snare.
The TD313 has one 12-inch CY-12C-T crash. The TD316 supplies two of that same crash, giving you separate left and right crash targets without adding an expansion pad. Both have a 14-inch CY-14R-T ride with bow, edge and bell triggering.
The racks also differ: MDS-Compact on the TD313 and MDS-Compact 2 on the TD316. Roland's example playing spaces are 1.4 by 1.1 metres and 1.5 by 1.1 metres respectively. Those layouts include the throne position. Measure the room around your preferred posture, rather than assuming that the rack's width alone is the space you need.
Key Features in Common
Each kit has two 8-inch PD-8H toms, one 10-inch PD-10H tom and a KD-10 kick tower. You can adjust mesh-head tension on the snare and toms, and both kits require a separate kick pedal. The cymbal layout changes, but the three-tom arrangement stays the same.
The shared V31 supplies Bluetooth audio for backing tracks, sample import, coaching functions and USB audio/MIDI for computer recording. Bluetooth audio feeds music into the module; it does not make ordinary Bluetooth headphones a monitoring output. You can also use the module's onboard sounds without running a computer.
Both the Roland TD313 and Roland TD316 are equipped with the same drum module (the V31), so your choice between the two e-drum sets will be based on your preferences between the drum pads, cymbals pads, and hardware on the separate kits.
The TD313's standard kit requires a kick pedal and throne. For the TD316, also allow for a hi-hat stand and snare stand. An accessories bundle may cover some of these, but the standard kit listing is the starting point for this comparison.
The V31 has two additional analog inputs, labelled AUX/TOM 4 and CRASH 2. The TD313 leaves both available; the TD316 uses CRASH 2 for its supplied second crash. Each module also has one digital trigger port for a compatible digital pad upgrade. That is one port, so these kits cannot accommodate Roland's digital snare, hi-hat and ride together through their digital connections.
If you expect to add the TD316's hi-hat, second crash and snare to a TD313, compare the complete upgrade list before buying. A smaller initial kit is most useful when its simpler layout actually suits your room and playing.
Price Comparison Between The Roland TD313 and Roland TD316
Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Roland TD313 and Roland TD316
Hi-Hat
Cymbal Pads
Toms
Drum Module
Snare
Kick
Verdict
The TD313 makes sense when you want the V31 features in the smaller setup and are comfortable with a remote hi-hat pedal. The TD316 is the stronger fit for an acoustic drummer who wants a conventional hi-hat position and two crashes from day one.
For a step beyond the V31 range, see our Roland TD316 vs Roland TD516 comparison. If you are considering another brand, see Roland TD316 vs Alesis Strata Core.
Matt Taylor