Choose the TD513 if the V51's sounds and recording features are your priority and its analog pad set suits your playing. Choose the TD516 if you want the PD-140DS snare, VH-14D hi-hat and CY-18DR ride together, with larger toms. Both can record separate drum signals into a DAW, so computer recording alone is not a reason to buy the TD516.
Roland TD513 vs Roland TD516 (2026) Head to Head
The Roland TD513 gives you the V51 module with analog pads. The TD516 pairs that same module with a digital snare, hi-hat and ride, plus larger toms and a different kick tower. For buyers choosing between them, the extra spending goes into the playing surfaces.
The TD513 already provides the recording connections, sound editing and expansion support of the V51. The TD516 becomes the more useful choice when you want the digital-pad setup included from the start.
Key Differences
The TD513's 12-inch PD-12P snare uses three piezo sensors and positional sensing over an analog connection. The TD516's 14-inch PD-140DS uses a digital connection, positional sensing and touch detection for cross-stick playing. The PD-140DS is the supplied TD516 snare; it is not the PD-14DSX with physical throw-off controls found in other Roland kits.
Both hi-hats mount on a conventional stand. The TD513 includes the VH-10, while the TD516 has the 14-inch VH-14D digital hi-hat. The VH-14D adds more detailed open/closed detection and touch muting. If hi-hat articulation is central to the music you play, this is a more relevant distinction than the number of presets in the module.
The TD513's 16-inch CY-16R-T ride provides bow, edge and bell triggering. The TD516 uses the 18-inch CY-18DR digital ride, with touch detection as well as those playing zones. Its larger target and digital sensing are separate benefits; size alone does not account for the upgrade.
The TD513 has two 8-inch PD-8H toms and a 10-inch PD-10H. The TD516 moves to two 10-inch PD-10P pads and a 12-inch PD-12P. Both are three-tom kits, but the TD516 gives you larger targets and triple-sensor tom pads. Its kick is the KD-12 with a 7.5-inch playing surface, replacing the TD513's KD-10.
Key Features in Common
Both kits use the MDS-Standard 3 rack and the same pair of crash pads: a 12-inch CY-12C-T and a 14-inch CY-14R-T. Both crash pads support choking. The TD516's digital-pad upgrade concerns the snare, hi-hat and ride, rather than every cymbal in the kit.
The shared V51 includes Bluetooth audio, sample import, stereo main outputs and two direct outputs. In vendor USB mode, the V51 supports 32-channel audio with Roland's dedicated driver. Generic USB mode provides stereo audio. That recording workflow is the same on both kits, including the need to select the right mode before setting up individual tracks.
Both the Roland TD513 and Roland TD516 are equipped with the same drum module (the V51), so your choice between the two electronic drum sets will be based on your preferences between the cymbals/hardware/pads on the separate kits.
The V51 has three digital trigger inputs. All three are free on the standard TD513, so it can accept compatible digital pads later. The TD516 uses them for the supplied snare, hi-hat and ride. Digital upgrades replace the corresponding analog playing roles; count the pads and ports you plan to use before treating every socket as room for another instrument.
Both standard kits require a kick pedal, snare stand, hi-hat stand and throne. The included rack does not cover those extras. The linked TD513 offer is the standard Thomann configuration, and the TD516 offer is Sweetwater's standard TD516Set; accessory bundles should be checked separately.
Roland's example playing space is 1.5 by 1.2 metres for the TD513 and 1.6 by 1.2 metres for the TD516, including the throne and hi-hat position. The TD516's larger pads are useful only if you can arrange them comfortably. If you intend to upgrade all three main pads later, compare that full plan with buying the TD516 complete.
Price Comparison Between The Roland TD513 and Roland TD516
Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Roland TD513 and Roland TD516
Hi-Hat
Cymbal Pads
Toms
Drum Module
Snare
Kick
Verdict
The TD513 is a sensible route to the V51 when an analog snare, hi-hat and ride meet your needs. The TD516 is the better starting point for players who already want the full digital trio and larger toms, without assembling those upgrades separately.
For the next step in Roland's rack kits, see Roland TD516 vs Roland TD716. Our TD316 vs TD516 comparison covers the move from V31 to V51.
Matt Taylor