The VAD506 has a better stage presence, mostly because of the full-depth toms and bigger kick drum. Not only that, but the drum module in the VAD506 is also superior to the one in VAD306. It has more sounds, a better display, and better effects and sound editing capabilities. With that in mind, we still think that the VAD306 is a great value e-drum kit. It is similar to the VAD506 where it matters most, and that is Roland's excellent triggering technology and overall playability of the e-drum kit.
Roland VAD306 vs Roland VAD506 (2025) Head to Head
Of the two, the VAD506 is the better e-drum kit overall, as it has a lot of features that are missing from the VAD306. They are mostly missing just to cut the cost down. But are these features enough to justify the higher price of the VAD506? In this comparison article, we will help you decide which one to go for.
Choosing an e-drum kit, especially if you are thinking about the VAD306 and the VAD506, can be a tough decision. Even though they are from the same V-Drums Acoustic Design Series from Roland, it seems like they are pretty different from each other. Not only in the looks but in functionality and playability as well.
Key Differences
The TD-27 drum module, that is on the VAD506 has 728 sounds, while the TD-17 has only 310 sounds built-in
The VAD506 has a bigger and better digital snare drum that is triple-zone instead of the dual-zone 12" snare pad on the VAD306.
The toms, drum kick and the cymbals are overall bigger and better on the VAD506, making the VAD506 a better drum for live performances, as it has bigger stage presence.
The Roland VAD306 V-Drums Acoustic Design is equipped with the TD-17, while the Roland VAD506 V-Drums Acoustic Design uses the TD-27 Drum Module.
Key Features in Common
Both drum modules have custom sampling over SD card.
Both the VAD506 and the VAD306 have onboard recording, metronome and Bluetooth built-in inside the drum modules.
Check out the Roland VAD306 V-Drums Acoustic Design in action.
And here's a video of the Roland VAD506 V-Drums Acoustic Design.
One thing to keep in mind if you are planning to expand your e-drum kit in the future is that the VAD506 has four additional pad/cymbal inputs, while the VAD306 has only two.
Price Comparison Between The Roland VAD306 V-Drums Acoustic Design and Roland VAD506 V-Drums Acoustic Design
Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Roland VAD306 V-Drums Acoustic Design and Roland VAD506 V-Drums Acoustic Design
Hi-Hat
Cymbal Pads
Toms
Drum Module
Snare
Kick
Verdict
The VAD506 is a better e-drum kit. It has better stage presence, more functionality and is overall a more playable e-drum kit with better sized pads and cymbals. The VAD306 on the other hand, takes the crown for better value e-drum kit between the two. It might not have all the bells and whistles as the VAD506, but it get's the job done. And most importantly, it has the same triggering technology and great build quality as the VAD506.
Emil Pachkovski