Article: There are pocket-sized digital metronomes, wind-up mechanical metronomes, app metronomes for your phone, or you can even go all out and get a drum machine. Depending on your needs, some styles of metronome will perform better than others. In general, mechanical metronomes tend to have more basic features and work very well for a lot of the classical instruments that you'd find in an orchestra. Digital metronomes tend to have a lot of features designed with modern music performer in mind. Consider the instrument you play. There are a wide selection of metronomes on the market for good reason. Depending on the instrument you play and your personal preferences you might find only certain metronomes for you. For instance, if you are a drummer you may need a headphone jack, a line out, or volume control features.  If you have a stringed instrument that needs to be tuned, you might want to opt for a metronome with a tuner. If you will need to use your metronome on the go, opt for a smaller digital or phone app metronome over larger wind-up mechanical metronomes. If find visual cues help you to anticipate the beat and keep time better, use a mechanical metronome. Watching the swinging pendulum while you play can help a musician to see the beat. Most electronic ones also have the option of a flashing diode or LED so you can either see the beat or hear it. Be sure the metronome you choose has a wide enough selection of BPMs to suit your needs. When you practice you will hear your metronome a lot, sometimes more than 100 times a minute depending on the speed of the piece. It is important to try a metronome to be sure it makes a sound you can work with. Some digital metronomes make a high-pitched digital beep, while many make a tock noise similar to a very loud clock.   Try playing along with the metronome and make sure the sound will help you to keep time without getting on your nerves or distracting you from your performance. There are several metronome apps available for free in the app or play store.

What is a summary?
Learn the different types of metronomes. Determine additional features you need. Try it before you buy it.