Handpan vs Singing Bowl — Which Instrument Is Right for You?
Two of the most searched questions we receive at TERRASTRA: "Should I get a handpan or a singing bowl?" and "What's the difference?"
The answer depends on who you are and what you want to do. This guide breaks it down clearly.
What is a Handpan?
A handpan is a convex steel instrument played with the hands — no mallets, no sticks. It was invented in Switzerland in the early 2000s and has since become one of the fastest-growing instruments in the world.
The sound is melodic, haunting, and immediately recognizable — often described as "something between a steel drum and a UFO." Each handpan is tuned to a specific scale and produces a defined set of notes. You play it by tapping different areas of the instrument's surface.
What is a Singing Bowl?
A singing bowl — typically Tibetan or crystal — is a standing bell played by striking it or running a mallet around its rim. Unlike the handpan, a singing bowl produces sustained tones and overtones rather than distinct melodic notes.
The sound is meditative, resonant, and felt as much as heard. Singing bowls are not played as melodies — they are used for sound healing, meditation, and creating soundscapes.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Handpan | Singing Bowl | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound type | Melodic, rhythmic | Tonal, sustained |
| Playing style | Hands, rhythmic tapping | Mallet, circular motion |
| Learning curve | Medium — takes weeks to play well | Low — usable from day one |
| Primary use | Music, performance, personal practice | Sound healing, meditation |
| Price range | €1,500 – €4,000+ | €50 – €800+ |
| Portability | Medium (bulky but portable) | High (especially small bowls) |
| Social use | Often played for others | Often used for sessions |
Choose a Handpan If:
- You want to play music, not just create sound
- You have some rhythmic sense or musical background (though it's not required)
- You're drawn to melody and want to compose or improvise
- You have the budget (quality handpans start around €1,500)
- You want an instrument that will fascinate everyone who sees it
Choose a Singing Bowl If:
- You want something you can use immediately with no learning curve
- Your primary goal is meditation, relaxation, or sound healing
- You want to run sound baths — for yourself or others
- You're working with a smaller budget
- You want something you can travel with easily
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many sound healing practitioners combine both — using singing bowls to create sustained soundscapes and a handpan for melodic layers. At TERRASTRA, our sessions often use both simultaneously.
If you're starting out, we typically recommend beginning with a singing bowl and adding a handpan later — the bowl will teach you how to listen to sound, which makes learning the handpan much faster.
Buying in Europe
Both instruments can be shipped worldwide from TERRASTRA Valencia. We also offer rental options for the handpan — useful if you want to try before committing to a purchase.
Every purchase includes a personal consultation, care instructions, and ongoing support.
→ Browse handpans and singing bowls at terrastra.store