The world of Rubik’s cubes has expanded enormously since the original invention in the 1970s. Today there are dozens of brands that all claim to make the best Rubik’s cube, but which ones are truly worth it? Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced speedcuber, choosing the right brand and model can make a big difference in your puzzling experience.

In this guide we answer the most frequently asked questions about Rubik’s cube brands, so you can make an informed choice that perfectly fits your level and budget.

Which brands make the best Rubik’s cubes?

The best Rubik’s cube brands are GAN, MoYu, QiYi and YJ. They all produce high-quality speedcubes with advanced magnetic systems and smooth turning mechanisms. These Chinese manufacturers dominate the competitive speedcubing world due to their focus on performance and innovation.

GAN is known for its premium cubes with unique magnetic positioning systems and adjustable tension. Their cubes are often the most expensive, but offer unmatched control and stability. MoYu offers an excellent balance between price and performance, with popular series like the WeiLong and RS3M, which appeal to both beginners and advanced users.

QiYi has specialized in affordable but quality options, while YJ (YongJun) is known for its innovative designs and good price-quality ratio. The original Rubik’s brand is iconic, but is often avoided by speedcubers due to slower turning speed and less advanced mechanisms.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive Rubik’s cubes?

The main difference between cheap and expensive Rubik’s cubes lies in the turning mechanisms, magnetic systems and material quality. Expensive cubes have advanced magnets for better control, smoother turning properties and higher quality plastic that lasts longer.

Cheap cubes ($5-15) often have basic plastic components without magnets, resulting in less stable turning movements and more chance of locking up. They’re fine for beginners who want to discover if speedcubing is for them, but can become frustrating as your skills improve.

More expensive models ($25-60) usually contain magnets that hold the cube layers in place, adjustable tension systems and optimized corner pieces that prevent overshooting. These features enable faster times and reduce the number of misturns, which is especially important for competitive speedcubers.

Which Rubik’s cube is best for beginners?

For beginners, the MoYu RS3M 2020 or the QiYi Warrior W is the best choice, because these cubes are affordable ($10-15), magnetic and user-friendly, without overwhelming features. They offer a smooth turning experience that makes learning algorithms easier.

Beginners benefit from cubes that don’t turn too fast, as this can lead to frustration and wrong moves during the learning process. The mentioned models have controlled speed and good stability, allowing you to focus on mastering the basic techniques.

Avoid extremely cheap cubes under $8, as these often lock up or have uneven resistance between different layers. Also the most expensive premium models are unnecessary for beginners, as the advanced customization options create more confusion than benefit. In our speedcube range you’ll find various beginner-friendly options that are perfect to start with.

How do you choose the right magnetic Rubik’s cube?

Choose a magnetic Rubik’s cube based on your experience level and turning preference: lighter magnets (N35/N38) for fast, fluid turning styles and stronger magnets (N42/N45) for more control and stability. Beginners usually benefit from medium magnetic strength.

Magnetic cubes contain small neodymium magnets in the corner pieces and edge pieces that automatically align the layers during turning. This reduces the number of misturns and enables faster algorithms. The magnetic strength determines how strongly the layers are pulled to their correct position.

For speedcubers who want to achieve sub-20 seconds, adjustable magnetic systems are interesting. Brands like GAN offer cubes where you can change the magnetic strength with different magnetic capsules. However, this is only useful if you’re already experienced and know exactly which turning characteristics you prefer.

Why are GAN cubes so expensive and are they worth it?

GAN cubes are expensive ($40-70) due to their advanced technologies, such as the GES tension system, IPG magnetic positioning and high-quality materials, but they’re only worth the money for serious speedcubers who want to achieve sub-15 seconds.

GAN invests heavily in research and development, resulting in unique innovations like their honeycomb structure for weight reduction and their precision magnets, which are perfectly tuned to each cube position. These features provide marginal performance improvements that are only noticeable at a high competitive level.

For most hobbyists and beginning speedcubers, cubes in the $15-25 range offer comparable performance without the premium price. GAN cubes are especially interesting if you can already consistently solve under 20 seconds and every tenth of a second improvement is important to you. They’re excellently made and last for years, but the extra cost isn’t always justified for casual users.