Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of speed cubes! Now, you might think the humble Rubik’s Cube is a simple 3x3 3D combination puzzle, and you’d be right! But DO NOT underestimate the depth involved in “speedcubing”.
Speedcubing is a highly competitive sport with no shortage of insider knowledge that takes years to master. Do you want magnets or no magnets? Are you after the tried and true 3x3 magic cube or something a little spicier? And, of course, with so many choices on the market (so so many), what is the top speed cube to spend your hard-earned cash on?
I couldn’t say how long I spent in this rabbit hole. I spent way too long in this rabbit hole so you wouldn’t have to. And to save you the hours upon hours of dissecting speed cube writeups, I’ve summarised my scintillating findings right here in this buyer’s guide to the BEST speed cubes your money can buy.
Hold on to your puzzle hat: it’s about to get cubular.
![GAN 356 M Magnetic Speed Cube](https://gadgetuser.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GAN-356-M-Magnetic-Speed-Cube-300x188.jpg)
GAN 356 M 3x3 Magnetic Speed Cube
Our Pick
Benefits
- Incredible level of quality.
- With GES tuning and customisability.
- Magnet-based design.
- Very fair price point.
- Holds up in competitive settings.
Drawbacks
- Customisation and maintenance requirements might be challenging for total beginners.
![GoCube Rubiks Cube](https://gadgetuser.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GoCube-Rubiks-Cube-300x188.jpg)
GoCube The Connected Electronic Bluetooth Cube
Premium Pick
Benefits
- Companion app with games and lessons.
- Tracking functions to monitor your moves and progress.
- Built-in backlighting.
- Magnet-based design.
- Teaches the beginners; loaded on extras for the experts.
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t maintain the promised 60-hour battery life.
- Heavier than your standard cube.
- Not built for competitive cubing.
![D-FantiX Cyclone Speed Cube](https://gadgetuser.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/D-FantiX-Cyclone-Speed-Cube-300x188.jpg)
D-FantiX Cyclone Boys 3x3 Speed Cube
Best Value
Benefits
- Low price without low quality.
- Stickerless design.
- Customisable tensioning.
- Corner-cutting equipped.
- Comes lubed and ready for cubing.
Drawbacks
- The included instructions are very lacklustre.
- The orange face is actually pink (which can be disorientating with the red face).
Conclusion
And now we’ve come to the roundup of the roundup! One last time, what are the best speed cubes you can buy?
I don’t know about the best but I’m absolutely certain you’ll never be disappointed with a GAN product. If you’re not looking to spend an arm and a leg, you can’t go wrong with the GAN 356 M 3×3 Magnetic Speed Cube. It’s got all of that GAN quality (and tasty magnet tech too) for a very accessible price appealing to casual to intermediate speedcubers.
Or, if competitive play and PB-smashing POWER is what you’re after, go for the GAN 11 M Pro 3×3 Magnetic Speed Cube. It’s the flagship model from one of the undeniable leaders (and pioneers) in the speed cube space. You’re paying top buck, but you’re certainly getting maximum bang in return.
Alternatively, I’d say the fun recommendation (if you have the cash to splash) is the GoCube. It’s certainly not a perfect gadget, and elements of its design will limit its competitive utility, but considering the innovation in its design and all the fun extras offered by the companion app, it has a lot to offer newbie and veteran cubers alike.
But whatever cube you choose, you’re guaranteed a fun time! They don’t call them “magic cubes” for nothing: there’s a little piece of magic in every solve that has kept casual and hardcore puzzlers coming back to the Rubik’s Cube for nearly 50 years.
So get yours now and start solving! It might not be hip to be a square, but it’s certainly cool to be a cuber.
FAQ
Well, that depends on which cube-nerd you ask; it would be fair to say there are many schools of thought on the matter! GANCUBE is generally considered one of the elites alongside MoYu, QiYi, and YongJun. Generally speaking, it’s models of speed cubes from these brands that you’ll see used in competitions by the top speedcubers worldwide.
So, this is a whole rabbit hole that I’m unwilling to divulge how long I got stuck in (as a fellow nerd with not dissimilar niche hobbies). Basically, a magnetic speed cube incorporates magnets into the construction (usually on the corners and edges) to enable easier snapping into alignment upon rotations. Despite the dissenting cries of some traditionalist cubers, they’re generally seen as an overall advancement in speed cube technology.
Rarely – even budget speed cubes are intentionally designed to hold up under high-level play utilising all manner of fancy design solutions such as snap-lock piece construction and anti-pop technology. Most speed cube breakages are caused by dropping, and even then, they’re pretty hardy.
Cleaning, lubrication, and a little TLC! Multi-use lubricants tend to do the trick, however, leading speed cube brands usually offer their own lube too (e.g. the GANlube). Here’s a how-to article on speed cube maintenance, however, I’d personally advise getting in the rabbit hole yourself and devouring YouTube videos and tips from the pros because – to no one’s surprise – it’s a bit of a science!