After speaking to experts and spending extensive time researching and solving 14 different cubes, I’ve learned that the MoYu RS3M Maglev is the best option for those getting into speed cubing thanks to its combination of adjustability, quality, and price. It’s a great choice if you just want a fidget toy to pass the time, too.
Our pick
This highly adjustable and smooth-twisting cube performed better than most of the other models we tested. It’s a great starting point for novice cubers and has the chops to keep up with more-experienced speed solvers.
The MoYu RS3M Maglev is great for beginners who want to explore the world of speed cubing, whether their goal is to compete against others or simply find a quality, affordable fidget toy. But despite this model’s low price, it has just as many adjustability options as a lot of more expensive cubes, so it doesn’t hold back experienced players. The MoYu cube doesn’t rely on cheap springs that can stretch or wear out over time; it uses long-lasting magnets instead. And it feels as good to twist as some cubes that are more than double its price.
Also great
Most puzzlers don’t need a Bluetooth-connected cube, but if you want one that can track solve times, the GAN 356 i Carry provides an acceptable app experience and has a reasonable price.
Smart cubes are a niche subset of cube puzzles: You can think of them as the Pelotons of cube solving, making a homebound activity more social by allowing you to race other cubers online. If you want a cube that can track your solve-time progress, allow you to compete with others in real time, and offer some tutorials to help you get better, the GAN 356 i Carry is the best option. In part that’s because it’s a well-made cube overall, but it’s also the most affordable smart cube we tested. Its adjustment capability is comparable to what you get from many regular cube puzzles, and it has a slightly more satisfying clicky feel than our top pick (albeit slightly weaker corner magnets). The CubeStation app it connects to has some translation issues and offers little utility outside of its social aspects and timer, but it performs well enough to be attractive for cubers who want to play against friends who are far away.
Upgrade pick
The best overall performer in our testing, the GAN 11 M Pro is a pleasure to use. We loved its smooth feel, ample adjustments, and satisfyingly snappy core and corner magnets. Its relatively high price makes it best for those who are committed to speed cubing.
The GAN 11 M Pro was easily the most impressive cube we tested. If you don’t love its silky smooth out-of-the-box feel, it has tons of adjustments for dialing in your personal preferences. On top of the basic tension adjustment you get with our top pick, you can use sliders to tweak corner magnet strength. Some magnets are even user-replaceable if you want more or less tension than the adjustments allow. Despite the 11 M Pro’s high cost, it doesn’t have any smart features like the GAN 356 i Carry; what you’re paying for here is an exceptional mechanical action that you can fine-tune to your exact preferences.
You’ve probably noticed by now that the Rubik’s Cube—the one that started it all—isn’t one of our picks. Like many relics of decades past, it’s been eclipsed by these newer, more evolved models. You can read more below about the performance issues that led us to dismiss it, but let’s put it this way: Buying an original Rubik’s Cube for speed cubing is like buying a 1974 Corvette to go racing at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Retro may be cool, but it’s not fast.
