Cool Rubiks Cubes for Kids

Gary B.

UPDATED June 21, 2019
in Puzzles & Games

Best Overall

Hasbro
Rubiks Puzzle Classic

Is your child an avid problem solver? Do they constantly strive to be faster, more successful, and brighter than their peers? If so, then these 10 modern and speedy Rubik’s Cubes may be the perfect fit for your budding Brainiac. Cubic color-matching puzzles are an entertaining low-tech way to flex your brain and fingers. If you’re not already a cuber, read along to learn more about this mind-boggling mental sport.

Our Top Picks

How to Pick the Best "Rubik's Cube" for kids

At a loss when it comes to what to look for in a Rubik’s cube? We’ve got you covered. Read along for six important factors to consider when purchasing a cube of your very own. Start by determining your objective. Do you want to partake in speedy competitions or just play around with a cube to pass the time? Don’t worry! There’s a perfect cube for everyone!

1. Recommended Age

While there brightly color cubic toys appeal to young children, it’s best to keep them away from babies and toddlers. Unfortunately, the sheer presence of a cube won’t turn your rug rat into a baby Einstein… Children in preschool and younger typically get frustrated when attempting to solve these complex puzzles. As such, we recommend holding off on dexterous brainteasers until your child is 8 or older. Of course, they also make great gifts for teens and tweens. Not to mention, adults enjoy them too.

2. Size

The standard size for a Rubik’s cube is 5.7 centimeters, or 2 2/4 inches, on each side. Standard cubes also consist of 26 individual cubies that make up six 3-by-3 block sides. Of course, manufacturers have taken the liberty to produce a wide variety of cube sizes. In fact, many players prefer to use small cubes that are easier to manipulate.

3. Complexity

You’re probably familiar with the standard 3-by-3 cube. However, there are also 2-by-2 and 4-by-4 versions available. While we wouldn’t dare subject ourselves to the challenge, you can even purchase 15-by-15 models. Can you imagine?

4. Material

Most Rubik’s cubes are made from plastic. We recommend purchasing a cube that is made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or another high-impact polymer. Cubes may be colorized or boast colored stickers. These stickers should be thin, durable, and strong. With that said, we feel that vinyl stickers work best.

5. Adjustable Tension

When you first purchase a cube, it has a preset tension. However, most speedcubes have adjustable tension. To adjust the tension, you need to remove the outside tiles and loosen the internal screws. You must access the core, where you can switch out the internal springs with new ones of your liking. While it may seem like (literally) a bit of a stretch, adjustable tensions are extremely important to anyone looking to speed solve.

6. Maneuverability

Competitive cubers look for cubes that provide smooth and speedy movements. They need to be able to cut corners without the face cubes fully aligning. This enables them to speedily complete a puzzle and avoid locking up their pieces. It’s also important that a cube boast an anti-pop function, as a popped piece will automatically disqualify a player from a competition.

The Winners

Hasbro Rubiks Puzzle Classic

Editor's Choice

The quintessential Hasbro Rubiks Puzzle Classic, Hasbro’s three-by-three puzzle challenges the mind for a low price. This cube comes with a convenient cheat sheet for beginner puzzlers. While there are definitely superior cubes on the mark, the Hasbro one offers exceptional maneuverability. It also holds up well and does not appear to lose its tension after repeated use. A few sessions with this toy and you’re kid will start to get excited when they hear the word “cube.”

Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Size: 2.5 x 3.5 x 5 inches
Complexity: Three-by-three cubes
Material: Plastic
Adjustable Tension: No
Maneuverability: Corner trouble, locks

Libay Magic Cube Bundle

Upgrade Choice

Looking to upgrade your Rubik’s cube collection? The Libay Magic Cube Bundle includes three unique color-matching puzzles. You get three different sized cubes, a megamix cube, a pyramid puzzle, a skew cube, a mirror cube, and an ivy cube. All the puzzles are made from durable ABS plastic and boast thin non-fading stickers. The puzzles have buttery smooth joints, as they come pre-lubricated and have adjustable tensions. Not to mention, they have an integrated anti-pop technology that enables you to make seamless twists and turns. Looking to win over the heart of an overachieving cuber? This kit is where its at.

Recommended Age: 24 months and up
Size: varying measurements
Complexity: Varying sized cubes
Material: ABS Plastic
Adjustable Tension: Yes
Maneuverability: Corner cutting, no pops or lock-ups

Cfmour Rubix Speed Cube

Best Budget Buy

The Cfmour Rubix Speed Cube offers a smooth, fast puzzle solving experience. It has built-in springs that enable fine tension adjustments. What’s more, the cube offers some serious corner cutting capabilities. It is made from durable ABS plastic and features anti-slip matte stickers. The colors on the stickers are inverted so that they have a large black center and colored border. This makes for a stylish and unique alternative to traditional color block cubes. Theoretically, all you need is this and timer to land a page in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Recommended Age: 6 years and up
Size: 2.2 millimeters
Complexity: Three-by-three cubes
Material: Plastic
Adjustable Tension: Yes
Maneuverability: Corner cutting

Coogam Gans SM Speed Cube

Best magnetic puzzle cube

The Coogam Gans SM Speed Cube is designed to dramatically increase a player’s solving speed. The cube’s center nut boasts four levels of adjustable tension and an optimized tuning space, enabling players to literally cut corners for faster puzzle solving times. What’s more, the GAN has a magnetic locking design that gives it precise and fluid movements. On top of that, it has super bright 0.13-millimeter stickers that give it stunning look that doesn’t fade. Overall, this Rubik’s cube is super light, fast, and durable. If your child is looking to step into the competitive puzzle solving arena, the GAN will lead the way.

Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Size: 55 millimeters
Complexity: Three-by-three cubes
Material: Plastic
Adjustable Tension: No
Maneuverability: Corner cutting

Girls Craft Photo Puzzle Cube

Best) custom Rubik's cube

There’s no better way to show you care than with a Rubik’s cube. Choose up to six photos to create a customized Rubik’s cube that’s perfect for gift giving with the Girls Craft Photo Puzzle Cube. The manufacturer is extremely easy to work with. Not to mention, the cubes are easy to maneuver. While this isn’t a souped-up speed cube, it offers speedy turns after it’s broken in a bit. We recommend mixing it up before presenting it to its new owner. That way, they have to work to reveal the images you’ve chosen. Trust us, this is how true cubers say, “I love you.”

Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Size: 56 millimeters
Complexity: Three-by-three cubes
Adjustable Tension: Yes
Maneuverability: Average

Dreampark Pyramid Speed Cube

Best pyramid cube

We love Dreampark Pyramid Speed Cube. It conjures up images of pharaohs and the great Nile while providing a perplexing handheld puzzle-solving opportunity. The pyramid is made from eco-friendly ABS plastic and PVC stickers, making it virtually non-toxic. On top of that, it has internal corners, enabling for rapid rounded turns. Buy if for yourself or give it as a gift. Either way, someone will benefit from the memory-boosting, dexterity-increasing benefits of the Rub.

Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Size: Approx.. 9.8 centimeters by 3.8 centimeters
Complexity: Three-by-three
Material: ABS Plastic
Adjustable Tension: Yes
Maneuverability: Corner cutting, no pops or lock-ups

Ganowo Mirror Speed Cube Puzzle

Best mirror cube

Mirror cubes morph into dynamic geometric shapes, creating a sensational puzzle for kids to pop back into place. This shape-shifting puzzle kit, Ganowo Mirror Speed Cube Puzzle comes with both gold and a silver cubes. Both have durable reflective sticker surfaces with a slight grain pattern for easier matching. They offer hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. Since there are two of them, they offer a competitive twist. Do you think you have what it takes to turn a chaotic geometric jumble into a smooth block?

Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Size: 55.5 millimeters
Complexity: Three-by-three cubes
Material: Plastic
Adjustable Tension: Yes
Maneuverability: Corner cutting, no pops or lock-ups

D-FantiX Speed Cube

The D-FantiX Speed Cube is a compact three-by-three Rubki’s code with pre-lubricated speed cubes. It’s adjustable tension and small size make it easy to manipulate at rapid speeds. Not to mention, the GTS never pops or locks up. What’s more, it features super bright, thin stickers that make it easy to solve the puzzle without interference. You can expect to pay a bit more for this amazing cube, but rest assured knowing it’s well worth the price. This cube is so cool it will have your kids feeling nostalgic about the 80s!

D-FantiX Stickerless Jelly Cube Puzzle

Even the best stickers can wear over time, which is why we’re rightfully obsessed with D-FantiX Stickerless Jelly Cube Puzzle. The Qiyi Warrior W is a speed cube with transparent pastel cubies. It enables smooth corner cutting, easier tension adjustments, and overall speedy solving. While the Qiyi Warrior W has a new and improved look, it’s the same color-matching game that people have been enjoying for decades. Parents, rejoice.. It’s a thought-provoking alternative to fidget spinners and other mindless gadgets. While we can’t guarantee the clicking sound of turning cubes won’t drive you crazy, you can rest assured that its the sound of your child looking to achieve their personal best.

Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Size: 2.2 inches
Complexity: Three-by-three cubes
Adjustable Tension: Yes
Maneuverability: corner cutting, no pops or lock-ups

#10

Vivi Do Speed Cube

Sick of the standard 3-by-3 Rubik’s cube? Vivi Do Speed Cube has mixed things up with their 3-by-3 windmill puzzle. While the dynamic design doesn’t increase the difficulty of this handheld brain teaser, it looks marvelous in action. Unlike other gimmicky reworkings of this age-old classic, the Vivi Do is super easy to maneuver. It has a built-in anti-popping technology, pre-lubricated tensions, and long-lasting fade-free stickers. Rubik’s cubes offer hours of stress-reducing, mind-stretching fun. This twist on the old classic is perfect for modern-day children.

Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Size: 2.4 inches
Complexity: Three-by-three cubes
Material: Plastic
Adjustable Tension: Yes
Maneuverability: Corner cutting, no pops or lock-ups

FAQs: All you need to know

Q Where do I learn to solve a Rubik’s cube?

A Ruwix offers several different approaches to solving a traditional Rubik’s cube. If you are just getting started, it’s best to stick to one of the beginner tutorials. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with basic cubing terminology and notion.

Q How do I solve a Rubik’s cube fast?

A Speedsolving is a term for competitive timed Rubik’s cube solving. If you’re looking to start speedsolving, invest in an entry-level speedcube. These will enable you to make quick, smooth turns in a matter of seconds.

Q What do I do after I master the 3-by-3 cube?

A Move on to more advanced algorithms and more dexterous puzzles. If traditional cubes aren’t challenging enough, you may also want to try speedsolving. Keep in mind that it often takes people months to get their solving time below a minute.

Q How do you go pro?

A Sign up for an upcoming Rubik’s Cube Championship in your area. Applicants will compete to see who can solve their puzzle the fastest. These events can get rather heated, so be sure to train properly before stepping into the ring. You’re also bound to find knockout tournaments, game modes, and niche competitions here.

Q What are the benefits of using a Rubik’s cube?

A We’re glad you asked! There is a long list of physical and mental benefits that stem from solving this cube-shaped handheld puzzle. For starters, turning and moving cubes help you improve your finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. You’ll also develop improved reflexes. Roll over Beethoven! On top of that, puzzle solving helps you improve your problem-solving skill while practicing perseverance and patience. Who said toys couldn’t be educational?

Q Are cubes actually complicated?

A According to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Rubik’s cube poses a complex mathematical problem. While speedy players make it look easy, it’s actually a complex solution that varies depending on the displacement of the block. While the smooth connections and movements make it seem like an artful mechanical act, there’s a lot going on under the surface. Up for the challenge?

Quick Decision

Hasbro Rubiks Puzzle Classic – Best Overall
After careful consideration, we’re happy to name the classic Hasbro Gaming’s 3-by-3 Rubik’s Cube our editor’s pick.

Libay Magic Cube Bundle – Upgrade Choice
Gives you an entire puzzle collection with varying difficulties to choose from.

Cfmour Rubix Speed Cube – Best Budget Buy
Lets you enjoy smooth maneuvers of pricier speed cubes without overstepping your budget.

Gary B.

Gary is a father of two, self-identified RC fanboy, and part-time guitar plucker. When he's not racing his collection of remote-controlled vehicles or strumming away, we bend his arm and get him to write with precision and expertise on a range of mechanical and electrical toys.

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