The Best Combination Puzzle Cubes

  • Dani Rosewater

When the Rubik's Cube was first introduced in the 1970s, it sparked a global phenomenon that resulted in millions of people scratching their heads. Now, half a century later, 3-D combination puzzles are still a massively popular toy for challenging the mind. We've spent countless hours twisting our cubes, so we know a thing or two about what makes a combination puzzle worth the time. Here, we present our list of the best options on the market.

What to Look For

After testing out tons of different combination puzzle designs, we’ve come up with some key considerations: Does it rotate smoothly? Is it durable? Does it have stickers or solid colors? Is it a good size for the hands? Is the price fair for the quality? With such questions in mind, we elected the original 3-by-3 Rubik’s Cube as the best overall. It has quality plastic components that can be twisted quickly, and the price is a bargain. But if you want a variety of puzzle types, we recommend checking out the six-pack from Coolzon, which includes a pyramid and a dodecahedron. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive into the reviews.

Rubik’s Cube, The Original 3×3 Cube

The standard setter

This classic cube is what started it all, and it remains the best overall option for diving into the world of combination puzzles.
Best Overall

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Whether you’re a pro speedcuber or a total beginner, the original Rubik’s Cube is pretty much a must-have. After decades of popularity, this design has enjoyed slight tweaks and modifications to produce the ultimate fidget toy. The sides twist smoothly right out of the box, and they can even break in a bit over time for effortless cubing. Some more advanced users like to add a drop of petroleum jelly to the core for even greater durability and speed, but the precise engineering still offers excellent manipulability without modifications. Best of all, the price is surprisingly low for such a premium name in the world of fidget toys.

Pros:

  • Makes a great gift
  • Extremely durable
  • Excellent value for the price
  • The size is perfect for a wide range of hand sizes
  • The squares are permanent, unlike their stickered predecessors

Cons:

  • Some speedcubers insist that this design isn’t the fastest since the corners are minimally rounded

Roxenda Speed Cube Set of Three

Shave time off your record

This bundle of three puzzles offers some of the smoothest, fastest twisting action and it comes at a great price.
Best Speed Cube

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This is another great overall option, as it offers three puzzles for a low price. And even if you just want a standard 3-by-3 cube, this design from Roxenda is worth the buy. Indeed, these are “speed cubes” since their stickerless sides turn with a buttery-smooth action. The key is in the rounded corners, which eliminates the need to line up the sides perfectly before twisting another side. An excellent alternative to the big-name brand, this set checks all the boxes.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Lighter colors are easier on the eyes
  • Stickerless design for greater longevity without peeling or fading colors
  • The 2-by-2 cube and 3-by-3 pyramid add an extra challenge for those that have mastered the 3-by-3 cube

Cons:

  • If you don’t add lubrication, these cubes can squeak

Rubik’s Master, The Official 4×4 Cube

Up the challenge

If you're ready to graduate from a 3-by-3 cube to a 4-by-4 cube, this classic option is the perfect pick.
Best 4-by-4 Cube

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For those who have mastered the 3-by-3 cube, the 4-by-4 cube is the logical next step. And if you’re ready to step up to the challenge, we recommend going with Rubik’s. This smooth-turning cube is slightly bigger than Rubik’s classic 3-by-3 cube, yet it’s still easy to manipulate in the hands. We especially love the extra steps involved in solving it since you can assemble a 3-by-3 by first matching the middle squares and side pieces. Then, once you have all the colors matched up, you can solve it using the same steps you’d use for a 3-by-3 cube.

Pros:

  • Challenging
  • Silent turning
  • Highly durable
  • Stickerless design for greater longevity

Cons:

  • Although the price is affordable, there are still other 4-by-4 cubes out there for less

Coolzon Speed Cube Set, 6 Pack

The spice of life

With six different cube styles, this multi-pack is a great way to add variety to your puzzle time.
Best Variety Pack

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Variety is the spice of life, and this multi-pack proves it. With six “magic cube” puzzles, it’s a great way to stock up on brain teasers for the long run. It includes the classic 3-by-3 cube, but there’s also a 2-by-2 cube, 4-by-4 cube, pyramid, irregular cube, and dodecahedron puzzle that Coolzon calls the “Megaminx.” Better yet, each puzzle offers smooth and speedy turning.

Pros:

  • Pleasing colors
  • Lightweight yet strong
  • Excellent fidget toys to keep your hands occupied
  • Stickerless

Cons:

  • Clear instructions for solving the irregular cubes are hard to find

Roxenda Speed Cube Set, 2 Pack

Double your brain exercise

Although it comes at the price of a single cube, this bargain buy offers two excellent cubes.
Best Value

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When you go with the big brands, you usually have to pay a premium for the name alone. That’s why we were thrilled to find this budget-friendly option from Roxenda, which offers a 2-by-2 and a 3-by-3 cube for a bargain price. And though the price is low, they still deliver high-quality twisting action and long-lasting, stickerless designs.

Pros:

  • A great option for speedcubers
  • Surprisingly sturdy in the face of drops
  • The 2-by-2 lets you practice cubing before attempting the 3-by-3 challenge

Cons:

  • The gliding action is exceptionally smooth, so beginners might prefer something with a little more resistance

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my combination cube turn more smoothly?

Certain cubes can be disassembled, allowing you to access the cube’s core. From there, you can add a dollop of petroleum jelly to help lubricate it. If you don’t want to mess up your cube, we recommend searching the web for a guide.

Are combination cubes good for kids?

These types of toys are typically recommended for those aged eight and up. However, younger kids can still try their hand at solving the cube, and the bright colors and interesting 3-D mechanics can keep a kid busy for hours. Keep in mind that these cubes can come apart, so make sure to check the recommended minimum age to avoid choking hazards.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

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