Key takeaways
- Start with the factory magnet and tension setting. Adjust one step at a time if you want to change it.
- Use puzzle lubricant if the maker advises it. Avoid household oils and sprays.
- Keep magnetic cubes away from strong magnets, though normal household use is not usually a concern.
- Small magnets and pieces can be hazardous if swallowed. Keep young children supervised, follow age labeling, and seek medical help immediately if a magnet is swallowed.
- Do not force a stuck cube; loosen the tension first.
- Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
For a magnetic Rubik’s-style cube, the MoYu RS3 M V5 suits beginners and anyone on a tight budget, the GAN 356 suits the widest range of solvers, the MoYu WeiLong WR M suits people moving into timed solving, and the GAN 11 Pro, GAN V100 or newer GAN flagships suit experienced cubers who want to tune every detail. SpeedCubeShop sums up the whole category in one line: magnets are the upgrade worth paying for on a 3×3. This guide explains why, what the stated specs are, and how to choose.
Our top picks
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Magnetic Cube Picks at a Glance
| Cube | Tier | Magnet and tuning features (as stated by retailers) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| YuXin Little Magic | Budget | Magnetic, durable, gentle feel | Young children and very first cubes |
| MoYu RS3 M V5 | Budget | Magnetic; adjustable tension and magnet strength | Beginners, parents buying once |
| GAN 356 3×3 | Mid-range | Magnetic, light, fast, adjustable | Most solvers |
| MoYu WeiLong WR M | Mid-range to competition | Magnetic, MagLev, adjustable magnet strength and core settings | Solvers timing attempts |
| GAN 11 Pro 3×3 | High-end | Magnetic, core magnets, fully adjustable magnet strength and tension | Experienced cubers wanting stability and customization |
| GAN V100 3×3 | Premium | Magnetic, MagLev, core magnets, adjustable tension and magnet strength | Competition |
| GAN 17 MagDrive | Premium flagship | 196-magnet MagDrive system, MagLev, ball core, swappable magnet rods | Enthusiasts |
Why Magnets Matter
A traditional cube relies on the shape of the pieces and the tension of the springs to stay aligned. A magnetic cube adds small magnets in the pieces, so each layer is gently pulled to the nearest correct position. SpeedCubeShop says that magnetic features provide consistent layer alignment and a clear click feedback across all the models it recommends. In practice, that means fewer partial turns, steadier fast turning and a more satisfying feel.
The benefit is largest for beginners and for fast solvers, for opposite reasons. A beginner is less likely to leave a layer slightly off, which is a common cause of fumbles and popped pieces. A fast solver benefits from the extra stability that lets them turn aggressively without losing alignment.
The downside is mostly price and complexity. Magnetic cubes cost more than non-magnetic ones in the same line, and fully adjustable ones come with a learning curve. If the cube will be played with casually a few times a year, the extra cost may not be worth it, although budget magnetic models have narrowed the gap considerably.
Understanding the Magnet Terms
Core magnets versus piece magnets
Some cubes place magnets only in the edge and corner pieces. Others also place magnets in the core, a design the retailer describes as “core magnets” on the GAN 11 Pro and GAN V100. Core magnets can help the cube stay together and aligned, according to the retailer’s descriptions. For a beginner, either design works.
Adjustable magnet strength
Some models let you change how strongly the magnets pull. The MoYu RS3 M V5, WeiLong WR M, GAN 11 Pro and GAN V100 are listed with this. A reviewer describing the MoYu Tornado V4, a related mid-range cube, says it places magnetic adjustment on the corner pieces’ contact surface with 5 levels of force and needs only 8 corner adjustments rather than 24 on earlier versions. That detail comes from one reviewer and should be read as an example of the trend toward easier tuning, not a universal rule.
MagLev
MagLev uses magnetic repulsion in place of traditional springs, aiming for a smoother feel. SkyPixelTech’s top pick is the GAN V100 Maglev UV, which it praises for smoothness. Cubicschool picks the GAN 16 MagLev Max for pure performance and says it has a magnetic levitation system and customizable tensioning.
MagDrive
GAN’s newest flagship, the GAN 17 MagDrive, is listed by SpeedCubeShop with a 196-magnet system, MagLev, a ball core, UV coating and swappable magnet rods. It is for people who want to tweak the feel to their liking rather than for first-time buyers.
Best Magnetic Cube by Buyer
Best for a first magnetic cube
The MoYu RS3 M V5 is SpeedCubeShop’s budget pick, and Cubicschool also picks the RS3M V5 UV for value. The earlier RS3 M 2020 is listed by the retailer as the first magnetic 3×3 for beginners and parents who want performance without premium pricing. If you are buying for a young child, SpeedCubeShop suggests the YuXin Little Magic, which it describes as magnetic, durable and gentle.
Best for most people
The GAN 356 is the all-around choice at SpeedCubeShop. It is described as light, fast, adjustable and durable, and a separate roundup names the GAN 356 ME as best overall with GES Pro+ tuning that offers 12 tension settings. It suits a wide range of hand sizes and goals.
Best for timed solving
The MoYu WeiLong WR M is described by SpeedCubeShop as suited to people timing attempts and progressing toward competitive events. CubeSolver calls it a great all-rounder for intermediate to advanced solvers, and The Joker House calls it a best-value competition cube. The GAN V100 is the retailer’s competition pick.
Best for tinkerers
The GAN 11 Pro offers fully adjustable magnet strength and tension and is described as having top-tier stability. The GAN 17 MagDrive goes further with swappable magnet rods. Both reward patience and experimentation.
Decision Table: Pick X If
| Pick | If you |
|---|---|
| YuXin Little Magic | are buying for a young child |
| MoYu RS3 M V5 | want the lowest-cost magnetic cube with adjustment |
| GAN 356 | want one cube for the next several years |
| MoYu WeiLong WR M | time your solves and want value |
| GAN 11 Pro | want deep control over magnets and tension |
| GAN V100 or GAN 17 | compete or enjoy tuning to the last detail |
Budget Tiers
Budget magnetic cubes give you the basics and, in some cases, adjustment. Mid-range ones improve consistency and tuning range. Premium ones add sophisticated systems. Cubicschool puts flagship cubes such as the GAN 16 and WeiLong V11 at the top of its price range and says beginners will not feel the difference. If you are unsure, buy at the lowest tier you are comfortable with and upgrade later.
Care, Setup and Safety
- Start with the factory magnet and tension setting. Adjust one step at a time if you want to change it.
- Use puzzle lubricant if the maker advises it. Avoid household oils and sprays.
- Keep magnetic cubes away from strong magnets, though normal household use is not usually a concern.
- Small magnets and pieces can be hazardous if swallowed. Keep young children supervised, follow age labeling, and seek medical help immediately if a magnet is swallowed.
- Do not force a stuck cube; loosen the tension first.
- Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
The magnet safety note is worth taking seriously. Small magnets are a known hazard for young children, and a cube that has been taken apart exposes them. If a child will play with the cube, choose a durable model and supervise.
Alternatives to Consider
- A non-magnetic cube. It is cheaper and perfectly fine for casual play, but expect less stability.
- A magnetic 2×2. The GAN 251 is a magnetic 2×2 with core magnets and suits beginners learning after the 3×3.
- A magnetic 4×4. The MoYu AoSu 4×4 V7 comes in single-track and triple-track versions; the single-track suits first 4×4 buyers who are not timing solves.
- The MoYu WeiLong V11. A competition alternative to the GAN line; Cubicschool calls it its flagship value pick.
How to Test a New Magnetic Cube When It Arrives
Once the cube is in your hands, spend a few minutes getting to know it before changing anything. Turn each face slowly and listen for a consistent click as each layer settles. Then turn quickly and see whether the layers stay aligned or tend to drift. If the cube feels too loose or too tight, adjust the tension screws a small amount and try again. If the magnets feel too strong or too weak on a model with adjustable strength, follow the maker’s instructions for changing them.
Give it a few days of regular use before deciding. New cubes often feel different after a break-in period, and your own turning style will change as you improve. Keep notes on any settings you like, since it is easy to forget them after experimenting. If something feels wrong, such as a piece that catches or a layer that will not align, stop and consult the maker’s guidance or the seller’s return terms rather than forcing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a magnetic Rubik’s cube better than a non-magnetic one?
Most reviewers say yes for solving. SpeedCubeShop states that magnets provide consistent layer alignment and click feedback. For a display piece or very casual play, a non-magnetic cube is acceptable.
What is the best magnetic cube for a beginner?
The MoYu RS3 M V5 is the budget pick at SpeedCubeShop and a value pick at Cubicschool. It is magnetic and has adjustable tension and magnet strength. It is the common starting recommendation.
Can I adjust the strength of the magnets?
On some models, yes. The RS3 M V5, WeiLong WR M, GAN 11 Pro and GAN V100 are listed with adjustable magnet strength. Read the maker’s instructions for how to change it on your particular cube.
Are magnetic cubes safe for children?
They contain small magnets and small pieces, so follow the packaging’s age guidance and supervise young children. Seek medical help right away if a magnet or piece is swallowed. For young children, SpeedCubeShop suggests the durable YuXin Little Magic.
Will magnets damage my phone or cards?
The magnets are small, and normal use is unlikely to cause problems, but it is sensible to keep the cube away from items that are sensitive to magnets, such as bank cards, for peace of mind. The maker’s manual is the best source for specific guidance.
Do I need a flagship magnetic cube?
Probably not. Cubicschool says beginners will not feel the difference between flagship models yet. A budget or mid-range magnetic cube is enough until you know what you want to change.
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