4x4 Cubes

Buy a 4x4 cube: from your first magnetic 4x4 to a ball-core speed cube

The 4x4 is the four-layer Rubik's cube, originally sold as the Rubik's Revenge. Unlike the 3x3 it has no fixed centres, and it has about 7.4 × 10⁴⁵ possible positions. It is an official WCA event, including the blindfolded format. In this category you will find the 4x4 speed cubes we keep in our Madrid warehouse: models without magnets to learn on, beginner and mid-range magnetic 4x4 cubes, and flagship speed cubes with a ball core. Everything shown as available ships from our own warehouse, not from a supplier with weeks of lead time.

We stock MoYu, QiYi, YJ, VIN Cube and SengSo. Below there is a guide by level, with specific models.

Which 4x4 cube to buy for your level

Magnetic 4x4, tracks and ball core: what changes

On a 4x4 you do not only turn the outer faces: you also turn the inner layers, alone or together with the outer one (wide moves, written Rw or 2R in notation). That is why what is inside the cube makes a real difference when turning.

Magnets in a 4x4

A magnetic 4x4 cube has magnets between pieces that make each layer stay aligned at the end of a turn. If an inner layer is left slightly off, the next turn locks up, and magnets reduce those catches. WCA regulations allow magnets as an internal modification. They are not essential for learning, but once you start timing yourself you will appreciate them.

Single, dual and triple track

MoYu sells the AoSu V7 in three versions, all 58 mm. The Single-Track has 96 magnets between pieces only and no ball core. The Dual-Track goes up to 112 magnets and adds a ball core with corner-core magnets. The Triple-Track reaches 160 magnets, also with a ball core. More magnets is not better for everyone: they also make the turning firmer, and some people prefer a looser feel.

Ball core and corner-core magnets

A ball core is a spherical core with magnets that attract the corners. The AoSu V7 Dual-Track has 8 magnets in the core. The result is more controlled turning and a cube that realigns more easily. In this category the AoSu V7 Dual-Track and Triple-Track and the VIN Cube V2 Apex have one.

4x4 cube size

The 4x4 cubes in this category are between 58 and 60 mm: 58 mm for the AoSu V7 and VIN Cube V2, 59 mm for the QiYuan S3, Warrior 4x4 M and MeiLong 4x4 M, and 60 mm for the YJ MGC. The difference is small: if you have small hands, a 58 or 59 mm cube is a better choice.

UV, matte, stickerless and carbon

UV coated is a glossy coating with more grip; matte (frosted) is softer to the touch. Neither changes the mechanism. Almost all are stickerless, with the colour in the plastic itself. The carbon finish on the QiYuan S3 uses black stickers that show the colour at the edges.

4x4 cube brands

MoYu

Covers the whole range: the MeiLong 4x4 M (MFJS sub-brand) to start and the AoSu V7 family in its three versions for those who compete or want to.

QiYi

Strong for beginners: the QiYuan S3 without magnets, in stickerless or carbon, and the Warrior 4x4 M as a first magnetic cube.

YJ

The YJ MGC series is a benchmark in the mid-range. The MGC 4x4 M has 96 magnets and the MGC Elite is its successor, slightly lighter.

VIN Cube

Its 4x4 V2 series goes from the Sprint, with 96 magnets and no core magnets, to the Apex, with 160 magnets and corner-core magnets.

4x4 mirror, sets and gifts

If you are after something different, the SengSo 4x4 Mirror Cube, in silver or gold, is 67.5 mm and is solved by the shape of the pieces instead of by colour. To give several sizes, the MoYu MeiLong M set from 2x2 to 5x5 comes in a gift box with a screwdriver to adjust the tension, the competition set adds a timer and mat, and the MeiLong bundle from 2x2 to 7x7 brings together the six official NxN cubes. When the 4x4 is no longer enough, the next step is the 5x5 cubes.

Learning to solve the 4x4

The most common method is reduction: first you group the centres by colour, then you pair the edges and finally you solve the cube like a 3x3 turning only the outer layers. Among speedcubers the most used is the Yau method, a variant of reduction. That is why it helps to know how to solve the 3x3 first: if you have not mastered it yet, start with how to solve a Rubik's cube step by step and the Rubik's cube notation, which also explains wide moves. To compare models in more detail there is the best Rubik's cubes for speedcubing and types of Rubik's cubes, and if you want to see the times of the best, the Rubik's cube world records.

4x4 cube FAQ

What is the best 4x4 cube?

It depends on your level. To learn, a QiYuan S3 without magnets or a Warrior 4x4 M. To improve your times, a YJ MGC 4x4 or an AoSu V7 Single-Track. For competition, a ball-core 4x4 such as the AoSu V7 Dual-Track or Triple-Track or the VIN Cube V2 Apex.

Do I need to know how to solve the 3x3 before the 4x4?

It is recommended. With the reduction method, the last part of the 4x4 is solving a 3x3, so you need to be able to do it. What is new is the centres, edge pairing and parity.

What is 4x4 parity?

Two situations that do not exist on the 3x3: reaching the end with one flipped edge (OLL parity) or with two pieces swapped (PLL parity). Each one appears in roughly half of all solves. It does not mean the cube is faulty: each case is fixed with its own algorithm.

Is a magnetic 4x4 cube worth it?

If you are going to practise seriously, yes. The inner layers go out of alignment easily and the magnets help each layer stay in place. There are magnetic cubes in the beginner range, such as the Warrior 4x4 M or the MeiLong 4x4 M.

What is the difference between the AoSu V7 Single, Dual and Triple Track?

All three are 58 mm. The Single-Track has 96 magnets between pieces and no ball core; the Dual-Track has 112 magnets and a ball core with corner-core magnets; the Triple-Track has 160 magnets and a ball core.

How do I know which colour each face is if there are no fixed centres?

From the corners. Each corner has three fixed colours, so by looking at any of them you know which colours go together and in what order. Some brands use a different colour scheme, so it is worth checking on your own cube.

Can I compete with these 4x4 cubes?

With the coloured ones, yes: the 4x4 is an official WCA event and the regulations allow magnets. The 4x4 Mirror is not allowed, because the WCA requires a uniform colour on each face.