5x5 Cubes

The 5x5 cubes, known as the Professor Cube, are the last common odd cube in WCA competition and an interesting middle ground between the 3x3 and the big cubes. They combine the best of both worlds: they keep a fixed middle layer (like the 3x3, without the typical even-cube parities) but they also include the centre building and edge pairing stages that come with the larger NxN puzzles.

The usual size is between 59 and 62 mm. Current high-end models are magnetic, many with dual-track systems and a UV coated finish that reduces glare and fingerprints. Beginner ones are still affordable and perfectly valid for learning the Reduction method (reducing the 5x5 to a 3x3 by solving centres and edges first).

Natural progression: if you have the 4x4 down, the 5x5 is the next step; after that come the 6x6 and the 7x7. The 3x3 is always there as the baseline reference. For variety look at the Megaminx and unusual cubes. Return to the Rubik's cubes hub for the full catalogue, or take a look at cubing accessories for timers and packs.

Brands present in 5x5: QiYi and MoYu, covering both beginner and high-end tiers. Featured models:

• MoYu AoChuang V6 5x5 Dual-Track 112 Magnets UV - current 5x5 flagship
• QiYi Warrior 5x5 Magnetic UV Coated Stickerless - mid range with a matte finish
• MoYu MFJS MeiLong 5x5 M Magnetic - affordable magnetic option, very common as a first 5x5
• QiYi QiZheng S 5x5 Carbon - non-magnetic beginner variant