Best Rubik's Cubes for speedcubing 2026: GAN, MoYu, QiYi

The official Rubik\'s Cube (Rubik\'s brand) is still sold, but those who practise speedcubing almost without exception use Chinese cubes from specialised brands. The difference isn\'t aesthetic: they are designed to turn with minimum friction, with magnets that align the layers and with screws to adjust tension and stiffness. This piece reviews the brands and models with established presence in 2026.

Why the brand matters

A modern speedcubing cube has several elements a basic cube doesn\'t include:

• Internal magnets: help layers "self-align" after each turn. Reduce errors and allow faster turning.
• Adjustable tension: accessible screws to regulate how much resistance each face offers.
• Anti-pop and anti-corner-twist: designs preventing pieces from popping out or "twisting" with abrupt turns.
• Sticker-less: colours are printed on the plastic, not stickers. Avoids wear over time.

GAN

Chinese brand founded in 2014. Today is the high-end reference in speedcubing: most recent world records have been made with GAN cubes. Launches a new model practically every year.

• GAN 11 M Pro and successors (GAN 12, GAN 13, GAN 14, GAN 15): €50-100 range. Models designed for competition.
• GAN 11 M Pro Lite: more affordable version (€40-60) with performance close to the Pro.
• GAN 356 i Carry: smart cube with app, around €40-50. Useful for learning with statistics.

Brand signature: Maglev magnets instead of springs, three-level tension adjustment system and very low weight (recent models around 60 grams).

MoYu

Founded in 2012, also Chinese. Main competitor to GAN in the mid-high segment, with broader catalogue and somewhat more contained prices.

• MoYu WeiLong WR M (several versions, the most recent being WR M 2024): €25-50 range. Considered one of the best value options in competition.
• MoYu RS3 M: magnetic entry range around €10-15. Very popular as the first cube to improve times.
• MoYu MeiLong: budget range without magnets (€5-10), good for gift or learning.

QiYi (X-Man Design)

QiYi is known for offering cubes with sensations close to the high-end at mid prices. Its premium line is called X-Man Design.

• QiYi Valk 3 Power M: €20-30. One of the most balanced options in mid range.
• QiYi MS 3M: €10-15. Very affordable magnetic cube to get into speedcubing.
• QiYi Warrior S: €5-8. Non-magnetic cube, popular as first cube to learn.

Dayan

One of the historic brands. Before the magnetic era, the Dayan ZhanChi was considered the best cube on the market. Today it maintains presence with models like the Dayan TengYun M, popular among those who prefer a cube with a more "classic" feel.

ShengShou

Chinese brand known for its big cubes (4×4, 5×5, 6×6, 7×7) at contained prices. Not the first choice for competition 3×3, but its big-cube range (especially the ShengShou Mr. M 5×5) has good reputation.

Rubik\'s (official brand)

Cubes with the original registered trademark are still sold. Its recent versions (Rubik\'s Speed Cube) have improved a lot over the old ones, but still fall below the Chinese brands in mechanism and feel. Good option for gift or for those who prefer the licensed brand.

Magnetic vs non-magnetic cubes

Until 2015, cubes didn\'t have magnets. Today all speedcubing models incorporate them because they substantially improve turning feel. For someone starting out, not essential — a €5-10 non-magnetic cube serves for the first months. From the moment one looks for times under 30-40 seconds, a magnetic cube earns the investment.

Smart cubes

They carry sensors and connect via Bluetooth with an app. Representative models:

• GAN 356 i Carry: the best seller. App with tutorials and game modes.
• GoCube: social focus, online multiplayer.
• Rubik\'s Connected: the official version.

Useful for learning with step-by-step guidance or to keep time records. More expensive than equivalent non-smart cubes (€50-90).

Guidance table by level

Sources: Speedcubing — Wikipedia, official catalogues from GAN, MoYu and QiYi, comparisons from TheCubicle and SpeedCubeShop.