Types of Rubik's Cubes: 3×3, 4×4, megaminx, pyraminx and more

The classic Rubik\'s Cube is a 3×3×3, but the family of Rubik-type puzzles includes dozens of variants. This piece reviews the main categories and who each is designed for.

NxNxN cubes (classic cubic shape)

2×2 (Pocket Cube)

Only has corners. No edges nor movable centres. Simpler than the 3×3 (3.6 million permutations vs 43 quintillion) and considered a good starting point or a fast speedcubing cube (current records under one second).

3×3 (Rubik\'s Cube)

The original format and the most played. 26 visible pieces. It\'s the most-solved cube in the world and the main competition category.

4×4 (Rubik\'s Revenge)

Four rows per face. Unlike the 3×3, the centres are movable, which adds a previous phase: you have to rebuild the centres before you can apply a 3×3 solving method. More demanding and longer to solve.

5×5 (Professor)

Fixed centres like the 3×3, but with multiple edges per side. It\'s a "friendly" cube among the big ones because its centres behave like the 3×3\'s.

6×6 and 7×7

Big cubes, aimed at an advanced audience. Solving them takes 5-15 minutes even for fast cubers. The V-Cube 7 (Verdes Innovations, 2008) marked the beginning of commercial large-size cubes.

Non-cubic cubes

Pyraminx

Tetrahedral pyramid. Faster and more accessible than the 3×3 because its pieces have fewer possibilities. Someone who learns the basic method can solve it in 30 seconds. Current official record under 1 second.

Megaminx

12-faced dodecahedron. The solving logic is similar to that of the 3×3 (layer by layer), but due to the number of pieces, the complete solution takes several minutes. Popular in competition.

Skewb

Cube that turns from the vertices instead of from the faces. Different mechanics from the classic 3×3. Normally solved in 30 seconds or less.

Square-1

Cube that changes shape during the resolution. Very different from the rest: midway through the process the puzzle stops being square. Considered one of the rarest to learn.

Modified cubes (shape mods)

Mirror Cube

All pieces have different shapes and sizes. A single colour (typically silver or gold). It is solved by shape, not by colour. The solving logic is the same as for a standard 3×3.

Ghost Cube

Variant of the Mirror with irregular and rotated cuts. Considered one of the most difficult puzzles in the catalogue. Requires fluency in 3×3 before approaching.

Axis Cube and Fisher Cube

Variants with axes displaced from the classic 3×3. Solving identical to the 3×3, but the visual change during the resolution disorients at first.

Smart cubes

Carry internal sensors detecting the turns and connecting via Bluetooth with a mobile app. The app shows step-by-step tutorials, records times and allows online matches against other users.

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

Cubes for visually impaired

There are versions with relief instead of colours, where each face is distinguished by a different texture. The Rubik\'s Tactile Cube is the most extended.

Where to start if you don\'t know what to pick?

• If you\'ve never solved a Rubik\'s: start with a simple 3×3. It\'s the most documented and the one with the most tutorials.
• If you already solve the 3×3 and want variety: Pyraminx and Mirror Cube are accessible and different options.
• If you want a challenge: 4×4, then Megaminx, then 5×5.
• To learn with interactive guidance: a smart cube.

To go deeper into solving methods, brands and care, read the complete Rubik\'s Cube guide.

Sources: Rubik\'s Cube — Wikipedia, World Cube Association, official documentation from brands (Rubik\'s, GAN, MoYu, QiYi).