This makes it crucial for beginners and expert speedcubers alike to find the best speed cube that will guarantee a smooth game-solving experience. In this post, you’ll learn more about the history of the Rubik’s cube and the best speed cube to buy based on your individual preferences.

The Rubik’s Cube: A Brief History

The Hungarian sculptor Ernö Rubik was behind the invention of the Rubik’s cube. He developed the 3-D combination puzzle, which he called the Magic Cube, in 1974. Although he originally intended to use it to explain three-dimensional geometry, he later licensed it in 1980 to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp.

That’s how it started gaining recognition and eventually became the top-selling puzzle game in the world with 350 million units sold by January 2009. The game continued to rise in popularity over the years and the World Cube Association has been organizing competitions since 2003. This is the same governing body that recognizes world records.

Interestingly, Rubik himself was unable to solve the puzzle at first even though he himself had invented the code. He finally managed to solve it after rearranging the corners of each side at a time. Solving the Rubik’s cube is extremely challenging because you can rearrange it in 43 quintillion different ways and the more you move the squares, the more they may get mixed up.

What is Speedcubing?

Speedcubing is basically speed Rubik’s cube in which you try to solve the puzzle as quickly as possible. This may be challenging for beginners but it isn’t completely an impossible feat. Du Yusheng of China currently holds the single-solve world record for solving the puzzle in 3.47 seconds, while the average-solve record is held by Feliks Zemdegs of Australia.

He managed to average 5.69 seconds out of five solves, in which the best and worst times are excluded. There are several other record holders in various solving techniques like one-hand solving, fewest moves solving, etc.

For beginners, however, you might be able to average 90 to 180 seconds during the first week of practice. You should be able to gradually improve your solving speed with more practice and experience. Using the best 3X3 speed cube will also improve your chances of getting better at solving the puzzle.

While you can use the Rubik branded cubes, there are cubes from other brands that may be more suitable for speedsolving. After the Rubik’s patent expired in 2000, there have been several brands that started manufacturing their own puzzle cubes. With some brands engineering their cubes for speed, they are highly preferable for speedcubers.

Brands like QiYi, Gans, MoYu, and DaYan currently top the list when it comes to manufacturing speed cubes.

Best Rubik’s Cubes for Speedsolving

Now let’s get to the main part of the post and take a closer look at some of the best Rubik’s cubes for speedsolving:

#1: CreativeLine SpeedRipper Cube

This is the best speed cube in the market overall, considering every factor including value for money, performance, and quality. It measures 56mm and comes with pre-lubricated cubes that allow faster and smoother turning. While it offers a firm grip for better control, it isn’t too tight either so you can speedily solve the puzzle in no time.

The SpeedRipper weighs about 3.04 ounces, making it one of the lighter speed cubes in the market. This makes it highly preferable for kids and beginners, and for speedcubers who work well with lighter cubes.

One of the most defining features of this speed cube is the anti-corner twist mechanism. This prevents corner twisting so your solves don’t get reversed or messed up. In addition, the cube can cut at a 45-degree angle and also corner cut up to 4/5 a piece with the help of an upgraded circular corner feet.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Pre-lubrication allows smooth and fast turning
• Firm grip that’s not too tight
• Anti-corner twist feature
• Made of non-toxic and eco-friendly ABS material
• Durable material with long-lasting, non-fading stickers
• Ideal for novice speedcubers, kids, and professionals alike

Cons

• Some difficulty with corner cutting
• Requires some precision to avoid locking

Buy it on Amazon

#2: D-FantiX Gan 356 R 3X3 Speed Cube

One of the most notable speed cubes in the market is the Gan 356 R from D-Fantix, an upgraded version of the Gan 356 S. The only reason it doesn’t get first place is because it’s slightly pricier than our top choice, although the price difference isn’t too drastic. At 56mm, it’s the size of a standard speed cube and is a bit larger than the equally-popular Gan 354 range.

This speed cube meets all the requirements of a professional speedcuber in terms of precision, flexibility, and stability. It uses an IPG V5 axis design that improves accuracy and verticality. This also minimizes popping and makes it much easier to control. With a 55-degree corner cutting and a 30-degree reverse corner cutting capability, this speed cube is one of the best options to improve your solving speed.

The screw and snap joints give it more durability, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart. In addition, the contact surfaces have a honeycomb texture that ensures uniform lubrication. At 4.5 ounces, it’s slightly heavier than our top choice but isn’t too heavy to negatively affect solving speed.

Pros

• IPG V5 axis design for more verticality and accuracy
• Minimal popping and locking
• Provides increased control
• 55-degree corner cutting
• 30-degree reverse corner cutting
• Screw and snap joints for increased durability
• Honeycomb-textured contact surface for uniform lubrication
• Ideal for both beginners and professionals

Cons

• Slightly pricey
• May be too flexible for some players (though there is an option to adjust)

Buy it on Amazon

#3: Eyeopener Speed Cube

If you’re looking for a highly affordable yet well-built option, you’ll love the Eyeopener speed cube. This speed cube comes with an anti-pop structure so you can make fast turns without the risk of cubes falling apart. The contoured edges and circular center also support quick turning and smoother cornering.

This 56mm speed cube weighs about 3.2 ounces, making it one of the lighter speed cube varieties that are perfect for kids and beginners. Its built-in spring gives it more flexibility so you can swiftly turn it without any hassle. The matted surface improves grip and provides static friction for smoother rotation, which significantly boosts your game play.

Pros

• Affordable
• Anti-pop structure to prevent cubes from popping out
• Contoured edges and circular center for quick turning and smooth cornering
• Built-in spring to increase flexibility
• Matted surface to improve grip and rotation smoothness
• Perfect for beginners and kids

Cons

• Becomes stiff over time; needs additional lubrication
• In spite of the anti-pop structure, some cubes do pop out and fall apart
• Not as stable as the previous speed cubes

Buy it on Amazon

#4: CuberSpeed QiYi Valk 3

Endorsed by the renowned speedcuber Mats Valk, the CuberSpeed QiYi Valk 3 is one of the more high-end, high-performance speed cubes in the market. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s extremely expensive; it costs about the same as the Gan 356 S albeit slightly pricier. This makes it ideal for seasoned speedcubers who are looking for an upgrade from their existing cubes.

Stability, smoothness, and reliability are some of the highlights of this speed cube. Its superior design ensures that there are no corner twists, lock-ups, or pops that could ruin your solving experience. This speed cube allows easy cutting and has a decent speed, which makes it one of the best Rubik’s cubes for speedsolving.

At 6.4 ounces, this speed cube is slightly heavier than the other options on this list. While this may not be ideal for smaller kids, it’s perfect for professionals and players who prefer some heft to their cubes.

Pros

• Superior design for minimal corner twisting
• Minimizes lock-ups and popping
• Fast and easy to cut
• Stable and reliable
• Endorsed by Mats Valk

Cons

• Slightly pricey
• May be too heavy for kids
• May not be fast enough for some players
• Not too durable

Buy it on Amazon

#5: Winning Moves Rubik’s Cube

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the original Rubik’s cube from Winning Moves. Although it doesn’t provide as much speed as the puzzle cubes designed specifically for speedsolving, it’s still a great option for those who have never tried solving it. Since it’s an affordable option, you could start out with this cube to practice solving the puzzle before you can start speedsolving.

It cuts corners relatively well and is fairly fast, which makes it great for practicing your solving speed without getting overwhelmed. You know you’re investing in a quality piece since this is the original Rubik’s cube. It is made of colored plastic tiles, so there are no stickers that could peel off over time.

Pros

• Affordable
• Original Rubik’s cube
• Cuts corner relatively well
• Fairly fast
• Great for practicing
• Colored tiles; no stickers that could peel off

Cons

• Not as fast as other speed cubes
• Not as smooth as speed cubes
• Not ideal for professional speedsolving

Buy it on Amazon

Bottom Line

These five speed cubes are all great for practicing your solving skills and speed, but only a few are ideal for professional speedsolving. The best speed cube for you depends on your personal preferences, skill level, and purpose. Go through the reviews thoroughly to see which one would be the best option based on how you’re going to use it.

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