JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into speedcubing

The Rubik's Cube has 43 quintillion possible permutations — and humans have turned solving it into a legitimate competitive sport with 40,000 registered WCA athletes. The right cube matters: a magnetic cube feels snappy and precise where a cheap one feels gummy and off. The best beginner cube costs $12. Here's what to buy first and the GAN vs. MoYu question answered.

By Colin B. · Published June 1, 2026 · Last reviewed June 1, 2026
person holding orange green and blue plastic toy

Photo by Maxwell Ingham on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. MoYu RS3M 2021 Maglev Magnetic Speed Cube — The go-to budget magnetic cube — MoYu quality at a price that makes the decision easy.
  2. SpeedStacks G4 Pro Stackmat Timer — The official WCA competition timer. Train on what you'll compete with.
  3. Gan Magic Cube Lubricant — Lube your cube and it'll feel like a $50 cube. A 10-minute upgrade worth every cent.
Budget total
$15
Typical total
$70
A quality magnetic cube is $12-15. Add a timer ($35) and lube ($8) when you're ready to get serious. The gear is cheap — the time investment is the real cost.
At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
3×3 Speed CubesMoYuMoYu RS3M 2021 Maglev Magnetic Speed Cube$ See on Amazon →
Competition TimersSpeedStacksSpeedStacks G4 Pro Stackmat Timer$$$ See on Amazon →
Cube LubricantsGANGan Magic Cube Lubricant$ See on Amazon →
Other PuzzlesMoYuMoYu MFJS Pyraminx Magnetic$ See on Amazon →
Cube Mats & CasesCuberSpeedCuberSpeed MoYu Competition Mat$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Don't buy a premium cube first. A $12 magnetic cube performs so close to a $50 GAN that most experienced solvers can't distinguish them on video. Start cheap, prove the hobby sticks, then upgrade when you actually feel the difference — and you will feel it eventually.

Magnetic is worth the extra $5-8. Non-magnetic cubes existed before 2016 and most competitive solvers won't go back. The magnets help align each layer as you turn, reducing misalignments and lockups. Buy magnetic.

Learn the beginner method, not CFOP right away. CFOP is what competitive speedcubers use — it requires memorizing 78 OLL and 21 PLL algorithms. The beginner layer-by-layer method uses 7 algorithms. Master it first; you'll solve in under 2 minutes quickly, and that's enough to fall in love with the hobby.

The gear

What you actually need

A hand holds a colorful, unsolved rubik's cube.

Photo by Arturo Añez on Unsplash

3×3 Speed Cubes

The cube you train on matters more than marketing suggests. Budget magnetic cubes now perform so close to premium cubes that beginners lose almost nothing by starting cheap. The key feature is magnets — they give each layer a satisfying click that helps align pieces as you turn, reducing misalignments and lockups. Non-magnetic cubes are not wrong; they're just less forgiving and slower to feel comfortable on. Start magnetic, start at the low end, and upgrade when your times plateau and you can feel the difference.

3×3 Speed Cubes — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Budget Magnetic

The $8-15 sweet spot — magnetic feel at minimal cost.

Magnets
Fixed
Price
$8-15
Adjustability
None

Best for First-time solvers, testing the hobby, anyone under 45 seconds

Tradeoff Factory lube is adequate but a lube job helps immediately

↓ See our pick
Mid-Range Magnetic

Better factory setup, smoother corner-cutting, $20-35.

Magnets
Fixed or light adjustability
Price
$20-35
Adjustability
Tension only

Best for Solvers who've hit sub-1-minute and want a step up

Tradeoff Marginal improvement over budget magnetic — hard to justify mid-tier

Premium Flagship

Fully adjustable magnets and tension — for sub-20s solvers.

Magnets
Adjustable strength
Price
$45-65
Adjustability
Full: magnets, springs, elasticity

Best for Competitive solvers targeting sub-30 and below

Tradeoff You won't feel the difference until your technique is consistent

↓ See our pick
Best starter
MoYu

MoYu RS3M 2021 Maglev Magnetic Speed Cube

$

The RS3M is what most speedcubing communities recommend to new solvers, and for good reason. It's magnetic, smooth out of the box, and performs far above its $12 price point. MoYu ships it pre-tensioned and pre-lubed so you can start solving the moment it arrives. When you eventually upgrade to a $50 GAN, you'll understand what you outgrew — but that could take a year.

What we like

  • Magnetic alignment — noticeably better feel than non-magnetic cubes
  • MoYu quality control at a budget price point
  • Ships ready to solve — no break-in period required

What to know

  • Factory lube is functional but slow — a $8 lube job transforms it
  • Not as smooth as premium cubes, but the gap is smaller than it sounds
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
GAN

GAN 11 M Pro Magnetic Speed Cube

$$$

GAN makes the cubes that win WCA competitions. The 11 M Pro has adjustable magnets, spring tension, and elasticity so you can tune it exactly to your feel preferences. Noticeably smoother corner-cutting and more consistent turns than budget cubes. Wait until you're regularly under 45 seconds before buying one — before that, the cube is not holding you back.

What we like

  • Adjustable magnets and spring tension — tune it to your exact preference
  • Corner-cutting performance used by WCA top competitors
  • GAN's honeycomb design reduces internal friction noticeably

What to know

  • Premium price ($45-55) is hard to justify before you're sub-45 seconds
  • More complex internals than MoYu — teardowns take more patience
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Cyclone Boys

Cyclone Boys 3x3 Speed Cube

$

At around $6, this gets you solving without committing. Non-magnetic means no satisfying click and more imprecision compared to a magnetic cube. But if you're genuinely unsure whether speedcubing will stick, spend $6 first and upgrade to a magnetic cube if it does. Most people who try it do stick with it.

What we like

  • Under $6 — the lowest possible commitment to try the hobby
  • Durable stickerless design, no peeling labels to deal with

What to know

  • Non-magnetic — the turning is less precise and less satisfying
  • You'll want to upgrade within a month if you stick with it
See on Amazon →
blue and black digital watch at 12 00

Photo by Wilfredo Wesly on Unsplash

Competition Timers

You can time yourself on a phone stopwatch — but a Stackmat timer changes the ritual. You place both palms on the sensors to reset, hold until it turns green, lift off to start. It's how every WCA competition runs, and practicing on one means no awkward transition when you compete. A phone app suffices for the first month; a real timer matters once you're tracking rolling averages seriously.

Best starter
SpeedStacks

SpeedStacks G4 Pro Stackmat Timer

$$$

The official WCA competition timer, used at every sanctioned event worldwide. Start here and your timing routine never needs to change when you compete. Connects to csTimer.net over a 3.5mm cable for session logging — genuinely useful once you're analyzing rolling averages and tracking personal bests.

What we like

  • Official WCA competition timer — no relearning when you compete
  • 3.5mm output connects to csTimer.net for automatic session logging
  • Palm-sensor activation is accurate to milliseconds

What to know

  • At $35+, hard to justify before you're tracking times consistently
  • Included mat is thin — a silicone cube mat underneath improves it
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
YJ

YJ Speed Cube Timer

$$

A physical cube timer that mimics the Stackmat experience at roughly half the price. No software connectivity, but for home practice it performs the core function perfectly. A reasonable choice for the first few months before you're tracking session stats.

What we like

  • Half the price of SpeedStacks — adequate for casual home timing
  • Palm-sensor activation — same muscle memory as competition timers

What to know

  • No csTimer or software connectivity for session tracking
  • Not WCA-approved — you'll need the SpeedStacks before competing
See on Amazon →

Cube Lubricants

Lubricating your cube is the single biggest performance upgrade you can make without buying a new one. Speed lube (thin, silicone-based) makes pieces glide faster and is what most solvers use on their main cube. Thick lube applied to the core slows controlled movement for more consistency. For beginners, a speed lube is all you need — apply it to the core and touch each piece, reassemble, and your cube will feel transformed in 10 minutes.

Best starter
GAN

Gan Magic Cube Lubricant

$

GAN's lube is purpose-built for speed cubes and widely available online. A small bottle lasts dozens of applications. Apply a drop to the core tracks and a light touch to each piece — your cube will turn noticeably faster and smoother in one session. Works on any brand cube, not just GAN.

What we like

  • Purpose-built for speed cubes — not a DIY silicone workaround
  • Small bottle lasts dozens of lube sessions — extremely cost-effective
  • Works on any cube brand, not just GAN cubes

What to know

  • A drop too much turns the cube mushy — technique matters
  • Doesn't replace thick core lube for cubers who want full customization
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
MoYu

MoYu Speed Cube Lube Set (Thin, Medium, Thick)

$$

Once you're tuning cubes deliberately, you'll want both thin (speed) and thick (control) lube on hand. A variety kit gives you both types plus a lube applicator — enough to experiment with different setups across multiple cubes without buying full bottles of each.

What we like

  • Both thin speed lube and thick control lube in one kit
  • Lube applicator tip included — no improvising with toothpicks
  • Enough for 50+ applications across multiple cubes

What to know

  • More than you need for a single starter cube
  • Takes time to learn the difference between lube types by feel
See on Amazon →
person holding 3 x 3 rubiks cube

Photo by ALAN DE LA CRUZ on Unsplash

Other Puzzles

Once the 3×3 clicks, you'll want more. The Pyraminx is the easiest non-3×3 puzzle — only 4 algorithms total, looks impressive solved, and your 3×3 intuition transfers immediately. The 4×4 is the natural next challenge: same core technique as the 3×3 plus parity problems. Megaminx follows after that — a 12-sided monster for when you're genuinely deep in the hobby. Buy one new puzzle at a time.

Best starter
MoYu

MoYu MFJS Pyraminx Magnetic

$

The Pyraminx is the best first non-3×3 puzzle for new speedcubers. It uses only four algorithms, looks beautiful when solved, and most people crack it within a few hours of learning the 3×3. The magnetic version from MoYu gives you that same satisfying click at a very low price. Great to pull out when you want a quick win.

What we like

  • Only 4 algorithms — most beginners solve it in under 3 hours total
  • Magnetic version has the same satisfying click as your 3×3
  • A crowd-pleaser: solve it in front of someone and they're impressed

What to know

  • Much easier than the 3×3 — won't challenge you for long
  • Pyraminx WCA events are competitive; casual solvers rarely compete here
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
QiYi

QiYi WuQue 4×4 M Magnetic Speed Cube

$$

The 4×4 is the natural progression after mastering the 3×3. It uses the same last-layer technique plus an added step: pairing the 4×4's edges before you reach the 3×3 stage. Parity algorithms are the one new thing to learn — configurations that look wrong but aren't, requiring their own fix. QiYi's WuQue M is smooth, magnetic, and priced right for a second puzzle.

What we like

  • Leverages all your 3×3 knowledge — the learning curve is smaller than it looks
  • QiYi magnetic lineup performs well above its price point
  • 4×4 WCA events have a real beginner-friendly community

What to know

  • Parity cases require new algorithms — expect a frustrating first encounter
  • Larger size means harder to palm-turn quickly at first
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
YJ

YJ MGC Megaminx Magnetic

$$

A 12-sided, 50-piece monster that uses the same layer-by-layer logic as the 3×3 extended across more faces. The algorithms are mostly identical to 3×3 OLL and PLL — the challenge is tracking 12 colors instead of 6. A surprisingly accessible puzzle for experienced 3×3 solvers. The WCA Megaminx event is genuinely fun to watch competitively.

What we like

  • Same layer-by-layer logic as 3×3 — mostly familiar algorithms
  • Magnetic version makes the many-piece turning much more manageable
  • One of the most visually impressive puzzles to have solved on your shelf

What to know

  • 12 colors is genuinely confusing until your eye adjusts
  • Slower solves — average Megaminx takes 5-10 minutes for beginners
See on Amazon →

Cube Mats & Cases

A cube mat protects your table and provides a grippable surface for the timer — important when you're slamming palms down repeatedly. A carrying case is optional until your collection grows past three puzzles. Both are under $20, and a good mat immediately makes your solving setup feel more intentional.

Best starter
CuberSpeed

CuberSpeed MoYu Competition Mat

$

Protects your table from the timer's rubber feet and your cube from scratches. The silicone surface grips the Stackmat timer perfectly and cushions drops. It's a $10 upgrade that immediately makes your setup feel intentional — and it'll outlast several cubes.

What we like

  • Protects both table surface and cube from impact scratches
  • Non-slip silicone surface keeps the timer from sliding mid-session
  • Rolls up for travel — fits in any cube bag

What to know

  • Sizing varies by brand — verify fit with your specific timer model
  • Silicone attracts dust and lint — needs periodic wiping
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Grapsa

Grapsa Speed Cube Storage Bag

$

A zippered case for your growing cube collection. Padded dividers keep puzzles from knocking against each other in transit, and most hold 6-9 cubes plus a timer. For home solving a ziplock bag works fine, but once you're heading to meetups or competitions, a proper case keeps everything organized.

What we like

  • Padded dividers prevent cubes from scratching each other in transit
  • Most hold 6-9 cubes plus timer — enough for a competition loadout
  • Under $15 and noticeably better than a tote bag for care

What to know

  • Larger puzzles (4×4, Megaminx) may need a specifically sized case
  • Not structured enough to protect cubes from direct impact if dropped
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first month of speedcubing

Most people think solving a Rubik's Cube requires genius. It doesn't — it requires learning 7 algorithms, which takes an afternoon. After that, it's a reflex sport. Here's what the first month looks like.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A premium GAN or MoYu Weilong ($45+) — You won't feel the performance difference until you're under 45 seconds. A $12 magnetic cube will not hold you back for at least the first year.
  • A Stackmat timer in the first month — A phone stopwatch or free online timer (csTimer.net) works perfectly for the first 4-6 weeks. Add the Stackmat when you're timing sessions consistently.
  • CFOP algorithms beyond the beginner set — The full CFOP system has 78 OLL + 21 PLL algorithms. The beginner layer-by-layer method gets you to sub-2 minutes with 7. Master the basics first.
  • Cube lubricant on day one — Your cube ships pre-lubed and ready to solve. Wait until the turning feels slow or gunky before lubing — that's your first signal it needs attention.
  • Competition registration — WCA competitions are fantastic, but go as a spectator first. Most speedcubers compete for the first time around 6-12 months in and wish they'd gone to watch earlier.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Order a magnetic 3×3 — the MoYu RS3M is the standard recommendation. · Buy
  2. Learn the beginner layer-by-layer method. J Perm's YouTube series is the best free resource — start with his beginner tutorial. · Learn
  3. Solve it once, guide open in front of you. That first solve — even if it takes 30 minutes — is the breakthrough moment. · Action
  4. Record your first unassisted timed solve. Phone stopwatch is fine. Write the time down. You'll want to compare it to your week-3 time. · Action
  5. Join r/Cubers and post your first time. The community is welcoming to beginners and will cheer you on. · Action
    • r/Cubers · The main speedcubing community — search the wiki for FAQ
  6. Goal for week one: sub-5-minutes without the guide. Most people hit it. It feels great. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

What cube should I buy as a complete beginner?

The MoYu RS3M 2021 Magnetic is the standard community recommendation — around $12, magnetic, and it performs far above its price. Don't spend more until you're regularly under 45 seconds and can feel the difference.

Do I need a magnetic cube, or is a regular one fine?

Magnetic is worth the extra $5-8. The magnets help each layer click into alignment as you turn, which means fewer misalignments and lockups. Almost every serious speedcuber uses magnetic. Don't start with non-magnetic if you can avoid it.

GAN or MoYu — what's the actual difference?

MoYu makes excellent budget-to-mid-range cubes and is the right starting point. GAN makes the premium flagship cubes most top competitors use — adjustable magnets, finer tolerances, higher price. Start MoYu; graduate to GAN when you're sub-30 and can actually use the tuning options.

How long does it take to solve a Rubik's Cube for the first time?

With a good tutorial (J Perm's beginner series is the standard), most people solve their first cube in 45-90 minutes of active learning. The first unassisted solve usually takes 10-30 minutes. Sub-5-minutes comes within the first week of practice.

What's the difference between the beginner method and CFOP?

The beginner layer-by-layer method uses 7 algorithms and gets you to sub-2 minutes with practice. CFOP is the professional system with 78 OLL + 21 PLL algorithms; it's what sub-20-second solvers use. Learn beginner first, add CFOP pieces over months — don't try to jump straight to full CFOP.

How much does it cost to get started in speedcubing?

A magnetic 3×3 cube is $12-15 and that's all you need to start. Add a Stackmat timer ($35) once you're tracking times seriously. Total startup cost is well under $50. The big investment is time, not gear.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • World Cube Association — The governing body for competitive speedcubing. Official rules, competition listings, and the global rankings database. Find a competition near you here.
  • csTimer — Free browser-based timer and session tracker. Connects to the SpeedStacks Stackmat via cable. The standard training tool for serious speedcubers worldwide.
  • SpeedSolving.com Wiki — The most complete written reference for speedcubing methods, algorithms, and terminology. Look up any method or term here.
  • J Perm (YouTube) — The most-watched speedcubing channel. His beginner tutorial is the gold standard for first-time solvers. After that, his CFOP transition series and algorithm tutorials are excellent.
  • CubeHead (YouTube) — The go-to channel for cube reviews and comparisons. Before buying any cube, search his channel — he's covered almost everything sold today.
  • r/Cubers — Active community of 500,000+ speedcubers. Check the wiki for the FAQ — it answers most beginner questions. Post your first solve time; the community is genuinely welcoming.
  • AlgDB.net — Algorithm database for CFOP, Roux, and other methods. When you're ready to learn OLL and PLL, this is the reference you'll live in.
person holding 3 x 3 rubiks cube

Photo by Juan Pablo Donadías on Unsplash

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