Gear
Cubes, timers, mats and lubes, from budget to best. Last checked October 2026.
No prices are shown because they go out of date. Each link searches TheCubicle, and AnyCube earns nothing from them. The guides behind these picks are written by shops, so use them as a starting point, not as independent testing. “Not re-checked” means the pick comes from earlier research.
Starter kits
My own suggestions, built from the picks below. Pick one and you are set.
A first magnetic cube, a safe lube, and a small mat. Nothing you will outgrow in a month.
A cube many solvers keep for years, plus the timer and mat used at competitions.
3x3 cubes
Every cube here is magnetic. Pick by how long you plan to keep it, not by hype: the gap between a good mid-range cube and a flagship is small.
Budget One guide
MoYu RS3 M V5A first real speed cube. Tension and magnet strength are adjustable, so it grows with you.
Budget One guide
MoYu RS3M 2020The cheapest way into a magnetic speed cube. It loosens sooner than the V5.
Step up One guide
GAN 356 MA forgiving, durable all-rounder that many solvers keep for years. The overall pick of one retailer guide.
Best One guide
GAN V100A competition-oriented cube with core magnets and wide adjustability.
Best One guide
GAN 17 MagDriveGAN's newest flagship: magnet pull stays through the whole turn and the magnets can be swapped.
Best Not re-checked
QiYi X-Man Tornado V5 PioneerA flagship alternative to GAN. Carried over from earlier research, not re-checked.
2x2 cubes
Stability matters most on a 2x2, because a corner that twists mid-solve costs you the solve.
Budget Not re-checked
YJ MGC 2x2A long-time budget favourite that rivals pricier 2x2s.
Budget Not re-checked
QiYi M Pro 2x2 Ball-CoreBall-core and magnetic at a very low price.
Step up Not re-checked
YJ MGC Elite 2x2Adds a centre-edge magnet design over the standard MGC.
Best One guide
GAN 251 2x2 ProMagnetic and stable, so corners do not twist mid-solve.
4x4 cubes
Ball cores make big cubes feel steadier. Single, double and triple track describe the grooves that guide the pieces.
Budget Not re-checked
QiYi QiYuan S3 4x4An entry-level 4x4 for learning reduction.
Budget One guide
MoYu AoSu V7 4x4 Single-TrackSame generation as the best 4x4, cheaper, good for beginners who are not timing solves yet.
Step up Not re-checked
MoYu AoSu V7 4x4 Double-TrackThe middle option of the same family.
Best One guide
MoYu AoSu V7 4x4 Triple-TrackNamed the best 4x4 in a retailer's lineup: three tracks and a ball core for stable turning.
5x5 cubes
Recommendations for 5x5 were thin in the guides I read, so treat this list as a starting point.
Budget Not re-checked
ShengShou YuFeng 5x5A budget 5x5 that is fine for learning.
Budget Not re-checked
YJ MGC 5x5A crowd favourite for years and still very usable.
Best Not re-checked
MoYu AoChuang V6 5x5 Double-TrackCommonly suggested by cubers on forums. Triple-track adds little for most solvers, so double-track is the sensible choice.
Timers
You do not need hardware to practise: the timer on this site works with the spacebar or a tap. A physical timer is for feeling like a competition.
Budget One guide
YJ Pocket TimerCompact. Uses infrared sensors on its sides instead of pads, so it is a different feel from a competition timer.
Budget Not re-checked
QiYi Smart TimerA low-cost smart timer. Carried over from earlier research, not re-checked.
Step up One guide
GAN Smart TimerBluetooth, syncs solve times to GAN's Cube Station app.
Best Well supported
SpeedStacks G5 Pro TimerThe standard stackmat. Official WCA competitions use SpeedStacks timers, so you get the same feel.
Mats
A mat protects your cube and table and cuts the noise. If you use a stackmat timer, buy a mat made for that timer generation: a G5 mat does not fit Gen 3 or 4 timers, and the other way round.
Budget One guide
Mini mat (for example SpeedCubeShop Abstract Mini Mat)Small and portable, popular for cubing on the go.
Step up Not re-checked
MoYu CFOP Competition MatA full-size mat that comes in sizes. Carried over from earlier research.
Step up Not re-checked
GAN Timer MatA mat made to go with GAN timers.
Best One guide
SpeedStacks stackmat mat (match your timer's generation)Made for the stackmat timers used at competitions.
Lubes
Use cube lube only. Household sprays such as WD-40 can damage cube plastic. A little goes a long way: one small set covers several cubes for a long time.
Budget One guide
The Cubicle Silicone LubeA safe default. Lower weights are runnier and faster, higher weights are thicker and more controllable.
Budget Well supported
DNM-37Water-based, very quick, stays wet for a long time and is popular with competitors.
Step up One guide
Angstrom GravitasHigh-viscosity silicone for smoothness and control, lasts longer than plain silicone.
Step up One guide
Angstrom DignitasMedium-viscosity silicone that protects against friction wear.
Best One guide
Angstrom CeleritasVery quick with a gliding feel. It is a two-part lube: apply Reagent A first, then Reagent B.
Last checked October 2026.