CFOP vs Roux: which is faster and easier to learn?
Neither method is faster for everyone. Both can reach elite times. Roux uses fewer moves (about 48 against about 57 for CFOP, per the Speedsolving wiki), but CFOP is easier to learn and has far more tutorials and trainers. If you are a beginner, start with CFOP. Consider Roux if you enjoy building blocks, want fewer rotations, or solve one-handed.
CFOP and Roux side by side
| Feature | CFOP | Roux |
|---|---|---|
| Steps | Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL | First block, second block, CMLL, LSE |
| Moves in an average solve | About 57.5 | About 48 |
| Rotations | Some, mainly during F2L | Almost none after the first block |
| Algorithms to memorise | 78 for the full last layer (57 OLL + 21 PLL), or 16 cases to start with 2-look. F2L is learned intuitively. | 42 CMLL cases. The corner step can also be split in two to need fewer algorithms. |
| Main turns | All faces | Mostly R, r, M and U |
| Hardest early skill | Planning the cross and building efficient F2L pairs | Building the two blocks |
| Learning resources | The most researched method, with the most tutorials | Fewer, but a dedicated community |
Sources: Speedsolving wiki: CFOP, Speedsolving wiki: Roux. Move counts are averages and vary with solver and source.
Is Roux faster than CFOP?
Not by itself. Both CFOP and Roux are used by top solvers (Wikipedia also names ZZ and ZB). Roux saves moves and, according to the Speedsolving wiki, suits one-handed solving well. CFOP has the larger community and the most learning material. Because the sources disagree on which is fastest at the top level, we do not name a winner.
For you, the practical answer is that your time depends more on how much you practise and how well you plan than on the method. Judge a method by your averages over weeks, not by single solves.
Which is easier to learn?
CFOP is easier to start. The wiki calls it widely considered the easiest method to learn. It builds on the beginner layer-by-layer approach, and you can follow the path in our guides: intuitive F2L, then 2-look OLL and PLL.
Roux asks for different skills. The wiki says block building can be hard for beginners and that the heavy use of M turns can be difficult. In return, Roux is described as more intuitive and needing fewer algorithms.
How many algorithms does each need?
- CFOP: 57 OLL and 21 PLL cases for the full last layer, 78 in total. You can start with 16 cases using 2-look OLL and PLL. See how many algorithms you need for CFOP.
- Roux: 42 CMLL cases. We confirmed this by counting: the 648 possible states of the four last-layer corners reduce to 43 classes once you ignore turns of the top layer, and one of those is the solved case.
So Roux does not always mean fewer algorithms at the start. A CFOP beginner learns 16 cases; a Roux solver using the one-step corner method learns 42. Roux has less to learn overall once a CFOP solver adds full OLL and PLL.
Which should you choose?
- Choose CFOP if you are new to speedcubing, want the most tutorials and trainers, or like a clear step-by-step path.
- Choose Roux if you enjoy planning and building blocks, want fewer cube rotations, or care about one-handed solving.
- Already using CFOP? Switching is a big change to how you solve. Do it because you want to, not only because of move counts.
Whichever you pick, give it a fair trial before judging it, and keep practising with a timer. See our comparison of cubing timers and apps to find one that fits.
How we checked this page
We took the method details from the CFOP and Roux pages of the Speedsolving wiki and the Wikipedia article on speedcubing, and read the same figures against two other comparison guides. Where sources disagree, such as move counts, we say so. We counted the 42 CMLL cases ourselves with a simulated cube. We have not tested the methods against each other.
Related guides
- How to solve a Rubik's Cube: beginner method
- How many algorithms do you need for CFOP?
- How to learn F2L (the intuitive method)
- 2-look OLL and PLL: all 16 algorithms with diagrams
- Best cubing timers and apps (2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is Roux faster than CFOP?
Not for everyone. Both methods reach elite times. Roux averages fewer moves (about 48 against about 57 for CFOP according to the Speedsolving wiki), but that does not make it faster for every solver.
Is Roux easier than CFOP?
For most beginners, no. The Speedsolving wiki calls CFOP widely considered the easiest method to learn, and it has far more tutorials. Roux needs block-building skills from the start, although it is described as more intuitive and needing fewer algorithms overall.
How many algorithms does Roux need?
Roux needs 42 CMLL algorithms for the last-layer corners. The corner step can also be split into two steps that need fewer algorithms. The last six edges (LSE) are solved mostly with M and U moves.
How many algorithms does CFOP need?
Full CFOP last layer is 78 algorithms: 57 OLL and 21 PLL. F2L is usually learned intuitively. You can start with 16 cases using 2-look OLL and PLL.
Should I switch from CFOP to Roux?
Only if you want to. Switching changes how you plan and turn, so your times may drop at first. Roux suits people who enjoy block building, want fewer rotations or solve one-handed.