2x2x2 

Poland has a strong history in this event. Maciej Czapiewski solved the 2x2x2 cube in 0.49 seconds at Grudziądz Open 2016. At the time, it was the world record. In 2023, Teodor Zajder improved this result to 0.43 s. With solves this short, every move counts, so the cube's mechanism has a real impact on your time.

Most models in this category come from manufacturers such as GAN, MoYu, QiYi, YJ, YuXin, KungFu, ShengShou and MoFangGe. The biggest difference between them is magnets. Non-magnetic cubes are light and simple, and they are perfectly fine for learning. In magnetic versions, the layers snap into the aligned position on their own. This makes it easier to avoid lockups and overshooting (turning a layer too far) when turning fast. More expensive models offer extra features. For example, the GAN 251M Pro and 251M Leap have a core magnet that helps keep the corners in place, as well as three magnet strength levels. The Leap UV also has a glossy UV coating. The QiYi M Pro is available in a Ball-Core version, with a magnetic ball inside the cube.

Beginners usually start with the layer-by-layer method. Faster cubers use the Ortega, CLL, EG-1 and Guimond methods. Each of them requires learning more algorithms, but lets you finish the solve in fewer moves. You will find detailed descriptions and tutorials on our blog.