3x3x3 

Many people start their puzzle journey with a 3x3x3 cube. It is also the speedcubing event with the most competitors. This classic Rubik's Cube, also called the Magic Cube, was created in Hungary in 1974 and designed by Erno Rubik. It has as many as 43 quintillion possible positions, yet you can solve it once you know a few simple algorithms. In this category, you'll find 3x3x3 speed cubes from MoYu, GAN, QiYi, YJ, MoFangGe, YuXin and ShengShou. The range covers simple beginner models, budget magnetic cubes and flagship models with advanced adjustment options. There are also mini versions, such as a cube with 3 cm sides.

First, decide whether you want a cube with magnets. Non-magnetic models such as the MoYu Meilong 3C, YuXin Black Kylin 3x3x3 v2, MoYu MeiLong 3x3x3 and QiYi Warrior S are light and inexpensive. They are all you need to learn how to solve. In magnetic versions (marked M or Magnetic in the name), the magnets help the layers stop in an aligned position. This makes it easier to avoid lockups, when the cube jams mid-turn, and overshooting, when you turn a layer too far. If you're starting to time your solves, a budget magnetic cube such as the MoYu RS3M V5 Magnetic is a sensible first step.

More expensive models have features that change the feel, meaning how the cube behaves in your hands. Ball-Core means extra magnets inside the cube that stabilize it even further. In the MagLev system, the springs are replaced with repelling magnets, and a UV coating changes the look and texture of the surface. On top of that, there is tension and compression adjustment. Examples of such cubes include the GAN 17 MagDrive UV, GAN V100 Maglev UV, MoYu WeiLong V11 Maglev Ball Core UV, MoYu WeiLong Ferrocore V2 UV and GAN 16 MagLev MAX UV. However, a higher price doesn't automatically mean a better cube for everyone. A very fast model may require more control, and lots of adjustment options only become useful once you know what kind of feel you're looking for.

Beginners usually start with the LBL (Layer By Layer) method, solving the cube one layer at a time. For speedsolving the 3x3x3 cube, the Fridrich method (CFOP) is the most common choice. The Roux and Petrus methods are less common. We have described all these methods on our blog.

Records show how quickly this event is developing. In 2018, Yusheng Du solved the cube in 3.47 seconds, at about 8 moves per second. The first person to break the 3-second barrier was Teodor Zajder from Poland, who achieved 2.76 seconds in Gdańsk in 2026.