7 Best Speed Cubes Under 20 for Beginners That Build Proper Technique

Your child just watched a video of someone solving a Rubik’s Cube in under ten seconds, and now they’re hooked. Before you grab that stiff, clunky puzzle from the toy aisle, it’s worth considering a "speed cube" instead. For less than $20, you can give them a tool that builds skill and confidence, rather than one that causes frustration and leads to a quickly abandoned hobby.

Choosing a Cube to Build Good Solving Habits

When a child starts a new activity, the quality of their first piece of equipment can make all the difference. Think of it like learning to play the guitar. You wouldn’t start them on an instrument that won’t stay in tune, because they’d learn that sounding "off" is normal. The same principle applies here; a cheap, non-magnetic cube that constantly gets stuck teaches a child to be clumsy and forceful with their turns.

A modern speed cube, specifically a magnetic one, is designed to be the opposite. Small magnets inside the pieces gently guide the layers into alignment after a turn. This subtle "snap" provides tactile feedback that helps a child develop smooth, precise finger movements and muscle memory. It prevents the frustrating corner twists and lockups that discourage practice.

Investing in a proper beginner speed cube isn’t about chasing world records. It’s about providing a tool that makes the learning process enjoyable and effective. For the price of a movie ticket, you can buy a cube that will not only last but can even be passed down to a younger sibling when your child is ready to upgrade. The goal is to remove equipment-related frustration so they can focus on the puzzle itself.

MoYu RS3 M 2020: The Top Pick for New Cubers

If you’re looking for one cube that checks all the boxes for a new solver, the MoYu RS3 M 2020 is it. This cube became legendary in the cubing community for offering performance that rivaled puzzles three or four times its price. It’s the perfect starting point, providing a stable and reliable platform for learning the fundamentals.

What makes it so effective for beginners is its balance. It’s fast but controllable, and the magnetic feel is distinct enough to guide turns without being overpowering. For parents, the best feature is its longevity. The RS3 M 2020 includes a simple tensioning system that allows for adjustments as your child’s skills grow. They may never even use it, but knowing the cube can adapt with them makes this a very smart initial investment.

QiYi MS Magnetic: Smooth Turning for Beginners

Does your child get easily frustrated by things that don’t feel "just right"? The QiYi MS Magnetic might be the perfect fit. Its defining characteristic is a uniquely smooth and fluid turning feel right out of the box. This makes practicing algorithms feel less like a chore and more like a satisfying fidget.

This cube is fantastic for younger solvers (ages 8-12) who are still developing fine motor control. The buttery turning reduces the physical effort required, allowing them to focus on the sequence of moves. It’s a very forgiving cube that helps build a positive early association with the hobby, encouraging long practice sessions without complaint.

YuXin Little Magic M: A Great Budget Starter

Perhaps you’re not yet sure if this cubing interest will last more than a week, or you need to buy several for multiple children. The YuXin Little Magic M is an incredible value that still provides the most essential feature for a beginner: magnets. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice proper learning tools to stay on a tight budget.

While it may not have the bells and whistles of more expensive models, its performance is more than enough for anyone learning to solve the cube and even master their first advanced methods. It’s lightweight, which is great for smaller hands, and its performance easily surpasses any non-specialty cube. This is the ideal choice for "testing the waters" without compromising on the quality needed to build good habits.

YJ Yulong V2 M: Reliable and Easy to Control

For the methodical learner who values precision over raw speed, the YJ Yulong V2 M is an outstanding choice. This cube is known for its stability. The magnets provide a reassuring snap that helps each turn land exactly where it should, preventing the overshooting and sloppy turning that can frustrate a new cuber.

Think of this cube as having built-in training wheels. It encourages deliberate, accurate movements, which is the foundation of all good technique. It’s a fantastic platform for drilling algorithms because its predictable nature helps the child’s brain and hands connect the patterns without fighting the hardware. This is a workhorse cube that builds a solid, reliable foundation.

DaYan GuHong V4 M: A Quiet, Smooth Operator

Is your child likely to be practicing their new skill in the back of the car, in the living room during movie night, or while a sibling is doing homework? The DaYan GuHong V4 M is a blessing for the whole family. Its most notable feature is its quiet operation. The smooth plastic and design minimize the clacky, distracting sounds common with many other speed cubes.

This practical feature shouldn’t be underestimated. A quieter cube means more opportunities for practice without disrupting the household. Beyond its low volume, the GuHong V4 M is a very capable and smooth-turning puzzle that feels comfortable and high-quality in the hands, making it a thoughtful choice for both the child and their environment.

GAN 356 M Lite: Premium Feel for Young Solvers

GAN is the premium brand in the speed cubing world, and the 356 M Lite is their entry-level offering. This is the perfect choice for the child (often ages 11-14) who is already showing serious dedication or who has an appreciation for high-quality equipment in their other hobbies. It delivers a taste of that top-tier, effortless performance without the premium price tag.

This cube has a light, airy, and fast feel that can be incredibly motivating. It feels like a "pro" tool, which can boost a young solver’s confidence and encourage them to take their new skill seriously. If your child is coming from a clunky toy-store cube and you want to show them what’s possible, the GAN 356 M Lite is a fantastic and inspiring step up.

MoYu MeiLong 3M: An Affordable Magnetic Option

If your primary goal is to get a magnetic cube in your child’s hands for the lowest possible price, the MoYu MeiLong 3M is often the answer. It’s an extremely affordable puzzle that delivers the core benefit of magnets: helping to align layers and teach proper turning technique. This cube makes the most important modern feature accessible to absolutely everyone.

The MeiLong 3M is a perfect "first cube" for very young children (ages 6-8) whose interest might be fleeting, or as a party favor or stocking stuffer. It provides a genuine speed cubing experience that is worlds better than a non-magnetic cube. It ensures that even the most casual exploration of the hobby starts with a tool that helps, rather than hinders, their progress.

Ultimately, the best cube is one that makes your child want to practice. Any of these options will provide a fantastic learning experience that respects your budget and sets your child up for success. By choosing a tool designed for learning, you’re investing not just in a puzzle, but in the development of patience, problem-solving, and perseverance.