Rubik's Cubes for Kids: Discover the Different Types
Rubik's Cube is one of the most popular and favoured types of toy among both children and adults. Invented in 1974 by the Hungarian architecture professor Erno Rubik, this 3D cube became a global cultural icon six years later, in the 1980s. Initially, this cube was created to solve a structural engineering problem about how to move parts independently without the entire mechanism falling apart. In fact, he was trying to help his students understand 3D objects and spatial movement. What's interesting is that Erno Rubik spent more than one month solving its own invention for the first time, and today, the fastest record for solving 3x3 is 3.08 seconds, achieved by Yiheng Wang from China. He beat the record at the XMUM Cube Open 2025 in Malaysia on 16th of February, 2025.
Types of Rubik's Cubes
The most basic type of Rubik's Cube is 3x3, and this is the most widely popular type of puzzle, however, nowadays, there's an array of rubiks cubes available on the market. Regardless of the type and their level of complexity, their purpose is quite simple - to challenge and teach you different things. In order to choose the right one, you should go over the many models offered on the market.
3x3 – Classic
As already mentioned, this is the first, most iconic and widely used type of rubiks cubes available on the market. This cube puzzle consists of three layers on each of its six sides, challenging you to align all squares of the same colour on each side.
Even though it seems impossible to solve at first, the truth is that there are some tricks that you can find useful to solve it.
Usually, beginners start with the layer-by-layer method as this allows them to break the puzzle down easily and step by step.
The intermediate users can use the CFOP method for faster solutions. Advanced users, on the other hand, can use an advanced algorithm combined with finger tricks that help them solve the puzzle in no time.
2x2 – Mini
Known as the Mini Cube, the 2x2 cube puzzle is a much simpler version. It contains fewer pieces, making it more approachable for children and beginners. When compared to the 3x3, this cube is easier to manoeuvre and work with, giving you the chance to solve it faster.
4x4 – Rubik's Revenge
The 4x4 Rubik's Revenge is more complex than the 3x3 as it features four layers on each of its six sides. Being larger and containing more layers makes it more challenging to solve. This cube certainly isn't the best type to start with for beginners and children. Solving it can be done with the reduction and the Yau method of speed.
5x5 – Professor's
The Professor's cube is even more complex than the 4x4, as it features 5 layers on each of its sides. This cube presents newer challenges, requiring more sophisticated solving strategies.
6x6
The 6x6 cube is way larger and pushes the limits of traditional solving. It's super complex, and it requires knowing all solving techniques while having the ability to solve and present well in super challenging environments.
Pyraminx
As the name suggests, this is not a cube but a tetrahedron-shaped puzzle that requires a different solving approach. It consists of corner pieces and four triangle face, making it quite popular among users. This puzzle is similar to the basic 3x3 cube or even the 2x2, as it requires a layer-by-layer method to solve it. It's popular among beginners mainly, as children love the cube form better.
Megaminx
The megaminx is a dodecahedron-shaped puzzle featuring 12 faces. This puzzle is super complex, by now the most complex of the aforementioned types. According to users, the Megaminx differs a lot from the cube puzzles, and it's mainly popular among advanced players.
Skewb
Unlike other Rubik's cubes, this one rotates around its corners, making it more unique and challenging. The Skewb puzzle has a cube form, however, it rotates differently. Even though it seems complex, practice shows that it's great for both beginners and more advanced cubers.
As you can see, the choice of these puzzles is huge, so choosing the right one isn't just about choosing randomly. It's more about finding the one that challenges you the most, or to be more precise, the one that challenges your child the most. That's why you should carefully go over them and find the ones that will best meet his skills and preferences regarding size, shape and appearance. In the end, not all puzzles look and feel the same, so considering all options available on the market will help you make the right choice. But if your child is a beginner, it's best if you start small by choosing the most basic 3x3 or even 2x2 puzzle in order to improve his skills over time.
