Picking your first 3x3 can feel like stepping into a maze of magnets, tensions and brand names. I get it. I am Daniel, a long time UK cuber and the owner of Speedcubing.org in Peterborough, and I help beginners find the right first cube every week. This guide is here to make that choice easy, so you can start solving with confidence and enjoy every turn.

What makes a good beginner speedcube?

A great beginner cube should be easy to control, consistent and forgiving of rough turning while you learn finger tricks and algorithms. Here is what to look for:

Smooth turning out of the box. You should not have to fight the layers to turn.

Stable feel with light magnet strength. Magnets help each layer align, which means fewer lock ups and faster learning.

Adjustable tension. Small tweaks let you dial in your preferred feel as you improve.

Corner cutting that is decent, not wild. Good cutting helps you keep flow without constant regrips, but beginners benefit from a cube that does not fly out of alignment too easily.

Comfortable grip. A light, slightly matte finish often feels secure for small hands and longer sessions.

Reliable build quality. You want pieces that stay together and hardware that can handle practice.

You do not need the most expensive flagship to improve. The right setup and a cube that suits your turning style will do far more for your times.

Speed versus control, how to find your balance

When you try a new cube, think about feel first, not headline features. Ask yourself:

Do the layers start cleanly and stop cleanly? If it overshoots a lot, add a touch of thicker lube or slightly tighten the tensions.

Are the magnets strong enough that you can follow your lookahead without second guessing alignment?

Can you do quick U and R flicks without catching? If catches are frequent, try a looser tension by a quarter turn at a time.

For many beginners, a medium speed setup is perfect. You will build accuracy and confidence, then you can speed things up later with tuning or lighter lubes. If you want help, pop me an email and I will walk you through a simple setup.

Which speedcube should you buy for your first cube?

Here are beginner friendly picks I recommend often, with the reasons why they work:

MoYu RS3M series. The RS3M 2020 kicked off a wave of affordable, magnetic cubes that just feel right. It is smooth, stable and very tuneable. The newer RS3M V5 options add refined hardware and can grow with you.

QiYi and X-Man mid tier options. Clean, controllable turning that suits learners who want a slightly lighter feel.

MoYu WeiLong/AoLong series options: These cubes are very fast out of the box but are enjoyed by many speedcubers.

GAN entry to mid range. GAN models are known for light weight and precise adjustment. If you like a plush, airy feel, a GAN 356 style cube can be a lovely first choice.

If you are unsure where to start, browse our 3x3 collection to see what is in stock and message me for a quick, honest recommendation. You can explore every current 3x3 speedcube here: speedcube.

How do you choose between brands and features?

You will see lots of terms. Here is a simple way to compare without getting lost:

Magnets. Almost essential these days. Light to medium magnets help you track turns and stop overshooting. Strong magnets give more snap and control, but some beginners find them a bit heavy.

Maglev. This replaces springs with magnetic repulsion to reduce friction. The result is a smoother feel with quick rebound. It is not required for a first cube, but it can be very nice if you prefer a fast glide.

Tension systems. Tool free systems are convenient, but traditional screw and spring works fine. What matters is that you can adjust it easily.

Weight and finish. Lighter cubes reduce fatigue. Matte or UV coated surfaces improve grip. Gloss can feel slippery for some hands.

Corner cutting style. Massive cutting can be fun, but too much can mask sloppy turning. Moderate cutting with stable alignment is ideal while you learn.

Brands in brief:

MoYu. Reliable and great value. Their RS line is a brilliant starting point, and Weilong models add premium feel when you are ready.

GAN. Light, customisable and very refined. If you like to tweak settings and want a soft, premium glide, GAN is a strong pick.

QiYi and X-Man. Solid performance, good stability and price friendly options.

Real feedback from UK beginners

I love hearing how first timers get on. A few highlights from recent chats and reviews:
“Great shop. Order came quickly, correctly and was not too expensive. Would recommend buying from here.” Speed and value matter when you are keen to start.
“Daniel was incredibly helpful selecting the perfect cubes for me. I highly recommend visiting the warehouse in person.” If you are near Peterborough, you can test a few setups and leave with the one that feels best.
“A massive selection of cubes to pick from, from simple to very professional.” There is no single best cube for everyone, so having choice helps you find your match.

Insider favourites to try

If you want a short list, start here. These are consistent crowd pleasers for a first 3x3.

MoYu RS3M 2020 or RS3M V5. Friendly price, strong performance, easy to tune. You can add a small drop of lube for a silky feel and keep it for years as a backup.

A balanced GAN 356 variant. If you prefer light, soft turning with precise magnet options, the GAN route will make you smile.

X-Man Tornado line. Slightly different feel with smooth, controllable layers. Great if you prefer a quiet, gentle glide.

Want to see the whole 3x3 range in one place and filter by brand and features? Have a look at our collection of speed cubes.

Simple setup tips for your first week

Keep tensions even. One small turn per screw across all six faces. Test, then repeat if needed.
Add a tiny amount of speedcube lube near the core and on a few edge tracks. Less is more for beginners.

Practise with a timer for short sessions. Five solves, short break, then five more. Track average of 5 to see progress.

Wipe the cube after practice to keep dust away. A clean cube turns better and lasts longer.

When to upgrade

There is no rush. Upgrade when you know what you want more of. Maybe you crave a lighter feel, stronger magnets, or a snappier corner cut. By then, your first cube will still be useful as a travel or practice backup. If you are curious about premium options, you can try a GAN in store or borrow a friend’s to compare before you buy.

Final thoughts

A good beginner speedcube is one that feels comfortable, turns smoothly and helps you learn without fighting catches. Start with a stable magnetic 3x3, keep the setup simple and focus on consistent practice.

If you want personal advice, email me or drop by the warehouse in Peterborough, and I will help you test a few and pick the one that suits your hands.

Ready to explore? You can browse every 3x3 speedcube, compare options across brands and see what is in stock today: speedcube. If you already know you like a light, customisable feel, you can explore GAN models here: gan cubes.