Which Mosaic Cube Kit Should You Buy? (Full Comparison Guide)
Cube mosaic kits turn speedcubes into pixel art. Arrange multiple cubes into a grid, rotate the faces to show different colours, and you’ve got a reusable “canvas” for portraits, logos, flags, gradients and competition displays. This guide compares the main mosaic systems we stock (GAN, MoYu, QiYi and YJ), explains stickerless vs stickered/tiled, and helps you pick the right grid size for your project.
Browse all options here: Mosaic Kits Collection
Quick Summary: What Matters Most
- Grid size = detail. More cubes means more visible “pixels”.
- Cube size = overall footprint + “pixel” look. Larger cubes look bolder from a distance.
- Surface type matters. Stickerless is low-maintenance; stickered/tiled can look sharper in high-contrast designs.
- Frames & modularity. Some systems are easier to expand into bigger mosaics.
Full Comparison Table
Pixel count below assumes you design on one face only: 9 visible “pixels” per cube (one colour per sticker/tile on that face).
| Brand | Cube Size | Surface Type | Grid Options | Cubes | Pixels | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoYu | 30mm (mosaic kits) Also available: 55mm cube size (3×3 variant) |
Stickerless |
3×3 5×5 10×10 |
9 / 25 / 100 | 81 / 225 / 900 | £19.95 / £29.95 / £101.95 | Durable stickerless builds, strong value for larger projects |
| GAN | 28mm | Tiled / stickered |
6×6 10×10 |
36 / 100 | 324 / 900 | £42.95 / £101.95 | Premium presentation, crisp “pixel edge” look, modular display setups |
| QiYi | 28mm | Stickered | 10×10 | 100 | 900 | £99.95 | Budget-friendly 10×10 option with a classic stickered look |
| YJ | 35mm | Stickerless | 8×8 | 64 | 576 | £59.95 | Bold “big pixel” look, easy-to-see displays, a strong mid-size option |
Note: If any product URL on your store uses a different handle, just update the links above (the comparison structure stays the same).
How Many Cubes Do You Need? (Grid Size Guide)
Bigger mosaics aren’t just physically larger — they give you more “pixels”, meaning smoother gradients, clearer faces, and more readable text/logos.
| Grid | Cubes | Pixels (single-face) | Typical Finished Size (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3×3 | 9 | 81 | ~16-17cm (55mm cubes) | Small icons, quick desk builds |
| 5×5 | 25 | 225 | ~15–18cm (30mm cubes) | Logos, flags, beginner portraits |
| 6×6 | 36 | 324 | ~17–18cm (28mm cubes) | Compact designs with extra detail |
| 8×8 | 64 | 576 | ~28–32cm (35mm cubes) | Bold medium displays, easier viewing from distance |
| 10×10 | 100 | 900 | ~28–32cm (28–30mm cubes) | Detailed portraits, large backdrops |
Stickerless vs Stickered/Tiled: Which Is Better?
Stickerless (MoYu, YJ)
- Durable: no peeling or worn stickers over time
- Low-maintenance: great for repeated builds, clubs, classrooms and events
- Consistent look: colour is part of the plastic
Stickered/Tiled (GAN, QiYi)
- Crisp “pixel edges”: strong separation between colours can look very clean in high-contrast designs
- Classic mosaic aesthetic: especially if you like a more “pixel-art” feel
- Note: stickered systems can need more care over long-term use
Brand-by-Brand: What Each Kit Is Best At
GAN Mosaic Kits (28mm, 6×6 / 10×10)
GAN mosaics use smaller 28mm cubes with a tiled/stickered finish, and are popular for premium-looking displays and modular setups. If you want a compact build, start with the GAN 6×6 (36 cubes). For higher detail and bigger projects, the GAN 10×10 (100 cubes) is the full-size option.
MoYu Mosaic Kits (30mm stickerless, 3×3 / 5×5 / 10×10)
MoYu mosaics are stickerless and available in more sizes, making them excellent for stepping up gradually: start small, then expand. The MoYu 3×3 is a great entry point, the MoYu 5×5 adds more detail while staying compact, and the MoYu 10×10 is ideal for large portraits and backdrops.
QiYi Mosaic Kit (28mm stickered, 10×10)
QiYi offers a straightforward 10×10 set at a slightly lower price point, with a classic stickered look. If you want a 10×10 mosaic without going for premium branding, the QiYi 10×10 (100 cubes) is a strong option.
YJ Mosaic Kit (35mm stickerless, 8×8)
YJ uses larger 35mm stickerless cubes in an 8×8 grid, creating a bold “big pixel” look that can be easier to see from a distance. If you want a mid-size build that’s visually striking without being a full 10×10 system, the YJ 8×8 (64 cubes) is a great choice.
Which Mosaic Kit Should You Choose?
If you’re a beginner
- MoYu 3×3 (9 cubes) – quick, affordable, easy to display
- MoYu 5×5 (25 cubes) – great first “real” mosaic size
If you want the best balance of size and impact
- YJ 8×8 (64 cubes) – bold look, mid-size build
- GAN 6×6 (36 cubes) – compact but detailed
If you want detailed portraits or backdrops
- MoYu 10×10 (100 cubes) – stickerless durability for frequent use
- GAN 10×10 (100 cubes) – crisp “pixel edge” look and premium presentation
- QiYi 10×10 (100 cubes) – value-focused 10×10 option
FAQ
How does “pixel count” work on a cube mosaic?
Most mosaic designs use one face of each cube. A 3×3 face has 9 stickers/tiles, so each cube contributes 9 visible “pixels”. That’s why a 10×10 mosaic (100 cubes) gives you 900 visible pixels.
Can I expand my mosaic later?
Many kits are modular and can be expanded by combining sets into a larger canvas. If you’re planning a large portrait, starting with a 10×10 set is the simplest base.
Are mosaic cubes usable as normal cubes?
Yes — each cube is still a fully functional 3×3. Many people keep a few aside as spares for casual solves but obviously they are much smaller than normal cubes so are a bit more fiddly to solve.
Shop the Full Range
Ready to build your own cube art? Browse everything here: Mosaic Kits Collection
Tip: If you post your mosaic build on social media, tag us — we love seeing what you create.
