QiYi 8×8 (Non-Magnetic) – Compact, Durable & Beginner-Friendly

The QiYi 8×8 is one of the most popular budget-friendly 8×8 speedcubes available, offering a compact size, smooth turning, and excellent durability. Measuring just 70mm, it is noticeably smaller and easier to handle than many traditional 8×8 cubes, making it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate cubers looking to step up to larger puzzles.

As QiYi’s first entry into the 8×8 market, this cube follows a familiar QiYi design style, delivering a stable, controllable, and predictable turning feel. This makes it particularly suitable for longer solves, where consistency and reliability matter more than outright speed.

The frosted plastic surface provides excellent grip, helping to reduce slips during turning while also maintaining a clean, scratch-resistant finish over time. Combined with its strong internal structure, the QiYi 8×8 is widely regarded as one of the most durable non-magnetic 8×8 cubes currently available.

Key Features

• 70mm compact size – easier to hold and control than larger 8×8 cubes
• Frosted exterior – improved grip and scratch resistance
• Smooth and stable turning – reliable performance straight out of the box
• Highly durable design – ideal for regular use and longer solves
• Excellent budget option – great value for those getting into big cubes

Who is the QiYi 8×8 for?

This cube is ideal for beginners to big cubes, casual solvers, or anyone looking for a reliable non-magnetic 8×8 without spending too much. Its smaller size makes it particularly suitable for cubers who find larger 8×8 puzzles uncomfortable or difficult to control.

If you’re deciding between options, the QiYi stands out for its balance of size, durability, and ease of use, making it one of the safest choices in the budget 8×8 category.

Looking for a Magnetic Upgrade?

If you want improved stability, alignment, and faster turning, consider upgrading to the QiYi 8×8 M. The magnetic version features a completely redesigned mechanism and a much smaller size, delivering a significantly more premium solving experience.

Quick Comparison

👉 Want a full breakdown of every option? Read our complete guide here: Best 8×8 Cubes Comparison Guide

MoYu MeiLong 8×8 – Classic Budget 8×8

The MoYu MeiLong 8×8 is the original entry in MoYu’s popular MeiLong big cube lineup, offering a simple, reliable, and affordable introduction to 8×8 solving.

As one of the earliest widely available budget 8×8 cubes, it quickly became a popular choice for cubers looking to try higher-order puzzles without spending too much. It delivers a smooth and stable turning feel, making it suitable for casual solving and beginners to big cubes.

Key Features

• Budget-friendly 8×8 – one of the most accessible ways to get into big cubes
• Smooth, consistent turning – reliable performance for casual solving
• Durable design – built to withstand regular use
• Proven MeiLong series – part of MoYu’s well-known budget lineup

How Does It Compare?

While the original MeiLong 8×8 remains a solid option, newer designs have significantly improved performance, size, and overall feel.

The MeiLong 8×8 V3 offers a smaller, lighter, and faster design, making it the best choice for most cubers looking for a modern non-magnetic 8×8.

If you're looking for magnetic performance, the MeiLong 8×8 V3M and QiYi 8×8 M provide a much more advanced solving experience.

Who is it for?

The MeiLong 8×8 is best suited for beginners, collectors, or those looking for a very low-cost 8×8. It’s a great way to experience solving an 8×8 without committing to a more advanced cube.

However, for most cubers, upgrading to a newer model will provide a noticeably better experience.

Quick Comparison

👉 Want to compare all available options? Read our full guide here: Best 8×8 Cubes Comparison Guide

YuXin Little Magic 8×8 – Smooth Budget 8×8 with a Larger Feel

The YuXin Little Magic 8×8 is a budget-friendly big cube that offers a smooth turning feel and solid overall performance, making it a good option for cubers who want to try an 8×8 without spending too much.

As part of the popular Little Magic series, this cube focuses on providing a reliable solving experience at an affordable price. It turns well and feels stable enough for casual solving, while still offering the satisfying challenge that makes higher-order cubes so enjoyable.

The main thing to note is its larger size. Compared to more recent 8×8 releases, the YuXin Little Magic is noticeably bigger in the hands, which some cubers may find less comfortable for long solves. However, others may actually prefer the larger feel, especially if they like a more substantial cube.

Key Features

• Budget-friendly 8×8 – an affordable way to get into big cubes
• Smooth turning feel – pleasant and reliable for casual solving
• Larger size – offers a bigger, more substantial feel than newer 8×8s
• Part of the YuXin Little Magic range – a well-known series of value-for-money puzzles

How Does It Compare?

The YuXin Little Magic 8×8 remains a decent budget option, but newer 8×8 cubes have become smaller, lighter, and easier to handle.

If you want the best non-magnetic 8×8 for most people, the MeiLong 8×8 V3 is the stronger all-round choice.

The QiYi 8×8 is also a more compact non-magnetic alternative, while the QiYi 8×8 M offers a much more advanced magnetic solving experience.

Who is it for?

The YuXin Little Magic 8×8 is best suited for cubers who want a low-cost 8×8 and do not mind a larger cube. It may also appeal to those who prefer a bigger puzzle in the hands rather than the increasingly compact feel of more modern designs.

For most cubers, a newer 8×8 will usually be the better option, but the YuXin still has a place as a smooth, affordable large-format 8×8.

Quick Comparison

👉 Want to compare all available options? Read our full guide here: Best 8×8 Cubes Comparison Guide

DianSheng Galaxy 8×8 M – The First Magnetic 8×8

The DianSheng Galaxy 8×8 M was a groundbreaking release, becoming the first mass-produced magnetic 8×8 speedcube. At the time, it set a new standard for big cube performance, introducing magnetic stability to one of the most challenging puzzles in speedcubing.

Even today, it remains a solid and reliable option, offering a smooth turning feel and improved layer alignment compared to older non-magnetic designs. The addition of magnets helps to guide each layer into place, making long solves more controlled and predictable.

Key Features

• Magnetic design – improved stability and layer alignment
• Smooth, polished turning feel – consistent and easy to control
• Durable construction – built to handle extended solving sessions
• Historic release – the first widely available magnetic 8×8

How Does It Compare?

While the DianSheng 8×8 M was revolutionary at launch, newer designs have since pushed performance further. Cubes such as the QiYi 8×8 M offer a smaller size, stronger magnetic feel, and a more refined overall solving experience.

Similarly, the MeiLong 8×8 V3M provides a more modern design with improved value, lighter weight, and better anti-pop performance.

Compared to these newer options, the DianSheng features a larger size and lighter magnet strength, which some cubers may still prefer for a smoother, less aggressive feel.

Who is it for?

The DianSheng 8×8 M is best suited for cubers who prefer a smoother, more relaxed turning style, or those interested in trying the original magnetic 8×8 design. It can also appeal to collectors who want to own a key milestone in big cube development.

However, for most cubers seeking the best performance, newer models will offer a more advanced solving experience.

Quick Comparison

👉 Want to compare all available options? Read our full guide here: Best 8×8 Cubes Comparison Guide

QiYi 8×8 M (Magnetic + Ball-Core) – The Ultimate High-Performance 8×8

The QiYi 8×8 M represents a huge leap forward in big cube design, combining magnetic positioning with an advanced ball-core system to deliver one of the most stable, controllable, and enjoyable 8×8 solving experiences currently available.

Unlike older 8×8 designs, this is not simply a scaled-up cube — QiYi has completely reworked the internal mechanism to create a puzzle that feels fast, precise, and incredibly stable, even during high-level solves. For many cubers, this is the first 8×8 that genuinely feels closer to solving a 7×7 rather than a bulky big cube.

At just 64.5mm, the QiYi 8×8 M is one of the smallest 8×8 cubes ever produced, making it significantly more comfortable to hold and far less fatiguing during long solves. This compact size, combined with strong magnetic alignment, allows for faster turning and more efficient regrips throughout your solve.

Key Features

• Magnetic + Ball-Core system – enhanced stability, improved alignment, and smoother turning
• Ultra-compact 64.5mm size – smaller than many 7×7 cubes for maximum comfort
• Fast, controllable turning – ideal for both speedsolving and long sessions
• Reduced lockups – improved internal design keeps layers aligned even at higher speeds
• Durable construction – built to handle frequent use and high TPS solving

Why Choose the QiYi 8×8 M?

If you're looking for the best 8×8 cube currently available, the QiYi 8×8 M is an easy recommendation. It offers a level of performance and usability that older magnetic 8×8s simply cannot match, particularly when it comes to size, stability, and overall solving feel.

Compared to the DianSheng 8×8 M, the QiYi is smaller, faster, and more refined. It also outperforms budget magnetic options like the MeiLong 8×8 V3M in terms of raw speed and premium feel.

For most cubers, this is the go-to choice for serious 8×8 solving, whether you're aiming to improve your times or simply want a more enjoyable big cube experience.

Looking for a Budget Option?

If you’re just getting started with 8×8 solving or prefer a lower-cost option, the QiYi 8×8 (Non-Magnetic) offers a more affordable introduction while still maintaining good durability and ease of use.

Quick Comparison

👉 Want to compare all available options? Read our full guide here: Best 8×8 Cubes Comparison Guide

MoYu MeiLong 8×8 V3M (Magnetic + Ball-Core) – Best Value Magnetic 8×8

The MoYu MeiLong 8×8 V3M is one of the most impressive value-for-money big cubes ever released, combining magnetic + ball-core technology with a compact, lightweight design. This latest generation represents a major step forward for the MeiLong series, offering a noticeably more refined and controllable solving experience.

Measuring just 65.5mm and weighing approximately 186g, the V3M is significantly smaller and lighter than older 8×8 designs. This makes it far more comfortable to hold and reduces fatigue during long solves, while still maintaining excellent stability across all layers.

Internally, the cube features a full 208-magnet layout combined with an 8-magnet ball-core system, providing improved layer alignment, smoother turning, and a more consistent feel throughout the solve. The result is a cube that feels stable and predictable, even at higher turning speeds.

Key Features

• Magnetic + ball-core system – enhanced stability and precise layer alignment
• 65.5mm compact size – easier handling and improved control
• Lightweight ~186g design – reduces fatigue during long solving sessions
• 208 magnets + core magnets – strong, even magnetic feel throughout
• Frosted (matte) finish – improved grip and reduced glare under bright lighting
• Excellent anti-pop design – ideal for newer big cube solvers

Why Choose the MeiLong 8×8 V3M?

If you're looking for a magnetic 8×8 at a more affordable price, the MeiLong V3M is easily one of the best options available. It offers a significant upgrade over non-magnetic cubes like the MeiLong 8×8 V3, with improved stability, better alignment, and a more premium overall feel.

Compared to the DianSheng 8×8 M, the V3M is lighter, more compact, and significantly better value. While it doesn’t quite match the raw performance of the QiYi 8×8 M, it comes surprisingly close at a much lower price point.

This makes the MeiLong 8×8 V3M the perfect choice for cubers moving into magnetic big cubes, or anyone looking for a high-performance 8×8 without paying flagship prices.

Best For

The MeiLong V3M is ideal for intermediate to advanced cubers, as well as beginners who want a more forgiving and stable magnetic cube. Its strong anti-pop design and consistent feel make it particularly suitable for those still getting used to solving larger puzzles.

Quick Comparison

👉 Want to compare all available options? Read our full guide here: Best 8×8 Cubes Comparison Guide