The Best 4x4 Speed Cube - What 4x4 Should I Buy?

The Best 4x4 Speed Cube - What 4x4 Should I Buy?

Ari Ari
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A common we are asked is "what is the best NxN speed cube", in this case, "the best 4x4 speed cube". In this article, we will cover the best 4x4 speed cube as of mid-2021.

Performance

Two important aspects to consider in choosing 4x4s are how often the 4x4 pops and how far it is able to corner cut

Popping

Popping refers to when a piece, usually an edge or inner edge piece, gets dislodged from the puzzle. This usually occurs when the puzzle's tensions are loose and/or your turning is too aggressive. Some puzzles pop less than others, but most modern 4x4s at reasonable tensions tend to pop less, provided you have reasonable turning.

Corner Cutting

Corner cutting is how much a puzzle can make a turn before completing a previous turn. For instance, turning the U or upper layer 45° then turning R or right layer 90° clockwise on most modern cubes will cause the U layer to snap" or cut the corner.

Modern 4x4s corner cut far less than current 3x3s can, which is to be expected to be a puzzle with extra layers. However, your turning should not be solely reliant on corner-cutting, especially with big cubes and managing the extra layers when turning quickly. However current most 4x4s can a bit less 45° which should aid in slight inaccuracies in turning.

Size

4x4s come in a range of sizes, with the majority as of writing being in the 62mm to 59mm range, with 4x4s commonly sized at around the 60mm mark. The smaller size arguably allows for easier management of the 4 layers and a more compact turning experience, with puzzles like the YJ ZhiSu Mini Magnetic 4x4 at an astonishing 56mm - the same size as a standard 3x3! 4x4s seem to be trending downwards in size, which some with smaller hands may prefer whilst others with larger hands may prefer to stick with the larger 60 to 62mm sizes.

Sticker/Stickerless Shades

Most, if not all modern 4x4s come in stickerless variants, with less coming in the traditional stickered variant. The vibrance and contrast between shades can change between different models, so we recommend checking out our catalog of 4x4s to find what you like best. Alternatively, if the 4x4 you are looking to purchase or have already is stickered, you can check out our in-house 4x4 sticker picker, cut from high-quality vinyl and is the perfect replacement for any old and chipped stickers you may already have.

4x4 Sticker Picker

4x4 Sticker Picker

$ 0.00

Want to replace those old peeling stickers or just add some personality to your puzzle? Our Cosmic Stickers are the perfect solution. Cosmic stickers are designed by our sticker expert to be a perfect fit for your puzzles and have fantastic grip! The vinyl that we… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<

Not sure what stickers to pick? Check out our free cosmic sticker shades guide.

Browse our collection of 4x4s, and easily compare stickerless and stickered shades!

Our Recommendations

Best price to performance

YJ MGC 4x4 - $19.95

The YJ MGC 4x4 is only $19.95, but it boasts flagship performance and is the choice of many top speedcubers, with great corner cutting and availability in both stickered black and stickerless variants. With set-up and tensioning, this cube performs amazingly for the price. It is factory magnetized and turns extremely smoothly.

High End

MoYu AoSu WR M 4x4  - $42.95

The MoYu AoSu WR M 4x4 is MoYu's flagship magnetic 4x4, measuring in at 59mm, slightly smaller than the standard 4x4 which makes it a great option if you have smaller hands. The puzzle features half-bright stickerless shades and is particularly stable with its factory magnets.

Budget - With Magnets

MoYu RS4 M 4x4 - $14.95

The MoYu RS4 M 4x4 is a very underrated 4x4 and is factory magnetic for only $14.95. It boasts a 59mm size similar to the AoSu WR M, but is slightly heavier. This cube is highly recommendable to beginners and intermediates, or those who are just looking to get their feet wet in a new puzzle after having learned to solve the 3x3.

Ultra Budget - Non Magnetic

MoFang JiaoShi MeiLong 4x4 - $6.95

At only $6.95, this MFJS MeiLong 4x4 is extremely cheap but still has a relatively alright performance price considered. If you don't want magnets, although for bigger cubes we recommend them as it helps with aligning layers. This puzzle comes in frosted plastic and corner cuts relatively well for its extremely low price.

Ultra Budget - Magnetic

MoFang JiaoShi MeiLong Magnetic 4x4 - $6.95

The same puzzle, but magnetized! With magnets, the puzzle layer aligns much easier, and is overall much more stable! Highly recommendable puzzle.

Lubricating and Tensioning 4x4s

To bring out the best performance in your 4x4, tensioning and lubricating are highly recommended - this can be achieved by doing it yourself or getting out in-house experts to do it for you - read more about our premium puzzle options here, and our selection of lubricants here.

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