The Best First Speedcube for Beginners in South Africa

If you are looking to buy your first speedcube in South Africa, choosing the right cube can be surprisingly difficult. There are hundreds of different 3x3 speedcubes available, ranging from inexpensive beginner cubes to advanced flagship models costing well over R1,000.

The good news? You don't need an expensive speedcube to start speedcubing.

For most beginners, a good first speedcube should be smooth, easy to control, reasonably fast, durable and affordable. It should also give you enough performance to continue improving without immediately needing to upgrade.

At CubeCo, we stock a range of speedcubes for South African cubers, from affordable beginner cubes to competition-ready models. In this guide, we'll look at some of the best first speedcubes for beginners and help you choose the right one for your budget and goals.

What Is a Speedcube?

A speedcube is a Rubik's Cube-style puzzle specifically designed for fast and smooth turning. Compared with a traditional Rubik's Cube, a speedcube generally has a smoother mechanism, better corner cutting and features designed to make rapid turning easier.

Many modern speedcubes are also magnetic. Small magnets inside the pieces help the layers align after each turn, making the cube easier to control during fast solves.

If you're learning how to solve a 3x3 and want to eventually improve your times, a speedcube can make the experience considerably more enjoyable.

What Should You Look for in Your First Speedcube?

When choosing a beginner speedcube, you don't necessarily need the latest technology or the most expensive model.

Instead, look for:

The Best First Speedcubes at CubeCo

1. QiYi Warrior S 3x3 – Best Budget First Speedcube

If you're looking for an affordable first speedcube, the QiYi Warrior S 3x3 is a great place to start.

At the time of writing, the QiYi Warrior S is just R49, making it one of the most accessible ways to get into speedcubing in South Africa. It is a budget 3x3 that is suitable for people buying their first cube.

Despite its low price, the Warrior S provides smooth turning and gives beginners a significant step up from a standard Rubik's Cube.

Why choose the QiYi Warrior S?

If you're not sure whether speedcubing is for you, this is a particularly low-risk way to get started.

Best for: Complete beginners and anyone looking for the cheapest good-quality speedcube.

2. MoYu MeiLong 3x3 Magnetic – Best Affordable Magnetic Cube

If you want to experience the benefits of a magnetic speedcube without spending much money, the MoYu MeiLong 3x3 Magnetic is another excellent beginner option.

The MeiLong 3x3 Magnetic is currently R99. It is part of our beginner cube range and offers magnetic assistance while remaining extremely affordable.

The magnets help the layers settle into position after turns, giving the cube a more controlled feel than many basic non-magnetic cubes.

For someone learning to solve their first 3x3, this can be a great balance between price and performance.

Why choose the MoYu MeiLong 3x3 Magnetic?

Best for: Beginners who want a magnetic speedcube without spending much.

3. MoYu Super RS3M 2022 – Best First Speedcube for Serious Beginners

If you already know that you want to get into speedcubing properly, the MoYu Super RS3M 2022 is worth considering.

The standard version is currently R149 on sale, making it an unusually affordable performance-oriented speedcube.

The Super RS3M 2022 is designed to provide substantially more performance and customisation than a basic beginner cube. It also includes adjustment tools and accessories in the box, allowing you to change the cube's setup as you become more familiar with your preferred turning style.

It's also a cube you can continue using as you improve. You don't necessarily need to replace it as soon as your solving times become faster.

Why choose the MoYu Super RS3M 2022?

Best for: Beginners who want a cube they can continue using as they improve.

So, Which First Speedcube Should You Buy?

There isn't one perfect speedcube for every beginner. Your best choice depends on your budget and how seriously you want to take speedcubing.

*Prices and availability can change, so check the our product page for the latest price before ordering.

Our recommendation for most beginners

If you're completely new to speedcubing and simply want to learn how to solve a cube, the QiYi Warrior S 3x3 is an inexpensive way to get started.

If you'd like the additional stability of magnets, the MoYu MeiLong 3x3 Magnetic is an excellent budget choice.

However, if you already know that you want to get faster, practise regularly or eventually compete, the MoYu Super RS3M 2022 gives you more room to grow while still being extremely affordable.

Do You Need an Expensive Speedcube to Get Fast?

No.

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is assuming that buying a more expensive speedcube will immediately make them faster.

Your biggest improvements will come from learning the solving method, practising algorithms, improving your turning technique and becoming more efficient with your solves.

A R100–R200 speedcube can be more than enough for someone learning to solve a Rubik's Cube.

As you become more experienced, you can start experimenting with different cube designs, magnet strengths, tension settings, lubricants and premium mechanisms to find what works best for your turning style.

As you become more experienced, you can start experimenting with different cube designs, magnet strengths, tension settings, lubricants and premium mechanisms to find what works best for your turning style.

What About Premium Speedcubes?

Once you've developed your skills, you may want to explore more advanced cubes.

Our 3x3 range includes premium options from brands such as GAN, MoYu, QiYi/X-Man and YJ, giving South African cubers plenty of options when they're ready to upgrade.

For example, advanced cubers can explore cubes such as the X-Man Tornado V5, while premium options can offer more advanced adjustment systems, stronger magnetic setups, ball-core technology, MagLev and specialised coatings.

But there's no need to start there.

Learn first. Upgrade when you know what you want from your cube.

Where Can I Buy a Speedcube in South Africa?

If you're looking for speedcubes in South Africa, we offer a range of 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5 and other twisty puzzles, along with lubricants, timers, bags and other cubing accessories.

We ship speedcubes throughout South Africa and offer an on-site pickup from our Durban location. The currently have a flat R100 shipping fee, with delivery generally taking around 1–4 working days depending on the destination.

Ready to Start Speedcubing?

You don't need an expensive collection of cubes to become a speedcuber. All you need is a good 3x3 speedcube, a willingness to learn and some practice.

For beginners in South Africa, the QiYi Warrior S, MoYu MeiLong 3x3 Magnetic and MoYu Super RS3M 2022 are three affordable options that can get you started without spending a fortune.

Start with the cube that fits your budget, learn how to solve it, and focus on improving your technique. Once you start getting faster, you can explore more advanced speedcubes and find the setup that suits your solving style.

Ready to start your speedcubing journey? Explore our beginner speedcubes and find your first 3x3 today.