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The 7 best packing cubes of 2024, chosen by travel experts.

Packing cubes are the ultimate travel accessory.

The Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Even the most seasoned travelers can struggle to  pack efficiently , which is why packing cubes – organizational containers for your luggage – are so popular. You don't have to spend a lot of money for a quality set, either; in fact, some of the best packing cube sets are available for less than $20.

Read on to discover our packing cube picks in a variety of categories, based on travel expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

• Best Overall: Veken Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓
• Best Compression: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set on Amazon
• Best for Backpacking: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set on Amazon
• Best Formalwear: Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set on Amazon
• Best for Kids: EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Best Size Options: Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Best for Style: Lug Compression Packing Cubes on QVC

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and supply chain issues.)

Best Overall: Veken Packing Cubes

Not only do the Veken Packing Cubes have 13,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, but they're also super affordable (and often discounted), making them a traveler favorite. "I never thought I needed packing cubes until I tried out the Veken set and realized how much easier packing (and unpacking!) could be," says Catriona Kendall , associate editor of Travel at U.S. News. "I usually have trouble staying organized, but I've taken these cubes everywhere from weekends away to a campervan vacation in New Zealand, and with all the different pieces in the set I'm finally able to keep my belongings in order."

The eight-piece set includes four mesh packing cubes plus four bags designated for dirty laundry, a pair of shoes, toiletries and miscellaneous small items. The Veken Packing Cubes are available in a dozen different colors.

Price: $23.99 or less

Best Compression: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

"I swear by the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set," says Christine Sarkis, editor in chief at FamilyVacationist. "They're lightweight, you can see into them without needing to unzip them, and the fabric texture isn't slippery so as you're wedging carefully rolled items of clothing into them, they don't pop out." Made from recycled materials, these durable, water-resistant packing cubes are also backed by Eagle Creek's lifetime warranty. "I'm going on 20 years with mine!" says travel expert Candice Criscione of Mom in Italy. The Pack-It Reveal Cube Set includes three packing cubes in different sizes.

Price: $40 or less

Best for Backpacking: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set

The Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set from Eagle Creek comes highly recommended by frequent travelers, particularly for backpacking trips. Available in a set of two or three, these packing cubes are lightweight yet durable, with self-repairing zippers (standard on all Eagle Creek packing cubes) designed to withstand overpacking. The Isolate packing cubes are also machine-washable – a rarity for packing cubes.

Caroline Teel, managing editor at SmarterTravel, uses packing cubes specifically for adventure travel and appreciates that these compression bags are pre-treated with an anti-microbial agent that prevents odors. "Having used them on an eight-day hiking trip on Mount Kilimanjaro, I can confirm they work in that department!" she says. She adds that while she's tested a variety of packing cubes, she always comes back to Eagle Creek.

Price: $44.95 or less

Best for Formalwear: Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set

Slightly different from the Pack-It Reveal and Pack-It Isolate, the Pack-It Starter Set includes a large mesh folder with folder board for minimizing wrinkled garments – a good alternative to a traditional garment bag . The folder can hold up to 12 dress shirts, dresses, and the like, making this set an ideal choice for business travel or cruise vacations with formal nights. The other two cubes (small and medium-sized) are ideal for casual clothing, undergarments and accessories. These packing cubes are also treated with an anti-microbial agent to block odor-causing bacteria and – sans the folding board – they are water-resistant and machine washable.

Price: $54.95 or less

Best for Kids: EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes

Courtesy of EzPacking

"My kids prefer these clear packing cubes," says Sarkis. "They're a little deeper and more rigid, and you can see everything in them, which helps kids pack for themselves and stay organized on the road." Even if you travel with little ones , you may find these clear packing cubes useful for organizing baby gear and locating essentials on the go. The EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes come in a set of four and are available in a variety of colors.

Price: $56.99 or less

Best Size Options: Tripped Travel Gear Compression Cubes

Courtesy of Tripped Travel Gear

Many travelers like the compression cubes offered by Tripped Travel Gear, a small business owned by a globetrotting couple (and their adorable dog). Their innovative luggage line includes a two-, six- and seven-piece set of packing cubes; the seven-piece set is especially noteworthy for its variety of cubes, which includes a shoe bag, laundry bag and a tube-shaped cube that's useful for storing electronics such as hair irons.

These packing cubes also feature an external pocket. "You can use this pocket to store clothing as you use it, to keep the clean and dirty clothes separate," says Andrew Uyal of the travel blog Flights and Footsteps. The packing cubes are available in solid colors as well as national park and other travel-themed prints.

Best for Style: Lug Compression Packing Cubes

Courtesy of Lug

Luggage expert and senior editor of Travel at U.S. News, Rachael Hood , loves the fun colors and patterns – which include tartan plaid, polka dots and florals – on these packing cubes by Lug. The lightweight cubes can store a lot before compressing down to just one inch in thickness, and they each feature a carrying handle. "They make packing so easy," says Hood. "I can fit six to eight tops in the larger one and the smaller cube is ideal for socks and other accessories." She adds that these packing cubes make the perfect travel gift .

Price: $38 or less

How to Use Packing Cubes

• Pack a color-coded set for each person in your group: " We have different color packing cubes for each member of the family so when we open the suitcase, it's easy for everyone to grab their own color and get organized in the hotel room or wherever," says travel writer Terry Ward, who is frequently on the go with her family. She also notes that her family is able to save on luggage fees by using packing cubes in a single checked suitcase .
• Consider buying more than one set: Packing cubes are also useful for organizing toiletries, shoes , travel adapters and cords, and other miscellaneous items.
• Categorize each packing cube: Pack each cube by activity or clothing type, such as activewear, swimwear and underwear.
• Pack with the mesh side facing up: If you buy mesh packing cubes, this packing tip will help you easily identify the contents of each packing cube (which can be especially useful in the event you need to quickly locate items while at the airport).
• Roll your clothing: Many travelers swear by rolling their clothing instead of folding it in their luggage, noting this tactic saves space and minimizes wrinkles. Use the same method when placing items into your packing cubes.
• Use them for dirty laundry: If your packing cubes don't have pockets for dirty laundry like the Tripped Travel Gear bags do, you can still use them to contain dirty laundry; just avoid using mesh cubes if you're concerned about the smell of soiled clothing pervading your bag.
• Take them with you on errands: Packing cubes are useful for everyday outings, too. "I use a smaller packing cube to keep diapers, wipes and a changing pad handy in my backpack when we're out exploring," says Criscione.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most travelers and travel experts agree packing cubes are worth buying – especially considering there are so many affordable, quality options on the market. Because they're designed to save space, they can help you avoid unnecessary luggage fees. Plus, they can be used universally in everything from your luggage set to your weekender bag and even a backpack .

Yes, packing cubes save space by organizing clothing and accessories into individual compartments that neatly fit inside luggage. To maximize space in your luggage, choose compression packing cubes, which eliminate extra air and zip nearly flat.

Compression packing cubes zip nearly flat once packed, while traditional packing cubes maintain their shape and fit neatly into your luggage like pieces in a puzzle. While the decision between packing cubes and compression bags is ultimately a matter of personal preference, most travel experts agree compression packing cubes are best.

Rolling your clothing will help to maximize space and prevent wrinkles, regardless of whether or not you use packing cubes.

Packing cubes are reusable (and in many cases, washable), making them a more economical and sustainable alternative to Ziploc bags.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross strangely enjoys decluttering, a hidden "talent" that's especially useful when traveling. She owns the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set and recommends it to everyone she knows.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Toiletry Bags
• The Best Neck Pillows for Travel
• The Most Useful Travel Accessories
• The Best Compression Socks for Travel

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The 6 Best Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We love space-saving packing cubes for long and short trips, and these are the best out there.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Want

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Packing cubes are hands down one of the best travel hacks out there. Whether you’re a meticulous list-maker or planning procrastinator, investing in a set of packing cubes is a game changer for staying organized and saving space without having to put in too much effort. 

At Travel + Leisure , we take our travel hacks seriously so we put 29 sets of regular and compression packing cubes to the test both in our New York City lab and out during real travels to find the best ones on the market. We understand that everyone has unique preferences so we also found picks for travelers embarking on long trips, outdoor adventurers, and minimalist packers looking for one just a few cubes to do the trick.

Best Overall

Veken packing cubes with laundry and shoe bag.

This durable set includes four packing cubes, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag. 

These have to be hand-washed and air-dried. 

If you’re traveling internationally or taking an extended vacation, consider picking up a set of these Veken packing cubes from Amazon. The four packing cubes are thoughtfully designed with a clear strip on the top so travelers can easily see what they packed, and there are small graphics printed onto each cube recommending what type of clothing item could be stored inside. This set also includes a shoe bag and a laundry bag so you can keep your items separated and organized. We like that there are several different sizes so you don't have small items moving around in a cube that's too big or trying to cram a larger sweatshirt into something too small.

We think these nylon and polyester packing cubes are made to last with a thick fabric exterior and sturdy zippers and stitchwork. After six months of use, there is no sign of wear and the zippers are holding up well. Although we found the cubes to be slightly heavier than others we tested so keep that in mind if you’re an overpacker or striving to stay under the standard 50-pound limit for checked luggage. 

The Details: 6 bags included | 17.5 x 12.15 x 4 (extra large), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 3.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 16.96 x 9.06 x 4.72 (shoe bag), and 20 x 14 inches (laundry bag) | Nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polyester 

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes

The set includes four cubes and a laundry bag. 

The mesh tops aren’t waterproof or resistant.

Whether you’re traveling with family or heading on a solo trip , these Shacke packing cubes are a steal of a deal. The set includes extra-large, large, medium, and small packing cubes, as well as a laundry bag for dirty clothes. Designed for up to 14 days of traveling, we found that the cubes lived up to their promise of providing plenty of space for a variety of types of clothing like pants, toiletries, shirts, and jackets. The cubes easily fit in the carry-on suitcase we used and with the various sizes, you can customize how many cubes you want to pack depending on the type of suitcase you have. 

While the cubes likely won’t prevent water from seeping through due to the mesh tops, you can easily see what you packed inside so you won’t have to unpack everything to find a piece of clothing. During our tests, we felt the durable nylon material and zippers would hold up well with prolonged use, and you can't beat the price for the full set either. 

The Details: 5 bags included | 17.5 x 12.75 x 4 inches (extra large), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 3.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), and 20.5 x 15.75 inches (laundry bag) | Nylon

Best Sustainable

Peak design packing cubes.

Peak Design uses 100 percent recycled materials to make the cubes.

The easy access zippers were finicky to use.

San Francisco-based Peak Design is known for its slew of sustainable outdoor gear made with carbon neutral and recycled materials, including expandable packing cubes. We tried the small- and medium-sized cubes and found them to be spacious, well-built, and resistant to water after splashing a bit on the exterior. After regularly using the cubes for six months, we loved the capacity of the medium cube and found the smaller option to be good for packing undergarments or even toiletries. We especially love that the cubes are made from 100 percent recycled nylon that is solution-dyed to prevent excessive water use following the brand’s carbon-neutral footprint and each bag expands to fit even more items.

The cubes can compress down to a height of 3.1 inches, but we discovered they function best as an expandable packing cube that can increase in size, rather than a compression cube that is designed to heavily consolidate clothes. Additionally, the cubes feature an “easy access” zipper so travelers can reach inside the bag without opening the whole thing, but we think this feature is unnecessary to use due to the zipper getting snagged. 

The Details: 1 bag included | Various sizes | Ripstop nylon

Best Personalized

Paravel packing cube quad.

The cubes can be monogrammed with up to three letters for an additional $25. 

The large cube is so big it takes up most of the space of a carry-on bag.

Indulge your love for matching with this set of personalized packing cubes from Paravel. Although it costs an extra $25, you can get up to three letters embroidered onto the set of four packing cubes with 11 color options. If you're shopping for a stylish, functional personalized travel gift , this is a wonderful option. The set comes with one large, one medium, and two small-sized packing cubes that can hold an impressive amount of clothing and still fit in most carry-on bags. These cubes are great for any type of traveler, but especially for those looking for water-resistant cubes for checked bags that will be handled outside in different weather conditions. After six months of use, we found that these cubes provide exceptional organization with room to pack bulkier items in the larger bags and toiletries or undergarments between the two smaller cubes.

As a bonus, these cubes won't take up much space in between trips. They're easy to store and stack right inside one another. The size variety is also convenient for different types of trips and we love having the option to use one, two, three, or all four bags in a checked bag if needed.

The Details: 4 bags included | 18 x 3.75 x 12 inches (large), 12.75 x 3.75 x 10 inches (medium), and 8.2 x. 3.75 x 6.25 inches (small) | Nylon

Calpak Packing Cubes 5-piece Set

There are 14 designs to choose from including groovy blue, retro sunset, and cheetah prints. 

The set might be better suited for frequent fliers.

If you travel often and are looking to invest in a splurge-worthy set of packing cubes, you can’t go wrong with these from Calpak. We love the unique design options with 14 colors and patterns to choose from including classics like solid pink and gold marble, or limited-edition prints like a wavy retro sunset and groovy blue picks. The set includes one large, one medium, and two small cubes, as well as a water-resistant envelope for cosmetics.

After six months of using these packing cubes during international trips, we found that all the bags were spacious enough to fit a variety of clothing options for organized and efficient packing. We love the diversity of sizes to hold things like undergarments as well as shoes if needed. We also love the option to bring a folded large cube to keep dirty clothes separate. The polyester material feels well-made and built to last, and the zippers zipped without any issues which helps justify the higher price point for this set. And, if you’re traveling with your family, we think the set would be great for separating and organizing clothing for several travelers thanks to the removable identification tags where you can write what clothing went into each cube. 

The Details: 5 bags included | 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large), 15 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small), and 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope) | Polyester

Best Compression

Bagsmart compression packing cubes.

We were able to fit 10 days worth of travel and only used four out of the five cubes.

Pattern options are limited.

Available in five different sizes, these compression packing cubes from Bagsmart are ideal for compressing your essentials while traveling with limited space. We used these cubes for 10 days worth of travel and were able to pack away five dresses, five tops, two skirts, a pair of shorts, multiple swimsuits, a jumpsuit, a jean jacket, a sweater, and several pairs of underwear and bras. The cubes were so good at compressing our items that we only needed to use four out of the five to pack away our things.

We were especially impressed with how well-constructed and durable the cubes are. We packed them to the point of bursting, and the zipper never snagged and we were never once concerned about anything ripping. Our clothing also didn’t wrinkle as much thanks to how tightly they were compressed.

The Details : 5 bags included |  15 x 10.5 x 6 inches (large), 13 x 9 x 5 (medium),  13 x 5 x 5 (small), 21.5 x 12 inches (shoe bag) | Polyster

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Other Packing Cubes We Liked

There were several sets of packing cubes we highlighted below that almost made our list of best packing cubes, but they fell short during testing due some minor flaws we noticed. 

Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes : This set of compression packing cubes is great for budget-friendly travelers but our top pick is also a compression set that had a better overall performance in testing. 

Lean Travel Premium Compression Packing Cubes : The set of three cubes is made with thick polyester that still feels lightweight, but besides that, there weren’t any standout features compared to our other top performers. 

Briggs & Riley Packing Cubes : These cubes were spacious and water-resistant, but for $59, we expected a higher performance to match the price for three standard packing cubes.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

We evaluated 29 sets of both compression and regular packing cubes in our New York City lab and based our testing on traits like capacity, design, quality, and value. First, we unpackaged the sets of packing cubes and examined the quality of the bags by twisting and pulling them to check the stitchwork and using the zippers to see if they snagged or glided smoothly. After packing the cubes with a variety of clothing items like pants, jackets, undergarments, and shirts, we placed the cubes in a carry-on suitcase to see how well they fit in a piece of luggage. Our top contenders for capacity and design provided plenty of space for a range of clothing items with useful and thoughtful features that made packing easier and more organized.

For compression-specific packing cubes, we paid close attention to how much space the packing cube saved once we zipped the compression zippers. For all cubes, we splashed a bit of water on the exterior and felt the inside to see if any of the packed contents were damp. After testing each set of cubes in our lab, we sent them home to be tested during real travels around the world for six months. We regularly collected insights on durability, functionality, and overall quality during this period to ensure each cube continued to impress.

Tips for Buying Packing Cubes

Compare compression versus regular packing cubes.

Compression packing cubes are designed to condense clothing by using the compression zipper to pack down the clothes in order to save space in a suitcase. Regular packing cubes are mainly for organizing clothes efficiently rather than consolidating clothing to make more room in a piece of luggage. Compression packing cubes can usually be expanded or compressed which gives travelers the best of both worlds.

Look for sets that include multiple sizes

One of the best parts about packing cubes is staying organized on the go with little effort. To help you keep like items together, consider buying a set of multiple packing cubes with different sizes. That way, you can know without opening the case what cube holds your pants, your shirts, your undergarments, and more. The various size options also let you mix and match the cubes to fit whatever luggage you're bringing from weekender duffles to large checked bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flexible fabrics like nylon or polyester are best for packing cubes as they'll allow you to pack the most items. These materials also tend to be water-resistant, keeping your items extra safe throughout your travels.

When it comes to saving space, experts say you can fold your clothes or roll them — it ultimately doesn’t matter. The most important thing is maximizing your space, and packing cubes are great for doing just that. Besides saving space, packing cubes can help you stay organized before and during your trip making them a must-have travel organizer .

For travelers who usually use checked luggage, consider purchasing a set with five or six cubes included so you can maximize space in each suitcase. And, if you’re a carry-on-only type of traveler, one or two packing cubes in small or medium sizes could be better suited for your needs, and you won’t have to worry about storing a large set either. Backpackers or campers should consider getting just one or two compression or regular cubes that can fit in a backpack or weekender bag for lighter packing .

Depending on the size of your packing cubes and luggage, the bags can be placed in either compartment of a suitcase or duffel bag . As always, you'll want to do your best to evenly distribute the heavy packing cubes so the bag doesn't become top or bottom-heavy. Ideally, the rectangle shape of your cubes should make it easy to take up every inch of space in a suitcase.

When it comes to organizing and maximizing precious luggage real estate, you're going to need more than just compression packing cubes. Whether you're traveling internationally or domestically via airplane, train, bus, or car, these simple solutions will have you packing like a pro on your next adventure.

Bounce Rapid Touch-up 3 in 1 Wrinkle Releaser Clothing Spray : This TSA-approved, multi-use product smooths, resolves static, and adds a clean, fresh scent all in a few spritzes.

Electrolux Garment Steamer : This travel steamer boasts a large water tank, an 8-foot-long cord, multiple steam settings, and only weighs one pound.

Mossio Shoe Bag : This compact bag is waterproof, fits multiple pairs of shoes, and can be used to store other items like toiletries and dirty laundry.

Steamline Luggage The Palm Cosmetics Set : The small, medium, and large pouches are made with fabric derived from recycled water bottles. Between the three pouches, you can fit a variety of travel essentials like phone chargers, makeup, an eReader, and more. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is an associate commerce editor at Travel + Leisure , covering all of the best travel products from luggage to footwear. A recently converted compression packing cube user, Anna didn't know what she was missing out on until investing in multiple sets of packing cubes. She put together this list of the best packing cubes based on the results from the packing cube test we conducted in our New York City lab.

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Related Articles

11 Best Magnetic Toys for Kids That Are Fantastically Fun

These educational toys keep kids happy while they learn.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Magnetic Toy

Magna-tiles 100-piece clear colors set.

Best Value Magnetic Toy

Mudpuppy magnetic puzzles.

Best Magnetic Toy Building Blocks

Geomag magicube 32-piece set.

Kids and parents count magnetic toys as among the least frustrating and most satisfying. Magnetic blocks hold together, so kid-built structures don't easily collapse, while magnetic puzzles and play sets can be used in the backseat of the car without pieces falling this way and that. Aside from being less of a mess than many other playthings, magnetic toys provide rich learning experiences and are among our favorite STEM toys .

"Magnetic building sets allow kids to visualize a two-dimensional idea as a three-dimensional creation, then work to see their vision come to life fairly quickly," said Rachel Rothman, former Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute as well as a mom of three kids ages 6 and younger. "You can watch your children grapple with spatial relationships and work through problem-solving while they construct things." At the bottom of this guide you can find more about how we test magnetic toys, and why you can trust our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Magna-Tiles were invented in Japan about 25 years ago and are the first of this kind of magnetic building toy with translucent, magnetized shapes that hold together. They're a staple of the modern toy box, a fun way for kids to experiment and build anything out of their imagination.

The editors at experts at Good Housekeeping are fans both professionally and personally. "These have lasted us for years ," says Marisa LaScala , our Senior Parenting and Relationships Editor. "My 7-year-old hasn't outgrown them, and she keeps finding new and interesting ways to play with them as she's gotten older." Indeed, once kids get past the preschool stage of just being thrilled to build anything, school-age kids use Magna-Tiles as a supporting player in their other pretend-play scenarios. Barbie can perform a concert on a Magna-Tiles stage, or a Magna-Tiles fort becomes the place for an epic Star Wars showdown.

This substantial set comes with 100 pieces, including squares (large and small) and triangles (equilateral, right and isosceles). It costs more than $100, but as noted in the many of the more than 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, families feel this toy is worth it for the play value and durability. One hundred pieces means there's enough to share between siblings and playdates, and every kid in the family can use these for years.

Introduce your child to puzzles that aren't babyish. Magnetized pieces hold easily to the workboard and stay joined together while a kid works to create two pictures. The workboard is a small magnetic portfolio that opens like a book, and your child can build one puzzle on each side of the open portfolio. Mudpuppy magnetic puzzles come two to a box, with kid-popular themes such as outer space, unicorns and pets. They're on the small side — six and a half inches square, so a little smaller than a regular sheet of paper — which makes it easy for your child to work on their lap or at a table without you needing to clear a lot of space.

A complaint that occasionally pops up in online reviews is that the picture can start to peel off from a puzzle piece. Beware getting the pieces wet; the puzzles are best used as a quiet time activity or some backseat fun but perhaps not at mealtime. Preschoolers will enjoy mastering the same picture over and over again, and then can graduate to larger, regular puzzles.

This Swiss brand makes popular magnetic toys out of recycled plastic. Magicubes are inch-and-a-half square chunky blocks that can attach to each other from any side. We like this 32-piece set, one of our 2022 Best Toy winners . The box combines magnetized cubes with 3D triangles and even wheels for more play patterns .

The quality Geomag magnets really grip and our tester kids had fun building with the building blocks. As parents and as safety experts, we like that these are appropriate for ages 1 to 5 in case the kids in your house span baby to kindergarten age.

Tegu Pocket Pouch 8-Piece Magnetic Wooden Block Set

Chunky but smooth wooden pieces make Tegu a standout in the magnetic block world. Each solid wood piece is stained with a non-toxic, water-based finish. This starter set comes tucked in its own felt pouch. Keep it in your bag to amuse and distract your little one on outings . Just showing your child how one block attracts another is fun and can elicit giggles, and knocking them together makes a satisfying sound.

Our tester families say this set buys them some peace when they take their toddler or preschooler to a restaurant or on a plane, or when they're stuck waiting anywhere. Later, when the child grows, these can be incorporated into larger Tegu sets so your child can work on more elaborate creations. Larger sets include pieces like wheels, monster faces and more.

Lakeshore Learning Turn & Learn Magnetic Gears

Watch your kid's face light up when they realize turning just one gear will set every single gear it is connected to spinning . Try these magnetized pieces on a cookie sheet or on the front of the fridge for a colorful mechanics lesson. "This is one of those toys that is so pretty, you don't mind looking at it," one tester parent said. "Also, it's kid-powered. Your child spins it, and there are no batteries required."

The set comes with 11 small and 11 large gears. The play is open-ended; your child can invent any path they want for the gears, and use as few as two or as many as all of them. Two children can play together, too. Lakeshore Learning is a brand that sells to educators as well as consumers, and these gears are used in classrooms from preschool through third grade. We're continually impressed by how long a child can tinker with these; the gears can hold their interest for 10 to 20 minutes straight, a long time to a little one!

Tileblox Rainbow 30-Piece Set

Our tester families loved the strong and sturdy magnets from this brand, which has a smaller set in our 2022 Best Toys . We think it makes a perfect gift, whether you're introducing a child to magnetic blocks or giving these as a supplement to a collection they might already have. "Though this set isn't huge, it's got all you need to introduce a young child to shapes, including squares and triangles, and rectangles when you put squares together," Rothman says. "

Practice sorting, like grouping the blocks by shape or by color. Use the blocks to create a basic pattern, such as square-square-triangle, and challenge your child to repeat the pattern." Aside from playing around with those basic match concepts, you can watch your child work to make 3D creations such as a house, animal or rocket. You'll find this brand's 20-piece set in some of our gift guides, including best gifts for a 3-year-old boy and best gifts for a 4-year-old girl. But truthfully, this set knows no gender, and anyone age 3 and up will have fun with it.

Melissa & Doug Best Friends Magnetic Dress-Up Wooden Dolls Play Set

It's the new way to do the old paper dolls: These wooden figurines have magnetic clothes and accessories that easily stay on until your kid is ready to change the figures' outfits again . The set has two humans, a dog and a cat — and some 70 pieces of clothing, including choices for the pets. Use it to keep your kid busy for a stretch, or bring it out for a playdate. Other sets in the series include an occupation doll (you dress her as a doctor, police officer, etc.) and a magnetic human anatomy figure, one of Good Housekeeping's Best STEM Toys .

Melissa & Doug is frequently chosen for our toy stories thanks to its vast line of thoughtfully designed educational toys. You can watch one of the cofounders of this family-owned business, Melissa Bernstein, talk about the importance of play at our 2022 Parenting Summit .

HABA Peter and Pauline's Farm Magnetic Game

It's fun to create and then keep changing a farm scene . This works like a sticker book but thanks to magnetic pieces, it's endlessly reusable. There are four magnetic backgrounds to choose from, and more than a hundred magnets of people, animals, plants grown on the farm and more that can be placed on and moved around. It all stores in a magnetic tin to hold everything together.

Your child can create a story out of their imagination using the pieces. Are the farmers watering plants today, or feeding the goats? As your child creates a scenario, use it as an opportunity to have them tell you what's going on in their picture and practice their vocabulary.

Connetix 120-Piece Pastel Creative Pack

As your kid grows they'll be ready to build giant structures , and this large set — both in terms of number of pieces, and the size of the pieces — provides that opportunity. “I can build towers as tall as I am!” one tester raved during our toy testing, helping cement this as one of our best toys of 2022 .

The designers of Connetix put a lot of thought into making their pieces especially beautiful, and the eight pastel shades in this refract light to make it look like your child is building out of stained glass. The set includes 48 regular squares, eight large squares, eight thick-sided squares, eight squares that look like windowpanes, 16 small and 16 large equilateral triangles plus 16 isosceles triangles. In online reviews, some parents confess to using these to build their own art projects when the kids go to bed!

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

When your child places any of the 26 alphabet magnets into the bus window, the toy names the letter and teaches its sound ("the B says "bah" and so on). The catchy tune used is the same as "Farmer in the Dell" and helps kids connect the sound of each letter to its character. "This was an absolute favorite for my kids and for me, since they could play with it while I made breakfast or dinner," says one GH editor. "It works on the fridge, but you can also sit the bus on the table along with the magnets and kids can play there."

There are two levels of sound for volume control. On Amazon, this toy has more than 19,000 five-star reviews, a reflection of both how long this Leapfrog toy been around (almost a generation now!) and how engaging the toy is. Leapfrog Learning Academy tablet also earned a spot as one of the top tablets for kids , a testament to how this brand might help your kids grasp educational skills.

Lakeshore Learning Create & Play Magnetic Monsters

Kiddos can swap heads and tails and keep making different monsters out of 20 magnetic monster body pieces. It's good, silly fun that lets them create their own play figures over and over. Rothman is personally a fan of this set, which her three young children can play with together. All the parts can spin around 360 degrees, so a monster can have eyes in the back of its head or feet that turn backward. Lakeshore Learning has other mix and match sets, too, including a dinosaur set that lets kids invent new dinosaurs. If your kid is a huge dino fan, also check out these 20 other great dino toys chosen by Good Housekeeping.

How we test magnetic toys

Good Housekeeping performs toy testing year-round to create roundups such as this list of the best magnetic toys. As new toys come in to our Lab, the Good Housekeeping Institute does rigorous testing to look for the following:

✔️ Safety: Our engineers and analysts make sure that each toy reaches all safety standards. They double-check that there are no pinch points that could hurt a child's finger, for instance, and perform a drop test to be sure that if a toy falls, it won’t shatter into small pieces and potentially pose a choking hazard.

✔️ Ease of use: We look at each toy to evaluate how simple it is to assemble, how well it’s constructed and how durable it is during play.

✔️ Educational value: A toy is rarely just a toy. Most offer the opportunity for kids to learn, too. Our analysts determine whether toys can help kids understand math concepts, work their imagination, hone their literacy, develop social-emotional skills and more.

✔️ Kid approval: We'd never recommend a toy unless we're sure that children actually like it! Our experts use our own children plus call on a group of tester families, more than 100 children from birth to 15, who can assess the fun factor and assure us that each toy is a hit in a real home setting.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For more than 100 years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has provided expert reviews and advice on everything for families. In the past decade our experts have evaluated thousands of products of use to parents with young kids, including educational toys for toddlers , sensory and fidget toys , outdoor toys and much more.

Much of the toy testing for this article was overseen by Rachel Rothman , the Good Housekeeping Institute's chief technologist and director of engineering. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about parenting products. Plus, as a mom to three kids age 6 and younger, she has plenty of firsthand experience. Rothman also oversees the annual Good Housekeeping Best Toys awards.

This article also used the expertise of the senior parenting and relationships editor, Marisa LaScala , a mom of a 7-year-old and lead researcher on many of our best-toy roundups including those by age, such as best gifts for a 1-year-old and best toys for an 8-year-old girl . Author Jessica Hartshorn joined the Good Housekeeping Institute as a writer and editorial consultant in 2022. She's written about the best remote control cars and best stroller and car seat combos . She was a senior editor at Parents magazine for 10 years, evaluating baby gear and toys for the brand. She has two kids, ages 17 and 20.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

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Hexagon travel containers that are leakproof and easy to fill.

Hexagon Travel Containers

The 56 is approximately 1.05" H x 1.8" W x 2" L roughly the size of a macaroon.The 132 is approximately 2.1" H x 1.8" W x 2" L, slightly smaller than the average lemon.The 275 is approximately 3.7" H x 1.8" W x 2" L.The original Capsule is approximately 1.8" H x 1.5" W, slightly smaller than an average lime.For more information on how much they hold check out our capacity calculator .

We designed a threaded twist-on cap that requires two and a half rotations to ensure your Capsule will never accidentally open in your bag. As a second layer of protection, we added in an industrial seal to ensure not even flight air pressure would impact your product. The third and final fortification is our double wall, which creates an extra-strength exterior so that no amount of tossing and bumping in your luggage can break it. Unlike silicone, our material is not porous, so there is no chance of product being absorbed into the walls. The Capsules are the only refillable containers intentionally designed and tested to be 100% leakproof.

All Cadence hexagon Capsules are TSA-compliant. They can be brought via carry-on and in a checked bag on any flight. For reference, TSA’s limit is 3.4 fl oz and Cadence Capsules come in 3 sizes: 0.56 oz 1.32 oz, and 2.75 oz. The amount is also indicated on the outside of every Capsule should TSA need to confirm.

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The BEST 3x3s at Every Price Point

Want to buy a new 3x3 speedcube but not sure which one to get? This guide contains a selection of some of the best 3x3s on the market at every price point.

The MoYu RS3 M 2020 is by far the best cube under $10. Its performance is comparable to more expensive flagships, but it costs a fraction of the price. It features MoYu's signature dual adjustment system, which allows for easy customization of the cube. 

For an additional $1.49, you can upgrade the RS3 M 2020's magnet strength using the Magnet Upgrade Kit , which gives the cube an extra degree of tactility and stability with the addition of extra magnets, making the magnetic attraction stronger.

The QiYi MS Magnetic 3x3 is another great option under $10. Although it's not customizable like the RS3 M 2020, it still offers a tactile, clacky feel that some cubers may enjoy.

A slightly cheaper option is the MoYu MeiLong Magnetic 3x3. This cube is factory magnetized but doesn't include any customization options, so most people prefer spending an extra $2 on the RS3 M 2020 instead. However, the MeiLong M is still a good cube and has great value for its price.

Note: Although there are even cheaper options such as the YuXin Little Magic and MoYu Meilong , we strongly recommend getting a magnetic cube. The few extra dollars spent on magnets are well worth it as they make the cube much more stable.

The MoYu RS3 M 2021 has the same design as its 2020 predecessor, but it also includes a MagLev core. This reduces the friction between the layers of the cube which makes it much faster. This cube is well-suited for those who find the RS3 M 2020 too slow or cubers looking for a small upgrade from the 2020 version.

The Monster Go Magnetic 3x3 is a budget cube with a premium feel. GAN released it with the intention to compete against MoYu's popular RS3 M 2020 - this blog post compares the pros and cons of the two cubes.

MoreTry TianMa X3 3x3 Magnetic (4 Versions)

MoreTry TianMa X3 Series is the first release from this new manufacturer! Version comparison   Single Double Triple Super Weight 73g 75g 78g 83g Magnet system Standard Double Half-travel MagLev Number of magnets 48 96 120 132 Tension system Spring… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<

Although often overlooked, the MoreTry Tianma X3 Single Magnetic is a solid choice under $20. It features a dual adjustment system with 9 different spring compression settings.

Since its release in 2017, the QiYi Valk 3 M has maintained its position as one of the best speedcubes of all time. It's been used to break many records and has a legendary reputation as a tried-and-true cube - many speedcubers today still opt to use a Valk 3 M over newer releases. The cube offers a very stable feel that inspires confident turning and high TPS.

X-Man Tornado V3 3x3 Magnetic (3 Versions)

X-Man Tornado V3 3x3 Magnetic is the cube used to set the current 3x3 world-record single of 3.13 seconds and brings new features across three different versions! MagLev features (Pioneer version only) Magnetic repulsion technology No springs required Faster turning feel… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<

The X-Man Tornado V3 is arguably one of the best 3x3s on the market. Even though it's a very new cube, it's already been used to break many records, such as Max Park's 3.63 North American Record single. The cube comes in 3 different versions - this guide compares the similarities and differences between each. Regardless of which version you choose, the Tornado V3 is easy to recommend to any cuber of any skill level.

The magnetic core version of the MoYu RS3 M 2021 is another great option at this price point. It features magnetic attraction between the core and the corners, improving the layers' automatic alignment without making the magnet strength too overwhelming.

The MoYu WeiLong WR M 2021 features an adjustable MagLev core and 5 different magnet strength settings, giving the cube a wide range of customizability to cubers with different preferences. It also has unique purple plastic internals, giving the cube an aesthetic visual appeal. There's also a cheaper "Lite" version , which doesn't have a MagLev core but still keeps all of the customization options.

GAN 13 3x3 Magnetic (MagLev)

$ 47.99 $ 58.95

GAN 13 3x3 Magnetic (MagLev) is the future of speedcubing. The 13 offers tons of new features and improvements that are sure to improve your solving experience! Model comparison   GAN 13 MagLev GAN 13 MagLev FX GAN 12 MagLev… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<

Of course, the $30+ category is where we see our first GAN cube, which comes in at a whopping $78 for the frosted version and $84 for the UV coated version. The GAN 13 is currently the priciest flagship 3x3 on the market and it features new, exclusive technology such as repelling edge magnets. It offers 6 center travel distance settings, 6 MagLev compression settings, and 6 magnet strength settings, allowing you to completely customize the cube to your own preferences. 

Regardless of your budget, there are great 3x3s with great value at every price point.

Curious about how to properly lubricate your speedcube? This guide  explains everything you need to know about lube.

« Back to Blog

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GAN356 Maglev 3x3 Magnetic Speed Cube Stickerless Gans 356M Magic Cubes, Magnetic Levitation Cube, 30°+ Auto-Aligning, 76 Magnets, Numerical Tuning Setting, Frosted Coated

Purchase options and add-ons

• DISCOVER HIGH PERFORMANCE WITH THE GAN MAGLEV CUBE - Elevate your game beyond traditional cubes! The GAN Magnetic Levitation Cube isn't just another puzzle with magnets; it's a revolution in design. Experience the magic of magnetic attraction and repulsion that propels your spins, skyrocketing your solving speeds in competitions. Feel the difference, be the difference.
• 30°+AUTO-ALIGNING - Say goodbye to misalignments and hello to precision with our cutting-edge magnetic force distribution. The GAN 356 Maglev doesn't just align; it auto-adjusts with over 30° of leeway, ensuring a seamless, error-free solving experience every time.
• 36 CUSTOMIZATION SETTING - Your style, your rules! The GAN 356 Maglev steps up with 6 elasticity levels and 6 center travel options, offering an astounding 36 customization combinations. Tailor your cube to your unique style and conquer every challenge with ease.
• 76 MAGNETIC FORCES - Immerse yourself in the next-level 3D magnetic experience. Our cube is not just a puzzle; it's a powerhouse of magnetic particles, meticulously arranged in its axes, edge, and corner blocks. This is where high-energy meets precision, transforming every move into a fluid, floating drift.
• SMOOTH, LIGHTWEIGHT, UNBEATABLE - The Gan 356 Maglev is more than just a cube; it's an extension of your hand. Crafted with an intricate honeycomb design, it's engineered for unparalleled smoothness and extended lubricant life. Weighing just 81.2 grams, this cube is your secret weapon for control and agility, turning every challenge into an opportunity to shatter records.
• RELIABLE BRAND - By choosing the GAN Cube store, you are choosing the world's most successful 3x3 brand. Here you can get the latest news about GAN products, join the fan club, or even make a sound to future models. No worry about missing accessories or unpleasant experiences, our CS Team will make you satisfied.

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GAN356 Maglev 3x3 Magnetic Speed Cube

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