Actually, the title is somewhat misleading. For once, the original (Rubik) is one of the worst product to buy. Much better cubes are available, much more enjoyable and easier to play with. See "My cubes" below.

Solving

The Jperm approach works really well:

COMMON TOP LAYER PROBLEMS
Step 4. If you can only get 1 or 3 edge pieces of the top cross, you need to reassemble the cube as solved.
Step 5. There should be no problems here.
Step 6. If you ever get only 2 corners in the correct location, you need to reassemble the cube as solved.
Step 7. Finish the 4 moves (don't stop at 3) every time. Turn the bottom (don't rotate the whole cube) to get the next piece. If it STILL does not work, you need to reassemble the cube as solved.

Sub 30

Use CFOP:

• Cross
• F2L (watch "Intuitive F2L" video)
• OLL
• PLL

Youtube channels

Recommended Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/JPerm

Starting with this video:

Cubes

Best cubes:

My cubes

Yuxin

Little Magic V2

QiYi

Valk 3 Elite M by QiYi

The Valk is a new speedcube designed by QiYi with the influence of Mats Valk.

GAN 356M-Lite

07 May 2025 bought.

Amazing feeling. Big step up from the Valk 3.

3x3 Speed Cube Buying Guide (Intermediate to Pro)

What to Look for in a Speedcube

When choosing a 3x3 speed cube, consider the following performance factors that affect how the puzzle feels and performs:
• Corner Cutting: This refers to a cube’s ability to smoothly complete turns even if layers are slightly misaligned. Top cubes can typically cut 45° forward and over half a cubie reverse without locking up . Good corner cutting forgives imprecise turning and is essential for fast solves.
• Magnets & Magnetic Feel: Virtually all modern speedcubes are magnetic. Edge-edge magnets (in pieces) help layers snap into alignment, providing stability. Some high-end cubes add corner-to-core magnets (magnets in corners attracting to the center/core) for a strong auto-aligning effect . Magnet strength varies – stronger magnets give more pronounced snap but can feel “clicky,” while weaker magnets feel subtle. Many flagships offer adjustable magnets so you can set a light, medium, or strong magnetic feel to taste.
• Tensioning and Customization: Advanced cubes have systems to fine-tune the tightness and elasticity of the cube. Traditional screw tensioning is now often combined with a secondary adjustment (for spring compression or magnet compression in “MagLev” systems). For example, MoYu’s Dual Adjustment System (blue dial) and GAN’s GES nuts allow changing how tight or loose and how springy the cube feels. Some cubes boast dozens of settings – the X-Man Tornado V2 offered 125 combinations for tension, compression, and magnets . A well-tensioned cube gives a balance of speed vs. stability that suits your turning style.
• MagLev vs. Springs: MagLev cubes use two repelling magnets instead of a spring, eliminating spring friction. This can make turning even faster and smoother. Many recent flagships (GAN 12/13/15, MoYu WR M MagLev versions, etc.) offer MagLev variants. MagLev often increases speed but can feel “bouncy” – some cubers still prefer the feel of traditional springs  .
• Weight and Size: Flagship cubes are trending lighter – GAN’s latest are ~60g , which reduces fatigue in long practice sessions. Some cubes are heavier (~75g-80g), which can feel more stable but require more effort to flick. Size is usually ~56mm, but some models come in 55mm or even 54mm for smaller hands or personal preference. (E.g. many MoYu and Dayan cubes are 55mm, and some Dayan versions even 54mm.)
• Feel (Smoothness, Speed, Noise): Each brand/model has a signature feel. Some are buttery smooth and quiet (e.g. Dayan TengYun series were famed for silence), others are crispy or “tactile” with a clicky feedback (some MoYu and older GAN cubes) . “Fast” cubes have low turning resistance – they glide with a light touch, great for high TPS (turns-per-second) solving, though they may feel less stable. More “controllable” cubes have a slight resistance or stronger magnets to prevent overshooting, suiting those with rougher turning. Noise matters too – if you cube in quiet environments, note that some models (GAN 13/14, MoYu WR M) are loud and “clacky,” while others (Tornado V2/V3, Dayan cubes) are muted.

With those factors in mind, below is a breakdown of major speedcube brands and their top models for intermediate and pro cubers. We focus on current top-tier flagships and a few budget-friendly options that punch above their price. All of these are magnetic and competition-legal; differences come down to design innovations and feel.

Major Brands and Top 3x3 Models

Gan

GAN’s flagship cubes are known for their premium build, ultra-light weight, and extensive customization options (especially on older models). GAN pioneered the corner-core magnet system and interchangeable tension nuts, and their cubes often have an airy, fast feel. They are pricey, but many top competitors use GAN for its performance.  
• GAN 15 M (MagLev, Core Magnets) – The latest 2024–25 flagship from GAN, weighing only ~59–60g . It continues GAN’s tradition of strong performance but actually simplifies customization. Unlike the GAN 13, the 15 removed adjustable magnets, opting for a fixed moderate strength  . The result is a cube that is extremely light and fast with a soft, slightly elastic feel  . It’s very forgiving with less frequent lockups than past GANs, but some reviewers find it “not as memorable” because it lacks the sharp, crispy feel of the GAN 12 . In fact, one cube expert noted the GAN 15 is “functionally indistinguishable” from the GAN 14 and “still not as good as the [GAN] 12” in his opinion . Summary: blazing fast and effortless to turn, great corner cutting, but fewer customization tweaks – an excellent cube if you want plug-and-play performance and ultra light weight.
• GAN 13 MagLev – 2022’s flagship, still a top-tier pick. The GAN 13 introduced MagLev (magnetic springs) to GAN’s lineup and featured 88 magnets in total, including an enhanced corner-core system  . It has 6 levels of adjustable magnet strength and 6 settings each for tension and compression, allowing fine tuning  . Out of the box, its performance is “ridiculous” – extremely fast, with a strong auto-align that snaps layers into place around 30° from aligned . This auto-alignment can feel like an “aimbot” – it makes turning easier but can overshoot if your turns are too forceful . The feel is more solid than the GAN 12 (GAN reinforced the plastic after the 12’s flimsy build) . Cubers praise the “effortless breeze” of turning – very low friction and inertia . Corner cutting and stability are among the best. The downside is the cost and that some find GAN 13’s strong magnets and auto-align take getting used to. Overall, it “has the stellar performance we expect from Gan”   – a top choice if you want maximum adjustability and don’t mind a bit of clickiness.
• GAN 12 M Leap – 2021 flagship (preceded the 13). Introduced the “Leap” core magnets with longer magnet shafts for greater pull, hence the name. It also had MagLev in the “MagLev” edition. The GAN 12 is known for being incredibly fast but somewhat unstable for some users – its plastic was semi-transparent and very light, which caused a creaky feel . Many cubers actually preferred the GAN 11 or 13 to the 12 due to the 12’s higher pop/corner-twist tendency if not set up perfectly. However, those who mastered it found it to be a “beast” with an insanely quick, floating feel  . It’s worth considering if found at a discount, as some still regard the GAN 12 as one of GAN’s best ever for pure speed  .
• GAN 11 M Pro – Late 2020 flagship that introduced corner-core magnets to the world. The GAN 11 M Pro was a revolution – magnets in the corners attracted to the core, giving alignment without needing magnets between edges and corners. This made the cube very stable yet maintaining GAN’s trademark light turning. It has 3-way magnet strength adjustment (via a switch on each edge) and GAN’s GES Pro tension nuts. Many champions used the GAN 11 M Pro, and it held numerous world records. It’s slightly heavier (~63g) than the latest GANs and has a more “stable and clacky” feel in comparison. Still, in 2025 it’s absolutely usable – fast and reliable. If you don’t need MagLev or the extreme lightness of newer models, a GAN 11 M Pro can be a cheaper way to get a high-end GAN feel.
• Budget GAN options: GAN is a premium brand, but they have a few lower-cost models. The GAN 356 M (2020 release) is around $30 – it has a simpler design (fixed magnets, no core magnet) but retains the smooth GAN turning feel and basic GES tension adjustment. There is also the GAN 11 M (sometimes called 11 M Duo or 11 M Lite) which is a stripped-down GAN 11 without adjustable magnets. These offer performance close to flagship, though the value is debatable since for the same price other brands’ mid-tier cubes might outperform them. Generally, if you’re on a tight budget, other brands like MoYu or QiYi offer better bang-for-buck, but for those who specifically enjoy GAN’s feel, the 356 M or similar can be considered a “budget GAN.”

MoYu 🇨🇳

MoYu has a long legacy of world-record-setting cubes. They offer both elite flagships and extremely strong budget models. MoYu cubes are known for a slightly more “flexible” feel compared to GAN – often described as smooth and “buttery” when lubed, with excellent corner cutting and stability. MoYu pioneered the dual-adjustment tension system and recently features like MagLev and ball-core magnets. Many top solvers (especially CFOP method users) gravitate to MoYu for its blend of speed and control. The flagship line is the WeiLong series, while the RS3M series has become the gold standard for performance on a budget.
• WeiLong WR M (2021, 2023 V9, 2024 V10): The WeiLong WR M (“WR” stands for World Record – ridgeless) is MoYu’s premium line. The WR M 2021 introduced MagLev and came in 55mm size for a compact feel . The WR M V9 (2023) added a ball-core system: essentially, a magnetic ball core for corner-core magnet attraction, similar to GAN’s idea but with MoYu’s twist . The WR M V9 is incredibly fast and flexible – one user described it as “FAST, flexible and has very strong magnets” . Those strong magnets give a pronounced auto-align; some loved the stability this gives at high speed, though a few found the magnets “aren’t enjoyable while slow solving” . In terms of raw performance, the WR M V9 is top-tier – “the best for performance” among MoYus, according to one owner of all recent MoYu flagships . The latest WR M V10 (2024) further refines the design with a 20-magnet ball core and a new adjustment system . However, MoYu’s experimentation with adjustment systems in V10 got mixed feedback – some reviewers felt the new system was over-complicated compared to the tried-and-true dual-adjust of earlier models  . Overall, the WeiLong WR series cubes are extremely fast, have excellent corner cutting and strong alignment, and can be tuned to personal preference. They tend to have a slightly crunchy, tactile feel (especially the MagLev versions) and can be louder and more “clicky” than cubes like Tornado or Dayan . If you want pure speed, WeiLong will deliver; just be prepared to possibly tweak tensions and lube to get the exact feel you want.
• HuaMeng YS3M (2022) – This cube was designed in collaboration with former world record holder Yusheng Du (hence “YS”). The YS3M came in multiple versions (standard, MagLev, ball-core). The YS3M ball-core variant is often considered MoYu’s most stable high-end cube . It’s slightly heavier and “blockier” in feel – described as “hefty, blocky and very stable” . This makes it extremely reliable during solves; it resists flexing or warping under aggressive turning. Many users say the YS3M gives consistent results and is less prone to catches. However, that stability comes at the cost of a more dampened, slower feel compared to the WR M – so it really comes down to preference. If you dislike the possibility of corner-twists or just want a sturdy cube that “sticks” to your turns, YS3M is a great choice. It’s also 55mm and was praised for its comfortable grip. In MoYu’s lineup, think of YS3M as the balanced flagship: not the absolute fastest, but extremely dependable. (Fun fact: “HuaMeng” means “dream” in Chinese – fitting as it was a dream project of MoYu and Yusheng Du.)
• RS3M 2020 & Super RS3M (Budget Kings): MoYu’s RS3M 2020 is legendary in the cubing community for delivering near-flagship performance at under $10. It features the dual-adjustment tension system (with the iconic blue compression ring) and medium-strength magnets. Right out of the box it’s fast, a bit scratchy, but once lubed and slightly loosened, it performs amazingly – often rivaling cubes 3-4x its price. In fact, the RS3M 2020 became the “standard to beat” in budget 3x3s and the most popular cube in many stores  . Its corner cutting and stability are excellent for its price, though at very high speeds it might feel a tad flexible or prone to minor lockups compared to a flagship. MoYu has since released updates: RS3M 2021 (with MagLev) and the RS3M 2022 “Super” and RS3M 2023 V5 which incorporate technologies like MagLev and even ball-core versions – effectively trickling flagship features down to the budget line. The latest RS3M Super and V5 variants are slightly more expensive (still under $20) but bring performance even closer to flagship. For example, the RS3M 2023 V5 with ball core “feels the best (lightest, least snappy, least bumpy)” of the recent MoYu releases according to one user who compared it to WRM v9 and YS3M . It may not auto-align as hard as the WRM (its core magnets are a bit weaker), but it offers a very pleasant, smooth turning experience . Bottom line: If budget is a concern, the RS3M series is a no-brainer – many cubers even prefer a well-tuned RS3M as their main over $50+ cubes. The 2020 version is still great  ; the newer Super/V5 versions are icing on the cake with incremental improvements.
• Notable MoYu Innovations: MoYu tends to release many variants (sometimes to a fault – 2023 saw a flurry of MoYu 3x3 versions). Key tech includes the dual-adjustment (DAS) system present since the RS3M 2020  , MagLev (they often offer a MagLev edition of flagships for faster, spring-free turning), and magnetic ball-core introduced in the YS3M and WR M V9 (improving alignment and giving a more even magnetic pull). They also dipped into smart cubes (the Ai Bluetooth versions of some models) – beyond this guide’s scope, but worth noting MoYu has those for practice/metrics. Historically, MoYu’s WeiLong and predecessor (AoLong, etc.) were used to set many world records, and even today MoYu remains a top choice for champion cubers (e.g. current world champ Tuomas Bergsten uses a MoYu).

QiYi & X-Man Design 🇨🇳

QiYi MoFangGe, often just called QiYi, is another giant of speedcubing. Their cubes under the QiYi and X-Man Design brands cover everything from beginners to world-class puzzles. In the 3x3 category, QiYi’s older Valk series was iconic, but their recent flagships are the X-Man Tornado line. QiYi cubes, especially the Tornado, are known for a soft, quiet, and stable feel. They emphasize a more controllable speed and have very user-friendly adjustment systems. QiYi also aggressively targets the budget segment with gems like the QiYi MS and M Pro series.
• X-Man Tornado V3 (Standard, Flagship, Pioneer): The Tornado V3 (2022) is QiYi’s latest flagship and has been hugely popular. It comes in three versions: Standard (magnetic, no core magnets), Flagship (adds corner-core magnets for more alignment), and Pioneer (adds MagLev on top of core magnets). All versions share the same core design and size (56mm, though previous V2 was 55mm). The Tornado V3 struck a great balance: it fixed the V2’s only weakness (corner-cutting) – now “easily past 45 degrees” cuts  – while maintaining a smooth, quiet feel. In fact, the Pioneer version was used by Max Park to set a former 3x3 world record single of 3.13s , proving its top-tier performance. Feel: Tornado V3 is renowned for being very stable and slightly softer in feel. The magnet feel (on Flagship/Pioneer) is not overly strong – just enough to auto-align without being intrusive. It’s also one of the quieter cubes; many appreciate that it doesn’t have a loud snap sound, making it good for classrooms or libraries. Turning is smooth and a bit “plushy” or cushioned – some call it a slightly slower, more controlled feel out of the box, but with setup it can be made quite fast. The Pioneer (MagLev) version is the fastest of the three (the MagLev reduces friction so it’s a bit swishier and faster ). If you prefer a more traditional feel, the Flagship (with springs) might feel a tad more stable. All versions feature a fantastic toolless adjustment system: under each center cap, a dial for tension and spring (or MagLev) compression and a separate 5-step magnet slider on the edges. No extra parts needed – just use the included tool to click tensions, and a fingernail or tool for magnet strength. With up to 125 combinations, you can really fine-tune it. User Sentiment: The Tornado V3 has been universally praised for its performance-per-dollar (around $30-$45 depending on version, much cheaper than GAN). It’s often recommended as “the cube to get instead of GAN”, since it offers similar performance and customization  . Many users love how it forgives rough turning – it doesn’t lock up easily; it “lets you get away with almost anything” in terms of turning accuracy . Some super speed demons still prefer MoYu or GAN for raw speed, saying the Tornado V3 is a notch more dampened. But countless others have made it their main for its comfortable and consistent solving experience. In short, Tornado V3 is a top contender for best all-around 3x3 in 2025 – you get quiet, controllable turning with the ability to speed it up as needed. And if you like solving at night while others sleep, its low noise is a bonus!
• X-Man Tornado V2 (2021): The predecessor of V3, still worth mentioning for intermediate cubers especially if found at a discount. The Tornado V2 is ultra quiet – one of the quietest 3x3s ever  – and has a slightly smaller size (55mm) which many with smaller hands or OH solvers enjoy. It also introduced the 5-way magnet and tension adjustment system that made it very customizable. Its corner cutting is a bit less generous: it can cut about 45° but not much more and could sometimes snag on extreme misalignments . However, it’s very stable and “effortless to turn and more stable compared to RS3M” (according to one review) . The feel is a bit more blocky and tighter than the V3 – which some actually prefer for control. If your turning style is accurate and you value quietness and stability, a Tornado V2 can still serve you extremely well. (It was the main of many top cubers in 2021-2022.) Just note, the V3 overtakes it in raw performance.
• QiYi Valk 3 and Legacy Models: The Valk 3 (originally released 2016) was a legendary cube named after Mats Valk. For historical context, the Valk 3 held the 4.74s world record and was a top choice for years. The Valk 3 Power and Valk 3 Elite M (2019) introduced magnets and spring compression to the Valk line. They were known for a very tactile and clicky feel and extremely high build quality. Even today, a Valk 3 Elite is a viable speedcube – it’s a bit heavier (~82g) and doesn’t have fancy core magnets or MagLev, but it corners cuts almost as well as modern cubes and has a controllable, stable feel. However, QiYi has since shifted focus away from the Valk brand (Mats Valk moved to GAN). The Valk Elite was expensive and now somewhat hard to find. For intermediate cubers, unless you’re a Valk enthusiast, the Tornado or newer QiYi offerings will likely be better. Still, it’s worth crediting QiYi’s Valk series for being a benchmark of quality – many aspects (like the glossy plastic and general durability) set a standard. Some cubers who started a few years ago might still have a Valk 3 or Valk Elite as their main, and while they might lose out on magnet adjustment or auto-align, they remain “solid performers that hold up well” .
• QiYi Budget Line (MS and M Pro Series): QiYi hasn’t neglected the budget market. The earlier QiYi MS 3x3 (~$10) was highly regarded – it has a fast, slightly crunchy feel and strong magnets, making it a great beginner magnetic cube. But QiYi’s real budget triumph is the QiYi M Pro (2023). Priced under $10, the M Pro has been hailed as “one of the best budget cubes to hit the market since MoYu released the RS3M 2020” . It comes in two versions: a frosted plastic with springs, and a shiny plastic MagLev version, both extremely affordable . The M Pro features a whopping 11-step spring compression adjustment (toolless) and 5 tensions, giving an unprecedented level of tuning in a budget cube . Out of the box, it might need a bit of loosening and setup (it ships tight from factory) , but once dialed in, reviewers say it is fast yet controllable, with a slightly hollow, clacky feel similar to more expensive cubes  . The magnets are well balanced – “clearly clicky, but not too strong” . It lacks the fancy core magnets of pricier cubes, so it won’t auto-align as aggressively, meaning you do need reasonably good turning accuracy (it will “punish” very sloppy turning a bit more than say a Gan 13 might  ). But it nails the fundamentals: great corner cutting, stability, and speed once set up. If you’re an intermediate cuber on a shoestring budget, the QiYi M Pro is arguably the top choice right now – you get flagship-like adjustment features and performance on par with cubes 3x the price. QiYi’s strategy here seems to be offering a direct RS3M competitor, and by most accounts, they succeeded .

(Note: QiYi also has a line of “Smart Cubes” (the QiYi CubeSmart, etc.) and even a 9cm big 3x3 (QiMeng Plus). Those are niche products – fun, but not relevant for speed-solving performance, so we won’t cover them in this guide.)

DaYan 🇨🇳

Dayan is a classic name in speedcubing – known for the original Dayan Zhanchi (2011) that dominated its era. After a quiet period, Dayan made a comeback with new technology in recent years. Dayan cubes are especially loved by those who prefer a quiet, smooth turning experience. The TengYun series and the newer GuHong Pro are their main offerings for intermediate/pro level. These cubes tend to have a soft, “pillowy” feel, moderate magnets, and are often among the quietest on the market. Dayan has also innovated with unique magnet systems.
• DaYan TengYun V2 & V3: The TengYun V1 (2019) stunned cubers by how quiet it was – you could barely hear it, which was a huge contrast to the loud clicky cubes of the time. It had very light magnets and a super smooth, frictionless feel. The V2 improved on stability and added adjustable magnet strength (a 5-setting system) . The TengYun V3 (2022) further added a dual-adjustment core (for tension/compression) and retained the 5-way magnet adjustment . This gave the TengYun V3 an impressive 60 possible configurations . Its core design was updated for better corner cutting and a bit more feedback (one complaint about V1 was it was so smooth it felt “vague”). The TengYun V3 remains very quiet (not as whisper-quiet as V1, but close) and “extremely customizable” . It has a gentle, controllable speed – even on fast settings it’s not as outright speedy as a Gan or MoYu, but it’s very hard to pop or corner-twist. If you prioritize low noise and a gentle feel, TengYun is ideal. Some users note its magnets even at the strongest setting are only moderate, which suits those with accurate turning (if you overturn a lot, you might prefer a cube with stronger auto-align). Overall, TengYun V3 is an underdog flagship that can absolutely keep up with the best – plus it’s usually priced a bit lower than GAN/MoYu flagships.
• DaYan GuHong Pro (2023): A modern reboot of the famed GuHong line, the GuHong Pro has quickly gained a reputation as perhaps the best value flagship of 2023. It’s often described as incredibly fast and lightweight in feel – one user said “I like its light weight with fast and smooth turning”, even preferring it over his MoYu flagships . The GuHong Pro comes in two sizes (54mm and 56mm) and either standard (springs) or MagLev versions. Notably, it introduced a “ring-in-ring” magnet system in its mechanism , and it does have a form of core magnet (the spec sheet notes a magnetic core with ~15° auto-alignment  ). In practice, the auto-align isn’t as pronounced as GAN/MoYu (which often have 30°+ pull); GuHong’s alignment is subtle, helping stability without feeling like it’s turning for you. The cube is very smooth – testers often comment on its “silky” turning feel that is reminiscent of the TengYun . It’s also quite quiet, especially the MagLev version (MagLev removes spring noise, making it even softer sounding) . Performance: Don’t let the lower price fool you – out of the box it’s loose and fast, and after tweaking can match top-tier speeds. In fact, some reported it’s so fast that more inaccurate turners might get lockups if they don’t tension it properly or turn accurately . But with proper setup, its corner cutting is over 45° and reverse is ample (a reviewer noted “it will corner cut 45º… and any angle less will cut with almost no effort” ). The pieces have a wavy pattern to retain lube, and build quality is impressive for the price. Speaking of price, at ~$18 (often on sale for less), one SCS review called it “half to a third of the price of many flagships…maintains the same feel…with adjustment system and ball core, all for under $20” . Another reviewer gave it 4.5/5 considering price, noting he still turns to WRM V9 or GAN for absolute best times, but the Guhong Pro is “definitely main worthy” for most solving  . In summary, the DaYan Guhong Pro is a light, fast, and quiet cube that offers flagship performance on a budget. It’s a perfect choice for intermediate cubers who want high-end feel without the high-end cost, or even pros who just prefer its unique feel. It has a touch of that old-school Dayan smoothness but modern stability. Dayan really “did it again” by bringing back the GuHong name with a winner.
• Dayan Zhanchi Pro (2021): Briefly, Dayan also revisited the Zhanchi with a modern magnetic version. It did not make as big a splash as TengYun or GuHong Pro, partly because other brands had stronger offerings at the time. It’s a decent cube, with a crunchy feel and good speed, but if you’re looking at Dayan we’d recommend the TengYun or Guhong Pro first, which incorporate more of Dayan’s latest design philosophy (smooth, quiet, fast). The Zhanchi Pro is more of a nod to nostalgia.

Dayan’s strength lies in how enjoyable their cubes are to turn – people often say solving on a TengYun or Guhong “just feels good,” which can encourage more practice. They may require a slightly more accurate turning style (as magnets are not overly strong), but they reward it with a very fluid solve experience.

YJ 🇨🇳 (YongJun)

YJ has historically been known for budget cubes, but in recent years they’ve upped their game, producing some models that compete with flagships at a fraction of the cost. The YJ MGC series established YJ as a serious contender in performance/price ratio, and newer releases like the MGC Evo and YJ AppPo (Appari) show YJ experimenting with novel mechanisms. YJ cubes typically have a “bubbly” feel – slightly hollow, quick turning, sometimes with a bit of a snap. They often come slightly tight out of the box but can be loosened for great performance. While they might not feel as ultra-refined as GAN or QiYi, they are loved for value and some unique traits.
• YJ MGC 3x3 (original & V2): The YJ MGC 3x3 (2018/2019) was one of the first budget magnetic cubes that could genuinely hang with $50 flagships. At ~ $15, it features a 55mm size, primary plastic internals, and a smooth, slightly bubbly feel with fast, crisp turning . Reviewers noted it has “qualities typically attributed to flagship cubes at an economical price” . Corner cutting is solid (line to line forward, about 1/2 piece reverse) and it has a stable but lively feel. The magnets are on the stronger side of medium, giving distinct feedback which some cubers really like for accuracy. The MGC’s main draw is that it “looks and feels very premium for a budget cube” . It does not have fancy adjustment systems – just a screw for tension – but it doesn’t particularly need it. Many intermediates in the late 2010s used this as their main, and even now it’s a great starter speedcube. YJ later released an MGC 3x3 V2 (Elite) around 2020 with adjustable magnets and tension, but it didn’t gain as much traction (some felt it wasn’t a clear improvement over the original MGC). Still, either version delivers fast, reliable performance. If you want a solid cube around $15, the MGC is a trusty choice – “smooth and delivers flagship qualities at an economical price” as TheCubicle describes .
• YJ MGC Evo (2021): This model was an attempt at a high-end 3x3 from YJ, including features like adjustable magnets, spring compression, and even some quirky design elements (it had an innovative but odd tension system involving a secondary spring). While the MGC Evo was good, it didn’t quite become a fan-favorite. Many said it was just okay – fast and reasonably stable, but nothing exceptional. In Bas’ review, he noted “MGC Evos are nothing to write home about, but at least they’re not bad cubes” . The feel was described as a bit hollow and light, with a slight scratchiness. YJ seemed to overcomplicate some parts (perhaps why they went back to basics with the Appari next). You likely won’t consider the MGC Evo unless you find a big sale; YJ’s newer offerings overshadow it.
• YJ YuLong & Others (ultra-budget): YJ also produces some of the cheapest cubes around. The YJ YuLong V2 M, for example, is a ~$5 magnetic 3x3. It’s actually quite decent for the price – reasonable corner cutting and a slightly slower, stable feel ideal for beginners. There’s also the YJ Zhilong Mini 3x3 (50mm) if you need a smaller cube for one-handed or travel – it’s surprisingly performant for a mini. These aren’t aimed at pros, but they show YJ’s range in catering to all budgets.
• YJ AppPo / “Appari” (2023): This cube is worth highlighting because it shows YJ’s willingness to try weird innovations. The YJ AppPo (often called Appari in reviews) introduced a ball-bearing system on the tensioning washer – basically, tiny ball bearings in the spring assembly intended to reduce friction . In practice, this “speed micro-actuator” was a gimmick that “plays exactly zero role in performance” ; it doesn’t really make a difference (aside from maybe making the cube a tad louder due to the bearing). However, aside from that gimmick, the Appari turned out to be a very good cube. It has corner-core magnets (YJ adopting the Gan-style maglev core alignment, but with springs) and a dual adjustment for tension. The result is a cube that’s a bit heavier and very solid-feeling, with a stable, reliable performance  . One reviewer humorously concluded: “the ball-bearing stuff is dumb and utterly pointless. But it’s by far the best 3x3 YJ has done in recent memory” . The feel is described as heavy and stable: turns are a little slower out of the box, but it has virtually no lockups  and corner cutting is effortless (the strong magnet core practically auto-aligns so you rarely need extreme cuts) . The magnet feel is interesting – it’s strong, giving a pronounced bump, yet because the cube is heavy it doesn’t feel overly fast or flicky . Essentially the Appari ended up a “good cube with a weird feature”, rather than the feature defining it. If you like a solid, stable cube and don’t mind a bit of added weight, it’s a fun one to try – plus at ~$15 it’s affordable. It shows that YJ is learning; many of their past cubes were just okay, but this one is a genuinely quality puzzle with a unique personality (even the look – it has distinctive concave center caps ).
• YJ in General: YJ’s philosophy often seems to be to experiment – sometimes resulting in odd gimmicks. Not every experiment lands, but their recent trend is positive. They continue to offer value: for example, the YJ MGC 4x4/5x5 are widely considered among the best in those categories for much less money, and that pedigree carries to their 3x3 line as well. For an intermediate cuber, if you’re venturing beyond the mainstream, YJ can provide a surprisingly good cube that might suit your style (especially if you like a slightly different feel than GAN/MoYu). Just be aware that YJ cubes might need a bit of setup (loosen, add lube) to shine – but once tuned, they often “work very well without needing to break in” . YJ also tends to use glossy plastic more often (the Appari, MGC Evo had glossy versions) which some cubers prefer for grip.

Conclusion: Finding Your Main Cube

All the cubes mentioned above are excellent speedcubes – the “best” one largely depends on personal feel and preference. An intermediate cuber should consider what they value most:
• If you want maximum speed and cutting-edge tech, a flagship from GAN or MoYu (GAN 13/15, WeiLong WR M) will give you that edge in performance – at a cost. GAN offers that ultra-light feel and high customization  , whereas MoYu gives a more tactile feedback and stability at insane speeds .
• If you prefer control, quietness, and a premium feel without breaking the bank, the Tornado V3 (especially Flagship/Pioneer) is a top choice, as is the DaYan TengYun V3 or GuHong Pro for a smoother, softer feel. These cubes are often recommended for those who dislike the “snap” of GAN/MoYu and want something a bit more gentle yet still fast.
• For those on a budget, you truly can’t go wrong with an MoYu RS3M 2020/2023 or a QiYi M Pro – they are so good that you might not even feel the need to upgrade until you reach very advanced times. They have established new standards in affordability vs performance (the community joke is that MoYu “made a cube too good for $9” , forcing others like QiYi to answer with their own cheap flagship-like cubes).
• If you’re a fan of innovation and don’t mind tweaking, cubes like the GAN 13 (with its magnet adjust, you can fine-tune extensively) or YJ Appari (with its unusual tension system) can be rewarding. They showcase how far cube design has come – from basic screws and springs to dozens of magnets and numerical settings.

Finally, consider trying a few before deciding – what feels “buttery smooth” to one cuber might feel “too sluggish” to another, and what’s “fast and crispy” to one might be “too unstable” to someone else. The good news is that modern speedcubes are all highly performant; any top cube can achieve world-class times (records have been set on GAN, MoYu, QiYi alike). It boils down to what cube’s feel complements your turning style. Many pro cubers actually keep 2-3 mains and switch between them based on mood or training focus.