As kids get older, they become even more inquisitive and their explorative nature goes up a notch! But I might have just the ideal toys for you to keep your nosy toddlers occupied, entertained, and engaged for long mins or hours on end. 🙂 I am talking about Magna-Tiles vs Magformers. My daughter just loves magnetic blocks.
Ever heard of magnetic tiles? I’ve written about these epic toys in numerous articles. And I have since been receiving requests by parents asking which brand is better. I’ve decided to talk about these two products and my top pick is Magna-Tiles.
My Top Pick – Magna Tiles
- Magna Tiles 32-piece Clear Colors Set
- Magna Tiles Metropolis
- Magna Tiles 48-piece Clear Color DELUXE Set
Magna-Tiles vs Magformers: Why You Should be consering These For Your Kids
In case you’ve never heard of magnetic building blocks before, I’ll start by explaining what exactly they are and why you should consider these for your kids.
Magnetic tiles are a construction toy system. They’re basically pieces of colorful plastic tiles your kids snap together to create different shapes.What I love most about these tiles is the educational value they offer.
These tiles allow your kids to develop a whole set of motor skills including identifying shapes, learning about symmetry, improving concentration, and expressing creativity. Above all, this is a fun exercise for the entire family to encourage quality bonding time.
There are many brands on the market, and Magna-Tiles is one of the most popular ones, which is why I keep comparing Magna-Tiles with Playmags, with PicassoTiles or with Connetix, as well as other brands.
And now to decide which brand to pick between Magna Tiles and Magformers.
Magna-Tiles vs Magformers: What Makes Them Similar and What Sets Them Apart
Basic Features
Magna Tiles have flat sides allowing them to stand on their own. They incorporate cool features such as sounds, lights, motion, and can even be remote-controlled.
Magformer tiles, as a notable alternative to MagnaTiles feature an open-end design and rounded sides so they can’t stand up on their own. They, however, give kids more options to create different shapes. It’s safe to say while both tiles are engaging, the Magformers take the cup where flexibility and versatility are concerned.
Size
Magna tiles are considerably larger allowing your kids to build big and solid creations. But this also makes them heavy.
Magformers are much smaller than Magna tiles. And this means they’re also much lighter and easier to pack them in your diaper bag when traveling.
Ease of Use
Generally, Magformers and Magna tiles are easy to use even for kids as young as 18 months. Although, younger kids will likely be building basic stacks than creative shapes. But Magformers have cutouts which make it easier for your little ones to hold them with their small hands.
Durability
Both Magna Tiles and Magformers are made of high-quality plastic and designed to last long. But the manufacturer of Magna Tiles took it a step further by including metal rivets in the corners of the magnets for additional longevity.
Cost
If you’re working on a budget, you’re better off picking Magformers because Magna Tiles are rather pricey.
Compatibility With Other Brands
One thing I love about Magna tiles is how they are compatible with other brands. Magna tiles attach seamlessly with brands such as Picasso tiles. Magformers, on the other hand, aren’t compatible with Magna Tiles or other brands. Yes, they might attach momentarily, but your kids’ masterpiece is likely to topple over quickly.
Which One Should You Choose?
I’ll mention again how Magna Tiles are quite costly. If you’re going to review the price in relation to ease of use, durability, and compatibility with other brands then they’re worth the extra dollars. They’re less likely to chip or break making them a long term investment.
If however, you view the price in relation to the number of shapes you can create, you’ll be disappointed. As mentioned, Magformers allow you to create more shapes when compared to Magna Tiles allowing your child to fully utilize their creativity. But of course, this will depend on the number of pieces in the set. Here’s a video of different shapes you can build using Magformers.
While Magformers are smaller and easier to hold for young kids, its only downside is packing up after use as it’s time-consuming. Also, the smaller pieces are choking hazards so you have to monitor your kids carefully if you pick these. Ultimately the brand you pick depends on what you value the most. Is it durability or function?
Magna Tiles come in a range of clear, colorful tiles such as the Magna Tiles 32-piece and 48-piece sets listed here. Your little one can build a flat or three-dimensional masterpiece depending on their age and creativity levels.They’re made of durable high-quality materials that are safe and will last a long time regardless of how many times they’re thrown on the floor..
Stainless steel rivets are incorporated in Magna Tiles for increased durability if your child is building the Metropolis set. Together with the non-toxic durable plastic build, you’ll definitely be keeping the set for years.
Magna Tiles allow your kids to build in 3D blocks or flat blocks. Translucent color pieces include triangles and squares shapes which means your child will learn to identify shapes.
Magna Tiles are recommended for children older than three years. A word of warning though! If your child loves Magna Tiles you’ll need to buy more than one set. But that shouldn’t be a problem with the different sets available by this brand!
Pros
- Durable materials with smooth edges
- Encourages creativity and motor skills development
- Easy to tidy up
- Perfect for the entire family
Cons
- Weak magnet
- Slightly heavy
- More expensive compared to Magformers
Product Specifications for my top picks on Magna Tiles
Magna Tiles 32-piece Clear Colors Set
- Dimensions: 16 x 1.5 x 12”
- Item weight: 2.72 lbs
- Components: 14 small squares, 2 large squares, 4 right triangles, 8 equilateral triangles, 4 isosceles triangles
Magna Tiles Metropolis
- Dimensions: 17 x 3 x 14”
- Item weight: 7.43 lbs
- Components: 110 various pieces including spinner, quarter circles and windows
Magna Tiles 48-piece Clear Color DELUXE Set
- Dimensions: 18 x 2.5 x 12.75”
- Item weight: 3.8 lbs
- Components: 48 pieces including 15 squares and 25 triangles (right, equilateral and isosceles)
Verdict on Magna-Tiles
Magna tiles are generally sturdy, easy to use and a breeze to clean up. Take for instance the Magna Tiles 32-piece Clear Colors Set which are very simple to tidy up, the Magna Tiles Metropolis which contain stainless steel rivets for durability and the Magna Tiles 48-piece Clear Color DELUXE Set which allow your kids to build different shapes. But they are generally expensive so keep that in mind.
Magformers
Magformers’ rainbow-colored tiles will have kids constructing to their heart’s content! Your kids can build a carnival ride if you give them the Magformer Creator Set. Or give them a choice of shapes to play with ranging from triangles, pentagons and squares with the Magformers Basic Sets.
All Magformers tiles are compatible with other sets so combine the Creator Carnival Set with one of the Basic Sets and watch your child’s imagination run wild!
The tiles are made of durable, non-toxic and safe material. After playtime, simply use the magnetic power to stack them up and store. The manufacturer has included a step-by-step instruction booklet which is a nice touch. It also gives you instructions on how to go about building different shapes.
Magformers are also only recommended for children three years and older.
Pros
- Durable and non-toxic pieces
- Easy to pack when traveling
- Teaches kids symmetry
- Strong magnets
Cons
- Because of the small pieces tidying up is time consuming
- The smaller sets only make one item
Product Specifications for my Top Picks on Magformers
Magformers Creator Carnival Set
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 3 x 10”
- Item weight: 2 lbs
- Components: 24 squares, 12 triangles, 2 hexagons and 8 accessories
Magformers 30-piece Basic Set
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 2 x 9.5”
- Item weight: 15.8 ozs
- Components: 18 squares and 12 triangles
Magformers 62-pieces Basic Set
- Dimensions: 12 x 2 x 12.5”
- Item weight: 2.42 lbs
- Components: 20 triangles, 30 squares and 12 pentagons
Verdict on Magformers
Magformers are the cheaper option. But this will depend on the product you pick. They’re also quite durable, lightweight and boast a strong magnet. Case in point, the Magformers Creator Carnival Set is characterized by durable pieces, the Magformers 30-piece Basic Set is reasonably priced and the Magformers 62-pieces Basic Set is pretty lightweight. And all three sets have a strong magnet.
Conclusion
So which brand of magnetic tiles are you picking between Magna-Tiles vs Magformers? Both have durable, safe, and colorful pieces. The number of pieces will depend on the set you pick and how much you’re willing to pay. If you have the budget, go for the originator of the magnetic blocks movement – Magna-Tiles.
But regardless of the type you pick, one thing is for certain; these sets are an excellent way of keeping your kids entertained, away from tech gadgets, and ultimately out of trouble!
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
