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Best 3D Puzzles

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
ROKR 3D Wooden Vitascope Puzzle
ROKR
3D Wooden Vitascope Puzzle
Challenging Puzzle

A complex 3D puzzle with an interactive mechanical component sure to excite young and adult puzzlers.

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Challenging Puzzle
Bottom Line

A complex 3D puzzle with an interactive mechanical component sure to excite young and adult puzzlers.

Pros

Puzzle builds into a 3D model of a vintage movie projector. When assembled, the projector really works with a mechanical hand crank. Can be assembled in four to six hours.

Cons

Very challenging puzzle, requiring a lot of patience to put together.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sharp Brain Zone Wooden Brain Teaser Puzzle
Sharp Brain Zone
Wooden Brain Teaser Puzzle
Simple Yet Classic

Classic and simplistic 3D puzzle for those who crave a brain teaser.

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Simple Yet Classic
Bottom Line

Classic and simplistic 3D puzzle for those who crave a brain teaser.

Pros

Precisely cut pieces make for easy-to-fit-together puzzle solving. Can be solved over and over for hours of brain teasing. Small enough to keep on a desk.

Cons

Not as fun or aesthetically pleasing as other 3D puzzles.

Ravensburger 3D Puzzle of Earth
Ravensburger
3D Puzzle of Earth
Great for All Ages

Easy to assemble globe puzzle suitable for a wide age range.

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Great for All Ages
Bottom Line

Easy to assemble globe puzzle suitable for a wide age range.

Pros

Display ready 3D globe puzzle that spins. Puzzles have easy click technology where you actually hear a click when pieces are properly in place.

Cons

A less challenging option.

CubicFun 3D Taj Mahal Puzzle
CubicFun
3D Taj Mahal Puzzle
Educational

This educational puzzle of the Taj Mahal and other available landmarks brings other cultures to life.

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Educational
Bottom Line

This educational puzzle of the Taj Mahal and other available landmarks brings other cultures to life.

Pros

This 3D puzzle comes with a photography booklet to learn as you build and foam base for purposeful building. Takes between two and four hours to complete.

Cons

Paper print on puzzle pieces isn't as detailed as some want.

BePuzzled 3D Crystal Jigsaw Puzzle
BePuzzled
3D Crystal Jigsaw Puzzle
Classic Collection

This 3D crystal puzzle requires strategic thinking and becomes a beautiful centerpiece once put together.

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Classic Collection
Bottom Line

This 3D crystal puzzle requires strategic thinking and becomes a beautiful centerpiece once put together.

Pros

Complete with 42 individual pieces. Crystal parts are smoothened for safe handling. Is level one so beginners can build their skills. Multiple animals available.

Cons

Comes without any instructions, which can be frustrating to beginners.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
October 10, 2022
54
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for Best 3D puzzles

Written by Ariel Lynch

Updated January 2023

Puzzles are a simple and inexpensive way to spend a relaxing night on your own or share a fun afternoon with family. If you’re a true puzzle enthusiast and are craving a unique challenge, consider stepping it up with a 3D puzzle.

3D puzzles work the same way as other flat puzzles — by requiring the puzzler to find the correct way to fit all the pieces together. However, 3D puzzles ultimately result in a three-dimensional, lifelike model or replica of almost anything you can think of. From cars and trains to skyscrapers and cathedrals, 3D puzzles can take the form of almost anything that exists in the world.

Before you buy your first 3D puzzle, it’s helpful to learn about 3D puzzle types and materials, pricing, and how they can improve brain function and development. There are an abundance of 3D puzzles to choose from, and soon enough you’ll have your game cabinet overflowing with your favorites.

Person assembling 3D puzzle
When looking to complete your first 3D puzzle, pick one with a difficulty level that’s realistic for your skill set. Choose a smaller 3D puzzle with less than 100 pieces — this will be an easier introduction to 3D puzzling.

How to buy the best 3D puzzle

What is a 3D puzzle?

Unlike a jigsaw puzzle, which consists of interlocking pieces that form a printed picture, a 3D puzzle is solved in order to produce a three-dimensional model of something. In many ways, 3D puzzles prove to be more challenging than jigsaw puzzles, due to the various angles and ways they can fit together. 3D puzzles add an extra dimension to puzzle solving that’s not only fun, but intellectually challenging.

Uses for 3D puzzles

3D puzzles are fun and stimulating for people of any age or background. They make excellent gifts that can be given to your loved ones and friends and can serve as a quality bonding experience for groups to work on together. 

They teach team-building skills, new ways of thinking and problem-solving, and are even a meditative experience that challenges users to be focused. 3D puzzles offer many cognitive benefits along with being recreationally fun and are an especially thoughtful gift for developing children or adults with an affinity for engineering. 

Cognitive benefits of 3D puzzles

3D puzzles have proven to be helpful for cognitive health and development. Puzzles stimulate parts of the brain that are responsible for visual perception and reasoning, problem-solving, and memory. Regularly solving puzzles, especially more complicated 3D puzzles, activates the use of these parts of the brain and works as an exercise to keep your mind sharp. 

3D puzzles challenge the way you think and encourage a shift in perspective and creativity. They’re excellent brain teasers for children, individuals with learning disabilities, and senior citizens. 3D puzzles have also been found to relieve stress, which leads to an improved mood and more balanced emotions. 

3D puzzles vs. 3D graphics puzzles

3D graphics puzzles are also known as lenticular puzzles, and they’re different from 3D puzzles. Lenticular puzzles are flat jigsaw puzzles with a print or design that simulates a 3D effect. Once finished, a lenticular puzzle produces a picture that, when looked at from different angles, has a 3D effect or shifts in color or design. Conversely, 3D puzzles are actual three-dimensional models with sophisticated angles and pieces. They’re more complicated and difficult to assemble than lenticular puzzles. 

When assembling your 3D puzzle, make sure you have enough space so none of your pieces accidentally get pushed off. Losing a piece can be frustrating, and it sometimes makes it impossible to finish your puzzle. 

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Features of 3D puzzles

Materials

Because 3D puzzles are so diverse, they’re made from a wide array of materials, including wood, cardboard, plastic or acrylic, ceramic, metal, glass or crystal, and foam.

Wood and cardboard are the most common materials for 3D puzzles since they’re easily available and inexpensive. Plastic is another popular medium, along with crystal and glass, which are frequently used for smaller 3D puzzles. Wood, plastic, and metal are great choices because they’re durable and most likely to last for years to come.

Design types

3D puzzles are designed to be replicas or models of real-life objects, and the opportunities are endless. Many 3D puzzles are small-scale models of architectural wonders like buildings, castles, and other notable landmarks. They can resemble various different animals, like popular land mammals or sea creatures. Many 3D puzzles form objects like shapes, flowers, ships, vehicles, or airplanes.

There are also 3D puzzles that assemble into interactive pieces, such as marble runs, treasure boxes, and even telescopes. The versatility of 3D puzzles is quite impressive, offering a volume of choices to both entertain and challenge. 

Number of pieces

The higher the number of pieces, the more difficult the 3D puzzle is to complete. With more pieces, the final product becomes more detailed and intricate, requiring more time to sort and put together. 3D puzzles with 100 to 200 pieces are more intermediate, and 3D puzzles with upwards of 200 pieces are among the most challenging. 

Additional elements

Some 3D puzzles include added fun features that make the finished puzzle useful and interactive. For example, some 3D puzzles have LED lights built in that turn the completed piece into a lamp or lit display model. Other 3D puzzles form tools or toys that feature music or mechanical functions. For example, there are 3D puzzles that become clocks, telescopes, and music boxes. Some are even functional machines like film projectors and record players.

ST1-Best 3D Puzzles-Choose design that interests you
Staff Tip
Choose a 3D puzzle with a design that you find interesting. Whether you’re into animals, castles, or airplanes, choosing a 3D puzzle that replicates something you love makes the building experience much more fun. 
Staff
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How much do 3D puzzles cost?

Inexpensive 

The most affordable 3D pieces range from $10 to $30. These have a lower number of pieces (typically 50 to 100) and are made using wood, cardboard, crystal, or plastic. These are easier 3D puzzles with basic designs.

Mid-range

Mid-range 3D puzzles cost between $30 to $60. These vary in materials but are more complex in design and may feature mechanical or electric elements like small motors or LED lights. They have more than 100 pieces and are more intermediate in difficulty level. 

Expensive

The most expensive 3D puzzles cost $60 to $130. These are the most challenging puzzles and are often made from metal or wood. They have a large number of pieces, sometimes ranging into even 400 or 500 pieces. These 3D puzzles are more intricate and detailed and frequently have additional features that make them more interactive.

When sorting your 3D puzzle pieces, try making piles or put them in bowls or on plates. This makes it easy to organize your pieces and keeps them from getting lost.

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Tips

  • Organize your puzzle pieces during the solving process. Sorting your puzzle pieces by pattern, color, size, or likeness in shapes is one of the most helpful ways to begin building your 3D puzzle. This consolidation of similar pieces allows you to see more clearly how they fit together to form the final product.
  • Use the photo or diagram as your guide. If you get stuck, refer to the photo, instructions, or diagram that’s typically included in your 3D puzzle box. You can also find 3D puzzle tutorial videos online — there are often specific ones made for your exact puzzle. 
  • Enlist help from family and friends. Invite your loved ones to help you build your 3D puzzle. A fresh set of eyes can bring a different perspective to the challenge, and it can be fun to share the experience with others.
Woman solving 3D puzzle
If you get stuck or frustrated while building your 3D puzzle, take a break. Get up, stretch your legs, and do something else for an hour. When you come back, you’ll have reset your perspective and might notice something that you missed before.

FAQ

Q. Can I finish my 3D puzzle if I lose a piece?

A. Depending on the size and shape of your 3D puzzle, it’s still possible to finish if you lose a piece. If the piece you lost isn’t a foundational one, you may be able to complete the puzzle and just leave that spot empty. If the piece is an important one, your 3D puzzle may not be properly supported and could prove difficult to complete.

Q. What do you do with a finished 3D puzzle?

A. If you think your 3D puzzle is one you’d like to solve again, carefully deconstruct the pieces and save them for future use. You can also display your finished 3D puzzle somewhere in your home or office. Alternatively, you may want to give the puzzle to a friend or family member that might enjoy it. 

Q. How long does it take to complete a 3D puzzle?

A. The length of time it takes to finish a 3D puzzle is dependent on the number of pieces and the person completing it. Some people might be quite adept at puzzle solving and be able to solve more difficult 3D puzzles in only a number of hours. Smaller 3D puzzles with less than 100 pieces should only take two to three hours. Larger 3D puzzles may take up to 10 or 12 hours (or perhaps longer) and need to be worked on over the course of multiple days.
 

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