Magna-Tiles vs Connetix: which magnetic tiles should you buy for a young child?

Quick answer: For a three-year-old's first set, both brands are sound choices from established makers, so decide on what is in the box. The Magna-Tiles Classic 32 is a smaller, simpler starter set from the original brand that fits every other Magna-Tiles set. The Connetix Rainbow Starter Pack gives 60 pieces, including six large squares, windows and doors, and Connetix states its magnets are ultrasonically welded and riveted in and that the tiles are tested to EN 71. Whichever you choose, keep younger children supervised and remove any tile that cracks.

Why magnet safety comes first

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a product safety alert on small, high-powered magnetic products. It warns that swallowing two or more magnets presents a risk of serious injury or death, and that any swallowed magnet can cause serious internal injury. Its advice to parents is to keep products containing high-powered magnets away from children, to watch for signs such as vomiting and stomach pain, and to get immediate medical treatment if you think a magnet has been swallowed.

Magnetic tiles are different from loose magnet sets because the magnets are sealed inside the tile. That is why the way each brand encloses its magnets, and what you do when a tile is damaged, matter more than colour or price per piece. Our advice is simple: buy from an established brand, check tiles now and then for cracks or rattling, and throw away any tile that is damaged or has a loose magnet.

Starter sets side by side

The piece totals are not like for like, so look at the mix. Large squares make floors and roofs; triangles turn walls into roofs and towers. The Connetix pack has three times as many large squares, plus windows and doors that make houses more recognisable. The Magna-Tiles Classic 32 is a smaller first set; the maker itself suggests its Classic 100 if you want bigger builds from the start.

Magnet enclosure and safety testing

Connetix says its standard tiles are ultrasonically welded and secured with metal rivets so the magnets stay enclosed, and its FAQ lists European testing to EN 71-1 (mechanical and physical properties), EN 71-2 (flammability) and EN 71-3 (migration of certain elements), with CE marking under the Toy Safety Directive. Magna-Tiles says its signature lattice helps prevent cracking and fastening rivets keep the magnets secure. The Magna-Tiles page we read is the maker's US site and does not list EN 71 results, so if that matters to you, check the CE and UKCA marks and the safety information on the box you receive.

These are maker statements; we have not seen either brand's test reports.

Mixing brands

Many families end up with more than one brand. Connetix says its tiles work with most leading magnetic tile brands but that, because its magnets are stronger than most, joins to other brands may feel weaker. Magna-Tiles promises compatibility with all of its own sets. In practice, mixed collections still build, but a structure made from two brands may be less stable where they meet.

Storage and cleaning

The Connetix pack's listed dimensions are 26 x 17 x 9.5 cm, and Magna-Tiles gives 12 x 10 x 2 inches for the Classic 32 box. Plan a lidded tub or low drawer once the collection grows, so tiles are not left underfoot and damaged. Connetix advises wiping tiles with a damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals and not submerging them, because moisture can damage the magnets over time.

Buying decision

Choose the Magna-Tiles Classic 32 if you want a smaller first set from the original brand, or you already own Magna-Tiles and want guaranteed compatibility. Choose the Connetix Rainbow Starter Pack 60 if you want more building per box, including large squares, windows and doors, and you value a maker that names its EN 71 testing and welded-and-riveted enclosure. Skip both, or wait, if there is a younger baby or toddler in the house who still mouths toys and cannot be kept away from the tiles.

Before you order

• Match the exact set: Magna-Tiles sells Classic sets of 32, 37, 74 and 100 pieces and many themed sets; Connetix sells Rainbow, Bright and other packs in several sizes. These links are the Classic 32 and the Rainbow Starter 60.
• Check the age marking and safety information on the box when it arrives.
• Buy from the brand's own Amazon store or an established retailer, and avoid unbranded tiles with no maker details.
• If you will mix brands, expect weaker joins between them.
• Plan storage before the set arrives.

FAQ

Are magnetic tiles safe for toddlers under three?

Both brands mark their tiles for ages 3 and up, and Connetix advises that younger children are always supervised. OPSS warns that swallowed magnets can cause serious internal injury, so check tiles for damage and keep loose or broken pieces away from small children.

Can you mix Magna-Tiles and Connetix?

Connetix says its tiles work with most leading brands, but joins may feel weaker because its magnets are stronger. Magna-Tiles promises compatibility only with its own sets.

What should I do with a cracked tile?

Remove it from play and throw it away. A crack can let a magnet work loose, and OPSS advises getting immediate medical treatment if you think a magnet has been swallowed.

How many pieces does a three-year-old need?

A 32 to 60 piece starter set is enough to begin with walls, towers and simple houses. Magna-Tiles says its Classic 32 covers the core shapes, and suggests the Classic 100 for bigger builds.

How do I clean magnetic tiles?

Connetix advises a damp cloth, no harsh chemicals, and not submerging the tiles, as moisture can damage the magnets over time.

How we researched this

On 10 October 2026 we read the OPSS product safety alert on small, high-powered magnetic products, Connetix's FAQs and its page on what it calls the Connetix difference, and the Magna-Tiles product page for the Classic 32, and checked both listings on Amazon.co.uk. We did not buy or play with either set, and we have not seen either maker's test reports. Our original plan was to compare the Magna-Tiles Classic 100, but the 100-piece listing we found on Amazon.co.uk was a different, translucent set with conflicting piece details, so we compared the Classic 32 instead. Buying links and any commission relationship are disclosed on this page.

Sources

• OPSS / GOV.UK – Product Safety Alert: small, high-powered magnetic products (PSA1)
• CONNETIX – FAQs
• CONNETIX – The CONNETIX difference
• MAGNA-TILES – Classic 32 Piece Set
• Amazon.co.uk listing, ASIN B0BHWTCYKC
• Amazon.co.uk listing, ASIN B0CLLPJ8TK