Magna-Tiles vs Picasso Tiles 2025: Best Magnetic Tiles for Kids
- thrivebaby9
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 24
If you’re shopping for magnetic tiles for kids in 2025, you’ve probably asked: Should I buy Magna-Tiles or Picasso Tiles? Are Picasso Tiles compatible with Magna-Tiles? Why are Magna-Tiles so expensive? Both brands are hugely popular for open-ended, STEM-based play, but their differences in price, construction quality, and durability can make parents pause.
This 2025 comparison breaks down safety, durability, magnetic strength, price per tile, and long-term play value—so you can pick the best magnetic building tiles for your kids.
Table of Contents
Safety & Construction Quality
Magna-Tiles: Designed with riveted corners and concave tile surfaces, making them resistant to scratches and safer for toddlers. No official reports of magnets coming loose from authentic Magna-Tiles. The riveted design is one of the main reasons parents trust them.
Picasso Tiles: While not riveted, they hold up impressively well to daily use. Parents (myself included) have reported years of play—even through toddler tantrums, tower crashes, and rough handling—without tiles cracking or magnets coming out.
Knock-off brands on Amazon: This is where the safety concerns come in. Parents have shared reports of magnets coming loose and creating choking hazards. That’s why it’s always better to stick to trusted brands like Magna-Tiles, Picasso Tiles, Connetix, or Playmags.
👉 Peace of Mind Winner: Magna-Tiles (thanks to rivets)
👉 Real-Life Durability Winner: Picasso Tiles
Magnetic Strength Comparison
Magna-Tiles & Connetix: Stronger magnets, better for very tall structures.
Picasso Tiles: Slightly weaker, but still reliable. My daughter regularly builds tall towers, bridges and elaborate houses without issues.
Unless you’re aiming for extreme builds, Picasso’s magnetic strength is more than enough for everyday play.
Price Comparison
Here’s where the biggest difference shows. Picasso Tiles are significantly cheaper, giving you 2–3x more pieces for the same price as Magna-Tiles.
 Magna-Tiles Basics (32, 37, 74pc) vs Picasso Basics (60pc)
Small Sets & Tile Variety | Price per Tile | Price |
Magna-Tiles Classic 32pc  | $1.18 | |
Magna-Tiles Classic 37pc  | $1.62 | $59.99 → |
Magna-Tiles Classic 74pc  | $1.35 | $99.99 → |
Picasso Tiles 60pc Classic  | $0.46 | ~ $27.99 → |
👉 At the starter set level, Picasso Tiles wins on value.
Magna-Tiles 100pc vs Picasso Tiles 100pc & 101pc
Big Sets & Tile Variety | Price per Tile | Price |
Magna-Tiles Classic 100pc  | $1.20 | |
Picasso Tiles 100pc Classic  | $0.39 | $39.99 → |
Picasso Tiles 101pc Classic  | $0.41 | Â ~ $45.99 |
💡 Even at the 100-piece level, Picasso Tiles offers 3x more tiles per dollar than Magna-Tiles.
Compatibility with Other Magnetic Tiles
Picasso Tiles: Compatible with Magna-Tiles, Connetix, and Playmags → meaning you can expand collections across brands.
Not compatible with Magformers → different magnet placement.
Great with Duplo blocks for mixed play.
👉 If you already own Magna-Tiles, adding Picasso sets is a budget-friendly way to expand.
What Age Are Magnetic Tiles For?
Parents use the magnetic tiles as early as 12–14 months (with supervision) for stacking and knocking down. Around 2–3 years, kids start building houses and garages. By 4+, they’re making tall towers and imaginative cities.
They’ve become a daily toy in many households, used even more than wooden blocks or LEGO.
Fun Picasso Tiles ideas include:
Sorting tiles by color or shape
Building garages for toy cars
Making castles, rockets, or zoos
Creating tall towers just to knock them down
Storage Options
Magna-Tiles
Storage Bin & Playmat: fits up to 300 pieces → Buy on Amazon
Travel Case (microMAGS): $19.99
Picasso Tiles
Storage Carry Case: $19.99 on PicassoTiles.com  → Check price on Amazon
Storage Bin (City Themed): $19.99 on PicassoTiles.com → Check price on Amazon
Storage Bin (Forest Themed): $24.99 on PicassoTiles.com  → Check price on Amazon
Why Are Magna-Tiles Expensive?
Riveted corners = extra safety reassurance
Stronger magnetic strength
Long history and trusted brand name
That said, parents often say Picasso Tiles offer the same creative play experience at a fraction of the cost.
Final Verdict: Magna-Tiles vs Picasso Tiles
If budget is no issue & you want riveted safety → Magna-Tiles
If you want durability, compatibility & more tiles per dollar → Picasso Tiles
👉 Overall Winner: Picasso Tiles (Best Value for Money in 2025).
 Related Articles for Parents
Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds That Support Brain Development
Your curated affiliate guide with development benefits + buying links.
Affordable Alternatives to Lovevery Play Kits (2025 Review)
Budget-friendly play kit alternatives for parents who find Lovevery too expensive.
25 Fun & Brain-Boosting Ways to Play with Your 3–6 Month Old Baby
Science-backed play ideas that encourage early cognitive development.
The Gut-Brain Connection in Babies: Why Digestion Affects Development
Deep dive into microbiome health, mood, and cognition for babies.
What STEM Learning Looks Like in Babies & Toddlers: The Beginners Guide for STEM Toys
Reddit-Backed Baby Books That Boost Cognitive Development (0–12 Months)
Trusted book picks parents recommend for baby’s first year.