Are Connetix and Magna-Tiles the same company?

No. Magna-Tiles is the long-running American brand that popularised the category. Connetix is a separate Australian brand founded in 2019. They are competitors whose tiles happen to connect with each other.

Can you mix Connetix and Magna-Tiles in one build?

Yes, fully. Both use the standard footprint and magnet spacing. Connetix magnets are stronger, so in mixed builds the Magna-Tiles joints give way first, which only matters for tall structures.

Which is cheaper in Australia, Connetix or Magna-Tiles?

Usually Connetix, because it is a local brand with wide retail distribution. Magna-Tiles is often imported and priced above it. Prices move, so always compare current listings before buying.

Updated July 2026

Connetix vs Magna-Tiles: what actually differs

These are the two premium magnetic tile brands, they connect with each other, and the play experience overlaps almost completely. The differences that remain are real but few: magnets, edges, colours, and what each costs in Australia.

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Connetix and Magna-Tiles compared
Factor	Connetix	Magna-Tiles
Origin	Australia, founded 2019	USA, popularised the category worldwide
Magnets	Larger and stronger; the current benchmark	Strong; a step below Connetix
Construction	Riveted, bevelled edges (scratch resistant)	Ultrasonically welded, flat lattice face
Colours	Pastel and rainbow translucents	Bright primary colours
Compatibility	Standard footprint, mixes with Magna-Tiles	Standard footprint, mixes with Connetix
AU price and availability	Widely stocked, priced for the local market	Often imported, patchier stock, frequently dearer
Support in Australia	Local company, local warranty	Distributor-dependent

Where Connetix wins

Magnet strength is the one functional gap: Connetix uses larger magnets and mixed builds show it, with taller structures holding at Connetix joints. The bevelled edge is a smaller win, resisting the surface scratching that dulls flat tiles over years. And in Australia the practical gap is the largest one: Connetix is local, stocked everywhere, priced for this market, and handles warranty here.

Where Magna-Tiles wins

Track record and recognisability. Magna-Tiles made the category famous (the tile concept itself began in Japan), has decades of classroom use behind it, and holds resale value on the strength of the name. If you are buying for a childcare centre that standardised on Magna-Tiles, or you found a genuinely good import price, there is no quality reason to hesitate.

The verdict for Australian buyers

Connetix, and it is not agonising. Same standard, stronger magnets, local support, better availability and usually a better price here. The honest caveat: if a Magna-Tiles set lands in front of you at a clear discount, take it; the two brands build together seamlessly and your collection does not care which logo came first.

Check Connetix prices on Amazon AU Buy direct from Connetix Check Magna-Tiles prices on Amazon AU

Common questions

Are Connetix and Magna-Tiles the same company?: No. Magna-Tiles is the long-running American brand that popularised the category. Connetix is a separate Australian brand founded in 2019. They are competitors whose tiles happen to connect with each other.
Can you mix Connetix and Magna-Tiles in one build?: Yes, fully. Both use the standard footprint and magnet spacing. Connetix magnets are stronger, so in mixed builds the Magna-Tiles joints give way first, which only matters for tall structures.
Which is cheaper in Australia, Connetix or Magna-Tiles?: Usually Connetix, because it is a local brand with wide retail distribution. Magna-Tiles is often imported and priced above it. Prices move, so always compare current listings before buying.