Which magnetic tiles are the best in Australia?

Connetix, an Australian brand, currently leads on magnet strength, riveted construction and local support. Learn & Grow is the best value alternative, and Kmart's Anko tiles are a reasonable low-cost trial that stays compatible if you upgrade.

Are expensive magnetic tiles worth it?

For daily builders, yes: stronger magnets make bigger builds possible and riveted seals keep magnets enclosed. For occasional play or testing interest, a budget set does the job and mixes with premium tiles later.

Do all magnetic tile brands work together?

Most do. Connetix, Magna-Tiles, Playmags, Learn & Grow, MagBlox and Kmart Anko share a common footprint and connect with each other. Magformers do not; they are a different system of frames rather than solid tiles.

What is the best age to start magnetic tiles?

Most brands recommend age 3 and up. From around 18 months children enjoy them with close supervision, but the 3+ guidance exists because damaged tiles can expose small magnets, which are dangerous if swallowed.

Updated July 2026

The best magnetic tiles in Australia, ranked honestly

Six brands dominate Australian shelves and they are not interchangeable in price, magnet strength, or build quality. Here is the ranking we would give a friend, including the case for the cheapest one.

We are independent: we do not sell magnetic tiles and no brand pays for placement. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission, which is how the site is funded. It never changes what we recommend.

How we ranked them

Three things separate magnetic tile brands in practice: magnet strength (whether tall builds hold or collapse), construction (whether the magnets are sealed in with rivets or welded seams, which is a safety question, not a durability nicety), and price per piece. Colour range is taste; everything else below is checkable. We do not sell tiles and no brand pays for position.

One fact makes this market unusually buyer-friendly: almost every brand uses the same tile footprint and magnet spacing, so sets mix. You are never locked in by your first purchase. Details in our compatibility guide.

The ranking

1. Connetix

premium

Families who want one set that lasts years and holds big builds. Magnets: very strong. Price: around AU$169 for the 102-piece pack (price-controlled, similar everywhere).

The current benchmark. If you are buying one set to last from age three into primary school, this is the safest money you can spend in the category.

Check price on Amazon AU Full review

2. Learn & Grow (now TileTek)

mid-range

A cheaper Australian-brand alternative to Connetix. Magnets: strong. Price: around AU$90-130 for a 100-piece pack.

The sensible middle: most of the Connetix experience at a noticeably lower price. A strong first-set choice if the budget does not stretch.

Check price on Amazon AU Full review

3. Magna-Tiles

premium

Classrooms and buyers who want the most proven name. Magnets: strong. Price: around AU$120-200 depending on pack.

Excellent, proven, and completely interchangeable with Connetix. In Australia it usually loses on price and availability, not on quality.

Check price on Amazon AU Full review

4. MagBlox

mid-range

Parents who prefer softer, less saturated colours. Magnets: strong. Price: around AU$100-140 for a 100-piece pack.

A respectable aesthetic-first alternative. Choose it for the colours; choose Connetix for the engineering.

Check price on Amazon AU Full review

5. Playmags

mid-range

Value hunters who want near-premium magnets under the Connetix price. Magnets: strong. Price: around AU$120-140 for a 100-piece pack.

The genuine value contender at current Australian prices: most of the premium experience for meaningfully less than Connetix. Verify the seller, then buy with confidence.

Check price on Amazon AU Full review

6. Kmart Anko

budget

Testing whether your child cares about magnetic tiles at all. Magnets: weak to moderate. Price: roughly a third to half the per-piece price of Connetix.

Honestly fine as a trial run. If the tiles get played with every day, upgrade to Connetix and keep the Anko tiles as extensions. If they gather dust, you risked very little.

Check price on Amazon AU Full review

The honest version, in three sentences

Connetix is the best tile sold in Australia and it is not particularly close: strongest magnets, riveted seals, local support. Learn & Grow gets you most of that for meaningfully less money. And if you are not sure your child will care, Kmart's Anko set is a legitimate first move, because it connects with whatever you upgrade to later.

When NOT to buy the premium set

Skip Connetix for now if your child is under two (they will stack and scatter, and any brand survives that), if you are testing interest, or if the set is one of many gifts and likely to compete for attention. Buy the cheap set, watch for a month, then upgrade with confidence. The tiles you already own will still connect.

Common questions

Which magnetic tiles are the best in Australia?: Connetix, an Australian brand, currently leads on magnet strength, riveted construction and local support. Learn & Grow is the best value alternative, and Kmart's Anko tiles are a reasonable low-cost trial that stays compatible if you upgrade.
Are expensive magnetic tiles worth it?: For daily builders, yes: stronger magnets make bigger builds possible and riveted seals keep magnets enclosed. For occasional play or testing interest, a budget set does the job and mixes with premium tiles later.
Do all magnetic tile brands work together?: Most do. Connetix, Magna-Tiles, Playmags, Learn & Grow, MagBlox and Kmart Anko share a common footprint and connect with each other. Magformers do not; they are a different system of frames rather than solid tiles.
What is the best age to start magnetic tiles?: Most brands recommend age 3 and up. From around 18 months children enjoy them with close supervision, but the 3+ guidance exists because damaged tiles can expose small magnets, which are dangerous if swallowed.