Are Connetix compatible with Kmart magnetic tiles?

Yes. They share the standard footprint and magnet spacing and connect directly. Connetix magnets are stronger, so mixed builds fail at the Kmart tile first; use the cheaper tiles for flat sections and Connetix for structure.

Do Magna-Tiles and Connetix work together?

Yes, fully. They are the two premium brands on the same standard and mix without issues, though Connetix magnets hold slightly more strongly.

Are Magformers compatible with magnetic tiles?

No. Magformers are open geometric frames with a different connection geometry and do not combine with tile-style brands like Connetix, Magna-Tiles or Kmart Anko.

Updated July 2026

Which magnetic tile brands actually connect with each other

The question parents cannot get a straight answer to, because every retailer wants to sell you their brand: almost all magnetic tiles are compatible. Here is the exact map.

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The one-paragraph answer

Connetix, Magna-Tiles, Playmags, Learn & Grow, MagBlox and Kmart's Anko tiles all share a common footprint and magnet spacing. They snap together. You can start with a $30 Kmart set and add Connetix at Christmas and every tile still earns its keep. The notable exception is Magformers, which are open plastic frames rather than solid tiles and connect with nothing outside their own system.

Magnetic tile brand compatibility with the common standard
Brand	Compatible with the standard?	Notes
Connetix	Yes	Strongest magnets; carries mixed builds
Magna-Tiles	Yes	The long-running benchmark; standard footprint
Playmags	Yes	Standard footprint
Learn & Grow	Yes	Standard footprint
MagBlox	Yes	Standard footprint
Kmart Anko	Yes	Connects, but weaker magnets limit mixed builds
Magformers	No	Open frames, different geometry entirely
Wooden 'earth' tiles	Partially	Connect to each other; weak and differently sized against plastic tiles

The catch with mixed builds

Compatibility is not equality. Connetix magnets are noticeably stronger than most competitors', so in a mixed build the weak joint is always the weaker brand's tile. A tower of Kmart and Connetix tiles fails at the Kmart tile. This does not matter for flat patterns and simple boxes; it matters a lot for the tall builds older kids attempt. The practical pattern most families land on: cheap tiles become walls and floors, premium tiles do the structural work.

Why this matters for what you buy first

Because nearly everything connects, the risk of starting cheap is close to zero. The upgrade path is additive, not a replacement. See which pack to buy first for the specific starter recommendation by budget.

Common questions

Are Connetix compatible with Kmart magnetic tiles?: Yes. They share the standard footprint and magnet spacing and connect directly. Connetix magnets are stronger, so mixed builds fail at the Kmart tile first; use the cheaper tiles for flat sections and Connetix for structure.
Do Magna-Tiles and Connetix work together?: Yes, fully. They are the two premium brands on the same standard and mix without issues, though Connetix magnets hold slightly more strongly.
Are Magformers compatible with magnetic tiles?: No. Magformers are open geometric frames with a different connection geometry and do not combine with tile-style brands like Connetix, Magna-Tiles or Kmart Anko.