Are Connetix tiles compatible with Magna-Tiles?

Yes, they are the same size and the magnets line up perfectly. You can mix and match them without any issues, though you'll notice the Connetix ones are often a bit stronger and clearer.

Why are they so much more expensive than the sets on Amazon?

You're paying for three things: magnet strength (they use higher-grade magnets), safety (the tiles are ultrasonically welded and riveted), and clarity (the plastic is higher quality and doesn't cloud as easily).

Is the Ball Run set worth the extra money?

It's a game-changer for kids 5 and up. It turns a static building toy into a physics experiment. Just be prepared to help younger kids at first, as the tubes require a bit more fine motor skill to snap into place.

How do I clean them if they get sticky?

Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never submerge them in water or put them in the dishwasher, as water can get trapped inside the tiles and rust the magnets or cause mold.

Connetix – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Connetix

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Product

96%

WISE Score

The elite magnetic tiles that actually stay together when you build higher than a toddler’s knee.

Connetix

Product

96%

WISE Score

The elite magnetic tiles that actually stay together when you build higher than a toddler’s knee.

Jump to

Screenwise Verdict

If you're going to do magnetic tiles, Connetix is the 'buy once, cry once' choice. They are significantly stronger and clearer than the cheap sets you find on Amazon, and the inclusion of rivets makes them some of the safest on the market.

They are the ultimate 'quiet time' MVP. They work for the kid who wants to build a dragon and the kid who wants to build a functioning marble maze. While they aren't cheap, their resale value stays high and they don't end up in the 'forgotten toy' bin because the play possibilities evolve as the kid gets older.

Age Fit

Technically rated for 3+ due to magnet safety standards, but the sweet spot starts at 4 and honestly never ends—adults will find themselves 'helping' with builds long after the kids go to bed.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's pure, screen-free, cooperative play. No hidden agendas, no addictive loops, just kids building stuff together on the living room floor.

Imaginative

100

This is the definition of open-ended. One day it's a castle, the next it's a complex marble run or a light-refracting 'stained glass' window. The Smart-Spin tech in the PRO line adds a layer of mechanical creativity most tiles lack.

Safe

High-quality construction with ultrasonic welding and rivets to keep magnets inside. Non-toxic and beveled to prevent scratches. Standard caution for magnet products applies if a tile actually breaks, but these are built like tanks.

Enriching

Massive STEM value. Kids learn about magnetism, gravity, and structural integrity through trial and error. It’s the kind of toy that grows with their brain—from simple stacking to complex engineering.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stronger magnets than almost any competitor, meaning less 'structural collapse' frustration for your kid.
The beveled design makes them incredibly clear and pretty when the sun hits them—great for 'light play' builds.
Compatibility with most major brands (Magna-Tiles, PicassoTiles) so you can mix them into an existing stash.
The PRO series and ball run packs offer actual mechanical challenges for older kids who have outgrown basic blocks.

⚠

What to Watch For

These things are heavy. A large box of them is a workout, and a falling tower can definitely stub a toe.
The price tag is premium. You're paying for the magnet strength and the safety rivets, but it's an investment.
Magnet safety is no joke. While these are very durable, any magnetic toy that gets cracked or stepped on should be tossed immediately.

Conversation Starters

"Why did that tower fall over, and how can we build a wider base to stop it next time?"
"Can we build something that uses every single blue tile we own?"
"How does the 'Smart-Spin' piece change how we can move the tower?"
"What happens to the colors when we stack a yellow tile on top of a blue one?"

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