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LEGO can be expensive. Some of the biggest sets from Icons, Architecture, and Star Wars UCS can set you back anything north of $300/$400 in most cases. The good thing is that there’s a healthy selection of LEGO alternatives out there which will give you a much more feasible entry point to premium builds.
We’re not going to be including block-building brands that out-right copy LEGO designs: Lepin for example, a notorious knock-off, will not feature on this list. Instead, we’re only going to be including brands who create unique designs you wouldn’t otherwise find in LEGO’s ecosystem.
Best LEGO alternatives for adults in 2024
To begin with, there’s plenty of LEGO-style building block brands who have emerged throughout the years. It’s not inherently ‘illegal’ to create block building toys inspired by LEGO since their last patent expired in the 70s. Brands such as MEGA and Nanoblocks have since created impressive alternatives that incorporate different partnerships into their repertoire. Pokémon, for example, and Microsoft.
1. MEGA
The best LEGO alternatives brand out there has to be MEGA, who creates stunning sets incorporating Pokémon and Call of Duty, among others. Once known by its Mattel sub-brands: MEGA Bloks and MEGA Constructs, it’s now merged under a single brand: MEGA. Mattel, though not as big as LEGO, have Hot Wheels, Fisher Price and many Disney IPs under its control, so MEGA has seen some interesting collaborations in recent years.
The Dutch brand has created sets for Master of the Universe, Halo, Barbie, and they’re likely going to keep expanding in the future. Their top-range construction sets touch on a similar price-point as LEGO’s premium builds, though it’s a great alternative if you’re looking to experience building from your favourite IPs instead.
My favourite MEGA set
MEGA Pokémon Gyarados
Pieces
2,186
Price
$171.99
The (Pokémon) MEGA Gyarados is by far the most interesting LEGO-style set out there. With intricate detail and an exciting amount of articulation, this is a great option for anyone who wants to build one of the most iconic pocket monsters out there. It’s a shame there isn’t a shiny Gyarados option though.
2. Nanoblocks
Nanoblocks is an interesting alternative to LEGO as it doesn’t attempt to replicate a similar building infrastructure as LEGO. Instead, as its name suggests, the building block pieces are far smaller. This allows for an increase in scale and density, though the actual footprint is far more manageable.
The company has also had partnerships with Pokémon through the years, and while that contract might have now expired, they make for a great little desk accompaniment.
My favourite Nanoblocks set
Nanoblock Pirate Ship DX
Pieces
3200
Price
$100
The Nanoblocks Pirate Ship DX is a great option for any nautical builders who want to create a densely detailed construction set. While LEGO have definitely dabbled in shipbuilding before, there’s something quite unique about the Nanoblocks sense of scale.
3. Mould King
Mould King operates out of Chenghai in China, and produces intricate, detailed block building toys that outshine some of LEGO’s own products. Its products are often cheaper as well which is why Mould King sets are highly sought after for constructionists who are working on a budget.
The Mould King Movie series partners with Hollywood and animation studios to create great sets that most AFOL would be keen to get their hands on. There’s also MOC sets released that build on Apex Legends, Titanfall 2, and Studio Ghibli IPs, too.
My favourite Mould King set
Mould King Engineering Dump Truck
Pieces
1888
Price
$110
LEGO Technic is one of the most popular themes from the brand everyone knows, though it’s no secret its sets are expensive. While LEGO’s latest Technic sets focus on F1 and space exploration, Mould King’s latest Technic-inspired sets focus on more down-to-earth engineering sets. The Dump Truck from Mould King is a great example of this, and with 1,888 pieces it’s going to be an immersive and fun build.
4. JMBricklayer
JMBricklayer, like Mould King, operates out of China, and produce LEGO-adjacent building block sets. Unlike the others, though, it takes a unique spin on sets. Instead of going after brand partnerships, JMBricklayer sets cover unique creations instead: Medieval Towns, Mecha, Dragons, and warships.
My favourite JMBricklayer set
JMBricklayer Ghost Ship The Flying Dutchman
Pieces
N/A
Price
$60
Like Nanoblocks, JMBricklayer is tapping into the ship market. This is a unique set, though, putting a mystical spin on the Pirate Ship. Now illuminated by green LEDs, this is a great option to build a sculpture-like LEGO set that’s going to brighten up your collection nicely.
5. Cobi
If you’re on the lookout for historically accurate LEGO alternatives, COBI are the best option. LEGO hasn’t yet tapped into the historical military niche, which has left a gaping hole in the market which Cobi have filled with style.
Operating out of Poland, Cobi’s sets include building block sets covering World War I and II, with warplanes and tanks the main focus. If you grew up building Airfix models, but have since picked up brick-building instead, these are the alternatives for you.
My favourite Cobi set
Cobi Top Gun F-14A Tomcat 1:48 Scale
Pieces
510
Price
$94.99
I had to include this set for the Top Gun partnership alone. If there was ever a corny action film I could rewatch endlessly, Top Gun is that. Being able to build the aircraft that Maverick and Goose pilot is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Top Gun’s mythos, and the fact that it’s an actual 1:48 scale model only makes the experience even more authentic.
Why choose LEGO alternatives?
You might consider choosing a LEGO alternative simply for the fact that it’s different than what LEGO can provide. The LEGO System in Play ethos, though integral to the brand’s success, also means that LEGO building techniques can be limited. It’s refreshing to see alternative brands build on LEGO’s success and take brick-building into different directions than what’s ordinarily allowed. Different IPs, target audiences, design choices, and techniques are what make LEGO alternatives worth considering for all Adult Fans of LEGO, and the fact that they’re usually slightly more affordable only makes it even more attractive.
Are LEGO alternatives legal?
LEGO alternatives are considered legal as the LEGO patent expired way back in the 70s. This means that the idea of building brick upon brick can now be practised by hundreds of different manufacturers and toy companies.
Are LEGO alternatives compatible with LEGO?
Most LEGO alternatives are incompatible with LEGO as they will not share the same dimensions and measurements. That said, Mould King Engineering sets, for example, can be used alongside some LEGO Technic pieces, so there’s some leeway there.
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