Best Nanoblocks of all time
Nanoblocks are AWESOME. They combine the creativity and open-ended nature of LEGOs with the detailed preciseness of an architectural model. Plus, there are tons of different sets out there, from sculptures to buildings to characters to everyday objects. It’s easy to find a Nanoblock kit that matches the interest of almost anyone that you could be gift-shopping for. To help you hone in on a good option (and avoid getting overwhelmed with the sheer volume of possibilities!), we’ve narrowed down our favorite Nanoblock sets. Here they are, enjoy!
The 10 best Nanoblock sets
| Linkify image | Linkify title | F | Criteria | Criteria | HTML Link (new window) output only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | Product | Description | Difficulty | Price | Learn more |
 | Empire State Building | As of 2011, the 1,250-foot, 102-story Empire State Building is the most photographed building in the world. | Challenging | $$$ | Check price |
 | Big Ben | After being cast at Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London on 10th April 1858, it took Big Ben a full two weeks to cool. | Intermediate | $$ | Check price |
 | Sydney Opera House | Each of the 2,194 pre-cast concrete sections that comprise the roof of the opera house weigh up to 15 tons – a special crane had to be made just to install them. | Challenging | $$$ | Check price |
 | Notre Dame | At 130 meters long, 48 meters wide, and 35 meters high, Notre Dame is one of the most famous French Gothic churches in the world, and among the first to use stained glass and gargoyles for decoration. | Intermediate | $$ | Check price |
 | White House | The White House has 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and 6 levels. | Intermediate | $$$ | Check price |
 | Sagrada Familia | Still unfinished (and hoped to be completed by 2026), La Sagrada Família will ultimately take longer to complete than the Egyptian pyramids. | Challenging | $$$ | Check price |
 | Eiffel Tower | The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Paris Exposition but was never intended to be a permanent fixture. | Intermediate | $$ | Check price |
 | Mont Saint Michel | Although the abbey is now located on a rocky tidal island, the Mont once occupied dry land before erosion reshaped the coastal landscape. | Easy | $$ | Check price |
 | Titanic | When it entered service, the RMS Titanic was the world’s largest passenger ship (measuring 269 meters or 882 feet in length); now, the largest passenger vessel is the (MS Allure of the Seas) at 362 meters in length. | Challenging | $$$ | Check price |
 | Statue of Liberty | The Statue of Liberty wears a size 879 shoe and has a 35-foot waistline. | Challenging | $$ | Check price |
 | Pokemon | Rhydon was the first Pokemon ever designed | Easy | $ | Check price |
Nanoblock review – Nanoblocks vs Lego
What is a Nanoblock? A Nanoblock is like a miniature LEGO set (miniature LEGO-style building blocks). Many of the pieces are identical or very reminiscent of a traditional LEGO block but at a fraction of the size. Believe it or not, the smallest Nanoblock (1×1) is only 4 x 4 x 5 mm (approximately 1/8 the size of LEGO). But, like LEGO, they have a variety of different styles of pieces, including the familiar brick and also many adornments and complements. The feel of the pieces and the peg design is very much like LEGO. Each Nanoblock set comes with instructions including step-by-step pictures to help you build the sets – some of which, particularly the Nanoblock architecture sets, can be quite challenging. However, Nanoblock is also open-ended like LEGO, in the sense that you can create your own designs when you are ready to disassemble the kit and rebuild.
Many of the Nanoblock sets are designed to build extremely lifelike replicas of amazing architectural wonders, exotic animals and insects, and even everyday objects. The details permitted by the smaller size pieces are unmatched in other block-based systems.
Recap of Nanoblocks review
Cons:
- Very tiny bricks can get lost if you are not careful
- Best for ages 12+
Pros:
- More challenging to build
- Extra bricks are included in the set
- Smaller pieces mean much greater detail
- More compact models can easily be displayed on a desk, counter, or mantle.
- Great for fine motor skills, creative thinking, and spatial reasoning
From the manufacturer:
- Nanoblocks are a superior construction experience – more challenging, more sophisticated, and with greater detail than other building kits.
- Nanoblocks are manufactured to the highest tolerances, resulting in a perfect fit every time.
- Nanoblocks permit you to build amazing 3-D art that can fit in the palm of your hand, with amazing realism and authenticity.
Why we love them:
- Nanoblocks Promote Creativity and Open-Ended Play
- Nanoblocks Work Fine Motor Skills
- Nanoblocks Develop Spatial Reasoning and Architectural / Engineering Skills
How much does Nanoblock cost?
- Prices for NANOBLOCK MINI COLLECTION SETS (lifelike animals, objects, etc.) range between $10 and $15.
- Price for NANOBLOCK SITES TO SEE SETS (models of tourist attractions) range between $25-$30.
- Prices for NANOBLOCK ADVANCED HOBBY SETS such as the Titanic, the Statue of Liberty, and the White House range between $45-$140.
Why Are Nanoblocks Better Than Lego?
Smaller pieces = much finer detail in your creations, allowing you to build amazing realistic and lifelike recreations of even complex architectural projects like the Taj Mahal, White House, Eiffel Tower, etc… Plus, you no longer have to put away your space-consuming LEGO sets once you are done building them – you can proudly display your new Nanoblock model.
If you’re up for the challenge, Nanoblocks are for you.
More about Nanoblocks:
Note: Due to the difference in size, Nanoblocks are NOT compatible with LEGO bricks. But that’s OK, because you get plenty of pieces in a set to build whatever you want. Also because of the size, most Nanoblocks sets are recommended for ages 12 and up – please verify the recommended age on the specific kit before ordering.
Overall: worth it! Especially if you’re an AFOL (Adult-Fan-of-LEGO), Nanoblock is worth checking out.
Where to buy Nanoblocks?
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