Piececool vs. Metal Earth: Which 3D Metal Puzzle Brand is Best?

If you are getting into 3D metal puzzles, you have two choices: Metal Earth (the American giant) or Piececool (the Chinese challenger).

At first glance, they look similar. In fact, they use the exact same tab-and-slot technology.

But the build experience is completely different. One focuses on pop culture icons (Star Wars, Batman), while the other focuses on massive, colorful, artistic centerpieces.

In this showdown, we break down the differences in metal quality, size, and difficulty so you don't buy a kit that is too hard for you.

1. Metal Earth (Fascinations).

The Verdict: Best for Quick, Affordable Builds.

Metal Earth is famous for its IconX and Premium Series lines.

• The Look: Classic silver steel. It looks clean, industrial, and sharp.
• The Size: Most models fit in the palm of your hand. This is great for desk display but means the tabs are tiny.
• The Licensing: They own the rights to Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, and Disney. If you want to build the Millennium Falcon [Link to your Falcon Review], this is your only choice.

2. Piececool.

The Verdict: Best for "Showstopper" Display Pieces.

Piececool takes the concept and scales it up.

• The Look: Color! They use brass sheets dyed in vibrant red, gold, blue, and black. Their "Red Thunder" armor and "Crane Pavilion" are stunning.
• The Size: These are big. A Piececool ship might be 12 inches long.
• The Experience: Because the pieces are larger, they are slightly easier to handle than Metal Earth, but there are hundreds more of them. Expect to spend 10+ hours on one model.

The Shared Requirement.

Regardless of which brand you pick, the method is the same: Snipping out parts and bending tabs.

Warning: Neither brand includes tools in the box. You absolutely need to buy your own Flush Cutters and Pliers. Read our Essential Tools for Metal Models Guide [Link to your Tools Guide] to see exactly what to get.

The Final Verdict.

• Buy Metal Earth if: You love pop culture, have limited shelf space, and want a project you can finish in one evening.
  • Top Pick: Metal Earth Mandalorian Helmet [Link to Amazon]
• Buy Piececool if: You want a colorful, complex masterpiece that looks like expensive home decor.
  • Top Pick: Piececool Black Pearl Ship [Link to Amazon]

➡️ Shop All Metal Earth Models

➡️ Shop All Piececool Models