Puzzle Brands Compared | Jigsaw Puzzle Comparison Chart and Reviews

Puzzle Brands Compared

In this comparison chart, I’ve listed popular puzzle brands I have tried, with features and benefits of each, then assigned a score based on values I think are important to a puzzle’s quality. Some of brand listed are Ravensburger, Cobble Hill, White Mountain, Buffalo Games Puzzles, Bits and Pieces, eeBoo, Gibsons, Galison Jigsaws and more!

“The best puzzle is the one you are doing right now!”

There are important factors that make a puzzle of higher quality than others, but it can be subjective. Things to consider when looking at the quality of the puzzle are piece thickness, puzzle piece shape, quality of image and image reproduction used on a puzzle, puzzle piece quality, and the overall puzzling experience as a puzzler.

PUZZLE PIECE THICKNESS

The size of an average puzzle piece is 2mm thick. Most puzzle lovers prefer to puzzle with thicker pieces. Thicker pieces mean a sturdier piece, a better fit and less image lift on the puzzle, Most higher-end puzzle brands; i.e.  Ravensburger or eeBoo will have thicker, chunkier puzzles.

Why is thickness of jigsaw puzzle piece important?

A thicker puzzle means less chance for bending, less image lift, and an overall tighter fit, which will also lead to a more satisfying “snap” when putting together a puzzle. The thickness of puzzle pieces also contributes to their durability and longevity. Thicker pieces are less prone to damage during handling and storage, ensuring that the puzzle can be enjoyed for years to come without pieces becoming worn or damaged. Additionally, thicker pieces provide a more substantial feel to the puzzle, enhancing the tactile experience of assembling it. Thick pieces in a puzzle will usually be reflected in the cost; that is the main difference I have found between puzzle costs. Thinner puzzle pieces, thinner images, less glue, etc., result in a thin puzzle piece. Most puzzlers probably agree that puzzle piece thickness is part of their considerations when comparing puzzle brands.”

PUZZLE BOXING & PACKAGING

Most of us are familiar with standard cardboard puzzle packaging with images on the front.
Some puzzle brands will offer extra puzzle goodies, like a puzzle bag, sticker or collectible. White Mountain sometimes includes a puzzle box stand. Cobble Hill and KI puzzles include a reference poster. The higher-end brands will have thicker more durable boxes. I personally don’t find the box to be very important when it comes to the best puzzle brands, but others who keep on display might argue! These little extras can enhance your puzzling experience.

PUZZLE PIECE QUALITY & FIT

Other than thickness, how does the puzzle piece feel in your hand? Is the image high quality? Sometimes a glossy image looks pretty but tough to work on with glare if using artificial light. Bits and Pieces are very glossy for example. How is the puzzle cut? Is it a repetitive and more challenging grid cut? Or random cut pieces? Do the pieces fit together well? For me, the way it fits and snaps is key to making it on my list of best puzzle brands you can buy.

PUZZLE IMAGE REPRODUCTION & QUALITY

Are the colours vibrant? Is the paper high quality or lots of lift and tears? How well is the image glued? Is the image lifting off the puzzle Is the image blurry or crisp? It all is important when it comes to the best puzzle brands and what makes a puzzle brand “BEST”.

PUZZLE EXPERIENCE

Most importantly, how is the overall experience? Is it enjoyable or frustrating? Are the pieces too small? Was there too much puzzle dust? All of these puzzle features may or may be important to you; ultimately- the puzzle you do and love is the BEST puzzle!.

PUZZLE BRAND COMPARISON CHART

PUZZLE BRAND	PUZZLE PIECE THICKNESS	PUZZLE BOXING & PACKAGING	PUZZLE PIECE QUALITY & FIT	IMAGE REPRODUCTION	PUZZLE EXPERIENCE	NOTES	TOTAL
						HD poster, matte linen finish, random cut.
						High quality, rich inks and colours, no poster.
						larger pieces and finished puzzle size. Box stand.
						Shaped puzzle designs, random cut, thick chunky pieces.
						Buttery feel, stunning artwork, no poster.
						Beautiful Illustrations.
						Canadian puzzle company, Huge selection.
						Difficult to find. Leans to Fantasy. Very high quality.
						Fantastic quality. British themes. Wonderful artists.
						Photographic images.
						I love their images
						Popular puzzle artists like Charles Wysocki, Aimee Stewart. Easy to find. Poster included.
						Popular puzzle artist, Andrea.
						Beautiful packing, great gift, foil puzzles and often poster included.
						Interesting themes, beautiful images. Round puzzles. Rich, high-quality inks
						Bright colours, easy to find in USA
						Great value, huge selection.
						Popular folk art puzzle images

 

PUZZLE BRAND	PUZZLE PIECE THICKNESS	PUZZLEBOXING & PACKAGING	PUZZLE BOXING & PACKAGING	IMAGE REPRODUCTION	PUZZLE EXPERIENCE	NOTES	TOTAL
						Canadian puzzle company, Huge selection.
						Difficult to find. Leans to Fantasy. Very high quality.
						Fantastic quality. British themes. Wonderful artists.
						Photographic images.
						I love their images

 

PUZZLE BRAND	PUZZLE PIECE THICKNESS	PUZZLE BOXING & PACKAGING	PUZZLE BOXING & PACKAGING	IMAGE REPRODUCTION	PUZZLE EXPERIENCE	NOTES	TOTAL
						Popular puzzle artists like Charles Wysocki, Aimee Stewart. Easy to find. Poster included.
						Popular puzzle artist, Andrea.
						Beautiful packing, great gift, foil puzzles and often poster included.
						Interesting themes, beautiful images. Round puzzles. Rich, high-quality inks

 

PUZZLE BRAND	PUZZLE PIECE THICKNESS	PUZZLE BOXING & PACKAGING	PUZZLE BOXING & PACKAGING	IMAGE REPRODUCTION	PUZZLE EXPERIENCE	NOTES	TOTAL
						Bright colours, easy to find in USA
						Great value, huge selection.
						Popular folk art puzzle images

*Note: If the puzzle brand is not on the list, it is because I have not tried it yet!
Please feel free to suggest a brand to me to review.
There are so many AMAZING puzzle ma