Best Overall Lego Set
Year Released: 2018
The Roughed Terrain Crane ranked high on all our scores. Though Lego officially launched it in late August 2018, the crane still tops most of our charts. It is to date the largest crane with 39” (100cm) high, 25” (66cm) long and 10” (26cm) dimensions and is complex enough (4057 pieces) so it can take up to a week to build depending on your skills.
With the 4 legs you’ll be able to easily stabilize it on your couch, so it can rotate 360 degree and build the shed you always needed on your side pillow.
Lego has upped the game when It comes to neat small details from the massive v8 pistol engine through the compartments for tools, side mirrors, operator’s cab and 4-wheel steering.
We always love when a set comes with alternative. In this case you’ll get the Mobile Pile Driver, which has sufficient force to put back the cork on your wine bottle.
Most Fun to Play With
Year Released: 2019
The Stunt Racer is an easy build, ranging from 1 to 5+ hours. However, if you’re looking to have fun playing with what you build and not only store it on a shelf to collect dust, the Stunt Racer is your choice.
With its 2 large motors, this racer has so much throttle that it jumps on its back. Lego’s top engineers have added bumpers on its rear, lest it finds itself on its roof from the initial kick. Each motor is responsible for one chain, operated separately by the remote control. Thus, allowing you to turn to each direction or spin in circle like the mad driver you want to be.
Note that smooth surfaces can be a pickle for the chains as they tend to slide due to the low traction of the plastic. You might find yourself drifting on the kitchen top.
Most Challenging to Build
Year Released: 2018
If you were raising money to buy Bugatti, but were cut short with 2, 3 million, why not spending them on something that might bring you similar joy. Coming with 3599 pieces, the Bugatti Chiron is so exquisite and detailed, it even follows the manufacturing process of the real thing.
Forget for a second most challenging, this set should top the Most Gorgeous charts! This is why we decided to pass the award to the Chiron, instead to the runner ups: Land Rover Defender and Liebherr R 9800 Excavator.
The cockpit is amazing. It has gearshift, steering wheel, gearbox, a W16 and a storage compartment with overnight bag! It even comes with its own key to crank up the speed. Now you’ll be driving from the kitchen to the living.
Most Value for Money
Year Released: 2020
As some of the Lego creations might set you back with several hundred bucks, you might be looking for something cheaper and yet still intricate enough to satisfy your building thirst. In short, Mobile Crane will get you most bang for your buck. It has more than 1200 pieces and can cost less than $100.
With its 37’’ (78 cm) telescopic arm you can finally reach the top drawer of the kitchen and pick up that heavy bow you’re always afraid you’re going to drop. The crane can carry the load with its 4 outriggers and 8 wheels.
It is listed for 10+, but the author of this article is 30+ and can vouch for the advance skills required to both build it and maneuver it via the second cabin.
Sporting New Lego Tech
Year Released: 2019
The X-treme Off-Roader packs new Bluetooth hub, which communicates directly with your phone. This increases the range immensely as oppose to the original infrared remote control which on a bright day might leave you hanging on an arm distance. Lego started producing few sets with this Bluetooth technology, but we wanted to find balance between price, piece count and fun from playing with it.
There are 3 motors connected to the smart hub, which you’ll be able to operate via the Lego app. With its 4x4 and huge tires you’ll able to maneuver around obstacles like pets and small human beings.
Not only that, but the app will show you details like speed and covered challenges. It is a contestant to the most fun set, we know.