CFOP vs Roux: Which Speedcubing Method Is Faster?

CFOP and Roux are the two speedcubing methods most beginners compare after learning to solve the cube. The honest answer is not that one is universally better; it is that they reward different strengths.

This guide compares the learning curve, algorithm load, practice style, and app support so you can pick a path and stick with it long enough to improve.

Is Roux faster than CFOP?

Not automatically. Roux uses fewer moves, but CFOP solutions are easier to execute at high turning speed and have been refined by far more solvers. Both methods have produced elite results, so the method you practise consistently matters more than the method itself.

What does differ is where the time goes. A CFOP solve spends most of its time in F2L, finding and inserting four corner-edge pairs. A Roux solve spends it building two blocks with little help from algorithms, then finishes with CMLL and fast M-slice moves.

CFOP vs Roux at a glance

• Steps. CFOP: cross, F2L, OLL, PLL. Roux: first block, second block, CMLL, last six edges.
• Average move count. CFOP: about 57 moves. Roux: about 48 moves in speedsolves, according to the Speedsolving.com wiki.
• Algorithms. CFOP: 78 for full OLL and PLL (57 plus 21), with F2L learnable intuitively. Roux: 42 CMLL algorithms for a one-look corner step, or fewer with a two-step approach.
• Cube rotations. CFOP: some, especially during F2L. Roux: almost none, because most moves after the first block are R, r, M, and U.
• Core skill. CFOP: pair recognition and lookahead during F2L. Roux: blockbuilding intuition and comfortable M-slice turning.
• Learning resources. CFOP: the large majority of tutorials, trainers, and example solves. Roux: fewer resources, but a dedicated community.
• One-handed. Both are used; Roux's low move count and M moves suit one-handed solving particularly well.

How CFOP works

CFOP solves Cross, F2L, OLL, then PLL. It is algorithm-heavy at the top end, but the learning path is very clear: intuitive F2L, 4-look last layer, full PLL, then full OLL.

Its biggest advantage is ecosystem. Almost every cubing tutorial, critique, algorithm trainer, and speed benchmark assumes CFOP, so it is easy to find help.

How Roux works

Roux builds a 1x2x3 block on the left, a second block on the right, orients and permutes corners with CMLL, then solves the remaining edges using M-slice moves.

Roux typically uses fewer moves and has a strong one-handed reputation because M moves can be efficient in OH. The tradeoff is that blockbuilding is less scripted, so beginners may feel lost without strong spatial intuition.

Which method is easier to learn?

CFOP is easier to start because it extends the beginner layer-by-layer method you probably already know: the cross is familiar, F2L solves the same pieces as the first two layers, and the 2-look OLL and PLL sets need only 16 algorithms to get going.

Roux asks for less memorisation but more intuition from the first day. Building blocks efficiently is a skill with few step-by-step rules, and the last-six-edges stage feels unlike anything in the beginner method. Some people find that freedom motivating; others find it hard to know whether they are improving.

If you are still undecided

Choose CFOP by default and commit to it for a few months. Most of the skills it builds, such as lookahead, fingertricks, and algorithm practice, transfer if you later switch. If you already know you want to specialise in one-handed solving, or blockbuilding clicks for you after a few days of experimenting, Roux is an excellent choice. Either way, measure your averages over time rather than judging a method by your first week.

Which method should you choose?

• Choose CFOP if you want the clearest beginner-to-speedcuber roadmap and the most learning resources.
• Choose Roux if blockbuilding appeals to you, you enjoy fewer-move solving, or one-handed is a major goal.
• Do not switch methods every week. A consistent method practiced deeply beats method-hopping every time.
• If you already know beginner layer-by-layer, CFOP will feel more familiar because F2L extends that structure.

Choosing and training a method in CuberPal

CuberPal focuses on CFOP as the main training path while still giving Roux-curious solvers a place to explore:

• Follow the CFOP learning path from cross and F2L through OLL and PLL.
• Use the algorithm catalogues for F2L, OLL, PLL, COLL, and ZBLL as your CFOP library grows.
• Open the Roux overview and CMLL reference if you want to compare the method before committing.
• Use the timer for 3x3 and OH practice regardless of method.
• Analyze recorded CFOP solves to find phase weaknesses; method choice matters less than targeted practice.