Lego® building blocks have been an integral part of children's rooms for decades. The beginning was made in 1956 with the first Lego set. However, the first sets of the Danish brick manufacturer were only conditionally suitable for small children, so that in 1969 the first set Lego Duplo set appeared.
Over the decades, other manufacturers, such as the Canadian toy manufacturer Mattel, have also discovered this market for themselves and have always offered interesting Lego Duplo alternatives.
As a rule, Lego alternatives are cheaper than the original from Denmark. In this article, we will compare Lego Duplo bricks and sets with those from Mega Bloks in detail. For this purpose, we will look at the quality, the price-performance ratio as well as the variety of sets that the two manufacturers offer.
Lego® & Mega Bloks: A look at history
Clamp bricks are particularly popular with toddlers. Both Lego® and Mega Bloks specialize in launching corresponding sets for toddlers from around 1 ½ years of age. These sets not only promote children's motor skills, but also stimulate their creativity and imagination.
Lego®: The market leader
Lego® is one of the most famous toy manufacturers in the world. Moreover, it is also the largest. After initially producing sets for older children from the age of about six, the company recognized the demand for sets for toddlers in the following years and expanded the range accordingly.
Since the introduction of Lego Duplo in 1969, Lego has also been of interest to young children. Unlike conventional Lego building blocks, Lego Duplo bricks are twice as big. This fact can also be seen in the name. The brand name Duplo is a reference to the Latin word "duplus" (double).
Due to the larger building blocks, Duplo sets were now also playable for toddlers from 1 ½ years of age, as there was no longer a choking hazard.
Mega Bloks: Canadian toy manufacturer on the march
Mega Bloks is a sub-brand of the Canadian toy manufacturer Mattel. Under the Mega Bloks brand, Mattel sells special sets for toddlers and thus represents a direct competitor for Lego® Duplo. However, the Mega Bloks brand was founded much later. Whereas the production of clamping bricks for youngsters and adults already began in 1967 under the Mega Construx brand.
Lego® and Mega Bloks comparison
In the following, we will look at the two terminal block manufacturers in detail and discuss differences in quality, price and set variety. Finally, we will present some terminal block sets of the respective manufacturers, which are particularly interesting in our opinion.
The clamping modules in detail
The quality and feel of the bricks are particularly important when buying a set of small bricks for toddlers. Both manufacturers rely on large bricks in relation to their sister brands Lego and Mega Construx.
The Mega Bloks bricks are larger than the Lego Duplo bricks. Due to the difference in size, Mega Bloks building blocks are not compatible with Lego Duplo.
Lego's building blocks are considered to be of higher quality than those of the Canadian competitor. However, the difference is not serious and children can easily play with both bricks without any danger. Both Lego and Mega Bloks bricks have CE and GS certification. This means that the bricks meet all health and safety requirements.
Set variety
In our Lego® VS. Mega Bloks comparison, set variety plays a special role. Thus, it is crucial for the building and playing fun that the toddlers can identify with the set. Both Lego Duplo and Mega Bloks have brick boxes in their assortment. In addition, both manufacturers offer interesting play sets, some of which can be assigned to theme worlds. Depending on the child's interests, either the Lego or Mega Bloks sets are more interesting.
Lego® Duplo Theme Worlds
The Danish manufacturer of clamping bricks currently has three themed worlds in its range:
- The ice queen
- Disney
- Spider Man
Mega Bloks Theme Worlds
At the Canadian clamp brick manufacturer Mega Bloks, however, theme worlds also play an important role, so there are currently the following:
- Barbie
- CAT
- MEGA Bloks Grüne Stadt
- Paw Patrol
Price and performance ratio
As already mentioned in the introduction, Lego® alternatives are particularly popular due to the often lower price. But is this also the case with Mega Bloks? Lego is generally more expensive because the quality of the bricks and sets is often superior to those of the competition. Also an important factor are themed worlds, as we had already taken up in the previous paragraph. In the following, we will look at the price-performance ratio using two examples.
Lego® Duplo Disney VS Mega Bloks Paw Patrol
First, let's look at the price-performance ratio of licensed clamp building block sets for toddlers.
MEGA HHN05 - MEGA Bloks Bauset PAW Patrol Marshalls
- RRP: $39,99
- Offer price = Under $20
- Parts: 33
- Figures: 2
- View here
In a direct comparison of the two sets, it is noticeable that both sets have a similar number of parts. The complexity of the two sets is also similar. Both sets include well-known movie characters as figures, although the Lego Duplo set includes two more figures. If we consider a realistic asking price in each case, the Mega Bloks set is about 50% cheaper. However, it should be noted that the Lego Duplo sets is minimally larger and, as mentioned, includes over two more figures. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the play set from the Canadian clamp brick manufacturer has a better price-performance ratio.
Stone boxes
Especially popular with toddlers are building blocks with which they can give free rein to their creativity.
MEGA Bloks DCH63 - Building Blocks Bag - large 80 pieces
- RRP: $24,99
- Offer price = Under $20
- Parts: 80
- View here
In the offer, both brick boxes can be bought for under $20, but the box from Mattel contains more bricks. In return, the Lego Duplo brick box contains two figures and a car, which makes up for the price difference.
In summary, Mega Bloks sets are cheaper, but the sets of the Danish original have more details.
Lego® VS. Mega Bloks: Our conclusion
Since its introduction in 1969, Lego® Duplo has established itself as the quality standard for young children's toys. Mega Bloks, a subsidiary of Mattel, is on the market as a lower-priced alternative whose bricks are larger and not compatible with Lego Duplo.
Lego Duplo bricks are generally considered to be of higher quality. They are suitable if you are willing to pay for the extra quality and detail. Mega Bloks, on the other hand, offers better value for money and is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers without sacrificing safety or the overall play experience.
Themed worlds are abundant in both Lego Duplo and Mega Bloks, so children can let their imaginations run wild in both cases. Our recommendation is: If you value quality and attention to detail, Lego Duplo is a good choice. If budget is a priority, but you don't want to compromise on basic functionality and safety, Mega Bloks is ideal.
Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences, budget and the weighting of quality and cost.
FAQ zu Lego® Duplo vs. Mega Bloks
Lego® and Mega Bloks are two well-known brands in the field of building blocks for children. But what are the differences between the two brands and which one is better suited to your needs? Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions on this topic.
Is Mega Bloks compatible with Lego® Duplo?
Due to the difference in size, Mega Bloks building blocks are not compatible with Lego® Duplo.
Is Mega Bloks cheaper than Lego® Duplo?
In general, Mega Bloks sets are less expensive than Lego® Duplo sets. This is also reflected in a better price-performance ratio with Mega Bloks, where Lego Duplo often offers more details and quality.
What themes are there with Lego® Duplo?
Lego® Duplo currently offers the following themed worlds:
- The ice queen
- Disney
- Spider Man
What is the difference between Lego® Duplo and Mega Bloks?
The main difference is the size of the bricks, the quality and the price. Lego® Duplo bricks are considered to be of higher quality and are twice the size of traditional Lego bricks. Mega Bloks bricks are also larger than traditional stick bricks, but they are not compatible with Lego Duplo. In addition, Mega Bloks are generally less expensive.
Is Mega Bloks better than Lego® Duplo?
It depends on the criteria you look at. While Mega Bloks often offers better value for money, Lego® Duplo is considered to be of higher quality and detail. For price-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on safety or overall play experience, Mega Bloks is a good choice. However, those who value quality and detail will be happier with Lego Duplo.
