LEGO is incredibly fun, but as anyone who's browsed the LEGO aisle knows, that fun often comes with a steep price tag. The most popular LEGO sets for adults, which frequently trend on social media, can start at around $150-$200. For those with a penchant for larger, third-party branded sets, the costs can soar even higher. Take, for example, the iconic 7541-piece LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon, which is considered the pinnacle of LEGO builds and retails for $849.99. That's roughly equivalent to a week's earnings for the average American in an entry-level job.
However, LEGO offers sets for every budget, and savvy shoppers can find great value. Here's a curated list of the best affordable LEGO sets you can purchase in 2025, all priced under $25.
TL;DR Best Cheap LEGO Sets in 2025
- Playful Cat
- Donut Truck
- Wild Animals: Surprising Spider
- Joy, Sadness & Anxiety
- 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
- Potted Groot
- Simba the Lion King Cub
- Japan Postcard
- Spider-Man Venom Mech Armor vs. Miles Morales
- Cherry Blossoms
- Technic Heavy Duty Bulldozer
- Retro Camera
Playful Cat
LEGO Playful Cat
Set: #31163
Age Range: 8+
Piece Count: 407
Dimensions: 3.5 inches high, 2 inches high, 3 inches high
Price: $24.99 at Amazon
One of LEGO's signature 3-in-1 builds, the Playful Cat can transform into a Playful Puppy or a Playful Pigeon. All three models are poseable, and the Cat comes with two buildable accessories: a food bowl and a ball of yarn.
Donut Truck
LEGO Donut Truck
Set: #60452
Age Range: 5+
Piece Count: 196
Dimensions: 5 inches high, 5 inches long, 2 inches wide
Price: $19.99 at Amazon
This simple yet striking build features a large Homer Simpson-style pink-frosted donut on its roof. The donut kiosk, complete with a coffee machine and cash register, detaches to serve as a pop-up shop. It's an excellent starter set for anyone looking to dive into LEGO without breaking the bank.
Best LEGO Deals
- LEGO Star Wars Endor Speeder Chase Diorama - $49.59
- LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Building Set - $60.99
- LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Set - $63.99
- LEGO Star Wars Chewbacca - $127.99
- LEGO Icons Atari 2600 Building Set - $159.99
Wild Animals: Surprising Spider
LEGO Wild Animals: Surprising Spider
Set: #31159
Age Range: 7+
Piece Count: 153
Dimensions: 2 inches high, 4 inches long, 6 inches wide
Price: $12.99 at Amazon
The Surprising Spider boasts vibrant red and yellow coloring, making it appear both terrifying and poisonous. As a 3-in-1 set, it can also be rebuilt into a scorpion or a snake, offering great value for money.
Joy, Sadness & Anxiety
Joy, Sadness & Anxiety
Set: #40749
Age Range: 10+
Piece Count: 300
Dimensions: 3.5 inches high, 2 inches high, 3 inches high
Price: $19.99 at LEGO
Following the success of Inside Out 2, this set features Joy, Sadness, and Anxiety in Blockheadz form. It's an adorable and affordable desktop display, especially for a Disney-licensed set.
2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
Set: #76917
Age Range: 9+
Piece Count: 319
Dimensions: 2 inches high, 6.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide
Price: $19.99 at Amazon (originally $24.99, save 20%)
This set offers a detailed 300+ piece car model for just $25, complete with a Paul Walker-inspired LEGO Minifigure.
Potted Groot
LEGO Brickheadz Potted Groot
Set: #40671
Age Range: 10+
Piece Count: 113
Dimensions: 3.5 inches high
Price: $9.99 at LEGO Store
This set captures Groot as seen at the end of the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, grooving to the Jackson Five. It's part of LEGO's collectible Brickheadz line, with each set priced at $10.
Simba the Lion King Cub
LEGO Simba the Lion King Cub
Set: #43243
Age Range: 6+
Piece Count: 222
Dimensions: 4 inches high
Price: $19.99 at Amazon
This Disney set features the beloved character Simba and is a rare find under $25. The final product captures Simba's carefree days beautifully.
Japan Postcard
LEGO Japan Postcard
Set: #40713
Age Range: 9+
Piece Count: 262
Dimensions: 4 inches high
Price: $14.99 at LEGO Store
Part of LEGO's postcard series, this set showcases Japan with Mount Fuji, a cherry blossom tree, and Himeji Castle.
Spider-Man Venom Mech Armor vs. Miles Morales
LEGO Marvel Venom Mech Armor vs. Miles Morales
Set: #76276
Age Range: 6+
Piece Count: 134
Dimensions: 5 inches high
Price: $11.99 at Amazon (originally $14.99, save 20%)
This set includes a Symbiote-laced mech and two Minifigures: Miles Morales and Venom, who can fit inside the mech's cockpit. It's a great value and perfect for kids.
Cherry Blossoms
LEGO Cherry Blossoms
Set: #40725
Age Range: 8+
Piece Count: 430
Dimensions: 14 inches long
Price: $9.59 at Amazon (originally $14.99, save 36%)
Part of LEGO's Botanical line, these cherry blossoms feature a mix of pink and white, with buds that enhance the realistic look from a distance.
Technic Heavy Duty Bulldozer
LEGO Technic Heavy-Duty Bulldozer
Set: #42163
Age Range: 7+
Piece Count: 195
Dimensions: 3 inches high, 4 inches long, 3 inches wide
Price: $12.97 at Amazon
This affordable Technic set introduces builders to the world of real-life inspired automobiles. The bulldozer rolls on treads and features a movable shovel blade.
Retro Camera
LEGO 3-in-1 Retro Camera
Set: #31147
Age Range: 8+
Piece Count: 261
Dimensions: 2.5 inches high, 5 inches wide, 3 inches deep
Price: $19.99 at Amazon
This set features a 1980s-style camera with fun accessories like a multi-colored strap, loadable film, and a rotating lens. It can also be rebuilt into a retro TV or camcorder.
While the larger sets often grab the headlines, there are plenty of affordable options that offer a satisfying building experience and an appealing final product. These sets are perfect for small gifts or as a way to tide you over while saving for that dream set.
**How are LEGO sets priced?**
A common guideline among LEGO enthusiasts is the 10 cents per brick rule. This means a 200-piece set typically costs around $20, while a 2000-piece set might be around $200. A 300-piece set priced at $20 is considered a good deal. When sets are priced higher than their piece count would suggest, it's often due to licensing fees from third parties.
**How Much Should You Spend on Value LEGO Sets?**
All the sets listed above are priced at $25 or less. While they offer great value, they may not take long to assemble due to their smaller piece counts. The amount you're willing to spend on a LEGO set is a personal choice, but it's reassuring to know there are enjoyable options for budget-conscious fans.
**Are There Any Cheap LEGO Alternatives?**
Yes, there are several affordable alternatives to LEGO. Mega, for instance, offers sets with the Pokemon license, though they can still be pricey. Chinese companies like LOZ also produce builds similar to LEGO, often with smaller pieces. For more budget-friendly options, check out our regularly updated list of the best LEGO deals, as well as our recommendations for the best Harry Potter and Star Wars LEGO sets.