LEGO is incredibly fun, but anyone who's ventured into the LEGO aisle knows that this fun often comes with a substantial price tag. The most sought-after LEGO sets for adults, frequently highlighted on social media, can start at around $150-$200. Meanwhile, massive sets with third-party branding can soar even higher in price. Take, for instance, the 7,541-piece LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon, widely regarded as the pinnacle of LEGO builds, which retails at $849.99. That's roughly equivalent to a week's earnings for the average American in an entry-level position.
However, LEGO offers sets suitable for every budget, and savvy, cost-conscious shoppers can still enjoy the LEGO experience. Here’s a curated list of the best affordable LEGO sets you can purchase in 2025 for under $25.
TL;DR Best Cheap LEGO Sets in 2025
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 also transform into a Playful Puppy and a Playful Pigeon. All three models are fully articulable, and the Cat set comes with two buildable accessories: a food bowl and a ball of yarn for playful interaction.
Set: #60452
Age Range: 5+
Piece Count: 196
Dimensions: 5 inches high, 5 inches long, 2 inches wide
Price: $19.99 at Amazon
A simple yet visually appealing build, the Donut Truck features a large, Homer Simpson-style pink-frosted donut on its roof. The accompanying donut kiosk, complete with a coffee machine and cash register, detaches to serve as a pop-up shop. This set is an excellent starter build for those looking to dive into LEGO without breaking the bank.
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 bright 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.
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.
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%)
With over 300 pieces for $25, this set is a fantastic deal. The detailed car model comes with a Paul Walker-inspired LEGO Minifigure.
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 – potted and grooving to the Jackson Five. It's part of LEGO's collectible Brickheadz line, with each set priced at $10.
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 before the plot thickens.
Set: #40713
Age Range: 9+
Piece Count: 262
Dimensions: 4 inches high
Price: $14.99 at LEGO Store
LEGO's postcard series features various global cities. This Japan-themed set includes Mount Fuji, a cherry blossom tree, and a model of Himeji Castle.
Set: #76276
Age Range: 6+
Piece Count: 134
Dimensions: 5 inches high
Price: $11.99 at Amazon (originally $14.99, save 20%)
LEGO mech builds, available in both Marvel and Ninjago lines, offer great value. This set includes a Symbiote-laced mech and two Minifigures: Miles Morales and Venom, who can pilot the mech. These sets are also perfect for kids.
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-on-pink and pink-on-white, with buds that enhance the realistic look from a distance.
Set: #42163
Age Range: 7+
Piece Count: 195
Dimensions: 3 inches high, 4 inches long, 3 inches wide
Price: $12.99 at Amazon
LEGO Technic sets often mimic real-life vehicles and can be pricey, but this bulldozer set is an affordable introduction to the Technic line. It features moving treads and a shovel blade that adjusts up and down.
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 1980s-inspired camera set includes fun features like a multi-colored strap, loadable film, and a rotating lens. It can also be rebuilt into a retro TV or a retro 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.
A common guideline among LEGO enthusiasts is the 10 cents per brick rule – this is roughly how much a LEGO set typically costs. For example, a 200-piece set would sell for around $20, while a 2,000-piece set would be around $200. By this metric, a 300-piece set for $20 is a great deal. When a set's price is significantly higher than its piece count would suggest, it's often due to licensing fees from third parties.
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 that there are enjoyable options for budget-conscious fans.
There are several affordable alternatives to LEGO, many of which are significantly cheaper than official LEGO sets. 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, but with smaller pieces.
For more budget-friendly options, check out our regularly updated list of the best LEGO deals. For more set ideas, explore our picks for the best Harry Potter LEGO sets and the best Star Wars LEGO sets.