Ravensburger and Gibsons are two of the most popular jigsaw puzzle brands in the UK, and for good reason. Both produce high-quality puzzles with loyal followings. But they're quite different in character, and understanding those differences will help you decide which one (or both) belongs on your shelf.
At a Glance
| Feature | Ravensburger | Gibsons |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1883, Germany | 1919, England |
| Manufacturing | Germany | UK (printed and packed) |
| Piece Quality | SoftClick technology, linen finish | Thick recycled board, traditional cut |
| Piece Count Range | 100 to 9000+ pieces | 250 to 2000 pieces |
| Image Style | Diverse: photography, art, Disney, landscapes | Primarily British scenes and nostalgic themes |
| Large Piece Options | Limited range | Extensive range (250 and 500 XL pieces) |
| Eco Credentials | FSC certified card | 100% recycled board |
| Price Range | Mid to premium | Mid-range |
| Unique Selling Point | SoftClick precision, massive range | British heritage, artist-led collections |
Piece Quality and Fit
Ravensburger
Ravensburger's SoftClick technology is genuinely best-in-class. Every piece slots into place with a soft, satisfying click, and there's virtually no ambiguity about whether a piece is correctly placed. The linen-textured surface reduces glare from overhead lighting, which is a thoughtful touch for long puzzling sessions. Pieces are precision-cut using hand-crafted steel tools, and no two Ravensburger puzzles share the same cutting pattern.
Gibsons
Gibsons pieces are noticeably thick and sturdy, made from 100% recycled board. They use a more traditional cutting style with good variety in piece shapes. While the fit isn't quite as precise as Ravensburger's SoftClick, it's reliably solid and satisfying. The thickness of the pieces gives them a premium feel in your hands, and they hold up well to repeated assembly.
Verdict: Ravensburger edges ahead on precision fit. Gibsons wins on piece thickness and eco-friendly materials.
Image Style and Artwork
Ravensburger
Ravensburger's image library is enormous and incredibly diverse. You'll find everything from National Geographic photography and classic Disney scenes to contemporary art and architectural photography. They license images from major brands and artists worldwide, giving you access to virtually every theme imaginable. Their Collectors Edition series features particularly striking designs.
Gibsons
Gibsons takes a more focused approach, leaning heavily into British culture, nostalgia, and countryside charm. Their artist roster includes beloved names like Steve Crisp, Debbie Cook, and Kevin Walsh, whose work has a warm, hand-painted quality that photographs can't replicate. If you love village greens, steam trains, sweet shops, and harbour scenes, Gibsons is your brand.
Verdict: Ravensburger for variety and licensed properties. Gibsons for British charm and artist-led character.
Piece Count Options
Ravensburger
Nobody matches Ravensburger's range of sizes. From 100-piece children's puzzles right up to their staggering 9000-piece challenges (and they've even produced 40,000-piece puzzles), there's a Ravensburger for every ability level. Their sweet spot is 1000 pieces, where the selection is vast, but they also offer strong ranges in 500, 1500, and 2000 pieces.
Gibsons
Gibsons focuses on the most popular sizes: 250, 500, and 1000 pieces, with some designs available in 2000 pieces. Where they particularly excel is in their large piece range. Their 250-piece and 500-piece XL puzzles (with bigger, easier-to-handle pieces) are among the best on the market, making them a go-to brand for puzzlers who prefer larger pieces.
Verdict: Ravensburger for extreme piece counts (1500+). Gibsons for the best large-piece selection.
Who Is Each Brand Best For?
Choose Ravensburger if you:
- Want the most precise piece fit available
- Like Disney, photography, or international themes
- Enjoy challenging yourself with 1500+ piece puzzles
- Appreciate a linen-textured, glare-free finish
- Want the widest possible range of images and sizes
Browse the full Ravensburger collection.
Choose Gibsons if you:
- Love quintessentially British and nostalgic scenes
- Prefer thick, chunky pieces with a satisfying feel
- Want to support UK manufacturing and recycled materials
- Need large-piece puzzles for comfort or accessibility
- Enjoy collecting puzzles from specific artists
Browse the full Gibsons collection.
Or Choose Both
Honestly, most serious puzzlers end up buying from both brands. They serve different moods and occasions. A Ravensburger Collectors Edition for a focused weekend challenge, a Gibsons village scene for a relaxing midweek wind-down. There's no need to pick just one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is better quality?
Both are premium brands with excellent quality. Ravensburger has a slight edge on precision cutting (SoftClick), while Gibsons uses thicker card. You won't be disappointed with either.
Which is better value for money?
Gibsons puzzles typically sit at a slightly lower price point than Ravensburger, though both offer good value for the quality. At Puzzles Galore, we aim to offer the best UK prices on both brands.
Can you mix piece sizes between brands?
No. Each brand uses different piece dimensions and cutting patterns, so pieces are not interchangeable between brands (or even between different puzzles from the same brand).
Which brand is better for beginners?
Both work well for beginners at 500 pieces. Ravensburger's SoftClick gives clearer feedback on correct placement, which some beginners find helpful. Gibsons' larger-piece options are ideal if you want something gentler to start with.
Still not sure? Browse both collections and see which images speak to you. After all, the best puzzle is one you're genuinely excited to build.
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