Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The LEGO Medium Creative Brick Box wins for most families. 484 pieces at $24.88 with 35 colors beat the Large set's extra pieces but higher price.
The Verdict
Winner
LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696
LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 vs LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698, side by side
Pros:
- 484 pieces for $24.88 — best price per color
- 35 colors allow more creative variety than the Large set
- Includes green baseplate, 18 tires, and wheel rims
Cons (honest weight):
- Cardboard box only — no storage bin
- Fewer specialty pieces than larger sets
Pros:
- 790 pieces for $39.49 — more per dollar than the Medium set
- Includes 2 green baseplates and 6 tires
- Sturdy plastic storage box keeps bricks organized
Cons (honest weight):
- Higher price — $14.61 more than the Medium set
- Takes up more space and weighs more
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. LEGO Classic takes 3; LEGO Classic takes 3.
| Dimension | LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 | LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceMedium box costs 37% less. | $24.88 | $39.49 | LEGO Classic |
| Piece CountLarge box has 63% more pieces. | 484 | 790 | LEGO Classic |
| ColorsMedium offers 2 more color options. | 35 | 33 | LEGO Classic |
| Storage IncludedLarge box includes a reusable storage bin. | Cardboard box | Plastic storage bin | LEGO Classic |
| BaseplatesLarge box includes two baseplates. | 1 green baseplate | 2 green baseplates | LEGO Classic |
| Tires & WheelsMedium has more tires for vehicle builds. | 18 tires, 6 wheel rims | 6 tires, 6 wheel rims | LEGO Classic |
| Age RangeBoth recommended for ages 4 and up. | 4-99 | 4-99 | Tie |
| RatingBoth have 4.8 stars from thousands of reviews. | 4.8 | 4.8 | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 3 wins | Tie |
Price — Medium takes it
The Medium Brick Box costs $14.61 less than the Large. That's a 37% savings for a set that still offers 484 pieces.
For budget-conscious families, the Medium is the clear winner. You get excellent versatility without overspending.
Choose the Large only if your child truly needs the extra pieces. Otherwise, the Medium delivers more value.
Piece Count — Large wins
The Large set packs 790 pieces — 306 more than the Medium. That's a 63% increase in brick quantity.
For kids who build big structures, the Large is essential. More pieces mean larger castles, vehicles, and towns.
If your child rarely uses all 484 pieces, the Medium is enough. Don't pay extra for unused bricks.
Colors — Medium wins
Medium offers 35 colors vs Large's 33. Two extra shades expand creative possibilities.
More colors matter for detailed builds like animals and vehicles. Kids can match specific tones.
Unless your child needs bulk bricks of the same color, the Medium's palette is superior.
Storage — Large wins
The Large set comes in a plastic storage bin; the Medium uses a cardboard box. The bin is reusable and stackable.
For easy cleanup and long-term organization, the Large's bin is a big plus. It keeps bricks contained.
You can buy a separate bin for the Medium, but that adds cost. Factor that in.
Baseplates — Large wins
Large includes 2 green baseplates; Medium includes 1. Double the building surface.
Two baseplates allow larger scenes or collaborative play. Siblings can build side by side.
If your child builds on baseplates frequently, the Large is the better choice.
Tires & Wheels — Medium wins
Medium has 18 tires and 6 wheel rims; Large has 6 tires and 6 wheel rims. More tires for vehicles.
For kids who love building cars and trucks, the Medium offers more rolling stock. Triple the tire count.
The Large compensates with total piece count, but vehicle fans prefer the Medium.
Age Range — Tie
Both sets target ages 4-99. Same recommended age for both.
Younger builders (4-6) may find the Medium easier due to fewer pieces. Less overwhelming.
Both sets are safe and age-appropriate for the same audience.
Rating — Tie
Both sets score 4.8 stars on Amazon. Equally well-reviewed by buyers.
The Medium has 57,100 reviews; the Large has 31,814. Both are backed by extensive feedback.
You can trust either set's quality based on overwhelming positive ratings.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget shopper | LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 | Medium saves $14.61 while offering 484 pieces and more colors. |
| Large creations builder | LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 | Large has 790 pieces for bigger structures. |
| Color variety seeker | LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 | Medium offers 35 colors vs 33. |
| Storage conscious parent | LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 | Large includes a plastic storage bin. |
| Vehicle fan | LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 | Medium has 18 tires vs Large's 6. |
| Gift giver on a budget | LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 | Medium costs less and still feels substantial. |
Medium saves $14.61 while offering 484 pieces and more colors.
Large has 790 pieces for bigger structures.
Medium offers 35 colors vs 33.
Large includes a plastic storage bin.
Medium has 18 tires vs Large's 6.
Medium costs less and still feels substantial.
What if neither is right?
Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks 100-Piece
$24.99
Natural wood blocks for toddlers aged 2+ — great for sensory play
MEGA BLOKS First Builders Deluxe Building Bag 150-Piece
$32.39
Large plastic blocks for ages 1+ — perfect for tiny hands
PicassoTiles 120pcs Hedgehog Interlocking Building Blocks
$21.24
Interlocking bristle blocks for ages 3+ — frustration-free building
Frequently Asked Questions
LEGO Classic Medium vs Large: which is better?
The Medium is better for most families — it costs $14.61 less, offers 35 colors, and has 484 pieces. Choose the Large if your child needs 790 pieces and a plastic storage bin.
Is the Large LEGO set worth the extra $14.61?
Yes if your child regularly builds big creations and needs the storage bin. Otherwise, the Medium's 484 pieces are enough for creative play.
Which set has more colors?
The Medium has 35 colors; the Large has 33. The Medium offers two more shades, which can make a difference for themed builds.
Do both sets work with other LEGO sets?
Yes, both are 100% compatible with all LEGO construction sets. You can mix bricks across sets without issues.
What age are these sets for?
Both are recommended for ages 4 to 99. They are safe for children 4+ and engaging for older builders too.
How we compared. We analyzed verified buyer reviews and manufacturer specifications for both LEGO Classic sets. Prices updated weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Picks based on verified buyer data and editorial analysis. Prices update weekly from Amazon.