If you’re looking to expand your BRIO train collection this year, finding the right trains can be a game-changer for your setup.
Alongside my junior expert—my five-year-old son—we’ve tested a variety of BRIO trains to see which ones stand out in terms of design, functionality, and kid-friendliness. Here’s our breakdown of the top eight BRIO trains that made a lasting impression on us:
What are the Best BRIO Trains?
| Train Model | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| BRIO 33599 Rechargeable Engine with Mini USB Cable | $15 | Rechargeable, sleek design, durable |
| BRIO 33592 Mighty Red Action Locomotive | $30 | Powerful motor, front light, robust design |
| BRIO 33617 Old Steam Engine | $15 | Classic steam engine design, manually operated |
| BRIO 33505 Travel Train | $28 | Modern design, includes figures, compatible with all stations |
| BRIO 33834 Smart Tech Engine Set with Action Tunnels | $50 | Smart technology, interactive action tunnels |
| BRIO 33815 Firefighter Train Set | $50 | Firefighting theme, includes water tank and hose wagon |
| BRIO 33319 Battery Operated Action Train | $28 | Moving coal wagon and cement mixer, battery operated |
| BRIO 33214 Freight Battery Engine | $30 | Heavy load capacity, realistic sounds and lights |
1. BRIO Rechargeable Engine with Mini USB Cable
Price: $15
Why It’s Great: This modern engine is rechargeable, which means no frequent battery swaps. It comes with a mini USB cable for easy charging.
Our Experience: The convenience of recharging it was a big plus for us, and it runs smoothly on all BRIO tracks. The design is sleek and durable, making it a favorite.
Kid’s Verdict: “My train never gets tired!” He loved that he could charge the train himself, giving him a sense of responsibility.
2. BRIO 33592 Mighty Red Action Locomotive
Price: $30
Why It’s Great: Known for its robust design and powerful motor, this locomotive can handle numerous cars at once and has a front light that illuminates its path.
Our Experience: It’s a strong performer on both flat tracks and inclines, which is great for complex track layouts.
Kid’s Verdict: The bright red color and the light were big hits, making it the go-to engine for evening play.
3. BRIO 33617 Old Steam Engine
Price: $15
Why It’s Great: Perfect for those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia, this classic steam engine design brings the old-timey vibes to modern tracks.
Our Experience: It’s manually operated, which encouraged my son to interact more physically with his train set, pushing and steering the train along the tracks.
Kid’s Verdict: He was intrigued by the vintage style and enjoyed the hands-on play, saying it felt like he was a train conductor.
4. BRIO 33505 Travel Train
Price: $28
Why It’s Great: This sleek, modern passenger train comes with a trio of cars and figures, ideal for role-playing travel scenarios.
Our Experience: The additional figures help in imaginative play, and the train fits perfectly with all BRIO passenger stations.
Kid’s Verdict: He loves making up stories about the passengers, where they’re going, and what they’ll do once they arrive.
5. BRIO 33834 Smart Tech Engine Set with Action Tunnels
Price: $50
Why It’s Great: This set is part of BRIO’s Smart Tech series that uses RFID technology to enhance interactive play. The engine performs different actions like stopping, honking, and flashing its lights when it passes through the action tunnels.
Our Experience: The smart features of the train were particularly impressive and made playtime more dynamic and interactive. It was fascinating to see how the train responded differently to each tunnel, which added a layer of surprise and delight.
Kid’s Verdict: He was amazed by how the train reacted to the tunnels and loved setting up different scenarios to see what the train would do next. This set kept him engaged and excited about playing with it again and again.
6. BRIO 33815 Firefighter Train Set
Price: $50
Why It’s Great: This thematic train set focuses on firefighting, complete with a water tank car and a fire hose wagon.
Our Experience: It offers a playful way to discuss safety and emergency services while being robust enough for daily play.
Kid’s Verdict: Playing firefighter has never been more fun, and he often rushes to ‘save’ other trains from imaginary fires.
7. BRIO 33319 Battery Operated Action Train
Price: $28
Why It’s Great: A battery-operated set that includes a moving coal wagon and a rotating cement mixer, providing dynamic play.
Our Experience: The automatic movement of the accessories adds a lively dimension to the train set, making track setups more exciting.
Kid’s Verdict: He’s captivated by the moving parts and often sets up mini construction scenes around the tracks.
8. BRIO World – 33214 Freight Battery Engine
Price: $30
Why It’s Great: This is a powerful freight engine designed to haul heavy loads, featuring realistic engine sounds and lights.
Our Experience: It’s strong enough to pull several loaded cars, and the sound effects add a layer of realism that enhances the play experience.
Kid’s Verdict: The sound effects were a major plus for him; he enjoys mimicking them and feels like he’s in charge of a real freight train.
Each of these trains has its own charm and functionality, making them great additions to any BRIO train set. Whether your child is a fan of realistic play or enjoys creative storytelling, these trains provide the tools for hours of engaging and imaginative play.
