Labubu vs Funko Pop: Which Collectible Is Right for You?
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So you've been scrolling through social media and noticed two very different kinds of collectibles popping up everywhere. Fuzzy little monster figures with pointy ears and wide grins, and boxy, big-headed vinyl characters from your favorite movies and shows. If you're trying to figure out the Labubu vs Funko Pop debate, you're in the right place.
Both are hugely popular in the collectibles world, but they appeal to pretty different kinds of collectors. Whether you're just getting started or looking to branch out, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. And if you're brand new to the Labubu side of things, check out our What is Labubu guide before diving in. It's a great starting point.
Let's get into it.
What Is Labubu and What Are Funko Pops?
Before we compare, let's quickly cover what each one actually is.
Labubu is a designer toy character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. The character is part of a fantasy world called The Monsters and is produced by POP MART, one of the biggest names in the designer toy space. POP MART Labubu figures are known for their quirky, almost eerie charm. Think wide smiles full of sharp little teeth, oversized ears, and soft plush or PVC bodies. They come in limited-run series, and many are sold as Labubu blind boxes, meaning you don't know exactly which design you're getting until you open the package.
Funko Pop figures, on the other hand, are mass-produced vinyl figures made by Funko, an American company. They're officially licensed collectibles based on pop culture icons. Superheroes, movie characters, musicians, athletes, TV show figures, and more. They're recognizable by their signature style: big round heads, black dot eyes, and a small stylized body. Funko Pops are widely available at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Hot Topic.
Here's a quick side-by-side:
| Labubu | Funko Pop | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Hong Kong / POP MART | USA / Funko |
| Style | Designer art toy | Pop culture vinyl figure |
| Availability | Limited drops, blind boxes | Wide retail availability |
| Character Type | Original art characters | Licensed IP characters |
| Material | PVC, plush, vinyl | Vinyl |
Both are collectibles, but they come from very different worlds.
Labubu vs Funko Pop: Key Differences in Design and Style
This is where things get really interesting, especially if you care about aesthetics.
Funko Pops have a very consistent design language. Every figure, whether it's Spider-Man, Taylor Swift, or Grogu, follows the same format. That oversized head, the stubby body, the tiny feet. It's a formula that works because it's instantly recognizable. If you love pop culture and want a shelf full of your favorite characters rendered in that iconic style, Funko delivers every time.
Labubu collectibles are a different story entirely. These are designer toy collectibles rooted in art and storytelling. Each series has its own visual theme, color palette, and mood. One series might feel dreamy and pastel, while another leans dark and edgy. The character design itself is more detailed and emotionally expressive than a standard Funko Pop. There's a reason collectors call Labubu an "art toy" because it genuinely feels like wearable or displayable art.
Here are some design differences worth noting:
- Funko Pop: Uniform silhouette, pop culture references, mass-appeal style
- Labubu: Unique per-series design, original character, more artistic and editorial feel
- Funko Pop: Predominantly hard vinyl
- Labubu: Available in plush, PVC, and vinyl depending on the series
If you want figures that represent your favorite fandoms, Funko is your lane. If you're drawn to original characters with an artistic edge, Labubu is hard to beat.
Collecting Experience: Blind Boxes vs Open Display Figures
The way you collect is just as important as what you collect, and this is one of the biggest differences between Labubu and Funko Pop.
Funko Pops are what collectors call "open" figures. You know exactly what you're buying before you buy it. The box shows you the figure, you can check the number, and you go home happy. This is great for collectors who want to build a specific set or hunt down one particular character. There's no guesswork.
Labubu blind boxes flip that whole experience on its head. You buy a sealed box, and you won't know which design is inside until you open it. It's part of the thrill, and honestly, part of the addiction. Each series comes with several standard designs plus rare or secret editions that only a small percentage of boxes contain. The excitement of not knowing what you'll get keeps collectors coming back for more.
Some popular Labubu blind box series you can shop right now at Bodega Blvd:
- The Monsters Exciting Macaron Series Plush Pendant Blind Box — soft pastel colorways with that signature Labubu charm
- The Monsters Have a Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box — a fan-favorite series with playful poses
- The Monsters Wacky Mart Series PVC Figures — a quirky retail-themed drop with standout designs
- The Monsters Why So Serious Series Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box — moody, dramatic, and wildly collectible
- The Monsters Big Into Energy Series Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box — bold and vibrant, perfect for shelf displays
- The Monsters Coca-Cola Series Blind Box — a limited collab that blends nostalgia with designer toy culture
The blind box model makes collecting feel more like an experience rather than just a transaction. That element of surprise is something Funko Pops simply don't offer.
Price, Value, and Popularity Comparison
Let's talk money, because both hobbies can get expensive fast if you're not careful.
Funko Pops are generally more affordable at retail, with standard figures running between $10 and $15. Limited editions, exclusives, and chase variants can climb higher, and rare grails can sell for hundreds on the secondary market. But for the most part, Funko is accessible and budget-friendly for beginners.
Labubu collectibles tend to have a higher entry price, with blind boxes typically ranging from $20 to $30 depending on the series. Larger or special edition figures can go well beyond that. On the resale market, rare Labubu designs, especially secret or limited-edition colorways, can fetch significant premiums. Some grail pieces have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
A few key points on value:
- Funko Pop: More affordable at retail, huge secondary market, some grails worth a lot
- Labubu: Higher retail price, but strong resale value on rare editions
- Funko Pop: Widely mass-produced, so most figures don't appreciate much
- Labubu: Limited production runs mean rarer supply, which drives up demand
On the popularity front, Funko Pop figures have been a dominant force in mainstream collectible culture for over a decade. They have a massive global fanbase, an enormous licensed catalog, and instant brand recognition. You'll find them in mainstream stores worldwide.
Labubu, however, has seen explosive growth, particularly after going viral on social media in 2024. Celebrities were spotted carrying Labubu keychains, and POP MART stores began drawing serious crowds. What was once a niche designer toy world staple is now a full-on cultural moment. The buzz is real, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down.
Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?
Here's the honest answer: it depends on what kind of collector you are.
If you love pop culture, want to celebrate your favorite fandoms, and prefer knowing exactly what you're getting, Funko Pop figures are a fantastic choice. They're affordable, widely available, and endlessly fun to collect.
But if you're drawn to original art, love the thrill of a surprise, and want something that feels more exclusive and artistic, Labubu collectibles are worth every penny. The Labubu vs Funko Pop comparison really comes down to personality, and Labubu is for the collectors who want something a little more unexpected.
Ready to start or grow your Labubu collection? Browse all the latest drops at Bodega Blvd and find the series that speaks to you.
FAQ: Labubu vs Funko Pop
What is the difference between Labubu and Funko Pop? Labubu is an original designer toy character created by artist Kasing Lung and produced by POP MART. Funko Pops are officially licensed vinyl figures based on pop culture characters. Labubu comes in blind boxes with limited-run designs, while Funko Pops are sold openly and widely available at major retailers.
Which is more popular, Labubu or Funko Pop? Funko Pop has a longer history and broader mainstream reach, but Labubu has surged in popularity rapidly, especially after going viral on social media in 2024. Both have passionate global fanbases, though they attract different types of collectors.
Are Labubu figures worth more than Funko Pops? On the secondary market, rare Labubu designs, especially secret editions and limited collabs, often command higher resale prices than most Funko Pops. That said, rare Funko grails can also be worth hundreds of dollars. Generally, Labubu's limited production runs give it stronger resale potential.
Which is better for beginners, Labubu or Funko Pop? Both are beginner-friendly, but in different ways. Funko Pop is easier to start with thanks to lower retail prices and wide availability. Labubu is a great entry point if you're drawn to the blind box experience and designer toy culture. Just know that the thrill of the mystery is part of the fun.
Are Labubu figures limited edition? Yes, most Labubu series are produced in limited quantities, which is a big part of what makes them so desirable. Each series includes standard designs plus rare and secret editions that are much harder to find. This scarcity is one of the main drivers of Labubu's collectibility and resale value.