Labubu vs Other Collectible Toys – What's the Appeal?

If you’ve been anywhere near the world of designer toys or blind box collectibles lately, chances are you’ve stumbled across Labubu Monsters by POPMART. These cheeky little critters, with their pointy ears, big grins, and slightly mischievous vibe, have become absolute must-haves for collectors around the world. But how do they stack up against other well-known collectibles like Funko Pops, Be@rbricks, or even old-school vinyl figures? This is Tastebuds’ take.

First up – The vibe of Labubu

Labubu Monsters are the brainchild of the artist Kasing Lung, and they’re produced by POPMART, a brand that’s basically taken the blind box game to a whole new level. Unlike your stock-standard pop culture figurines, Labubu has its own distinct personality. The character is a bit creepy-cute, straddling that line between adorable and a little unsettling. With the wild tuft of hair, exaggerated features, and those wicked little smiles, Labubu feels more like a character ripped from a quirky illustrated book than a mass-produced toy.

The charm lies in that mix of weird and wonderful. They’re not meant to be perfect representations of a TV or film character; instead, they feel like tiny pieces of art. This makes them really stand out compared to more mainstream collectibles.

Funko Pops – The Everyman of Collectibles

It’s impossible not to bring Funko Pops into the conversation. For many Aussies, a trip to JB Hi-Fi or Zing is incomplete without seeing shelves stacked with those big-headed figures. Funko Pops are accessible, affordable, and cover nearly every franchise under the sun—from Marvel superheroes to obscure anime characters.

But there’s one thing: while Funko Pops are fantastic for fans who want an affordable and cheerful way to celebrate their favourite character, they don’t have the same artistic flair as Labubu. Funko’s design formula is consistent: same shape, same proportions, with different paint jobs slapped on. Labubu, on the other hand, has far more variety in poses, textures, and facial expressions, which gives each series a bit more personality.

Think of it this way…Funko Pops are like the meat pie of the collecting world—reliable, widely available, and enjoyed by heaps of people. Labubu is more like a sausage roll from a trendy Melbourne café—still a snack, but one with a unique twist that makes you stop and take notice.

Be@rbricks – The Fashionista Cousin

Then you’ve got Be@rbricks, those blocky bear figures from Japan that have been around since the early 2000s. These are super collectible, often released in collaboration with big fashion brands like Nike, Chanel, or BAPE. They come in different sizes, and the larger ones in particular have become almost like furniture pieces in streetwear-inspired homes.

Where Be@rbricks lean heavily into high fashion and exclusivity, Labubu Monsters are a bit more playful and accessible. You don’t need to drop thousands of dollars to get into the game—although some rare Labubus do fetch crazy prices on the resale market. Still, the tone is different: Be@rbricks say “I’m a stylish collector with taste in art and design,” while Labubu says “I’m here for the fun, the whimsy, and a touch of chaos. You can’t forget me!”

Kidrobot and Other Vinyl Toys

If you were around in the early 2000s, you might remember the rise of Kidrobot and their iconic Dunny and Munny figures. These were blank vinyl toys that artists could customise, and they helped kickstart the whole designer toy movement outside of Asia. In many ways, Labubu is part of that same family tree.

But unlike Dunny or Munny, which relied on artist collaborations to keep things fresh, Labubu is a character with its own identity. That gives it longevity and a fanbase that follows every new series closely. Where Kidrobot sometimes felt like a platform for other people’s ideas, Labubu is a fully formed character with lore, backstory, and a growing world of designs.

Labubu's Accessibility and Collecting Culture

One of the big differences between Labubu Monsters and other collectibles is how you buy them. POPMART uses the blind box system: you don’t know which figure you’re getting until you open the box. That mystery element is half the fun, but it also means you’re likely to end up with doubles. For collectors, this leads to trading—at swap meets, online groups, or even casual trades between mates. It creates a bit of a community vibe, which is part of the appeal.

Compare that with Funko Pops, where you just buy the exact figure you want straight off the shelf. Sure, it’s less risky, but it also misses out on that thrill of surprise. Be@rbricks also dabble in blind boxes for their smaller sizes, but the higher-end pieces are usually more straightforward.

Price Points and Rarity

Labubu Monsters sit in a sweet spot price-wise. A single blind box is usually around $15–20 AUD, which is comparable to a Funko Pop. The difference is in scarcity—some designs are secret “chase” figures that are harder to pull, and limited series can skyrocket in value on the resale market.

Be@rbricks, particularly the larger 400% and 1000% sizes, are far more expensive, sometimes costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Kidrobot sits somewhere in the middle, depending on the series. For Aussie collectors who want something special without breaking the bank, Labubu offers a good balance of affordability and collectibility.

Display and Aesthetics

When it comes to displaying your collection, Labubus have a certain charm that Pops don’t always deliver. Their varied shapes, poses, and colours look fantastic lined up together, almost like a little misfit family. Funko Pops, while neat and uniform, can sometimes feel a bit monotonous on a shelf. Be@rbricks, being larger, are more like statement pieces than part of a sprawling collection.

Labubu Monsters hit that sweet spot where you can have a growing collection that’s fun to display without needing an entire spare room to house it.

The Aussie Perspective on Labubu 

In Australia, POPMART stores are starting to pop up in major shopping centres, and the hype around Labubu is real. They’re a bit harder to find than Funko Pops, but that scarcity only adds to the excitement. For collectors here, it’s nice to have something that feels a little more niche than the mass-produced Pops but not as intimidatingly exclusive as Be@rbricks.

At the end of the day, Labubu Monsters by POPMART bring something refreshing to the collectible scene. They’ve got personality, they’re affordable, and they tap into that nostalgia for surprise toys while still feeling like modern art pieces. Compared to Funko Pops, they’re quirkier and more themed. Compared to Be@rbricks, they’re less about status and more about fun. Compared to Kidrobot, they’re more cohesive as a character brand.

You could be a long-time toy nerd or just someone who loves a bit of whimsy on your shelf, Labubu is worth checking out. They’re a reminder that collecting doesn’t always have to be serious—it can just be a laugh, a surprise, and a bit of joy tucked into a tiny box.