With Labubu’s popularity going through the roof—especially with iconic drops like V2 and V3—it’s no surprise that fake figures are flooding the market. And while some replicas are laughably bad, others are shockingly convincing.
So how do you tell the difference between a real Labubu and a sneaky knockoff? Here’s your ultimate collector’s guide.
✅ 1. Check the Packaging
When examining a Labubu box, packaging can be your first and strongest clue. Genuine Labubu boxes have clean, vibrant color prints and consistent tones throughout. They feature the official Pop Mart logo with a holographic sticker, and the entire box is sealed with shrink wrap. In contrast, fake boxes often have off-tone or blurry printing, may lack the holographic sticker, or even display an incorrect logo. One of the biggest red flags? No seal or a loosely wrapped box. A good rule of thumb: if it’s already open when you get it, be cautious—authentic mystery boxes are sealed tight.
💡 Pro Tip: Authentic mystery boxes are sealed tight. If it’s already open, be cautious.
✅ 2. Inspect the Details
Once you open the box, the figurine itself can tell you a lot. Authentic Labubu figures showcase sharp sculpting lines, with fine detailing and a professional finish. The surface should feel smooth with either a matte or satin texture. You’ll also notice that real figures match their promo pictures in color accuracy. On the other hand, fake Labubu figures often have soft, rounded, or smudged sculpting, and the plastic can feel glossy or even sticky. Colors may look washed out or mismatched, which takes away from Labubu’s signature charm. Even the smallest difference—like uneven eyes or a weird mouth shape—can be a clear sign that you’re dealing with a knockoff.
Labubu’s charm lies in its facial expressions and finish. Even tiny differences in the eyes or mouth can reveal a fake.
✅ 3. Review the Paint Quality
- Real figures use clean, layered paintwork with no bleeding at the edges.
- Fakes often show messy paint, especially around the eyes, ears, and costume edges.
You may also spot uneven textures or visible brush strokes on knockoffs.
✅ 4. Feel the Weight
Official Labubu dolls, especially Labubu V1 and Labubu V2 feel solid and well-balanced. Fakes often use cheaper, hollow plastic and can feel noticeably lighter—or strangely heavy due to poor molding.
⚖️ If you’re unsure, compare the weight with a figure from a legit mystery box.
✅ 5. Watch the Price Tag
Too good to be true? It probably is. If someone’s selling a hard-to-find chase figure for half the market value, you’re likely looking at a scam or a replica.
✅ 6. Ask for Proof
Legit sellers won’t hesitate to show you:
- Close-up photos (not stock images)
- Receipts or order confirmations
- Videos showing unboxing or figure rotation
Avoid any listing that feels vague or overly defensive when you ask questions.
Final Thought
As Labubu’s fame grows, so does the counterfeit market. But with a bit of knowledge, you’ll never be fooled. From the box to the weight in your hand, small details speak volumes.
Collect smart, ask questions, and when in doubt—join online communities to cross-check with fellow fans. The real Labubu is worth it.
