Lafufu vs Labubu: Real or Fake? Side by Side Comparison
Labubus have taken the collecting world by storm, becoming one of the most sought-after designer toys out there. These mischievous little characters come in dozens of themed series, each more creative than the last. Originally designed by the incredible Kasing Lung and distributed through POP MART, Labubus stand out with their expressive eyes, toothy grins, and wildly imaginative costumes. From seasonal themes to exclusive collaborations, each blind box release feels like an event. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new collector, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building your own Labubu squad.
Lafufu vs Labubu
But with popularity comes problems, and one of the biggest issues in the Labubu world right now is the rise of dupes—aka Lafufu. While some Lafufus are sold transparently as lookalikes or inspired versions (which is completely fine and can even be a fun addition to your collection), others are being sold as if they are authentic Labubus. That’s where collectors need to be careful. I recently purchased what I believed was a full set of “Big Into Energy” Labubus only to find out after unboxing that they were Lafufus in disguise. This article is here to help you avoid the same mistake. If you’re new to collecting or shopping outside of official POP MART channels, you’ll want to read this carefully.
What you will love about a Labubu
• The quality is exceptional, from the sculpt to the paint
• They’re official pieces with a strong collector community and resale value
• Every figure comes in a beautifully designed box with matching cards
What you will love about a Lafufu (sold with full disclosure)
• They’re budget-friendly alternatives that can still look adorable
• Some designs are original and don’t copy real Labubu releases
• They’re perfect for kids or anyone who just wants a cute figure without the collector pressure
✅ Labubu vs Lafufu: Real vs Fake Checklist
Use this quick guide to help identify whether your figure is authentic or counterfeit. These are some of the most common signs, but use your best judgment — not every tip applies to every release.
Packaging & Box
☐ Official Branding — Real Labubu boxes usually feature logos like The Monsters; Lafufu boxes often lack branding entirely. But be careful some of the newer Lafufus have fake QR codes and branding.
☐ Color Quality — Labubu boxes have soft, pastel-like tones. Lafufu packaging tends to use overly bright or overly saturated colors.
☐ QR Codes on Box — Authentic Labubu boxes have QR codes:
One links to the official Pop Mart site
One links to Pop Mart’s anti-counterfeit verification page
Lafufu boxes often have no QR codes at all or fake ones.
☐ Interior Bag — Labubu comes sealed in a printed cellophane bag and you can see the exterior writing on the inside. Lafufu may even come in a Ziploc-style bag, which is never correct for a Labubu.
Figure Details
☐ Head Movement — Real Labubu necks have slight give but do not rotate fully. Some Lafufu heads often spin all the way around.
☐ Ears & Arm Placement — Labubu ears are closer together, and arms are slightly forward, like it’s ready to give a hug. Lafufu ears and arms are usually spread far apart.
☐ Teeth Count & Quality — Labubu has exactly 9 clean, bright white teeth. Lafufu figures may have 8 or 10 teeth, often with messy paint or dull color.
☐ Cheek Blush — Authentic Labubu has a subtle, soft blush. Lafufu cheeks are often too dark or uneven.
☐ Back of Head — Real Labubu heads are nicely rounded. Lafufu heads often appear flat or misshapen.
Authentication & Extras
☐ Label QR Code — The Labubu has a QR code on the label on the figure. Some Lafufu figures lack this entirely.
☐ Character Card — Authentic Labubu includes a high-quality, thick plastic-like character card. Lafufu often has no card, or a flimsy, low-quality printed one.
Bonus Tip: UV Light Check
☐ UV Footprint — Some Labubu figures will show a Labubu character outline on the bottom of the right foot when exposed to UV light.
☐ UV Teeth Reaction — In some figures, the teeth will also glow under UV light.
☐ Note — This feature does not apply to all series (such as the Coca Cola Labubu) and should not be used as the only verification method.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Not every Labubu will have every listed feature, and counterfeiters improve their fakes over time. Use your best discretion and compare details from trusted sources whenever possible.
Tips & Tricks
- Always buy from trusted sellers with good reviews
• Stick to official POP MART retailers when possible
• Use our checklist above when buying from third-party resellers
• Watch our YouTube video for a full breakdown and real-life comparisons
Whatnot App
If you’re looking for a trusted place to shop for Labubus and other collectibles, definitely check out the Whatnot app. It’s a live shopping platform where verified sellers host real-time auctions, show the items up close, and answer questions on the spot. The best part is that Whatnot offers buyer protection, so if you’re ever sent a Lafufu when it was listed as a Labubu, they’ve got your back. Use my referral code when you sign up and you’ll receive a credit (usually between $10 and $200) after your first purchase. I’ll also receive a credit, and once you’re set up, you can share your own link with friends and earn credits too.
FAQs
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
