The choice between Labubu and Crybaby depends on what you value most—whether it's cultural influence, design appeal, emotional connection, or investment potential. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:
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1. Popularity & Cultural Impact
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Labubu: A global sensation since 2019, boosted by celebrity fans like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and collaborations with luxury brands. Its "ugly-cute" style and mischievous personality make it a favorite worldwide.
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Crybaby: A rising star with explosive growth, especially in Asia. Its tear-drop design taps into modern emotional trends, but it hasn’t yet reached Labubu’s level of global recognition.
Verdict: Labubu leads in worldwide fame, but Crybaby is gaining fast.
More: How Much Should I Pay for a Labubu?
2. Design & Emotional Appeal
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Labubu: Playful and edgy, with elf-like ears and sharp teeth. Its mix of Nordic folklore and kawaii aesthetics appeals to fans of quirky characters.
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Crybaby: Soft, melancholic, and gender-neutral, designed to evoke empathy and comfort. Ideal for those who connect with emotional storytelling.
Verdict: Personal preference rules—Labubu is bold, Crybaby is introspective.
More: Will Labubu Hold Its Value? The Collector's Guide
3. Marketing & Scarcity Strategies
Both use blind boxes and limited editions, but their approaches differ:
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Labubu: Keeps things fresh with creative themes—like Spanish flamenco or Middle Eastern royalty—to stay relevant.
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Crybaby: Focuses on emotional engagement, using AR filters and pop-up "healing spaces" to connect with fans.
Verdict: Labubu’s strategy is more versatile; Crybaby’s is niche but deeply resonant.
4. Celebrity & Community Hype
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Labubu: Backed by A-listers like Kim Kardashian and viral unboxing trends, with millions of social media posts.
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Crybaby: Growing through influencers and emotional storytelling communities, particularly in China and Southeast Asia.
Verdict: Labubu has broader celebrity appeal, but Crybaby’s fanbase is highly dedicated.
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5. Investment Potential
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Labubu: A stable collectible, with rare editions selling for high prices. Its market is mature but may slow in growth.
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Crybaby: Sales are skyrocketing, and early editions are already valuable. Some investors believe it could be the "next Labubu."
Verdict: Crybaby offers higher growth potential; Labubu is a safer long-term choice.
More: Which Labubu is the most rare?
Final Recommendation
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Pick Labubu if you want a proven, globally loved collectible with strong resale value.
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Pick Crybaby if you prefer emotional depth and want to invest in an emerging trend.
Tip: Many collectors own both—Labubu for its iconic status and Crybaby for its therapeutic vibe.
