If you are wondering about the difference between Labubu and Lafufu, the simplest answer is that Labubu is the authentic collectible character, while Lafufu is a nickname commonly used for fake or counterfeit Labubu figures. Labubu is part of The Monsters universe created by artist Kasing Lung and developed into collectible products by Pop Mart. Lafufu is not an official Pop Mart character, series, or cheaper version of Labubu.
The difference between Labubu and Lafufu is therefore mainly about authenticity. A genuine Labubu has official branding, production details, and consistent design features. A Lafufu may look similar but often has problems with the teeth, paint, stitching, materials, packaging, or authentication details.
The difference between Labubu and Lafufu matters most when you are buying a collectible, especially from a marketplace or reseller. Some counterfeits are easy to spot, while others can look surprisingly close to the real thing.
Labubu vs Lafufu: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Labubu | Lafufu |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Authentic collectible character/product | Common nickname for a counterfeit Labubu |
| Creator | Kasing Lung | Not an official character creator |
| Official brand | Pop Mart / The Monsters | No official Pop Mart product line |
| Design | Matches official Labubu designs | Copies or imitates Labubu |
| Teeth | Authentic Labubu designs have nine teeth | May have the wrong count or poor molding |
| Materials | Official production quality | Often lower-quality materials |
| Stitching and paint | Usually clean and consistent | May be rough, uneven, or messy |
| Packaging | Official Pop Mart packaging | May be copied, altered, or incorrect |
| Authentication | Official product details may be verifiable | Verification details may fail or be copied |
| Safety testing | Genuine products follow applicable product requirements | Counterfeits may not meet the same safety standards |
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is an elf-like character created by artist Kasing Lung as part of The Monsters universe.
Pop Mart officially describes Labubu as an elf character from Kasing Lung’s picture-book world. The character is known for pointed ears, a mischievous expression, and a distinctive toothy grin.
The Monsters universe began in Kasing Lung’s illustrated stories, and Pop Mart later turned the characters into collectible figures, plush toys, blind boxes, pendants, and other products.
Labubu became especially popular as a collectible and bag accessory. Different releases can have different colors, outfits, sizes, and themes, but they remain official products when produced through the authorized Pop Mart product line.
What Is Lafufu?
Lafufu is not an official Labubu character.
The word is commonly used by collectors and online sellers to describe fake, counterfeit, or bootleg Labubu products.
The name is a playful alteration of “Labubu.” It became popular because counterfeit Labubu figures began appearing as the character gained worldwide attention.
However, there is an important distinction.
Not every non-Pop Mart monster toy is necessarily being sold as a counterfeit. Some products are simply unrelated knockoffs or clearly unofficial toys. In everyday online use, though, Lafufu usually refers to a fake Labubu.
So if someone asks, “Is Lafufu a real character?” the answer is no, not as an official Pop Mart character.
The Main Difference Between Labubu and Lafufu
The main difference is authenticity.
A Labubu is an official character and collectible associated with Kasing Lung’s The Monsters and Pop Mart.
A Lafufu is generally a counterfeit imitation made to resemble an authentic Labubu.
This means the difference is not simply the color, size, or facial expression. An official Labubu can look very different from another official Labubu because Pop Mart releases many designs.
The key question is:
Was the product officially produced and sold as an authentic Labubu, or is it an imitation?
How to Tell a Labubu From a Lafufu
No single visual clue should be treated as perfect proof. Counterfeiters can copy packaging, tags, colors, and even some authentication features.
Use several checks together.
1. Count the Teeth
One of the easiest checks is the mouth.
Official Labubu designs are known for having nine teeth.
A counterfeit may have a different number of teeth, poorly shaped teeth, uneven spacing, or teeth that look badly molded or painted.
But nine teeth alone do not prove that a Labubu is authentic. Better counterfeits can copy this feature.
Think of tooth count as a first check, not a complete authentication test.
2. Examine the Face
Look closely at the eyes, nose, mouth, and overall face shape.
Authentic products generally have clean sculpting and consistent paint application. A fake may show:
- Uneven eyes
- Poorly painted teeth
- Blotchy colors
- A distorted mouth
- Poor facial symmetry
- Excess paint
- Rough edges
Compare the figure with official images from the same Labubu series when possible.
Do not compare a random Labubu colorway with another series and assume every design should look identical.
3. Check the Ears
Labubu’s pointed ears are one of its recognizable features.
On a counterfeit, the ears may look too wide, too far apart, uneven, or poorly shaped.
However, ear shape can vary slightly between genuine releases. It should therefore be used with other clues rather than as a final test.
4. Inspect the Fur and Stitching
For plush Labubu products, examine the fabric closely.
Authentic products generally have more consistent construction. A counterfeit may have:
- Loose threads
- Uneven stitching
- Rough seams
- Cheap-feeling fabric
- Poorly attached parts
- Inconsistent fur
A strange-looking plush is not automatically fake. Manufacturing variation can happen with genuine products too.
The strongest warning comes when several quality problems appear together.
5. Check the Feet and Markings
Some newer Labubu releases include specific markings and security features on the figure.
Depending on the release, collectors may check the feet, tags, engraved branding, artist attribution, or other production details.
This is where caution matters.
Authentication features can change between releases.
Do not assume that every genuine Labubu must have exactly the same markings as a newer model. Older products may have different security features.
6. Examine the Packaging
Packaging can provide useful clues.
Look for:
- Clear printing
- Correct Pop Mart branding
- Consistent fonts
- Accurate colors
- Proper labels
- Series information
- Security or verification features appropriate to that release
Poor printing, spelling mistakes, strange logos, or badly reproduced artwork can be warning signs.
But packaging alone is not enough.
Counterfeiters have become better at copying boxes, and some fakes may even use genuine-looking packaging.
7. Check the QR or Verification Details
Some Labubu products include QR codes or other verification features.
If your product has an official verification system, use the official Pop Mart verification route rather than trusting a random website opened by a code.
A QR code that leads to an unrelated website is a major warning sign.
At the same time, a working QR code should not automatically make you comfortable with the purchase. Counterfeiters can copy legitimate codes or place a fake figure inside authentic-looking packaging.
That is why authentication should combine several checks.
8. Consider the Seller
The seller is one of the most important clues.
Buying directly from Pop Mart or an authorized retailer reduces the risk of receiving a counterfeit.
Be more careful with unknown marketplace sellers, especially when:
- The seller has little history.
- The listing uses stock photos only.
- The seller refuses close-up photos.
- The product is unusually cheap.
- The description contains strange spelling.
- The seller claims every figure is “100% authentic” without proof.
A low price is not proof of a fake, but an unusually low price combined with other warning signs deserves attention.
Is Lafufu Always Easy to Spot?
No.
Some Lafufus are obviously fake. They may have strange faces, crooked eyes, poor stitching, incorrect teeth, or cheap materials.
Others can be much harder to identify.
Some counterfeiters copy genuine packaging and design details closely. A fake figure may even look convincing in a small marketplace photograph.
This is why the idea that “a real Labubu always looks perfect and a Lafufu always looks terrible” is misleading.
The safest approach is to check multiple authenticity signals together.
Can a Lafufu Have Nine Teeth?
Yes.
A fake can copy one authentic feature.
This is an important point for new collectors.
If a figure has nine teeth, that does not automatically make it genuine. A counterfeiter can reproduce the correct tooth count while getting the paint, materials, tags, markings, packaging, or other details wrong.
The same principle applies to QR codes.
One successful check does not equal complete authentication.
Can a Real Labubu Look Slightly Different?
Yes.
Official Labubu products come in many releases, series, sizes, colors, costumes, and formats.
A collector should compare a figure with the correct official release, not with a random Labubu found online.
Small differences in color, clothing, facial appearance, or accessories may be normal between different releases.
This is one reason generic “real Labubu checklist” advice can sometimes create false alarms.
Is Lafufu a Cheaper Official Labubu?
No.
Lafufu is not an official budget version of Labubu.
Pop Mart does not use Lafufu as the name of an official cheaper Labubu line.
If a seller describes a product as an “official Lafufu” or says Lafufu is simply the cheaper version of Labubu, be cautious.
The term generally refers to an imitation rather than an authorized Pop Mart product.
Why Do People Buy Lafufus?
The answer is not always deception.
Some people buy counterfeit figures because they are cheaper or easier to find. Others enjoy the strange appearance of badly made versions and collect them for fun.
Some collectors even find unusual counterfeit designs entertaining because of their exaggerated faces, crooked features, or unexpected manufacturing mistakes.
The problem begins when a counterfeit is sold as an authentic Labubu.
In that situation, the buyer may pay an authentic-product price for something that is not genuine.
Are Lafufus Safe for Children?
This is an important difference that goes beyond collecting.
Counterfeit toys may not have gone through the same safety checks or quality controls as legitimate products.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned in 2025 about fake Labubu dolls that could pose choking risks to young children. Australia’s product-safety authority also warned about counterfeit Labubu products and reported concerns involving detachable parts and other safety hazards.
For this reason, do not treat a Lafufu as simply a cheaper Labubu toy for a young child.
If a counterfeit has loose parts, poor stitching, broken pieces, or other defects, keep it away from young children.
Labubu, Lafufu, Knockoff, and Counterfeit: Are They the Same?
These words are related but not always identical.
Labubu refers to the official character and authorized products.
Lafufu is common collector slang for a fake Labubu.
Knockoff is a broader term for an imitation product.
Counterfeit usually means an unauthorized product made to imitate a genuine branded product, often in a way that can mislead buyers.
So, you can think of the terms this way:
Labubu = authentic official product
Lafufu = common nickname for a fake Labubu
Knockoff = broader term for an imitation
Counterfeit = unauthorized imitation that may be passed off as genuine
Is Lafufu the Same Character as Labubu?
No.
Labubu is an official character created by Kasing Lung.
Lafufu is not a separate official character in The Monsters universe. It is mainly a nickname for counterfeit Labubu products.
If you see a strange-looking “Lafufu character,” it is usually an imitation of Labubu rather than a new member of the official character universe.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Labubu and Lafufu
Mistake 1: Thinking Lafufu is another official character
It is not.
Lafufu is commonly used for counterfeit Labubu figures.
Mistake 2: Assuming every ugly Labubu is fake
Real products can have minor manufacturing differences.
An unusual face alone is not enough to prove a figure is fake.
Mistake 3: Checking only the teeth
Nine teeth are an important clue, but counterfeiters can copy them.
Check other details too.
Mistake 4: Trusting the box completely
A convincing box does not guarantee that the figure inside is genuine.
Counterfeiters can copy packaging, and authentic boxes can sometimes be reused.
Mistake 5: Assuming a cheap price proves it is fake
Price is a warning sign, not authentication.
A genuine item could be discounted, while a counterfeit could be expensive.
Mistake 6: Treating every non-Pop Mart monster toy as a Lafufu
The word is mainly used for fake Labubu products. A completely different unlicensed monster toy may simply be a knockoff or unrelated product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labubu real or fake?
Labubu is a genuine fictional character created by Kasing Lung and developed into collectible products by Pop Mart. Individual Labubu figures can be genuine or counterfeit, depending on how they were produced and sold.
What does Lafufu mean?
Lafufu is a commonly used nickname for counterfeit or fake Labubu figures. It is not the name of an official Pop Mart Labubu series.
How many teeth does a real Labubu have?
An authentic Labubu has nine teeth, a distinctive feature of the character. However, tooth count should be treated as one authentication check rather than complete proof.
Can a Lafufu look exactly like a Labubu?
Some counterfeits can look very convincing. Packaging, facial details, materials, and authentication features can be copied, so buyers should use several checks instead of relying on appearance alone.
Is it okay to buy a Lafufu?
Buying an imitation for personal enjoyment is different from being tricked into buying one as an authentic Labubu. If you knowingly buy an unofficial product, make sure the seller represents it honestly and consider product-safety concerns, especially around young children.
Where should I buy a real Labubu?
The safest option is to purchase through Pop Mart or an authorized retail channel. When buying from a reseller, check the seller’s reputation and inspect the exact product rather than relying only on listing photos.
Test Your Knowledge
1. What is Lafufu usually used to describe?
A. A new Labubu series
B. A Labubu accessory
C. A counterfeit Labubu
D. A character from another Pop Mart universe
Correct answer: C. A counterfeit Labubu
2. Who created Labubu?
A. Kasing Lung
B. Pop Mart’s marketing team
C. Walt Disney
D. Sanrio
Correct answer: A. Kasing Lung
3. How many teeth does an authentic Labubu have?
A. 6
B. 8
C. 9
D. 12
Correct answer: C. 9
4. Does nine teeth alone prove that a Labubu is authentic?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only for plush versions
D. Only for blind boxes
Correct answer: B. No
5. What is the safest way to reduce the risk of buying a counterfeit?
A. Choose the cheapest listing
B. Buy from an official or trusted authorized source
C. Trust the box without checking the figure
D. Check only the color
Correct answer: B. Buy from an official or trusted authorized source
6. Is Lafufu an official Pop Mart character?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only in Japan
D. Only in blind boxes
Correct answer: B. No
Conclusion
The difference between Labubu and Lafufu is mainly the difference between an authentic collectible and an imitation. Labubu is the official character created by Kasing Lung and developed into products through Pop Mart’s The Monsters line. Lafufu is commonly used as slang for counterfeit Labubu figures.
If you are checking a figure, do not rely on one detail. Look at the teeth, face, stitching, materials, markings, packaging, verification features, and seller together. Most importantly, make sure a seller is not presenting an imitation as an authentic Labubu.
Recommended External Sources
- Pop Mart — The Monsters Official Page — Official information about Kasing Lung, The Monsters, and Labubu. Pop Mart
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Labubu Safety Warning — Useful for counterfeit-product safety concerns. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Australian Competition & Consumer Commission — Fake Labubu Safety Alert — Covers counterfeit Labubu products and potential hazards. ACCC Product Safety
- Good Morning America — How to Spot a Fake Labubu — Includes comments from Pop Mart and practical authenticity checks. Good Morning America
- CHOICE — Labubu or Lafufu? — Independent comparison and counterfeit-safety testing context.
Ezra Hale is a thoughtful contributor to Distinly.com, where he explores philosophical ideas and the subtle differences behind everyday concepts. His writing blends logic, language, and human insight to clarify complex distinctions. Ezra encourages readers to think deeper, question assumptions, and appreciate the meaning behind words and ideas in modern discourse.
