Funko POP vs. Nendoroid: What’s the Difference?
Both are cute, chibi-style figures but they’re also very different.
Nendoroid, created in 2006 by Good Smile Company in Japan, is known for its customizable features, poseability, and charming chibi proportions. Funko POP, on the other hand, was launched in 2011 by Funko Inc. in the United States, and is known for its iconic simplicity and signature black bead-like eyes.
So, what exactly sets them apart?
An example of Denji Nendoroid from Chainsaw Man, complete with his signature chainsaw arms and devil-hunting grin.
What is a Nendoroid?
Nendoroids are adorable, small-scale figures that fit in the palm of your hand, typically standing around 10 cm tall. They’re famous for their customizability. You can swap out face plates, body parts, and accessories, and pose them however you like using their jointed limbs.
There's also a sub-line called Swacchao, featuring characters in a fixed sitting position. Only their faces and arms are swappable, but they’re still just as charming.
If you enjoy posing characters for photoshoots or stop-motion storytelling, Nendoroid dolls are perfect. You can even customize them further by swapping heads from standard Nendoroids and dressing them in miniature clothes.
In addition to accessories and bases, some characters offer extra facial expressions or themed sets to expand your display options.
While Nendoroids mostly cover anime and Japanese game IPs, they’ve expanded to include popular western franchises like Marvel and Disney as well.
An example of Denji Funko POP from Chainsaw Man, complete with his signature chainsaw arms.
What is a Funko POP?
Funko POPs are short, cute vinyl figures with a distinctive design: oversized heads, black beady eyes, and simplified features that make them instantly recognizable.
Unlike Nendoroids, Funko POPs are not poseable and usually come in a fixed stance. However, they make up for it with an extensive library of licensed IPs, from anime and video games to movies, TV shows, and pop culture icons. They tend to focus on trending media and mainstream franchises.
Funko POPs are often collected in-box, with some fans opting for in-box display walls or out-of-box dioramas depending on preference.
On the left: Nendoroid Wolverine with detailed articulation and expression. On the right: Funko Pop Wolverine in classic stylized form.
Nendoroid vs. Funko POP: Key Differences ( a comparision picture)
Superman in both Nendoroid and Funko POP version
Conclusion: Choosing What’s Right for You
Both Nendoroid and Funko POP offer something unique. It all depends on what kind of collector you are. If you enjoy posing, customizing, or storytelling, Nendoroids will bring you joy. If you prefer casual collecting, displaying your favorite characters, or just want to build a fun collection without breaking the bank, Funko POP is a great choice.
And if you have too many figures piling up, our VALOR Series was made just for collectors like you. It’s a modular sliding display stand that lets you easily switch between boxed and out-of-box displays without replacing the stand itself. Expand, customize, and display your collection your way with a twist.