Hobby Box vs Blaster Box: What Is the Difference?

If you are new to sealed trading cards, the names can be confusing. Hobby boxes, blaster boxes, hanger boxes and value packs all sit on shelves next to each other, yet they are made for different buyers. Here is a simple way to tell them apart.

What is a hobby box?

A hobby box is the version made mainly for hobby shops and serious collectors. Manufacturers usually put more premium cards in these boxes, and many promise a set number of special cards such as autographs or memorabilia cards. The price is higher, but so is the chance of the cards collectors are really chasing.

What is a blaster box?

A blaster box is the lower-priced version sold in large retail stores. It holds fewer packs and costs less. The odds of the top cards are usually lower than in a hobby box, and some blaster boxes include exclusive cards that you will not find in the hobby version.

Which one should you buy?

• Buy a blaster if you want a low-cost way to enjoy opening packs, or you are buying for a gift or a young collector.
• Buy a hobby box if you want better odds at premium cards and you are comfortable spending more.
• Check the product description each time. Contents, odds and guaranteed cards change from set to set and from year to year.

A quick tip

Always read what is printed on the box and the product description before you buy. The exact number of packs, cards per pack and guaranteed hits depend on the manufacturer and the set, so compare the details rather than assuming.