You've decided to buy some Pokemon packs — but now you're staring at an Elite Trainer Box and a booster box wondering which one is actually worth your money. They're both sealed product, they both contain booster packs, and they both come in every current set. So what's the difference, and which one should you buy?
What's Inside Each Product
| Elite Trainer Box (ETB) | Booster Box | |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Packs | 9 | 36 |
| Cards Per Pack | 10 | 10 |
| Total Cards | 90 | 360 |
| Card Sleeves | 65 (set-themed) | — |
| Energy Cards | Full set | — |
| Dice & Markers | Yes | — |
| Storage Box | Yes (collector quality) | — |
| AU Price Range | $65–$85 | $170–$220 |
Cost Per Pack Breakdown
This is where the maths gets interesting:
- ETB: $65–$85 ÷ 9 packs = $7.20–$9.40 per pack
- Booster Box: $170–$220 ÷ 36 packs = $4.70–$6.10 per pack
A booster box saves you roughly $2–$3 per pack compared to an ETB. Over 36 packs, that adds up. But an ETB includes sleeves, dice, and a storage box that would cost you $15–$20 separately — so the gap isn't as wide as the raw numbers suggest.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy an ETB If...
- You're new to the hobby and want everything in one box
- You're buying a gift — ETBs look great and feel premium out of the box
- You want to sample a set before committing to a full box
- You collect the ETB boxes themselves (many collectors display them)
- You need sleeves and dice to start playing the TCG
- Your budget is under $100
Buy a Booster Box If...
- You want the best value per pack
- You're trying to complete a set or chase specific cards
- You already have sleeves and accessories
- You're ripping for content or opening with mates
- You're buying sealed product to hold as an investment
- You want 4x the pulls in one session
Shop booster boxes at Slab Bunker →
Can You Buy Both?
Plenty of collectors grab an ETB for the accessories and display box, then a booster box for the serious ripping. If you're going deep on a set you love — say Ascended Heroes or Journey Together — that combo gives you 45 packs plus a full accessory kit. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Pokemon booster box better than an ETB?
For pure pack value, yes — a booster box gives you 36 packs at $4.70–$6.10 each, compared to 9 packs at $7.20–$9.40 each in an ETB. But ETBs include sleeves, dice, and a collector's box, making them better for beginners or as gifts.
How many packs are in a Pokemon ETB?
A standard Pokemon Elite Trainer Box contains 9 booster packs, each with 10 cards. You also get 65 card sleeves, energy cards, dice, damage counters, and a collector's storage box.
How many packs are in a Pokemon booster box?
English Pokemon booster boxes contain 36 booster packs with 10 cards each — 360 cards total. Japanese booster boxes contain 30 packs with 5 cards each.
Are Pokemon ETBs worth it?
Yes, if you value the accessories. The sleeves, dice, and storage box included in an ETB would cost $15–$20 bought separately. For beginners or gift buyers, an ETB is the best all-in-one purchase in the TCG.
What's the cheapest way to buy Pokemon packs?
Booster boxes offer the lowest cost per pack at $4.70–$6.10 AUD. Booster bundles (6 packs for $45–$55) are the next best option if you don't want to commit to a full box.