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Collecting cards is one thing, but where should you store your spares when all is said and done? Trading card storage boxes are a safe way to keep them packed away neatly, ready to be opened without a chance of getting ruined.
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Plus, you need somewhere to store your cards that are not labeled Mike Trout or Tom Brady. We’ve looked far and wide to bring you this list of the best trading card boxes to suit almost every collection, large or small.
Best Trading Card Boxes Summary
Best Overall: Risou Hard Carrying Case
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Best Protection: Pirate Lab MTG Hoard Storage Case
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Best Budget: Prime BCW 400 Count Corrugated Cardboard Storage 2 Box
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Cardboard Trading Card Boxes
They’re not the flashiest, but cardboard boxes tend to be more affordable than the plastic variety. Of course, they’re more susceptible to water damage and general wear and tear, but they get the job done.
Best Cardboard Trading Card Storage Box By Price
Here are the best for buyers who are looking from a spending aspect.
BUDGET: PRIME BCW 400 Count Corrugated Cardboard Storage 2 Box
A simple solution is found in the form of this bundle of two storage boxes. They’re designed to hold roughly 350 standard 20pt trading cards or 560 collectible gaming cards.
It’s not the flashiest option, and cards will be stacked sideways. However, they’ll be safe and secure and won’t catch the eye. The box uses corrugated paper, which is why it’s so affordable. The boxes are given a white finish on the outside.
MODERATE: 5 Monster 4-Row Storage Box by MAX PRO 3200ct
Next up is a great trading card box for more significant collections. Max Pro claims it’s the most competitively priced cardboard storage box on the market today. It’s made of white corrugated paper and has a 200 lb. test strength.
The box includes 3,200 standard-sized trading cards or 4,560 collectible gaming cards. However, it doesn’t fit top loaders, and you’ll struggle if you’re a fan of oversized cards.
UPSCALE: Comecase Pokemon Card Holder Celestial Storm
Celestial Storm is the seventh central expansion of cards from the Pokémon Sun & Moon Series. b
This Pokemon trading card box is ideal for fans who want to show off their Pokemon FANBOY side (literally). Most of the money in this box is for the design and looks that many Pokemon card collectors deeply care about (read: Most Expensive and Rare Pokemon Cards).
Best Cardboard Trading Card Storage Box By SIZE
Next are three great cardboard trading card boxes, split by the number of cards they hold. All three of the boxes are designed for more extensive collections.
SMALL: 4 Boxes BCW 1000 Count Corrugated Cardboard Gaming Storage Box
A simple option comes with this collection of four corrugated cardboard trading card boxes. BCW claims each holds about 1,000 unsleeved gaming cards or 550 sleeved gaming cards. (However, multiple users have noted that they fit roughly 700 apiece.) As such, you’ll be able to store roughly 2,800 unsleeved cards with all four boxes.
MODERATE: BCW Card House Storage Box with 12 800-Count Storage Boxes
Twelve 800 card slots are found in this BCW storage box, which is more difficult to assemble than expected as they send no instructions. We’d advise looking at the product page for an instructional video. There’s a BCW logo on the side of the trading card box, and it’s a sturdy option. Once again, the 800 card estimate (9,600 overall) is likely to be significantly lower in reality.
LARGE: 10 x 5000 Count Corrugated Cardboard Storage Box by Max Pro for Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Nascar, Sports Cards, Gaming & Trading Cards, Collecting Supplies
A little self-assembly is required, but this large cardboard Max Pro box comfortably houses approximately 5,000 20pt trading cards or approximately 7,000 gaming cards.
Best of all, they come in bundles of 10, so you’ll be able to pack away anywhere between 50,000 and 70,000 cards. That’s enough for a smaller hobby shop, while they’re also great if you plan to ship a collection off to anywhere in the world.
Best Cardboard Trading Card Storage Box By PROTECTION
Protection is likely to be the main aim if you have an expensive collection of rookie cards and autographs. Just because a box is made of cardboard doesn’t mean that it can’t get the job done effectively.
STRONG: BCW 4 Box 1000 Count Corrugated Cardboard Gaming Storage
A simple option comes with this collection of four corrugated cardboard boxes. Each holds about 1000 unsleeved gaming cards or 550 sleeved gaming cards (in reality, more like 700 apiece).
The thick corrugated paper and a 200 lb. test strength make for one of the most robust boxes at the lower end, and it’s great for storage or protection.
It’s ideal if you’re looking for a sturdy trading card box, and you’ll struggle to find a better option unless you start to look at plastic cases.
STRONGER: Black and White Card Box 1000
If you need something a bit sturdier than cardboard, this thin plastic option offers moderate protection at a low price.
There are numerous fitted partitions, allowing cards to be separated into five separate piles. It should fit anywhere between 700-1,000 cards altogether.
However, considering the low price tag and the thin plastic used, it’s only a bit better than a budget cardboard storage box. It has a clasp and strong hinges, which is a definite bonus.
STRONGEST: 3 Row Black with White Game Card Box
The BCW card game box offers three rows with interior pockets and holds about 2,800 unsleeved gaming cards or 1,500 sleeved cards.
There are labels on the exterior so you can keep track of your collection, while it uses a magnetic clasp which is a clean solution. The base is also removable to make space for game boards. It comes in black, with cardboard used for the dividers.
Despite being relatively strong, we’d advise only using this box for storage due to the magnetic clasp.
SUPERIOR STRONG: Max Protection Card Penthouse XL Storage Box System – Holds One Touch Magnetic Holders, Toploaders, and Card Saver 2
The ‘Card Penthouse’ contains ten separate card drawers for top loaders. Each drawer has a box that holds about 700 standard cards or up to 1,140 gaming cards (This works out to roughly 240 standard trading cards in top loaders per box).
Cards are meant to be inserted vertically, so it’s easy to identify what you’re looking for without sifting through your entire collection. Once again, we’d recommend looking at an instructional video if you’re struggling to put the boxes together.
Plastic Trading Card Storage Boxes
Plastic will always be a more expensive option due to materials and labor. They often make for some of the best long-term storage boxes, especially as they’re also waterproof.
We’ve whittled down the list of plastic trading card storage boxes to bring you three great options.
Best PLASTIC Trading Card Storage Box By PRICE
Pricing is often the main deciding factor when making a purchase. Here are three of the best plastic trading card boxes, separated into tiers depending on value.
BUDGET: Ultra Pro 2-Piece Clear Card Storage Box, Holds 50 Standard Cards, 2 Boxes per Pack, 4-Boxes Total
Ultra Pro is a trusted name within the hobby, best known for popular sleeves that are always affordable. Their clear plastic trading card storage boxes should be considered the standard at the lower end, each holding 50 cards.
They’re sold in four packs, ensuring that 200 cards can be kept safe and secure. The boxes are clear and stackable, along with being air-tight. It’s a simple, wallet-friendly option that works as a display box.
MODERATE: Risou Hard Carrying Case Compatible with PM TCG Cards, Card Holder Fits up to 2000 Cards with handle, Plastic Material
With enough space to hold up to 2,000 cards, Risou notes, “This storage box is made of plastic material, BPA free, non-toxic, odorless, burr-free, and will not hurt your hands. Waterproof and shockproof to prevent collisions, scratches, and splashes.
Can reduce the potential damage of the playing cards and protect the playing cards from dust and scratches.” In reality, it’s a decent storage box with a handle, which uses a built-in double-in-line high-density sponge for padding.
EXPENSIVE: Lot of 25 Crystal Clear Hinged Plastic Trading Card Storage Boxes (55-ct) – Made in the U.S.A.
Similar to the plastic cases given out with cards from the online Topps store, these hinged storage boxes come in batches of 25. Each plastic box holds 55 standard-sized trading cards, and they’re made in the USA.
That works out to 1,375 cards overall, encased in solid plastic. Their inside height dimension is 1 inch.
They feature four-ball hinges for added strength and an extra-tight snap closure design so they won’t open up accidentally. Once again, we think they’re also great for display purposes.
Best PLASTIC Trading Card Storage Box By SIZE
Coming soon.
Pokemon Trading Card Storage Boxes
Next up is Pokémon-themed boxes which are always popular and could have resale value in the long run. They also are reasonably well made, even if they’re not ideal for sports card fans.
(Pokémon cards are the standard trading card size, 2.5 x 3.5 inches or 6.3 x 8.8 centimeters.)
We’ve listed a trio of Pokémon-themed trading card boxes, which are sure to be tempting for any collectors looking for new storage options.
Best POKEMON Trading Card Storage Box by PRICE
Pokemon card boxes can get expensive rapidly. We’ve listed a trio based on their current asking price, although that can change quickly depending on popularity with fans.
Budget: Pokemon 25th Anniversary Celebrations Elite Trainer Box
As well as everything listed below, the Pokémon Trading Card Game Celebrations Elite Trainer Box also contains a collector’s box (Must Read for Pokemon FANBOYS: First Edition Pokemon Guide)
Released to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the game, a parade of Legendary Pokémon appear, and famous Pokémon from the very beginning return to join your collection—you can even find Flying Pikachu and Surfing Pikachu as both Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX. 10 Pokémon TCG: Celebrations 4-card booster packs, 5 additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, 1 special foil card featuring Greninja, 65 card sleeves featuring the Pokémon 25 logo and lightning tail design, 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards, A player’s guide to the Celebrations expansion, A Pokémon TCG rulebook, 6 damage-counter dice, 1 competition-legal coin-flip die, 2 acrylic condition markers.
Moderate: Pokémon Binder 9 Pocket
As with the Anniversary item seen above, the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Elite Trainer Box also contains packs and storage.
It should work to hold around 550 cards, so it’s a viable choice for smaller collections or your very best Pokémon.
There’s also a chance that you could pack something valuable, which is always a bonus. 8 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield booster packs, 65 card sleeves featuring Zacian or Zamazenta, 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards, A player’s guide to the Sword & Shield expansion, 6 damage-counter dice, 1 competition-legal coin-flip die, 2 acrylic condition markers.
Expensive: Pirate Lab MTG Hoard Storage
The best option overall in the more expensive bracket has to be a box that contains 8 Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon Celestial Storm booster packs. Opening trading card packs is one of the most fun aspects of the collecting hobby.
As for the price tag, the box was initially released three years ago, and unopened stock is running out.
It shows that sometimes it’s better to hold onto Pokémon merch rather than ripping it open yourself. 8 Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Celestial Storm booster packs, 65 card sleeves featuring Rayquaza, 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards, A player’s guide to the Sun & Moon—Celestial Storm expansion, 6 damage-counter dice, 1 competition-legal coin-flip die, 2 acrylic condition markers, and 1 acrylic GX marker, A collector’s box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organized, and A code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online
Best POKEMON Trading Storage Card Box by SIZE
BEST OVERALL (price, protection, size)
If you’re not looking for anything in particular, here are our top picks for the best trading card boxes to buy overall.
We’ve split the best three options depending on the asking price, with something to suit almost every budget.
Risou Hard Carrying Case
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Compatible with PM TCG Cards, Card Holder Fits up to 2000 Cards with handle，Plastic Material ($28.99 and Prime)
The sturdy carrying case, which can fit up to 2,000 cards, has to be our top pick for the budget tier. It’s a cut above the usual cardboard boxes and comes with a handle which is great for taking cards out and about. It’s waterproof and shake-proof, so your cards are sure to be safe inside.
BCW 3200 Collectible Card Bin Grey
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If you have a deep stack of cards overflowing, BCW has a large box with you covered. It is made of cardboard, but you’ll be able to put away up to 3,200 trading cards; it’s stackable, and it fits top loaders, magnetics, and deck boxes. The partitions are removable, and it has a clean look and feel. It takes our pick as the best moderately priced option.
Pokemon Sun & Moon Elite Trainer Celestial Storm Box, Trading Card Game
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The best expensive pick overall has to be the box which contains 8 Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon Celestial Storm booster packs, first released August 21, 2018. Ripping packs is one of the most fun aspects of the collecting hobby, and there’s always a chance that you could snare something worth grading.
The Best Trading Card Storage Boxes: Summary
The best boxes have a mix of affordability, sturdiness, and size. You’ll thank yourself in the long run for taking care of your collection, whether you decide to go for a plastic or cardboard box to store trading cards.
There’s something to suit almost every budget, while we’d always go for a box that will protect your cards first and foremost.