Whether you have been collecting for years, call yourself a “Master Builder,” or just want to organize and declutter, picking the right platform matters. As of 2025, BrickLink and BrickOwl remain the two biggest names in LEGO® trading. Each has its own strengths, challenges, and style of community. This guide will help you understand how they compare so you can decide which one works best for your needs.
We will also take a fresh look at Business Bricks, which has carved out a space of its own in the LEGO® community. While not as large as BrickLink or BrickOwl, it is well known for specialized offerings and unique services, particularly in the area of custom corporate gifting.

Why Choosing a Marketplace Matters

The LEGO® world is vast. You can buy new sets directly from The LEGO® Group, but when it comes to rare pieces, discontinued sets, or surplus parts, you need a secondary marketplace. The right platform saves you time, money, and frustration. If you are a collector, you might be chasing down a single rare minifigure or a part in an unusual color. If you are a parent, you may just want affordable sets or spare bricks for your kids. If you are a seller, you need a reliable place to list your items and connect with buyers. The decision comes down to scale, usability, and community. That is where BrickLink and BrickOwl stand apart.

BrickLink in 2025

BrickLink has been the dominant marketplace for LEGO® since its creation in 2000. In 2019, it was purchased by The LEGO® Group, which gave it extra stability and an official connection to the brand.

Scale and Reach

BrickLink is the biggest LEGO® marketplace in the world. As of 2023, it included more than:

• 18,600 stores across 186 countries
• 3 million complete LEGO® sets
• 1.4 billion individual LEGO® parts
• 5.6 million minifigures
• Over a million instruction manuals, plus books, catalogs, and gear

That scale is unmatched. If a LEGO® item exists, chances are someone is selling it on BrickLink. This makes it especially valuable for collectors who want to track down rare or discontinued pieces.

Strengths of BrickLink

• Official support: Being owned by The LEGO® Group gives BrickLink credibility and close ties with Adult Fans of LEGO® (AFOLs).
• Large community: Tens of thousands of sellers and buyers worldwide ensure an active and reliable marketplace.
• Advanced search tools: You can filter by set, part, color, condition, and seller location.
• Seller flexibility: Sellers control their prices, shipping terms, and conditions.
• Buyer protection: Buyers can request photos, ask about condition, and use the rating system to check trustworthiness.
• Community engagement: The site includes active forums, discussion groups, and resources to help both buyers and sellers.
• Pricing transparency: Buyers can compare current and historical prices to understand value.

Weaknesses of BrickLink

• Complex interface: The site can feel overwhelming at first. The number of options and filters creates a steep learning curve.
• Fees for sellers: Fees are fair compared to other marketplaces but still add up, especially if you sell frequently.
• High competition: Because of its size, popular items sell quickly, which means you need to act fast or keep close watch on listings.

BrickLink works best for experienced collectors and sellers who want access to the largest catalog and are willing to spend extra time learning the system.

BrickOwl in 2025

BrickOwl launched in 2013 as an independent LEGO® marketplace. It has grown steadily over the past decade and is now the largest competitor to BrickLink. It is smaller in scale but known for being easier to use.

Key Advantages

• Simple interface: The layout is clean, the search is straightforward, and navigation is intuitive. Many users prefer BrickOwl when starting out because it feels less intimidating.
• Easy signup: Registration is fast and hassle-free.
• Lower fees: BrickOwl typically charges less in transaction fees, which is appealing for frequent sellers.
• Shipping tools: Built-in shipping calculators and options simplify checkout.
• Discounts and promotions: Regular sales events offer buyers additional savings.

Drawbacks

• Smaller inventory: While the catalog is broad, it does not match BrickLink’s enormous selection. Rare or discontinued parts may be harder to find.
• Smaller community: With fewer sellers, wait times for uncommon items can be longer.
• Less community engagement: BrickOwl does not offer the same level of forums and discussion features as BrickLink.

Product Range

BrickOwl offers sets, parts, minifigures, and accessories. Items are clearly listed as new or used, with detailed condition notes. Prices range from a few cents for common bricks to much higher amounts for collectible sets and rare items. You can search by set number, part number, or even upload an image to identify parts. BrickOwl’s strength lies in its ease of use. While it cannot compete with BrickLink’s sheer scale, it provides a more approachable and convenient shopping experience.

Which Platform Should You Use in 2025?

The right platform depends on your needs and priorities.

Collectors

BrickLink is the go-to platform for serious collectors who want rare or discontinued sets and pieces. Its size and search tools are unmatched.

BrickOwl works well as a backup or secondary marketplace, especially for more common items and a smoother buying process.

Casual Buyers and Parents

BrickOwl is often a better choice because of its simple interface and straightforward shipping.

BrickLink can still be useful if you know exactly what you are looking for, but it is less beginner friendly.

Sellers

BrickLink offers access to the largest customer base but comes with higher competition and more complex fees.

BrickOwl is easier to use and has lower fees, though sales volume may be smaller. Many sellers list items on both marketplaces and use tools like BrickFreedom or BrickSync to manage inventory across platforms.

The Role of Business Bricks

While BrickLink and BrickOwl dominate the secondary market, Business Bricks has made a name for itself in a more specialized niche. It offers unique services such as custom corporate gifting with LEGO® products. This approach makes it different from the large marketplaces. Instead of focusing on volume, Business Bricks highlights creativity and customization. For businesses or individuals looking for a more personal touch, it is worth exploring.

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Final Thoughts

BrickLink and BrickOwl are the two major marketplaces for LEGO® fans in 2025. BrickLink is best for collectors and sellers who want access to the largest catalog in the world, while BrickOwl provides a simpler and more user friendly experience that works well for casual buyers. Many people find that using both platforms gives them the best balance between selection and ease of use.

Business Bricks fills a unique space by offering specialized services that go beyond buying and selling.

Whether you are chasing rare minifigures, building your dream collection, or selling sets to free up space, these platforms connect you with LEGO® fans around the world. With some patience and experience, you can find the pieces you need, reach buyers for your extras, and take part in the ever growing LEGO® community.

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