Alright, let’s be real for a second: collecting Transformers can feel kind of like treasure hunting, right? You see a figure that looks cool, you buy it, you love it, you display it… and then years later someone casually mentions it’s worth half your rent. Meanwhile you’re just standing there thinking, “Wait… I could have been retiring early off my Soundwave collection?”
If you’ve ever experienced that moment, you’re definitely in the right place. And if you haven’t, well, buckle up, because Soundwave Transformers figures are some of the most valuable, iconic, and sought-after pieces in the entire fandom — especially for collectors who know exactly what to look for.
Soundwave has always had that smooth, mysterious villain energy. That monotone voice, the loyalty to Megatron, the ability to carry his own mini-army in his chest? Yeah, he’s just cool. And cool characters tend to get the best figures — which usually end up being worth big money to collectors.
So today, we’re going to talk about the Top 10 Soundwave Transformers figures that are actually worth something, and not just in the “emotional nostalgia” kind of way (though we’ve all been there). I mean serious-value, actual-cash, could-help-you-buy-an-RTX-5090 type money. So grab your energon snacks, sit back, and let’s chat about the Soundwave figures that collectors are chasing, paying, and occasionally fighting over on eBay at 3AM.
Why Soundwave Figures Hold Their Value (More Than You’d Expect)
Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly talk about why Soundwave figures tend to be worth so much. Because it’s actually pretty interesting — and also helpful if you’re trying to predict which figures might appreciate next. And who doesn’t like being the smart one in the collecting group chat?
Collectors love Soundwave because:
- He’s one of the most recognizable Decepticons, right next to Megatron and Starscream.
- His alternate mode is nostalgic as heck. Turning into a cassette player? That’s peak 80s brilliance.
- He comes with minions. Ravage, Laserbeak, Rumble — they’re collectibles inside a collectible.
- His design rarely gets “bad” figure treatment.
So when a figure nails Soundwave’s proportions, color shades, articulation, and cassette compatibility? Collectors go absolutely wild. And that’s where the serious value shows up.
Top 10 Soundwave Transformers Figures Worth BIG Money
Each section will break down why the figure is valuable, what makes it special, and what kind of prices collectors are paying. I’ll also toss in personal thoughts along the way, because let’s be honest — we’re all in this hobby partly to have opinions that no one else asked for 🙂
1. G1 Soundwave (1984 Original Release)
Let’s start with the legendary one — the original G1 Soundwave. This figure is basically the holy grail for Soundwave collectors. It’s the one people point to with misty eyes while saying something like, “Man, they just don’t make them like they used to.”
Why It’s Worth Money
- It’s the first official Soundwave figure ever made.
- Vintage stock is extremely limited now.
- Original tapes like Ravage and Laserbeak increase the value dramatically.
- Fans love that the figure actually transforms into a recognizable cassette deck.
Current Market Value
- Loose but complete: $150 – $300
- Boxed in great condition: $450 – $900
- SEALED: $1,200+
Personal Take: If you find one at a flea market for cheap, congratulations — you basically won the nerd lottery.
2. Masterpiece Soundwave MP-13
The Masterpiece Soundwave MP-13 is the kind of figure that makes you stop and go, “Yup. They nailed it.” It’s cartoon-accurate without sacrificing build quality or articulation.
Why Collectors Love It
- Screen-accurate proportions that match the original show.
- Comes with multiple cassette minions.
- Heavy, satisfying plastic and excellent poseability.
Current Market Value
- Loose but complete: $250 – $400
- Boxed: $500+
- Factory sealed: $700 – $1,000+
Personal Take: I remember the first time I held this figure and thought, “If Soundwave proposed, I might say yes.”
3. Transformers War for Cybertron: Siege Soundwave
This figure is modern, stylish, and honestly cooler than it has any right to be. And because it wasn’t produced in massive quantities, collectors are hunting it like hungry Laserbeaks.
Why It’s Worth Something
- Weathered detailing that gives it a tough battlefield look.
- Great articulation.
- Compatible with cassette-style Battle Masters.
Current Market Value
- Loose: $60 – $90
- Boxed: $120 – $180
Personal Take: This one feels like Soundwave would easily win in a bar fight. Just saying.
4. Titans Return Soundwave (with Base Mode)
This Soundwave is beefy. Like, “I drink energon protein shakes” beefy. And collectors who love big, chunky G1-inspired designs absolutely adore it.
Why Collectors Want It
- Unique base mode that actually looks cool.
- Included headmaster gimmick gives extra play value.
- Works beautifully on shelf displays.
Value
- Loose: $40 – $80
- Boxed: $110 – $170
Personal Take: If Soundwave had gotten a gym membership in the 80s, this would be him.
5. Studio Series Bumblebee Movie Soundwave
This design surprised a lot of fans — because this Soundwave looks tough, alien, and modern while still clearly reading as Soundwave.
Why It’s Gaining Value Fast
- Limited production run.
- Highly poseable.
- Sculpt detail is chef-level artistry.
Value
- Loose: $45 – $85
- Boxed: $100 – $170
Personal Take: This is the Soundwave who says “Decepticons are a family” unironically.
6. G1 Soundblaster (Japanese Exclusive Variant)
If you ever wanted your Soundwave to have black armor, Soundblaster is your guy. And he’s rare — like Japan-exclusive rare.
Why It’s Valuable
- Exclusive release = low availability.
- The black-and-red color scheme goes ridiculously hard.
- Expanded chest compartment for more cassettes.
Value
- Loose: $200 – $400
- Boxed: $600 – $1,200
Personal Take: This figure looks like Soundwave joined a goth band and became the lead vocalist.
7. Masterpiece Soundblaster MP-13B
Basically the Masterpiece Soundwave — but edgier. And collectors love edgy.
Value
- Loose: $350+
- Boxed: $600 – $900
Personal Take: If you display MP-13 and MP-13B together, your shelf immediately gains +10 coolness.
8. Reissue Soundwave (2007 Toys R Us Exclusive)
This one got bought up FAST when TRU released it. Now? People are paying premium prices because it’s one of the best reissues ever.
Value
- Boxed: $300 – $500
9. Fall of Cybertron Soundwave (Voyager w/ Data Discs)
This is Soundwave — but sleek, alien, and perfectly Cybertronian.
Value
- Loose: $100 – $150
- Boxed: $200 – $350
10. Transformers RED Soundwave (Non-Transforming Display Figure)
This one surprised everyone. Even though it doesn’t transform, collectors love the cartoon-accurate sculpt, articulation, and shelf presence.
Value
- Boxed: $60 – $120
Personal Take: Sometimes you don’t need to transform. Sometimes you’re just hot. Soundwave gets it.
Final Thoughts: Should You Sell, Hold, or Hunt?
So here’s the million-dollar question (or maybe $1,200 sealed G1 Soundwave question): What should you do with the Soundwave figures you own — or the ones you’re thinking about buying?
If you already own any of the top five on this list, especially in good condition, hold onto them. Their value continues to climb because Soundwave isn’t just popular — he’s one of the few Transformers whose designs rarely get nerfed or reinvented into something unrecognizable.
If you’re hunting, focus on:
- Masterpiece releases
- Japanese exclusives
- Anything boxed and complete
And if you’re thinking of selling… maybe wait a bit longer. Prices are trending upward, and Soundwave love doesn’t seem like it’s fading anytime soon.
Because let’s be real: Soundwave isn’t just a character. He’s a vibe.
A symbol.
A cassette-chested king of the Decepticons. 😎
And the collectors?
Yeah — we know his worth.
