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Are PSA’s Controversies Catching Up? These Grading Alternatives Are Gaining Trust

PSA Grading Company Alternatives: What Collectors Are Choosing and Why


PSA is the most well-known card grading company in the hobby, but it is far from the only option.


In recent years, many collectors have started exploring PSA grading company alternatives because of long wait times, rising costs, and frustration with the submission process. Some alternatives focus on speed, others on transparency, and some on technology that removes human bias entirely.


PSA Grading Company Alternatives: What Collectors Are Choosing and Why

If you are wondering whether PSA is still your best choice, or if another grading company might better fit your goals, here is a clear breakdown of the most popular PSA alternatives and what makes each one different.


Beckett Grading Services (BGS)


Beckett is often considered the most direct competitor to PSA.


One of Beckett’s biggest differentiators is subgrades. Each card receives individual scores for centering, corners, edges, and surface, along with an overall grade. Many collectors like this because it shows exactly why a card earned its final grade.


Proper card protection starts before grading. The BCW Semi Rigid Card Holder #1 is one of the most commonly recommended holders for PSA and other grading submissions. These semi rigid sleeves keep cards secure during shipping while still being flexible enough for easy removal by grading companies. They are widely used for sports cards, Pokémon cards, and other TCG submissions.


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Beckett slabs are thick, durable, and difficult to tamper with. The label system is also color-based, with Black Label cards representing a perfect score, which carries strong prestige in the hobby.


Beckett grading tends to cost more than PSA at faster service levels, but collectors who value transparency and detailed grading often prefer it.


Best for collectors who want detailed feedback and premium slabs.


Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)


CGC originally built its reputation in comic book grading before expanding into trading cards.


CGC emphasizes consistency, accuracy, and technology. Their grading process uses advanced imaging, automated centering analysis, and forensic tools to identify alterations that are difficult to spot with the naked eye.


Secure shipping is critical when sending cards for grading or selling singles online. The Fuxury Black Bubble Mailers provide padded protection to help prevent bending, moisture damage, and surface wear during transit. Their self-sealing design makes packing faster, and the waterproof exterior adds an extra layer of protection for trading cards, graded slabs, and small collectibles.


Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, Thornberry Media may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.


CGC slabs are clear and sleek, and each graded card is backed by a grading guarantee. Many collectors trust CGC for modern cards and appreciate the company’s focus on process consistency.


Turnaround times and pricing vary depending on service level, but CGC often appeals to collectors who want a balance between credibility and innovation.

Best for collectors who value technology-assisted grading and strong guarantees.


Sportscard Guarantee Corporation (SGC)


SGC has been grading cards for decades and is especially popular with vintage collectors.


One of SGC’s biggest advantages is turnaround time. Standard submissions are often completed much faster than PSA, and their pricing structure is generally more straightforward.


SGC uses a clean grading scale without awkward in-between grades, which some collectors find easier to understand. Their slabs are compact, professional, and recognizable by their black inserts.


SGC may not always command the same resale premiums as PSA, but for many collectors the speed and simplicity outweigh that difference.


Best for collectors who want fast results and fair pricing, especially for vintage cards.


AGS (Automated Grading Systems)


AGS represents a very different approach to card grading.


Instead of relying heavily on human graders, AGS uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to evaluate cards.


The system analyzes high-resolution scans to detect centering issues, surface flaws, and print defects with extreme precision.

Each graded card comes with a detailed digital report showing exactly how the grade was determined. This level of transparency appeals to collectors who want objective, repeatable grading results.


Efficient shipping saves time and reduces mistakes, especially when selling cards or sending submissions regularly. The Rollo Wireless Shipping Label Printer makes it easy to print 4x6 shipping labels without ink or toner, using direct thermal printing. Its wireless setup works across phones, tablets, and computers, making it a practical tool for collectors and small businesses handling frequent shipments.


Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, Thornberry Media may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.


AGS is still gaining mainstream adoption, but it has strong appeal for collectors who value data and consistency over traditional brand recognition.


Best for collectors who want fast, unbiased, technology-driven grading.


Hybrid Grading Approach (HGA)


HGA gained attention for its customizable labels and transparent pricing.

Collectors could choose label designs that matched the card’s artwork, making graded cards more visually striking. HGA also charged based on turnaround time instead of card value, which many collectors appreciated.


However, HGA has faced operational challenges and has paused new submissions while restructuring. While it is not currently an option for grading, it remains an example of how collectors are interested in alternatives that prioritize clarity and customization.


Best for collectors who value aesthetics and transparent pricing, if and when services resume.


Technical Authentication and Grading (TAG)


TAG focuses heavily on precision and data.


Their grading system uses advanced imaging technology to evaluate cards and assigns a numerical score on a highly granular scale. That score is then translated into a traditional grade.


Small packing details make a big difference when shipping trading cards. Painter’s tape is commonly used by collectors to secure team bags, top loaders, semi rigid holders, and cardboard protectors without damaging cards or leaving residue. This premium blue painter’s tape provides a gentle hold that keeps cards from shifting during transit while allowing easy removal when the package is opened.


Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, Thornberry Media may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.


Each TAG slab includes a scannable code that links to a detailed report showing exactly where flaws were detected. Collectors can inspect surface defects and centering issues visually, rather than relying on a simple number.


TAG appeals to collectors who want extreme transparency and are comfortable adopting newer grading systems.


Best for collectors who want detailed reports and cutting-edge analysis.


Ace Grading


Ace Grading is based in the United Kingdom and has gained popularity for fast turnaround times and free subgrades.


Ace offers a variety of label designs, including custom artwork options, which makes their slabs visually distinct. Their submission process is streamlined, and collectors can manage everything through an online dashboard.


Ace is particularly appealing to international collectors who want a reputable grading option outside the United States.


Best for collectors who want speed, customization, and a modern submission experience.


Why PSA Is Still the Number One Grading Company


With all these alternatives available, it is fair to ask why PSA is still the most dominant grading company in the hobby.


The answer comes down to trust, resale value, and history.


PSA has graded tens of millions of cards over decades. That massive population creates a shared language in the hobby. When a buyer sees a PSA 10 or PSA 9, they immediately understand what that means, even if they disagree with the grade itself.


PSA cards also tend to command the highest resale prices, especially for Pokémon, vintage sports, and high-end modern cards. This matters to collectors who care about liquidity and long-term value.


Complaints about turnaround times and pricing are real, but most collectors still return to PSA because the market rewards PSA slabs more consistently than any alternative. Sellers know buyers trust PSA, and buyers know PSA grades are widely accepted.


In short, PSA remains number one not because it is perfect, but because the hobby has collectively decided it is the standard.


The Real Takeaway


PSA grading company alternatives are no longer fringe options.


Beckett, CGC, SGC, AGS, TAG, and Ace all offer legitimate grading services with real advantages depending on your goals. Speed, transparency, technology, aesthetics, and cost all matter, and different companies excel in different areas.

PSA still dominates the market, but it is no longer the only serious choice.


The best grading company is the one that fits how you collect, why you grade, and what you plan to do with the card after it comes back.


Grading Company Market Usage Comparison


The percentages below reflect estimated market usage based on population reports, secondary market sales volume, and observed slab presence across major marketplaces like eBay and auction houses.


These figures represent industry-wide trends, not audited or official totals.


PSA Estimated market usage: 65–70%


Primary strength: Resale value, brand trust, market liquidity


PSA dominates the grading market by a wide margin. Most high-value sales and collector benchmarks still revolve around PSA grades.


Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Estimated market usage: 10–15%


Primary strength: Subgrades, Black Label prestige


Beckett remains the strongest traditional alternative to PSA, especially for collectors who value detailed grading breakdowns.


Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) Estimated market usage: 8–12%


Primary strength: Consistency, technology-assisted grading


CGC has gained significant adoption in recent years, particularly for modern cards and collectors focused on grading process consistency.


Sportscard Guarantee Corporation (SGC) Estimated market usage: 5–8%


Primary strength: Fast turnaround, vintage credibility


SGC is widely respected for vintage cards and for collectors who prioritize speed over maximum resale premiums.


Technical Authentication and Grading (TAG) Estimated market usage: 1–3%


Primary strength: Data transparency, detailed grading reports


TAG is growing among collectors who want to see exactly how a grade was determined, rather than relying solely on a final number.


AGS (Automated Grading Systems) Estimated market usage: 1–2%


Primary strength: AI-driven grading, speed


AGS appeals to collectors who value objectivity and consistency through automation and artificial intelligence.


Ace Grading Estimated market usage: 1–2%


Primary strength: Customization, international accessibility


Ace is particularly popular outside the United States and among collectors who value fast service and visual presentation.


Key takeaway:


Despite ongoing complaints about pricing and turnaround times, PSA still controls the majority of the grading market. The hobby continues to reward PSA slabs with higher resale prices and broader buyer trust, which reinforces PSA’s dominance over time.


External Resources and Further Reading


If you want to explore grading companies and the hobby in more depth, these trusted resources provide official information, population data, and broader market context.


Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)


Official grading standards, submission details, and population reports.https://www.psacard.com


Beckett Grading Services (BGS)


Information on subgrades, grading scales, and service levels.https://www.beckett.com/grading


Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)


Details on grading methodology, guarantees, and submission options.https://www.cgccards.com


Sportscard Guarantee Corporation (SGC)


Submission pricing, turnaround times, and grading scale explanations.https://www.gosgc.com


TAG Grading


Technical details on data-driven grading and digital grading reports.https://taggrading.com


AGS Grading


Overview of AI-based grading and automated analysis systems.https://agscard.com


Ace Grading


International grading services with customizable label options.https://acegrading.com


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