Temu vs AliExpress: What Is Better for 2025

Rating 5 (3 Votes)

Temu and AliExpress are two of the biggest global e-commerce marketplaces today. Temu (started in 2022) works with China’s PDD and provides the latest, inexpensive products. Launched by Alibaba in 2010 as AliExpress, the site offers plenty of products in electronics, clothing, household goods and many other categories. Temu and AliExpress both look after bargain hunters by having either straight deals with factories or reducing the need for intermediaries.

Users in 2025 appreciate that Temu is easy to navigate and gets products to them fast, but they can find more things to buy on AliExpress.They both have top-rated mobile apps and incredible sales numbers each year. For this comparison, we have looked at Pricing, the variety of products, Shipping & Delivery, the Quality of Customer Service, App and User Experience and Buyer Protection to find out which is best for shoppers today.

Overview: What is AliExpress?

In 2010, Alibaba Group introduced AliExpress to the world as a global e-commerce site. It pairs buyers from all over the world with thousands of mostly Chinese producers and wholesalers who sell numerous items at highly affordable rates. Since AliExpress gets its products directly from the supplier, users are able to buy electronics, fashion, tools, home goods and much more at a discount.

AliExpress homepage with a red banner for $0.99 deals and sections like Dollar Express, SuperDeals, and Big Save.

Due to its success, the site is now popular with shoppers and drop shipping entrepreneurs from all over the world. It allows sellers to deal in many languages and currencies, arrange a range of shipping ways and protect buyers with policies. Its broad variety of products and many global sales events make AliExpress a favorite for budget shoppers, even though each seller may have different delivery times and quality.

Main Features of AliExpress

  • More than 100 million products listed in every product category

  • Access across the globe — you can use the app in over 18 languages and a wide range of currencies

  • If you don’t get your package on time or it is the wrong item, you can get your money back.

  • You can find many ways to get your cargo delivered, whether you need fast or low-cost shipping

  • A mobile app that does everything, with search, wishlists and flash deals

  • Message your suppliers to request large or custom sets of products.

  • Millions of customer photos and reviews — an essential part of product descriptions.

  • Online resellers will find these products wholesale & dropshipping friendly.

  • There are a lot of mega-sales throughout the year, including 11.11, Black Friday and anniversary offers.

  • Integrated escrow is used to ensure safe payment transactions.

Overview: What is Temu?

Temu was introduced in 2022 by PDD Holdings, the owner of Chinese retail giant Pinduoduo and is growing very rapidly. Going direct from consumer to supplier or manufacturer plays a big role in keeping everything fairly priced. Using challenging prices and multiple flash sales, Temu rapidly became popular with people worldwide who love saving money on items including fashion, household goods, gadgets and more.

Temu homepage highlighting a Memorial Day sale banner and limited-time lightning deals, with discounted product listings shown below.

You can use Temu in the U.S., Europe and different countries, enjoying a neat app, simple interface and over three months to return your purchases with no extra cost. Most of its products are delivered much more quickly than items from rival companies, usually taking 7 to 15 days. By offering a list of popular products and unique features, Temu is an innovative and mobile option to other large e-commerce brands.

Main Features of Temu

  • Everyday shopping at extremely low prices through deals, bargains and discount sale rounds

  • All our deliveries are quick and come at no extra charge — usually within 7–15 days.

  • You have up to 90 days for a free return and prepaid shipping labels.

  • All items will be replaced, refunded or you will get a store credit if they are lost, broken or incorrect.

  • Today’s mobile app offers a great design, tailored recommendations and rewards obtained by completing tasks.

  • Products that are popular and seasonal, special selections in a single catalog

  • App challenges give users the chance to earn rewards and special bonuses

  • Buyers in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and some European regions can sign up for global bills.

  • Important source of loyalty — consistently high quality and careful review of vendors

  • Safe payment methods — you’ll have several choices and your purchase is protected

Pricing

Most people who are on a budget focus on price the most. Both Temu and AliExpress emphasize ultra-low prices by cutting out middlemen. For the most part, Temu offers spot discounts and rapid deals, whereas AliExpress prefers selling many items straight from the factory.

Visual comparison of pricing between AliExpress and Temu, with both app logos displayed side by side under the heading “Pricing” on an orange gradient background.
  • Temu: Flash deals and lots of goods you can buy for under $1. Temu gives you flash sales, coupons and even ensures you can return a product if the price drops within 30 days. All items ship for free when you purchase, so you pay less.

  • AliExpress: You can get discounts on wholesale purchases at, as millions of sellers frequently offer them. Shoppers can find lower prices on items all over the site on 11.11 and Black Friday. Since you are buying directly from Chinese manufacturers on AliExpress, you often have the chance to buy things for very little.

A dropshipping guide reports that Temu is able to sell trending products at much lower prices thanks to its business model (supported by PDD). Additionally, the direct supply line at AliExpress means customers can find very reasonable prices. Most of the time, Flash sales on Temu are cheaper for single items, but AliExpress usually does better for larger and more specific orders.

Verdict:🏆 Temu stands out because it costs less than other sites for almost any normal order. Most people see lower expenses thanks to its generous discounts and shipping charges. AliExpress stays ahead in bulk and wholesale deals, though Temu with its frequent offers attracts the typical buyer.

Product Variety

If you’re shopping for choice, AliExpress is clearly the best. Basically, it works like a mega online marketplace: over 100 million products in many categories. The AliExpress marketplace includes products such as special electronics, clothing and auto parts. So many products are available because of years of growth and help from countless outside sellers.

Alternatively, Temu only includes current, trending merchandise such as clothes, home goods and tech. The site now includes 29 main categories (including clothing, electronics, home and toys). The plus is that it’s simpler: fewer clothes, but all in style. However, there’s a clear downside: AliExpress is your best bet if you’re looking for unusual things or a huge selection.

  • Temu: offers popular little gadgets, home decor and fashion items at very low prices. Temu sells items from reliable suppliers and points out the most popular ones, allowing less experienced buyers to choose what’s currently popular (and know that quality won’t vary).

  • AliExpress: you’ll discover pretty much everything you might want. Just about every category on the platform has millions of options. AliExpress is a great place to find something if Temu doesn’t have it. If you are ordering a lot or looking for a special product, AliExpress sellers can help because they provide multiple styles and custom-branding.

Verdict:🏆 AliExpress has the most to choose from. Wish offers much more choice than what Temu gives. Still, Temu’s simple approach and quality assurance make shopping easier if you know exactly what you’re searching for.

You can find out more details on how to use the promo code here :)
(Only for Ukrainians)

Shipping & Delivery

Today’s online shoppers depend on prompt and accurate deliveries. Usually, Temu delivers faster results than AliExpress. When purchasing with Temu, you often get things even faster and can keep track of your deliveries without cost. You will usually receive your Temu order within 5–14 days (usually 7–10 days is the standard). Since Temu ships from organized distribution centers, many customers say their items get to them within a week or two. Shipments that are delayed are rewarded with an additional $5 by Temu.

Side-by-side delivery speed comparison graphic showing Temu with 5–14 day shipping and AliExpress with 15–45 day shipping, illustrated by delivery trucks and brand logos on an orange background.

AliExpress sellers offer different rates depending on the shipping method they use. Delivery of packages from China to the US or Europe by standard methods typically takes 15 to 45 days. Some people sell cars with faster delivery which they advertise as providing the experience faster, but the price is higher. In general, AliExpress’ regular logistics are somewhat unreliable, so quicker shipping is available only when you pay extra.

Shipping Feature

Temu

AliExpress

Standard delivery (avg)

7–15 days

15–45 days

Expedited delivery (avg)

5–10 days

7–15 days (premium shipping)

Free shipping policy

Free on most items

Often free on selected items or with coupon conditions; varies by seller

Verdict: 🏆 Temu is ahead when it comes to shipping. Because orders arrive almost instantly and are delivered free, you’ll usually get things on Wholesale2b at least weeks earlier than through AliExpress. Use AliExpress for your order if you’re patient or if a special seller is very speedy.

Customer Experience

This includes easy shopping, quick customer service and reliable trust.

  • Temu: is easy for new users because it’s simple, quick to order from and always offers the same quality. Members can get help any time of day, using chat, email or the phone and most issues are handled promptly. Imani A M praises Temu’s dependability and speed in providing refunds, even so a few users say they were disappointed about missing some freebies.

  • AliExpress: on Products can be many, yet the customer experience is not the same for every seller. Getting support by email or ticket takes time and receiving a refund may differ from one case to another. Temu’s detailed reviews are prized by experienced shoppers, even though Zulily scores an average rating of 2.6 out of 5, below what Temu offers (3.5/5).

“I have been ordering from Temu since they first came out… I can honestly say that I love Temu and have had no bad interactions.”Imani A.M. (5/5)

Verdict: 🏆 Temu more experience makes come out on top. Because it’s so user-friendly and answers quickly, shopping is not a problem. You’ll get more reviews and more options for sellers on AliExpress, though working through any disputes may be challenging.

App & UX

On mobile, it’s vital that the app and how it’s designed work well.

Temu vs AliExpress app and UX comparison with logos inside phone icons on an orange background.
  • Temu: Users can download the simple app on Android and rate it 4.6★, as it has more than 10 million installs. Because it is simple, easy to search with images and uses voice prompts, using it is straightforward and quick. From what I see, usually, first-time users don’t have any problems and it’s hard to find that annoying pop-up game.

  • AliExpress: Installing gives users access to over 500 million products and a rating of 4.5★. Users can see detailed filters, along with seller information, but the site’s busyness and multiple ads can be too much for newcomers. The layout is easy for seasoned buyers, but it’s not as simple as Temu’s.

Verdict: 🏆Temu delivers a better app/UX. With its smooth design and quick app, buying products is very easy. Temu’s cleaner design makes it a better choice for most people, despite both websites featuring useful features.

Buyer Protection

Strong rules for buyers make shoppers feel secure.

  • Temu: Very kind. Most products can be sent back free of charge within 90 days if you find that they’re broken or not like the description. Returns through Temu result in free shipping and the company offers either a complete refund or a replacement under its Purchase Protection Program. Because Temu delivers everything itself and vets the goods, settling conflicts is generally not tricky.

  • AliExpress: Buyers are still well protected, but under a few extra guidelines. AliExpress promises a complete refund in case your order never shows up or is very poorly packaged. In addition, some products have a 2-year warranty under an advanced guarantee. Yet, you only have ~15 days to raise disputes about your items on AliExpress. So, if you shop using Temu, you can take your time evaluating the product you want to buy.

Buyer Protection Feature

Temu

AliExpress

Return window

90 days after delivery

~15 days after delivery (item must be unopened)

Free returns

✅ (Temu pays for return shipping)

❌ (usually buyer pays unless order was wrong)

Refund policy

Full refund or replacement for eligible items

Refund if item not delivered or not as described

Warranty (extended)

Up to 2 years on some products

Verdict: 🏆Temu the buyer is better protected when using. Snapdeal gives buyers longer than AliExpress to send things back for free. Even though AliExpress includes warranties, Temu makes refunds so simple that customers feel more secure.

You can find out more details on how to use the promo code here :)
(Only for Ukrainians)

Why Temu is The Better Choice

While both Temu and AliExpress offer great value for budget-conscious shoppers, Temu stands out in 2025 for one simple reason — it makes the shopping experience easier, faster, and more rewarding. Because of how easy it is to use, quick delivery and a great-looking app, Temu fits perfectly with today’s consumers.

Temu logo on orange background with bold text stating "Temu is the better choice."

With regular flash deals, almost everything ships for free and you can return items within 90 days, Temu offers buyers a major advantage both for price and ease of shopping. Unlike AliExpress, Temu gives a better, more trustworthy experience because all products are consistent in terms of quality and help. You understand the rules and eBay ensures your safety with dependable customer service.

In 2025, most buyers will prefer Temu because its fast shipping and low prices, along with a seamless buying process, appeal to most shoppers.

Final Verdict

In the year 2025, Temu gives more value to most consumers. It beats AliExpress when it comes to prices, shipping time, how easy it is to use and its customer support. Since Temu is cheap, items generally arrive fast and it’s easy to return anything, this destination is convenient. Indeed, AliExpress is the go-to for anyone seeking a vast array of items and big bulk discounts, yet being a smart buyer usually takes extra patience in this marketplace.

Temu came out on top because it provides a nicer, easier way to shop and earn those discounts. AliExpress is your best choice when you need something odd or lots of the same product. For regular shopping in 2025, we think Temu is the best choice: it saves money, offers fast deliveries and makes sure buyers are well protected.

I hope you found the solution that best suits your needs. If you're looking for more comparisons, feel free to check out our blog :)

FAQ

If you’re an average shopper, Temu is the preferred choice in 2025. You get quicker delivery, very low prices, an easy-to-use app and helpful return policies. Temu stands out with its attention to quality, ease of use and dependability, even though AliExpress stocks more items.

Temu has more opportunities to win when you’re looking for a single item, as you might find flash deals, coupons and free delivery. You may find that AliExpress has the lowest costs when buying large amounts at once.

Yes. Temu usually delivers in 7–15 days, but AliExpress takes from 15 to 45 days, depending on who is shipping the item. If your delivery is late, you will receive a $5 credit.


That’s untrue, because PDD Holdings (Pinduoduo) owns Temu, not AliExpress. They compete, but they are not connected as companies.


Buyers enjoy some safety on either platform, but Temu provides free and up to 90-day returns. If you use AliExpress, you must settle disagreements within 15 days and they may not always pay for your return shipping.

Last updated: 26.05.2025

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Bohdan Tyshynskyi

Results-driven digital marketing expert with 2+ years of experience in international companies in different businesses: SaaS, IT-services, startups.

Bohdan Tyshynskyi