When it comes to Chinese e-commerce, AliExpress is one of the most popular companies. However, it faces growing competition, with Temu being one of the most recognized newcomers, even though it has only been in the market for about two years. The rising popularity of Temu has led shoppers to question whether to shop on Temu or AliExpress.

What’s cheaper, Temu or AliExpress?

This is one of the most common questions since both offer low prices. Today, we’ll compare Temu vs. AliExpress, not just in terms of prices but also in other aspects such as security, return policies, and customer support.

Temu vs. AliExpress: A Complete Comparison

Temu or AliExpress: Which Is Better?

AliExpress has long been positioned as one of the best online stores for shopping in China, but Temu seems to be its new rival. 

To determine which platform is better, we’ll compare Temu vs. AliExpress across several aspects to understand their differences.

App Comparison

Both apps offer the same categories as their respective websites, but the AliExpress app may be easier to use than Temu’s, as it is better organized and structured. However, the Temu app is a great option if your device has limited storage space, as it is lighter and downloads faster. 

Keep in mind that you won’t escape ads on either platform; both apps have frequent pop-ups that can interrupt the shopping process.

Security When Shopping

Security is crucial when shopping on sites like Temu or AliExpress, but you don’t need to worry about it. Both platforms take necessary measures to protect their users, whether on mobile or desktop. 

AliExpress is secure, using SSL encryption just like Temu. This means they offer a secure connection that protects against unauthorized access, ensuring that no one can see your personal or financial information during transactions. Additionally, both Temu and AliExpress offer reliable payment options like Visa and Mastercard. 

This means you can shop confidently with DolarCard, the international card provided by DolarApp, available in both physical and virtual versions, for payments on these or any stores accepting online transactions in dollars or pesos.

Shipping and Delivery

Shipping and delivery are important aspects to consider when comparing Temu vs. AliExpress. Temu offers competitive shipping options but with only two choices, while AliExpress has a broader range with up to eight shipping options. 

Delivery times to Mexico vary, especially since items are coming from China. However, Temu is generally faster, particularly for high-demand items, with express shipping taking a maximum of 20 days. With AliExpress, you may have to wait several weeks for your package, depending on the seller and warehouse location. 

In either case, you can track your orders, and some products offer free shipping.

Temu or AliExpress, Which Is Better?

If you need fast delivery, Temu might be the better option. However, if you prefer a wider variety of shipping options and potential savings on costs, AliExpress could be a viable alternative.

Prices on Temu and AliExpress

What’s cheaper, Temu or AliExpress?

When shopping on platforms like 1688, Alibaba, Temu, or AliExpress, prices are generally lower than traditional retail. But in today’s showdown, Temu wins, as its prices are typically lower than AliExpress’s. This difference is not due to promotions or discounts but rather to pricing structure. Temu’s pricing is generally more transparent. 

On Temu, sellers don’t have to pay a commission per sale, whereas on AliExpress, there’s a fee between 5% and 8%, leading merchants to increase the total product price. Still, AliExpress offers a wide range of products with varying prices due to its vast marketplace. This means you can find extremely cheap products as well as highly expensive ones.

So, if savings are your goal, Temu might be your best bet.

Product Selection

Both platforms offer a wide range of similar products across many categories, and it’s not uncommon to find sellers on both sites. However, there are key differences between them. 

On Temu, you’ll find options in clothing, beauty, toys, and more, but not large electronics like Smart TVs. You also won’t see mobile phones, only accessories. On the other hand, AliExpress has categories for everything: fashion, appliances, personal care products, home and kitchen items, toys, jewelry, electronics, and more.

In terms of product selection between Temu or AliExpress, the latter wins.

Customer Support

Both online stores have a help section for general questions, accessible from their apps or websites. However, the options for direct inquiries differ. 

Temu offers a phone number and live chat, providing almost immediate responses. On AliExpress, you’ll need to open a ticket, with responses typically within 24 hours.

In this regard, Temu might be the winner. However, AliExpress has an advantage if you need to file a complaint or dispute. It acts as a mediator to resolve issues with sellers, unlike Temu, which does not intervene.

Overall, Temu offers more favorable customer service, but AliExpress provides better support in resolving disputes.

Return Policy

Both platforms protect you if you need to return a damaged product or don’t receive your item. The resolution process on Temu or AliExpress is similar. 

First, you’ll need to contact the seller directly to resolve the issue. If no agreement is reached, you can open a dispute for a refund. Disputes on both platforms are usually resolved in a few days. 

In most cases, if your reasons are valid, you’re likely to receive a refund. The main difference is in the timing. On AliExpress, refunds typically take about 15 days, while on Temu, it can take up to 10 days, depending on the payment method. If you opt for a refund via credit card, it may take up to 30 days to process.

Temu vs. AliExpress: Advantages of Each

Your shopping experience will be unique on Temu or AliExpress México, given the advantages each company offers. The appeal depends on your needs and preferences, but here are the strengths of each:

Temu:

• Simple, intuitive user experience.

• Lightweight app that downloads quickly.

• Quick customer service response.

• Competitive prices with frequent promotions.

• Compatible with iOS and Android.

• Personalized offers and notifications based on user preferences.

AliExpress:

• Wide variety of electronics.

• Free shipping on many products.

• Fast refunds.

• Availability of products from well-known brands and Chinese manufacturers.

• Reviews and ratings for better guidance.

• Extensive market experience.

Additionally, in both stores, you’ll find prices far below those of typical marketplaces like Amazon.

Final Conclusion

The choice between Temu vs. AliExpress depends on what you value most in an e-commerce company.

Temu is ideal if the product you want is available there and is cheaper than on AliExpress. Its app is user-friendly, offers online support, and allows for quick, hassle-free purchases.

AliExpress is the best option if you’re looking for more shipping methods or want faster refunds. It’s also the better choice if you need large electronics or smartphones. 

In this giant marketplace, you’ll find products unavailable in other stores. If you compare, for example, Shopee México vs. AliExpress, you’ll see that the latter still leads in quantity and variety.

So, our recommendation is to evaluate the aspects that matter most to you before making a decision.

Now, answering the question, What’s cheaper, Temu or AliExpress? The answer is Temu, as the final price tends to be lower than AliExpress due to the commission AliExpress charges its manufacturers. However, the difference is not substantial.

So, simply visit both websites and compare the same product to determine which offers more for less.