AliExpress vs Temu [An Ultimate Guide]

AliExpress and Temu are two of the most popular e-commerce platforms in town. While AliExpress has been a fan favorite for over a decade—facilitating over 150 million users in more than 230 countries—Temu is the new contender on the market. 

Temu announced its presence in a Super Bowl ad in early 2023 with two spots costing an estimated US$ 14 million, and the platform is already making big waves in the e-commerce industry. In December 2022, it was the most downloaded app on Apple and Google, and by January, it had been installed 19 million times. But even though these stats are impressive, sellers still need to consider which app is right for them. 

Continue reading for a thorough analysis of these two well-known shopping applications that will cover a wide range of topics, including platform overview, product quality, range, delivery, and more!

A brief overview of Temu and AliExpress

Temu is owned and operated by the Chinese-based and Cayman Islands registered company PDD Holdings, which also owns Pinduoduo, a well-known online commerce platform in China. 

Temu allows China-based vendors to sell and ship directly to customers without relying on warehouses in the destination country. Within a year, Temu gained an impressive 1 million users. The platform is famous for marketing strategies that emphasize discounts and freebies, and it sells products at lower prices than Amazon.

AliExpress, on the other hand, is owned by the Chinese company Alibaba. Alibaba launched AliExpress in 2010 to facilitate individual consumers to purchase goods without worrying about minimum order quantity. 

AliExpress has become a leading B2C e-commerce platform, and sellers are typically small to medium businesses. The platform is famous for offering millions of products at affordable prices. On top of this, it is a top hub for dropshippers due to offering the freedom to choose various products at competitive prices with secure buyer protection and without the need to worry about inventory.

Temu vs. AliExpress: A Head-To-Head Review of Two Hot Shopping Apps

Temu and AliExpress have both captured the attention of online shoppers with their promise of low prices and a vast array of products. But which platform is the better choice? Let's break down the key differences:

Product Selection and Pricing

• AliExpress: Product quality can vary significantly based on the seller. Shipping times can be longer, especially for standard shipping.
• Temu: Prioritizes quality control with product inspections before listing. Offers faster shipping compared to AliExpress.

Winner: Temu for quality control and shipping speed.

User Experience

• AliExpress: Can be overwhelming due to the vast number of products and sellers. Search functions can be improved.
• Temu: User-friendly interface with a clean layout. Easier to navigate and find products.

Winner: Temu for user experience.

Customer Support

• AliExpress: Offers customer support, but responses can vary in quality and timeliness depending on the seller.
• Temu: Provides customer support, but the effectiveness is still being evaluated by users.

Winner: Too close to call, both platforms need improvement in this area.

Some Additional Factors

• AliExpress: Established platform with a strong reputation in some product categories.
• Temu: Relatively new but rapidly growing, with aggressive marketing strategies.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best platform for you depends on your priorities:

Choose AliExpress if:

1. You need a wide variety of products.
2. You're willing to do some research to find quality sellers.
3. You're not in a rush to receive your order.

Choose Temu if:

1. You prioritize low prices and fast shipping.
2. You prefer a curated selection of products.
3. You value a user-friendly shopping experience.

Payment methods

Temu payment channels

Temu accepts major credit/debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Maestro.

Besides credit cards, it also accepts: 

• Temu Credit
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Cash App Pay

Buy Now and pay later services, including Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm.

AliExpress payment channels

AliExpress has the following payment methods:

• AliPay AliExpress
• PayPal
• Credit Card
• Debit Card 
• Qiwi Wallet Alipay
• Webmoney
• Doku
• Boleto
• Mercado Pago
• Giropau

It also accepts bank transfers on orders above US$ 20:

• Conversion to currencies from 51 countries
• Support for 38 local payment channels for secure payment and transaction

Ultimately, both platforms offer value for money, but they cater to different types of shoppers. It's often a good idea to compare prices and read product reviews on both platforms before making a purchase.

Conclusion: Which is better?

After comparing AliExpress and Temu, there are some key takeaways. Temu, though new in town, has made a name with its deals and fast shipping, ideal for customers less concerned about quality. Meanwhile, AliExpress, a well-known industry name, offers various products at various price points, with robust customer support and secure payment channels. 

Temu and AliExpress both have their respective strengths and weaknesses, so customers should invest according to their preferences. That said, this guide has aimed to make it clear to businesses which platform they should be aiming at to source products that will help their business thrive.