AliExpress is the most popular online wholesale store for dropshippers. But many sellers run into problems like limited product availability and high shipping costs.
As a result, they often look for other platforms that offer better prices and more options.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best dropshipping AliExpress alternatives out there.
We’ll look at the pros and cons of each platform, as well as important details like delivery times and pricing.
Let’s get started!
What Is AliExpress and Why Is It So Cheap?
AliExpress is a well-known online marketplace owned by the Alibaba Group, launched in 2010. It connects small businesses in China with customers around the world, offering a vast selection of products—from electronics and clothing to home goods and beauty items—all at low prices.
AliExpress is popular among dropshippers because there are no minimum order quantities, allowing sellers to easily find a variety of products without needing to keep stock.
The site also includes detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and buyer protection policies to help you make informed choices.
The reason AliExpress can offer such cheap prices is mainly due to its direct connection to Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers, which reduces overhead costs.
However, dropshippers often face challenges like longer shipping times and inconsistent product quality, leading some to seek out better alternatives
The 11 Best Alternatives of AliExpress
1. DHGate
DHGate poses a serious threat to the pioneers of dropshipping platforms like AliExpress. It is also a Chinese backed e-commerce platform that offers a huge range of products at the cheapest prices.
A majority of Chinese wholesalers are present on DHGate. Hence, providing products at cheaper rates with decent quality.
You can find almost every AliExpress item here to carry out a price comparison to source your winning products.
Pros
- Around a million products available in different niches.
- A full refund guarantee on all purchases from DHGate.
- Accepts major payment methods like PayPal, Visa, and Western Union, etc.
- The mobile app is available for easy access.
- Can Be used with dropshipping platforms like Shopify and Woocommerce.
Cons
- Higher chances of getting fake and counterfeit items as compared to AliExpress.
- Unlike AliExpress, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is to be observed at various items on this platform.
MOQ
The minimum order quantity on DHGate varies from seller to seller. Some only sell items in bulk while others may be open to single pieces.
Best Products
Popular categories on DHGate include electronics, fashion apparel, home goods, and various accessories.
Payment Options
DHGate accepts a range of payment methods, including PayPal, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), and Western Union, providing flexibility for buyers.
Delivery Time
Delivery times vary widely based on the shipping method chosen and the seller’s location, typically ranging from 10 to 30 days, similar to other Chinese e-commerce platforms.
Pricing
DHGate is free to join, with no subscription fees. Basic product prices are highly competitive, often cheaper than those found on AliExpress. However, some products may have MOQs that require bulk purchasing, potentially affecting profit margins for smaller dropshippers.
2. Banggood
Another great alternative to AliExpress is Banggood. This is also a Chinese based website and offers a variety of products that most drop shippers would be interested in selling.
From clothing to accessories, tools, and fashion, almost everything is available on this website.
With Banggood, you can dropship your favorite items with ease of website filters like sorting your search results with most reviews, popularity, and price points, etc.
One of the greatest advantages of using Banggood is that it sometimes offers prices that are even lower than the prices offered at AliExpress for the same products.
As price is the key player in increasing your profit margins, you must check out the availability of the product at Banggood to compare its prices with AliExpress.
Pros
- Neat and clean website design.
- Cheaper prices for the same quality.
- Faster deliveries of certain products as compared to AliExpress.
- Multiple categories are offered to find products of your choice.
- Relevant apps to support your Shopify store.
- Multiple payment methods including PayPal and Visa.
- Multiple warehouses all over the world for optimized shipping.
Cons
- Not as many products as offered by AliExpress.
- Limited supplier availability.
MOQ
No MOQ required; dropshippers can buy single units as needed.
Best Products
Clothing, accessories, tools, home decor, and electronics.
Payment Options
Accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and several other international payment options.
Delivery Time
Processing time is typically 1–3 business days, with standard shipping taking 7–20 days depending on the destination and warehouse. Expedited shipping options are available for faster delivery.
Pricing
Known for competitive pricing, often lower than AliExpress on select items. No subscription fee required for dropshipping, allowing you to start without additional costs.
3. Worldwide Brands
Worldwide Brands is a premium directory of verified wholesalers and dropshipping suppliers. Serving the e-commerce community since 1999, it connects online sellers with certified suppliers for a variety of product categories, ensuring high-quality wholesale options for dropshippers without middlemen. With lifetime access for a one-time fee, it’s an ideal resource for businesses focused on trustworthy sourcing.
Pros
- Access to 16+ million certified wholesale products
- Scam-free, BBB A+ rated for security
- Lifetime membership with no recurring fees
- Suitable for Amazon, eBay, and other online stores
Cons
- Upfront membership cost may be high for small startups
- Focuses primarily on wholesale; fewer retail-style features
MOQ
Varies by supplier but often set at low quantities ideal for small businesses.
Best Products
Wide range including electronics, clothing, home decor, health, and beauty products.
Payment Options
Depends on individual suppliers, generally includes major credit cards and PayPal.
Delivery Time
Determined by supplier and location; times vary across categories.
Pricing
Worldwide Brands requires a one-time payment of $299 for lifetime access. You can also choose a recurring payment plan with $99 down and then two installments of $110.
4. LightInTheBox
LightInThebox is another Chinese based online retail platform that is all set to replace AliExpress due to its exciting features and benefits.
One of the major differentiators between LightInThebox and AliExpress is its simple and clean website design that doesn’t confuse buyers about the products.
Fun fact: You can find different and unique product pictures of your winners by searching the terms here on this website. But you need to be careful about the similarity of the products by comparing product details.
At LightInThebox, you can easily find the hot selling items so that you can dropship them right away in simple steps.
The website offers clear categories of the products to choose from and heavier discounts are available here in comparison to AliExpress.
Pros
- Neat and clear pictures of the products available.
- Multiple warehousing facilities for fast shipping.
- Easy payment options are available including PayPal, Visa, and Western Union, etc.
- Mobile app for easy access.
Cons
- Orders are not clearly mentioned against the products like they are shown on other websites.
- No clear mechanism for filtering out the seller ratings.
- A bit deceptive about showing stocks of their products to gain early sales.
- Not many apps are available on platforms like Shopify to directly support Lightinthebox.
- Some product pictures have tags of the website name. So, they cannot be used on your website.
MOQ
Typically no MOQ, making it easy for dropshippers to order single units.
Best Products
Apparel, electronics, beauty products, and home decor.
Payment Options
Accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and Western Union, among others.
Delivery Time
Uses standard shipping, with options like DHL, UPS, and FedEx for faster delivery. Standard delivery is generally 7–25 days, depending on location.
Pricing
Product prices are competitive, often with discounts on popular items. No subscription fees are required for dropshipping.
5. Taobao
Taobao is another subsidiary of Alibaba that is mainly meant for local Chinese shopping. This platform is much like AliExpress but it is operated in the Chinese language.
Taobao runs on the C2C (Customer to Customer) model that makes it easier for dropshippers to source products from this website.
The main advantage that makes this website rank high among the list of AliExpress alternatives is the pricing of the products.
As one of the main objectives of dropshipping is to be profitable, this platform offers every opportunity to achieve your dropshipping objectives.
Another venture launched by Alibaba group is Tmall, abbreviated from Taobao Mall. You can also browse this website while considering Taobao for your dropshipping purposes.
Fun fact: Some of the sellers on AliExpress are not real manufacturers or wholesalers. They resell the items sourced via sites like Taobao. You can pocket their margins by directly contacting original sellers on Taobao.
Pros
- Cheapest prices of the same products that are available on AliExpress.
- A huge range of products available on this platform.
- The backing of a trusted group (Alibaba) that aims to dominate the e-commerce world.
- Many traditional payment options like Visa and MasterCard are available except PayPal.
Cons
- A big language barrier for those who don’t understand or speak the Chinese language.
- Item refunds are difficult to process.
- A Chinese translator or agent is required for a full-fledged dropshipping business with Taobao.
- Not all sellers provide international shipping.
- No direct Shopify or Woocommerce apps available for assistance in dropshipping.
MOQ
MOQ varies by seller, but many products can be ordered individually.
Best Products
Popular categories include electronics, fashion apparel, home goods, and accessories, making it suitable for various niches.
Payment Options
Taobao accepts multiple traditional payment methods, including Visa and MasterCard, but does not support PayPal.
Delivery Time
Delivery times depend on the seller and shipping method chosen, typically ranging from 10 to 30 days.
Pricing
Taobao does not have a membership fee, and many products are available at competitive wholesale prices. However, dropshippers may need to work with local agents or translators to facilitate orders and communication.
6. CJDropshipping
CJ Dropshipping is a dropshipping platform based in China that helps connect suppliers and retailers.
It offers a wide range of products, from electronics to fashion, making it easy for users to find items for their stores.
With its advanced shipping system, CJ Dropshipping simplifies order fulfillment for dropshippers around the world.
The platform is known for its easy-to-use design and large network of suppliers, allowing users to source products quickly and reliably.
Pros
- Thousands of products available across multiple categories, allowing dropshippers to find trending items easily.
- Various shipping methods are available, including air freight and sea freight, to suit different delivery needs.
- The platform offers tools for product sourcing, order tracking, and inventory management, making it accessible for beginners and experienced sellers alike.
- Seamless integration with popular platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce helps streamline the dropshipping process.
Cons
- While many orders are processed quickly (within 1-3 days), some products may have longer handling times.
- As with many dropshipping platforms, the quality of products can vary based on the supplier, requiring careful selection.
MOQ
CJ Dropshipping has no minimum order quantity (MOQ), allowing dropshippers to order single items.
Best Products
Popular categories include electronics, fashion apparel (such as T-shirts and jeans), home goods, and accessories.
Payment Options
CJ Dropshipping accepts various payment methods, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfers.
Delivery Time
Delivery times vary depending on the shipping method chosen and the destination, typically ranging from 7 to 25 days.
Pricing
CJ Dropshipping is free to join with no membership fees. Basic product prices are competitive, with many items available at wholesale rates. However, additional services like custom branding and expedited shipping may incur extra charges
7. Geekbuying
Gadgets and dropshipping are inseparable. The recent trend observed in e-commerce recorded a boost in the demand for different gadgets. Geekbuying claims to specialize in providing electronic gadgets for different purposes.
Geekbuying is also a China-based platform like AliExpress that focuses solely on electronic items such as mobile phones, laptops, wearables, and drones, etc.
Unlike AliExpress, Geekbuying has a more focused product catalog, with thousands of electronics and tech gadgets available.
Pros
- Decent Mobile app for ease of product surfing.
- Cost-effective pricing on electronic gadgets
- Multiple payment methods including PayPal and Visa.
- Warehouses in different parts of the world for faster delivery.
Cons
- A limited number of products compared to AliExpress.
- Meant for the electronic category.
- No direct integration apps at dropshipping platforms like Shopify and Woocommerce, etc.
MOQ
No minimum order quantity; suitable for single-item purchases and dropshipping.
Best Products
Mobile phones, smartwatches, laptops, wearables, and drones.
Payment Options
Accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and other international payment options, offering flexible payment solutions.
Delivery Time
Orders are generally processed within 24–48 hours, but delivery times vary by warehouse location and shipping method. Standard shipping can range from 7 to 25 days, with expedited options available.
Pricing
Product pricing is highly competitive, especially for electronics. Geekbuying does not charge a subscription fee for dropshipping, allowing resellers to list items without upfront costs.
8. Gearbest
Gearbest has been up and running in the e-commerce field for many years. Although its name suggests that it would be meant for gears or gadgets, it is not limited to a single niche or category.
It has an extraordinary feature of “popular searches” that shows what people have been searching for recently to have an idea of what’s trending.
With all its sparkling features and customized products, Gearbest can be safely considered an alternative to AliExpress for dropshipping.
Pros
- Competitive prices.
- Wide range of products available.
- Easy communication with suppliers.
- Most payment methods are accepted at Gearbest i.e. PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, etc.
- Mobile app for easy access.
Cons
- Most of the product videos have a sign of Gearbest. So, they cannot be used by other dropshippers without editing.
- The number of orders not mentioned on the homepage or search results.
- No clear classification or ratings of sellers.
- No dedicated apps on Shopify or Woocommerce to support Gearbest.
MOQ
No MOQ, making single-item dropshipping easy.
Best Products
Gadgets, electronics, wearables, and fashion accessories.
Payment Options
Accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and other major payment options.
Delivery Time
Typically ranges from 10–25 days with expedited options through FedEx and DHL.
Pricing
Gearbest offers competitive prices, often lower than other platforms, with no subscription fees for dropshipping.
9. Alibaba
Alibaba is a brand known to all real dropshippers for being a parent company to AliExpress. It runs on a B2B (Business to Business) model and has been providing items for online and offline sales to many retailers all around the world for years.
Successful dropshippers who intend to expand their ecommerce businesses to the next levels move on to Alibaba from AliExpress to source their products.
Additionally, the dropshippers who move on to product rebranding or intend to go for customization use Alibaba as their source website.
Among many other benefits of Alibaba, the cheapest cost of the products is on top.
Pros
- One of the largest ecommerce platforms in the world.
- Best possible rates of the products available.
- A huge number of products with a maximum variety.
- Trusted suppliers and wholesalers.
- The facility of product customization with sampling.
- Direct link and long-term relationship opportunities with Chinese manufacturers.
Cons
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) to be followed while ordering the products from Alibaba. MOQ may vary from product to product.
- More suited for long term businesses and retailers that manage their own inventory.
- You can only pay with credit cards to make purchases.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Alibaba typically requires a MOQ that varies by supplier and product. While some suppliers may accommodate single-item purchases, this is not common.
Best Products
Popular categories on Alibaba include electronics, clothing, home goods, machinery, and beauty products, making it versatile for many niches.
Payment Options
Alibaba accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and Alibaba’s own payment service, but does not typically support PayPal.
Delivery Time
Delivery times vary significantly depending on the supplier and shipping method, ranging from a few days for expedited shipping to several weeks for standard shipping.
Pricing
Alibaba does not charge a subscription fee, and many products are available at wholesale prices. The platform is ideal for bulk purchases, making it cost-effective for businesses looking to maximize profit margins.
10. 1688
If you want insane discounts on Chinese products, go for 1688. It is also a subsidiary of ecom giant Alibaba with a focus on the B2B marketplace mainly in China.
You can call 1688 the Chinese version of Alibaba because this platform is only available in the Chinese language.
It is primarily meant for local Chinese customers but international purchases are also possible by communicating with the suppliers.
1688 also offers products at the cheapest possible rates. This is where you can earn real profits from the products you choose to sell.
Fun fact: Most dropshippers tend to ignore the opportunity offered by 1688 dropshipping due to the language barrier. You can use the services of Google translate to keep the momentum going to reach your dropshipping aspirations.
Pros
- Cheapest rates of the products available without compromising on the quality.
- A huge range of products.
- Advantage of utilizing the option of image search.
- The advantage of interacting and developing relationships with direct manufacturers.
Cons
- Only available in the Chinese language.
- Scarcity of apps available to easily integrate 1688 with Shopify or Woocommerce.
- Limited payment options.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Like many B2B platforms, 1688 often has MOQs that vary by supplier and product, making it more suitable for bulk purchases.
Best Products
1688 features an extensive array of products, including electronics, apparel, accessories, home goods, and more, catering to diverse market needs.
Payment Options
Payment options on 1688 can be limited, generally involving bank transfers or other local methods, and often do not support international credit cards like Visa or MasterCard directly.
Delivery Time
Delivery times vary widely based on the supplier and shipping method, with options ranging from standard shipping, which can take weeks, to expedited services for faster delivery.
Pricing
1688 does not charge a subscription fee for accessing its products. Its low pricing strategy is designed to attract bulk buyers, providing an excellent opportunity for dropshippers to maximize their profit margins.
11. NicheDropshipping
NicheDropshipping is a top-tier dropshipping service in China, trusted by thousands of sellers worldwide.
Unlike platforms like AliExpress, NicheDropshipping offers a free, personalized sourcing service.
Our dedicated agents find high-quality products at competitive prices from Chinese marketplaces like 1688 and Taobao.
Each product undergoes rigorous quality checks, with items re-packaged and inspected to ensure top standards before shipping.
Pros
- Acts as an agent to source products at competitive prices without sacrificing quality.
- Offers tailored product photos and videos, reducing copyright risks and enhancing brand image.
- Manages product storage and order fulfillment from various global fulfillment centers for fast shipping.
- Easily integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce for streamlined operations.
Cons
- Pricing may vary based on product specifications and sourcing requirements.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
NicheDropshipping generally allows for flexible MOQ arrangements, making it suitable for both small-scale dropshippers and larger operations.
Best Products
The platform covers a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, home goods, and more, tailored to meet diverse market demands.
Payment Options
NicheDropshipping accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and other popular online payment solutions, providing convenience for users.
Delivery Time
With access to multiple fulfillment centers worldwide, NicheDropshipping can offer expedited shipping options, ensuring timely delivery of orders.
Pricing
NicheDropshipping operates on a flexible pricing model, with no subscription fees required. Product prices vary based on sourcing agreements and quality but are designed to remain competitive within the market.
FAQs
What Is the US Equivalent of AliExpress?
The US equivalent of AliExpress is often considered to be Amazon. Amazon is a huge online store where you can find a wide range of products from many different sellers, just like AliExpress.
It’s popular in the US because it has lots of options across various categories, making it easy for shoppers to find what they need.
But bear in mind that we do not recommend using Amazon for dropshipping due to their strict policies.
If you’re a dropshipper looking for alternatives to AliExpress with a US focus, you might want to check out platforms like Spocket and Doba, as they connect you with suppliers who offer US-made products.
Is Taobao Cheaper than AlIExpress?
Yes, Taobao is generally cheaper than AliExpress. The main reason for this price difference is that Taobao is a domestic platform in China, targeting local customers, while AliExpress caters to international buyers.
As a result, Taobao’s prices reflect the lower costs associated with local transactions and less overhead.
Is DHGate or AliExpress Better?
Choosing between DHGate and AliExpress depends on your needs. DHGate often has lower prices and a wide range of products but can have inconsistent quality and longer shipping times.
AliExpress, however, is generally more reliable in terms of product quality, faster shipping options, and better customer support. Overall, if you prioritize quality and service, AliExpress is usually the better choice
What is Better Alibaba or AliExpress?
Alibaba and AliExpress serve different purposes, so which is better depends on your needs. Alibaba is primarily a B2B platform, designed for bulk orders and long-term relationships with suppliers.
It offers lower prices for larger quantities but often requires a minimum order quantity (MOQ). This makes it ideal for businesses looking to source products at wholesale prices for resale.
On the other hand, AliExpress is a B2C platform, allowing consumers and small businesses to buy products in smaller quantities without an MOQ. It’s user-friendly and great for dropshippers who want to test products without a large upfront investment.
If you need bulk orders and are okay with dealing with suppliers directly, Alibaba is the better choice. If you’re looking for smaller quantities and ease of use, AliExpress is the way to go
Summary
While AliExpress is a major name in e-commerce, it’s not the only choice for dropshippers.
There are many sites like AliExpress stepping up to offer great products and services, each with its own benefits.
The choice depends on your specific goals and needs as a dropshipper.
With that said, If you’re looking to source products at competitive prices and want personalized support, contact us today.
Our agents are ready to help you find the best solutions for your dropshipping business.
