AliExpress has long been a go-to platform for affordable sourcing, especially for dropshipping businesses and budget-conscious consumers. Known for its vast product variety and low prices, it became a popular gateway to Chinese suppliers for everything from electronics and fashion to homeware. However, in recent years, concerns have grown regarding shipping delays, inconsistent product quality, and unreliable customer service. This has prompted many to explore new and better platforms.
If you’re looking to diversify your sourcing options in 2025 or simply want a better alternative to AliExpress, several other apps and platforms offer competitive pricing, improved delivery speeds, and better buyer experiences. Below is a detailed overview of the best apps like AliExpress, along with reasons why they stand out.
Top-Tier AliExpress Alternatives
1688.com – Direct From Chinese Manufacturers
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If affordability is your main concern, 1688.com is one of the strongest alternatives. Operated by Alibaba Group, it’s a leading wholesale platform connecting buyers directly to Chinese manufacturers. Unlike AliExpress, which often includes intermediary sellers, 1688 offers direct factory pricing. This means lower costs and better margins, especially for bulk buyers.
Though it’s mostly in Chinese, modern tools like Google Translate or the Google Lens app can help navigate the platform. If you’re sourcing large quantities, this is one of the most cost-effective and reliable platforms available, particularly for those who want to avoid middlemen. The platform’s deep supplier base makes it ideal for diverse product categories, including clothing, electronics, and kitchenware.
- Best for: Bulk orders, factory-direct pricing, and cost-efficient sourcing
- Delivery timeline: Varies by supplier, generally longer for international orders (10–30 days)
- Downsides of using 1688: The platform is in Chinese with limited English support; may require translation tools
- Does 1688 dropship?: Not natively, but with third-party agents or fulfillment services, it can be adapted for dropshipping
Tip: Use apps like Deepl or Youdao for more accurate translations when placing orders or communicating with sellers.
Pinduoduo – The Power of Group Buying
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Pinduoduo has taken China by storm with its unique model of collective buying. It allows users to form groups to purchase products at lower prices, tapping into wholesale-level savings even for individual users. Unlike AliExpress, where deals are static, Pinduoduo encourages active engagement — the more people who buy an item, the cheaper it becomes.
The platform offers an impressive selection of fashion, electronics, and lifestyle items. Many sellers are verified, and the overall customer satisfaction rating is growing year by year. If you’re looking for bargains similar to AliExpress but with the added advantage of volume discounts, this app is worth exploring.
- Best for: Group buying and savings on lifestyle, fashion, and tech products
- Delivery timeline: Domestic shipping is fast in China, but international shipping may take 15–30 days
- Downsides of using Pinduoduo: Mainly operates in Chinese; less straightforward for solo international buyers
- Does Pinduoduo dropship?: Not by default, but possible through intermediaries or agents
DHgate – Dropshipping Made Easy
DHgate is another trusted platform that closely mirrors the AliExpress experience. With millions of products spanning fashion, gadgets, beauty, and home goods, DHgate is especially popular among dropshippers. It offers secure payment methods, buyer protection, and global shipping, making it a strong contender.
The platform also promotes verified sellers and top-rated stores, which helps reduce the risk of counterfeit or poor-quality items, a common complaint with AliExpress. Furthermore, DHgate has been praised by outlets like TechRadar and Entrepreneur for being one of the most drop-shipper-friendly platforms.
- Best for: Dropshippers, small businesses, and wholesale orders
- Delivery timeline: Typically 10–20 business days, depending on the shipping method
- Downsides of using DHgate: Risk of counterfeit products if buying from non-verified sellers
- Does DHgate dropship: Yes, it is one of the most drop-shipper-friendly platforms available
Clothing-Specific Alternatives
VVIC – For Trendy and Wholesale Clothing
VVIC is a wholesale fashion market that excels in Korean, Japanese, Turkish, and Bohemian styles. Unlike AliExpress, which mixes countless brands and inconsistent sizing, VVIC specializes in fashion-forward, curated inventory. It includes men’s, women’s, children’s, and even maternity wear, along with accessories and skincare tools.
For boutique owners or fashion resellers, VVIC offers more refined sourcing with a focus on quality and trendiness. Several suppliers also provide real-life model photography, making it easier to visualize the product before buying.
- Best for: Fashion retailers looking for trendy and high-quality clothing
- Delivery timeline: 7–21 days, depending on supplier and location
- Downsides of using VVIC: Language barrier and minimum order quantity for some products
- Does VVIC dropship?: Not directly, but dropshipping can be arranged via third-party fulfillment
Fashion 17 – Fast-Fashion at Wholesale Rates
Fashion 17, although lesser-known globally, is a rising star in the fast-fashion wholesale market. It’s especially popular for trendy women’s wear, including T-shirts, skirts, blouses, and outerwear. What sets 17 apart is its sharp focus on fashion trends — you’ll often find what’s currently viral on social media much earlier here than on AliExpress.
If you’re sourcing for Gen Z fashion lovers or online clothing stores, this app gives you a leg up on fast-moving trends. Though there’s limited English support, tools like Alibaba Translate can assist.
- Best for: Trendy clothing at wholesale rates
- Delivery timeline: Varies, typically 10–25 days
- Downsides of using 17: Less global recognition and fewer English language tools
- Does 17 dropship?: Not officially, but possible through sourcing agents
3E3E – Kidswear Made Easy
If your focus is on children’s clothing, 3E3E is one of the best AliExpress alternatives in that space. It offers affordable yet quality garments for toddlers to teens, and its user interface is more organized compared to traditional marketplaces. The platform also provides professional customer support for bulk buyers, making it ideal for boutique children’s retailers.
- Best for: Kidswear retailers and boutique stores
- Delivery timeline: 10–18 business days
- Downsides of using 3E3E: Limited customer service in English
- Does 3E3E dropship?: Yes, through fulfillment partners
Shoes & Footwear Alternatives
Eelly – Premium Apparel Options
Eelly specializes seasonally for both men and women, including premium fabrics like leather and synthetic blends. The marketplace in
Includes oversized streetwear, coats, and casual basics — all available at competitive pricing. For resellers and boutique owners, Eelly provides a solid mix of trendy and classic designs.
- Best for: High-quality seasonal fashion and statement pieces
- Delivery timeline: 10–22 days, depending on location
- Downsides of using Eelly: Requires negotiation with sellers for bulk pricing
- Does Eelly dropship?: Yes, for most product categories
Sooxie – Shoes and Footwear Galore
Shoes can be tricky to source, but Sooxie makes it easier. The platform offers a wide variety of footwear, from sneakers to sandals, with convenient tools like image search to help you find the exact style you’re looking for. Compared to AliExpress, Sooxie has better stock accuracy and more updated product availability.
- Best for: Footwear resellers and style-based sourcing
- Delivery timeline: 7–20 business days
- Downsides of using Sooxie: Size availability can vary per batch
- Does Sooxie dropship?: Yes
Xingfujie – Shoes for Every Foot Type
Xingfujie specializes in comfortable footwear for men, women, and children. Its detailed sizing charts and wide style selection make it a customer-friendly choice for bulk orders. Whether you’re sourcing comfort shoes or fashion-forward pairs, Xingfujie can match AliExpress prices while offering better sizing transparency.
- Best for: Footwear for varied demographics and sizes
- Delivery timeline: 10–25 days, depending on destination
- Downsides of using Xingfujie: Product details sometimes lack full translations
- Does Xingfujie dropship?: Yes
Go2 – Stylish Shoes in Bulk
Go2 is ideal for bulk orders of fashionable shoes. The styles are modern, colorful, and often updated with seasonal trends. The pricing and catalog mirror what AliExpress offers, but with better communication from suppliers and improved quality assurance.
- Best for: Fashion shoes in bulk
- Delivery timeline: 10–15 days
- Downsides of using Go2: Limited customization options
- Does Go2 dropship?: Yes
Other Category-Specific Alternatives
Bao66 – Handbag Heaven
If handbags are your niche, Bao66 is a platform you can’t overlook. It specializes in wholesale handbags sourced from major production hubs like Baigou and Guangzhou. With a range spanning from luxury-inspired styles to everyday carry bags, Bao66 offers better craftsmanship and variety than typical AliExpress sellers.
- Best for: Handbag wholesalers and fashion boutiques
- Delivery timeline: 8–20 days
- Downsides of using Bao66: Product quality can vary by vendor
- Does Bao66 dropship?: Yes
91JF – High-Quality Home Textiles
For bedding, curtains, and home decor, 91JF stands out. The platform boasts a premium selection of cushions, covers, and textile accessories — often superior in material quality compared to what you’ll find on AliExpress. With customizable options and quality control, it’s a must-try for home decor resellers.
- Best for: Home decor stores, Airbnb hosts, and textile resellers
- Delivery timeline: 10–25 days
- Downsides of using 91JF: Some MOQ (minimum order quantity) requirements
- Does 91JF dropship?: Yes, through logistics partners
Yiwugo – Smallware at Wholesale Scale
Yiwugo is a powerful B2B marketplace for smallware items like crafts, toys, socks, and stationery. It supports bulk purchases at low prices, making it ideal for sellers dealing in high-volume, low-cost products. Think of it as a more focused version of AliExpress with better category-specific filters.
- Best for: Smallwares, gift shops, and low-cost bulk goods
- Delivery timeline: 10–18 days
- Downsides of using Yiwugo: The Interface can be overwhelming without filters
- Does Yiwugo dropship?: Yes, supported via agents
Final Thoughts
AliExpress revolutionized access to affordable international sourcing, but the rise of better platforms now offers buyers more choice, control, and quality. Whether you’re a dropshipper, boutique owner, or casual buyer, the apps mentioned above provide specialized alternatives — often with improved support, pricing, or delivery speeds.
By exploring these best apps like AliExpress, you can tap into more efficient sourcing, better product standards, and niche-focused solutions tailored to your business or personal shopping needs. In 2025 and beyond, being flexible with your sourcing options isn’t just smart — it’s essential.
FAQs
Q. What are the best apps like AliExpress for cheap products?
1688, DHgate, Pinduoduo, and VVIC are great alternatives offering competitive pricing and variety.
Q. Can I use these AliExpress alternatives for dropshipping?
Yes, most platforms support dropshipping either directly or through third-party agents.
Q. Are AliExpress alternatives reliable for bulk orders?
Yes, platforms like 1688 and DHgate are specifically built for bulk wholesale orders.
Q. Do these platforms offer international shipping?
Many of them do, but shipping times and options vary by supplier.
Q. Is it cheaper to buy from 1688 than from AliExpress?
Often yes, as 1688 connects you directly to manufacturers without middlemen.
Q. Are these alternatives safer than AliExpress?
They can be, especially when buying from verified or top-rated suppliers.