AliExpress is a global online marketplace known for low prices and a huge range of products, mostly from small businesses in China.

Millions shop there daily for its deals and buyer protection policies. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Issues like fake goods, slow shipping, and tricky disputes are common. 

This guide breaks down its pros, risks, and tips to help you decide if AliExpress is right for you.

TL;DR: AliExpress is legit and safe for affordable, non-urgent shopping, but it’s not always reliable. It offers buyer protection and secure payments, but risks include counterfeit items, long shipping delays, and tough refund processes. We recommend you stick to trusted sellers, avoid high-value purchases, and use secure payment methods for the best experience.

Table of Contents:

1. AliExpress Overview
2. AliExpress Red Flags and Common Issues
3. Tips for Shopping Safely on AliExpress
4. Pros and Cons of AliExpress
5. Six AliExpress Alternatives
6. Final Thoughts: Is AliExpress Legit and Safe?

1. AliExpress Overview

AliExpress, launched in 2010 by the Alibaba Group, has become a global e-commerce powerhouse. It connects international buyers with millions of affordable products from small businesses, primarily in China, across categories like electronics, fashion, and home goods.

The platform operates in over 220 countries, supports 18 languages, and attracts 20 million daily visitors, reflecting its global reach.

Singles’ Day, held annually on November 11, is a standout event for AliExpress. This shopping holiday, the largest in the world, generated over $85 billion in sales during the 2021 event.

AliExpress has also embraced innovations like live-streaming, which allows sellers to showcase products and engage with buyers in real-time, merging shopping with entertainment.

Secure Payment Systems and Buyer Protections on AliExpress

• Refunds for Undelivered Items: Refunds are available for items not delivered within the buyer protection period.
• Money-Back Guarantee: Guarantees refunds for defective, unsatisfactory, or counterfeit goods.
• Escrow Payment System: Ensures funds are released to sellers only after order completion.
• Payment Options: Includes direct credit/debit cards, AliPay, and occasionally PayPal.
• Enhanced Security with AliPay and PayPal: Both services hide payment details from sellers.
• Payment Information Safety Tips: Users are advised not to save payment details on AliExpress to avoid breaches.

Unfortunately despite its secure payment systems, buyer protections, and overall success, the platform faces challenges. Its main challenges are counterfeit goods and mixed customer experiences. But still, the platform continues to shape global online shopping trends.

2. AliExpress Red Flags and Common Issues

Shopping on AliExpress can save you money, but it’s not without risks. From fake products to long shipping delays and tough refund policies, there are plenty of challenges. Knowing these pitfalls upfront can help you shop smarter and avoid headaches. 

Here are the biggest issues to keep in mind.

1. Fake Products: AliExpress has a reputation for selling counterfeit goods. The U.S. Trade Representative lists it as a top source of fake items. Many branded products on the site are not genuine. It’s best to avoid buying name-brand items there. In addition, intellectual property violations are common, and they’re rarely addressed.
2. Misleading Listings: Some sellers post deceptive offers to attract buyers. Items may be listed at unusually low prices, and descriptions or images might not match the product you receive. This leads to frustration and wasted money. 
3. Brushing Scams: Brushing scams involve fake orders or reviews made by sellers to boost their ratings. Scammers may use stolen personal information to create fake accounts or send packages you didn’t order. These scams can compromise your privacy and mislead others about the seller’s reliability. 
4. Privacy Risks: AliExpress collects a lot of data, like your contact details, payment info, and browsing habits. This data is shared with sellers, advertisers, and shipping companies. As a result, you might see frequent targeted ads. Sharing your data with so many third parties raises serious privacy concerns.
5. Shipping Problems: Shipping is slow. Orders usually take 3–6 weeks, but delays of up to 3 months can happen. Tracking updates are often missing or wrong, leaving buyers uncertain about their deliveries. Packages sometimes get lost or mislabeled, making AliExpress unreliable for urgent purchases.
6. Difficult Refunds: Getting a refund isn’t easy. You must file your request within 30–50 days, even if shipping delays occur. The process requires evidence and frequent follow-ups. Refunds are not guaranteed, and many buyers report losing money with no resolution.
7. Buyer Protection Gaps: Buyer protection has major flaws. You can’t file a claim for a missing package until the protection period ends, which might take up to 90 days. Even then, the system often favors sellers, especially for high-value items. The process is confusing, leaving many buyers without support or resolution.

Tip: Stay cautious when shopping on AliExpress. Research sellers read reviews, and know the risks before making a purchase. More tips on how to shop safely on AliExpress are in the next section. 

3. Tips for Shopping Safely on AliExpress

Shopping on AliExpress doesn’t have to be risky if you take the right steps. A little research and caution can save you time, money, and frustration. 

From avoiding fake reviews to choosing secure payment methods, here are simple tips to help you shop smarter and safer.

• Watch for Shipping Delays: Shipping can take weeks or even months. To speed things up, choose reliable options like AliExpress Standard Shipping, UPS, or DHL. These cost more but offer faster delivery and better tracking. Also always, avoid cheap, untracked shipping if you’re in a hurry.
• Research to Avoid Poor Quality: Quality varies widely on AliExpress, so do your homework. Stick to sellers with:
  • High ratings: 95% or better.
  • Lots of orders: At least 100 completed sales.
  • Positive reviews: Focus on reviews with photos and 4.5 stars or higher.
  • Detailed feedback: Pay attention to negative and mid-range reviews to spot recurring issues.
  • Skip sellers with low ratings or no history. Fake reviews are common, so always double-check for authenticity.
• Protect Yourself from Wrong or Missing Items: It’s common to receive the wrong item—or nothing at all. If this happens:
  • Use AliExpress’s dispute system, not direct messages with the seller.
  • Gather evidence like unboxing videos, photos of the package, and screenshots of your order.
  • These steps boost your chances of a refund or replacement.
• Avoid High-Risk Buys: AliExpress isn’t great for expensive or brand-name products. Stick to small, low-risk purchases like jewelry, accessories, or tools. Avoid electronics, clothing, and branded items—they often disappoint or turn out fake.
• Use Secure Payment Options: Protect your financial info by paying with credit cards or AliPay. These offer added security and make chargebacks easier if something goes wrong. Never save payment details on the site. This lowers the risk of hacks or misuse.
• Act Fast on Disputes and Refunds: If you need a refund, file your dispute before the buyer protection period ends. For best results:
  • Keep proof like photos, videos, and messages with the seller.
  • Don’t return items unless the listing specifically says “free returns.” Otherwise, you might pay expensive shipping fees.

4. AliExpress pros and cons.

AliExpress is a mixed experience. It offers low prices and a huge variety of products, especially for small, inexpensive items. But it’s not always reliable, and customer service can be frustrating—especially for costly or high-stakes purchases. The buyer experience depends a lot on the seller. Some shoppers report quick shipping and good quality. Others face issues like lost packages, fake products, or disputes that go nowhere.

Pros:

• Affordable Prices: Often much cheaper than local alternatives.
• Diverse Product Range: From gadgets to fashion, AliExpress offers a broad selection.
• Buyer Protection: Promises refunds for non-delivery or incorrect items (though enforcement is inconsistent).
• International Availability: Ships to a wide range of countries.

Cons:

• Unreliable Shipping: Frequent delays and missing packages.
• Customer Service Issues: Poor support, with many disputes unresolved or delayed.
• Product Quality Concerns: Counterfeit or low-quality items are common.
• Complex Returns and Refunds: Lengthy and often unsuccessful processes.
• Scam Risks: Reports of fake tracking numbers and fraudulent sellers.
• Privacy and Data Sharing: Questionable data handling practices.

5. Six AliExpress Alternatives.

Looking for AliExpress alternatives? Here are some great choices, each with unique perks.

Whether you want affordable gadgets, trendy fashion, or bulk deals, there’s something for everyone.

1. Temu: Temu offers everything from gadgets to home goods at low prices. You’ll enjoy beginner discounts and free shipping on larger orders. What makes it a good AliExpress alternative? Affordable prices and better customer service than AliExpress. Before visiting this site, find out whether Temu is safe and legit. 
2. Shein: Shein is famous for cheap, trendy clothing, accessories, and home items. With global shipping and constant sales, it’s a favorite for budget-conscious shoppers. Why check it? Fast shipping and low-cost fashion. Visit Shein
3. Banggood
   Banggood specializes in electronics, gadgets, and appliances. It has reliable shipping and regular discounts. Why consider it: Reliable customer service and high-demand electronics. Visit Banggood
4. Wish: Wish is all about super low prices on just about anything. Quality varies, but it’s great for cheap, non-essential items. Why it is recommended: Perfect for experimental, low-cost buys. Visit Wish
5. DHGate: DHGate works well for bulk and wholesale purchases. It offers discounts for large orders, covering everything from clothing to tech. Why is a good alternative to AliExpress: Perfect for bulk buyers looking for deals. Visit DHGate
6. Taobao (via SuperBuy): Taobao is a giant Chinese marketplace with countless affordable items. Use agents like SuperBuy for international shipping and language support. Why check it: Huge variety of low-cost products if you don’t mind extra steps.
   Visit Taobao

6. Is AliExpress Legit? Is it Safe? 

AliExpress is a legit marketplace with tons of affordable products. It connects buyers worldwide with mostly Asian sellers and offers buyer protection and secure payments.

Some shoppers love the low prices, but others face problems like missing items, fake products, or long shipping delays. Refunds are possible, but they take effort and quick action.

If you’re looking for cheap, non-urgent items, AliExpress can be a good choice—just shop smart and stay cautious. It all depends on how much risk you’re willing to take.

Have you tried AliExpress? What’s your experience?

Share your thoughts or explore other platforms that better meet your shopping needs.