AliExpress
by Alibaba Group · Shopping & E-Commerce · Discount & Value Shopping
Shop directly from Chinese manufacturers and sellers for electronics, fashion, home goods, and more at factory-direct prices.
Quick Answer: AliExpress has a verified Real Score of 3.1/5 based on 58,500 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.5/5. Mixed reviews from verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 58,500 verified reviews
Gap Alert: AliExpress's App Store rating is 1.4 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Very competitive prices
- Enormous product selection
- Buyer protection program
- Regular sales events with deep discounts
Common Complaints
- Shipping takes 2-6 weeks
- Quality inconsistency
- Communication barrier with sellers
- Returns are complicated and expensive
Verified Reviews (20)
Great for electronics parts
As a hobbyist I buy tons of electronic components here. Prices are a fraction of what you pay locally. Quality is fine for components. Just plan ahead for shipping times.
Patience is required
If you can wait 3-4 weeks for delivery, the deals are genuine. My last order of phone accessories was great quality at 80% less than Amazon. But you NEED patience.
Customs fees surprise
Nobody warns you about customs fees and import duties. My "$30 order" ended up costing $55 after customs. The app should calculate these upfront.
Choice shipping is a game changer
The new Choice option with 9-day delivery actually works! Received my items in 10 days with free shipping. Much better than the old 45-day waits.
Good for non-branded items
Generic phone cases, cables, tools, and craft supplies are solid. Dont buy anything claiming to be a brand name - its definitely fake. Stick to unbranded goods.
11.11 sale is incredible
The annual 11.11 sale has genuinely amazing deals. Got a drone for 70% off and it works perfectly months later. The app gamification during sales is actually fun.
Dispute system works but slowly
Had to open a dispute for a defective item. The process took 2 weeks but I did get a full refund. Just be thorough with photos and descriptions in your claim.
Size charts are fiction
Clothing sizes bear no relation to reality. Ordered my exact measurements and received something 2 sizes smaller. This is consistent across multiple sellers. Buy 2 sizes up.
Best for 3D printing supplies
Filament, nozzles, build plates, motors - everything for 3D printing at incredible prices. Quality is comparable to Amazon at 1/3 the price. My go-to source.
Read reviews with photos
The key to shopping on AliExpress is reading reviews and looking at customer photos. Product listings are misleading but real customer photos tell the truth.
App has improved significantly
The app used to be clunky and confusing but its much better now. The interface is cleaner, search works better, and the translation has improved. Still not perfect but good.
Mixed experiences over 50 orders
Out of about 50 orders, maybe 40 were fine, 5 were great deals, and 5 were duds. Thats a decent ratio considering the prices. Just dont buy anything critical or time-sensitive.
Coins and coupons add up
The coupon and coins system actually saves real money if you engage with it. Between store coupons, app coupons, and coins, I regularly save an extra 15-20% on top of already low prices.
Too much gamification
The app constantly wants you to play games, spin wheels, and do tasks. Just let me shop without all the gimmicks. Its overwhelming and feels desperate.
Seller communication is tough
Language barrier makes it hard to resolve issues. Sellers often dont understand my questions and the auto-translation is rough. When it works though, most sellers are helpful.
Jewelry supplies are amazing
As a jewelry maker, AliExpress is my #1 source for beads, findings, and tools. The variety is unmatched and prices make my hobby affordable. Quality is consistently good.
Track packages obsessively
Tracking is vague at best. "Your package is in transit" for 3 weeks straight. The not knowing is the worst part. At least the buyer protection extends if shipping is late.
Camping gear bargains
Found incredible deals on camping and hiking gear. Tarps, cookware, headlamps - all solid quality at amazing prices. My entire camping setup cost less than one brand-name tent.
Returns arent worth it
Returning an item costs more in shipping than the item is worth. So if something is wrong youre basically stuck with it or have to dispute. Not ideal for clothes shopping.
Know what youre getting into
If you understand that youre buying directly from Chinese manufacturers with all the pros and cons that entails, its a useful app. Just calibrate your expectations.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026