Temu has become wildly popular thanks to its affordable prices. But no online retailer is perfect, so many bargain shoppers are looking for Temu alternatives to find great deals online. Here, we look at 7 legit alternatives to Temu that can help you save money and shop smart online.
Table of Contents
What is Temu? And why are prices so low?
Top Temu alternatives
AliExpress
Wish
Shein
Five Below
LightInTheBox
Joom
Bonanza
Is Amazon a Temu alternative?
Bonus: For bulk buyers and product sourcing – Alibaba.com
Choosing the right Temu alternative
Final thoughts
FAQ: Temu Alternatives
What is Temu? And why are prices so low?
Temu is an online marketplace owned by PDD Holdings, the same company behind Pinduoduo, a popular e-commerce platform in China. Temu is an e-commerce platform that connects consumers directly with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. Because Temu cuts out the middleman, it offers super low prices on a vast array of products.
This direct-to-consumer model also opens the door for resellers. You can buy low and sell high without needing a physical storefront. Looking to resell products with Temu dropshipping? Learn how to resell Temu products.
Top Temu alternatives
These are the popular choices in Temu alternatives that savvy shoppers turn to for cost-effective online shopping. In addition to the pros and cons of each online store, we’ve noted which have mobile apps and loyalty programs to help you compare experiences.
1. AliExpress
Best for: A massive variety of cheap products
AliExpress is one of the largest global online marketplaces. Like Temu, it connects you directly with manufacturers, mostly based in China. You can find everything from clothes to car parts at budget-friendly prices.
Mobile app: Yes
Loyalty program: Yes (AliExpress Coins and coupons through daily check-ins and games)
2. Wish
Best for: Fun impulse buys and novelty items
Wish became famous for its strange product listings and ultra cheap prices. It’s still one of the most downloaded shopping apps in the world and focuses on low prices, often under $5.
Mobile app: Yes
Loyalty program: Yes (Regular promos, reward points, and flash sales)
Wish is a good option if you enjoy hunting for quirky or low-cost finds and don’t mind waiting.
3. Shein
Best for: Trendy fashion at low prices
If your main goal is to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank, Shein is worth checking out. While Temu sells clothes, Shein focuses more specifically on affordable fashion for women, men, and kids. Currently, Shein is one of the most visited fashion websites in the U.S.
Mobile app: Yes
Loyalty program: Yes (Points for purchases)
4. Five Below
Best for: Gifts, gadgets, and games under $5
Five Below has both physical and online stores where everything is priced at $5 or less (with some exceptions for higher-tier items called “Five Beyond”). It’s great for teens, tweens, and gift shopping. Their tech section is surprisingly good for phone stands, earbuds, and speakers.
Mobile app: Yes
Loyalty program: No
5. LightInTheBox
Best for: Clothing, home décor, and electronics
LightInTheBox offers thousands of products in categories like fashion, electronics, and home improvement. It’s a China-based retailer that, unlike marketplaces like AliExpress, sells products directly and aims to offer curated listings with competitive pricing. LightInTheBox may appeal to shoppers looking for affordable alternatives to mainstream retail prices, particularly in clothing and home goods.
Mobile app: Yes
Loyalty program: Yes (Points for purchases)
6. Joom
Best for: International shoppers and unusual gadgets
Joom is another global marketplace offering affordable items with free worldwide shipping. It’s popular in Europe and Russia but available in the U.S. as well.
Mobile app: Yes
Loyalty program: No formal program, but frequent app-based deals
7. Bonanza
Best for: Supporting small sellers and resellers
Bonanza is a U.S.-based marketplace like eBay that allows individuals and small business owners to sell their goods. You can find both new and used products, often at a discount. This is a viable alternative if you want deals without buying directly from overseas sellers.
Mobile app: No dedicated app (mobile browser only)
Loyalty program: No
Is Amazon a Temu alternative?
Yes, Amazon could technically be considered a Temu alternative, but it serves a different market and experience. Let’s take a closer look at how Amazon differs from Temu:
- Price: Amazon often has competitive pricing, but generally can’t match Temu’s ultra low prices.
- Product quality: Amazon sellers are often more established. Additionally, product listings typically include more reviews and higher quality images. Temu products can be hit-or-miss when it comes to quality.
- Shipping speed: Amazon offers some of the fastest delivery, often same-day or next-day in many cities with the use of Prime. Temu’s standard shipping typically takes 7–14 days, and sometimes longer.
- Customer service: Amazon’s return policy is top tier, making it much easier to resolve issues compared to Temu.
So, is Amazon a better option than Temu? That entirely depends on your priorities:
- If you want fast shipping, Amazon is the winner.
- If you’re looking for the cheapest items and don’t mind waiting longer, Temu, or one of the other alternatives, are likely to be more appealing.
That being said, some Amazon sellers source their products from low-cost platforms like Temu and then resell them at higher prices for a profit. This practice is part of a larger trend known as product arbitrage or drop-shipping.
Bonus: For bulk buyers and product sourcing – Alibaba.com
While not a direct Temu alternative for casual shoppers, Alibaba.com is a global B2B platform suited for users interested in bulk purchases, product sourcing, or reselling. It connects buyers with manufacturers and wholesalers, many of whom offer low minimum order quantities.
For those exploring ecommerce beyond personal shopping—such as launching an online store or sourcing custom products—Alibaba.com offers tools and supplier access not typically available on consumer platforms.
👉 See our comprehensive guide Alibaba.com ordering
Choosing the right Temu alternative
Can’t decide which Temu alternative might be best for your shopping needs? Here are a few tips:
- Need faster, more reliable shipping? Try Amazon or Five Below.
- Looking for fashion? Check out Shein or LightInTheBox.
- Want the lowest prices? Wish, AliExpress, and Joom are great options.
- Prefer U.S. sellers? Go with Bonanza or Five Below
- Sourcing in bulk or starting a business? Take a look at Alibaba.com for supplier access and low-MOQ options.
Final thoughts
Temu has definitely changed how people think about bargain shopping, but it’s not the only game in town. Each alternative on this list has its own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you value faster delivery, better customer service, or more product variety, there’s an option out there for you.
FAQ: Temu Alternatives
What is the cheapest Temu alternative?
AliExpress and Wish are usually the cheapest overall. Both offer ultra-low prices on a huge variety of items, especially if you’re willing to wait for longer shipping times. Joom is also competitive on price, especially for international shoppers.
Who is Temu’s biggest competitor?
According to SEMRush, Temu’s closets competitors based on traffic are AliExpress and Shein.
Why is Temu so cheap?
Because Temu cuts out the middleman, it offers affordable prices on a vast array of products. This direct-to-consumer model also opens the door for resellers. You can buy low and sell high without needing a physical storefront.
Is Shein or Temu better?
While both platforms offer affordable clothing, it’s difficult to say which is “better” as it depends on individual priorities. Temu has a wide variety of products at low prices which include clothing and accessories. While Shein focuses on clothing specifically.
How to get free stuff from Temu?
There are several ways to get free stuff from Temu, from new user sign-up bonuses to referral programs to in-app games and promotional campaigns.
