We check. You choose.
Shipping speed, trust, returns, authenticity and buyer protection — each scored out of ten and stamped once we have checked it. Amazon leads overall; it is not the right answer for every order, and we say so where it is not.
amazonAmazonBest for: fast, trusted, everyday shopping
The most predictable option in most countries where it operates. You pay a little more than the discount marketplaces, and you get short delivery windows and a returns process that rarely needs arguing.
Best for: bulk orders and wholesale sourcing
A business-to-business sourcing platform, not a consumer store. If you are buying quantity, negotiating unit price, or want a supplier relationship, this is the strongest option on the list by a wide margin.
Best for: low-cost everyday goods with no deadline
Built around aggressive pricing on household goods, accessories and small home items. Refunds are handled quickly and generously; what you trade away is delivery speed and consistency of product quality.
Best for: used, vintage and collectible items
The deepest catalogue of second-hand, discontinued and collectible goods, plus a strong authentication programme on categories like sneakers, watches, trading cards and handbags. Speed depends on the individual seller.
Best for: niche parts and rock-bottom prices
Enormous catalogue of components, hobby parts and accessories at prices close to wholesale, with single-unit ordering. Sensible choice when you know exactly what you want and can wait for it.
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes how we score a marketplace.
Four questions about what you are buying, how soon you need it and what you care about most. You get a recommendation with a runner-up, because the second-best answer is often the one you actually want.
Question 1 / 4
Every cell carries a score and the reason behind it. Scores are ours, based on published policies and typical delivered timings in major markets, not best-case marketing estimates.
| Dimension | Amazon | Alibaba | Temu | eBay | AliExpress |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping SpeedTypical door-to-door time for a standard order in a major market, not the best-case estimate. | 9.2 1-5 days in served markets; same-week is normal, not exceptional. | 5.4 15-45 days by sea freight; air freight is faster and priced accordingly. | 6.4 6-20 days typical, faster on locally warehoused lines. | 7.0 Seller-dependent: 2-10 days domestically, longer cross-border. | 6.0 10-30 days standard; local warehouse options cut that materially. |
| Trust & ReputationHow predictable the buying experience is across sellers, and how consistent published policies are. | 9.0 Consistent policies across sellers; disputes follow a published process. | 7.6 Verified-supplier tiers and audit reports let you vet before you commit. | 7.0 Young platform, but policies are uniform and centrally enforced. | 8.2 Long seller histories and detailed feedback make vetting easy. | 7.2 Store ratings and order counts are detailed and worth reading. |
| Return / Refund PolicyHow easy it is to send an item back, who pays return shipping, and how long refunds take. | 9.1 Self-service returns, prepaid labels in most markets, refunds in days. | 6.2 Negotiated per contract; sample-first ordering is the practical safeguard. | 8.2 Free first return within 90 days on most items in most markets. | 7.4 Set per listing; many sellers accept returns, some do not. | 7.0 On-time and refund guarantees vary by listing; read the badges. |
| Product AuthenticityHow confident a buyer can be that a branded item is the genuine article. | 8.0 Strong for first-party stock; mixed inventory can blur brand sourcing. | 7.0 Factory-direct and OEM goods; you buy specs, not brand shelves. | 6.4 Mostly unbranded manufacturer goods; brand claims need care. | 8.6 Authenticity Guarantee inspects eligible high-value categories. | 6.6 Excellent for generic parts; branded goods need seller vetting. |
| Buyer ProtectionWhat happens when an order arrives broken, wrong, or never arrives at all. | 8.8 A-to-z style guarantee covers non-delivery and misdescribed items. | 8.4 Trade Assurance holds payment against agreed order terms. | 7.6 Centralised refunds, including price-drop and late-delivery credits. | 8.6 Money Back Guarantee covers non-delivery and mismatched items. | 7.8 Buyer Protection escrow with a defined dispute window. |
Warranty handling and returns matter more than headline price once a device fails. Amazon settles both fastest.
Read the comparisonPer-unit pricing, custom specs and escrow on agreed order terms. Nothing else on this list competes at quantity.
Read the comparisonCheap enough to experiment with fit and trend pieces, with a return window that does not punish you for guessing wrong.
Read the comparisonDeepest supply of out-of-production items, plus inspection on eligible high-value categories before it ships to you.
Read the comparisonWe may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change what we score or how we score it.