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Temu has redefined how low-cost shopping apps operate—but it’s not the only one. In 2025, several platforms are pushing the boundaries of affordability, user experience, and growth strategy. If you’re looking for inspiration from the best “cheap but smart” apps, this list highlights 11 shopping apps like Temu worth studying. Let’s explore now!
>> See more:
- 14 Best Clothing Apps Like Shein in 2025
- Temu business model analysis: How does Temu make money?
- 10 Clothing Stores Like Fashion Nova That Inspire Your Business
| Apps like Temu | Key Advantage Over Temu | Notable Features |
| AliExpress | Wider product range, niche categories | 100M+ products, buyer protection, deals |
| Shein | Faster trend adoption, personalization | Daily new styles, social features |
| Wish | More gamified, lower prices | Rewards, daily deals, novelty items |
| Amazon | Faster shipping, better service | Prime, reviews, global reach |
| DHgate | Bulk/wholesale focus | Bulk discounts, escrow payments |
| Joom | Free global shipping | Simple UI, personalized recs |
| Etsy | Unique/handmade items | Customization, direct sellers |
| eBay | Auctions, used/rare items | Auctions, global, buyer protection |
| Banggood | Electronics/gadgets focus | Flash deals, tech selection |
| ASOS | Curated, quality fashion | Exclusive brands, fast shipping |
| Boohoo | Youth trends, daily new arrivals | Trendy, budget-friendly, easy returns |
1. AliExpress
Launched by Alibaba in 2010, AliExpress is one of the most established cheap shopping apps like Temu, connecting global buyers directly with manufacturers and small businesses, primarily in China. Much like Temu, AliExpress offers a massive range of budget-friendly products—from electronics and fashion to home goods and more. Its easy-to-navigate app and website support multiple languages and currencies, making it accessible to a global audience.
Popular among both bargain hunters and dropshippers, AliExpress stands out for its competitive pricing, regular flash deals, and buyer protection policies. With well-organized categories and powerful search tools, it offers a seamless shopping experience that mirrors the simplicity users love in Temu.
App store rating: ⭐4.7(481,579 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.5(15,990,266 reviews)
Key Features:
- Over 100 million products in diverse categories
- Buyer protection and secure payment options
- Global shipping to 200+ countries
- Free shipping on many products, though delivery typically takes 15-45 days.
- Flash deals, coupons, and daily discounts
- Multilingual support (16 languages)
Why It’s Better Than Temu: AliExpress has a more established global presence, a broader product range (especially in niche categories), and more robust buyer protection. Its reputation and long-standing logistics network offer greater reliability and choice for international shoppers
>> See more: Top 16 best online selling platforms for beginners
2. Shein
Shein, founded in 2008, is a global fast-fashion powerhouse known for its vast selection of trendy clothing, accessories, and home goods at low prices. Similar to Temu, Shein uses a direct-to-consumer model that keeps prices low while constantly refreshing its catalog with the latest styles. The app is visually optimized for fashion discovery, offering personalized recommendations and social shopping features. Shein’s strength lies in its ability to quickly adapt to the latest trends and deliver new styles daily, making it especially appealing to Gen Z and millennial shoppers.
App store rating: ⭐4.6(1,100,851 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.0(6,425,562 reviews)
Key Features:
- Huge selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for all ages.
- Daily flash sales with up to 80% off and free shipping on orders over $49.
- Earn points for purchases, redeemable for future discounts.
- User reviews with photos and live chat for instant help.
- Standard shipping in 7-10 days, with express options in 3-7 days.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: Shein’s focus on fashion, rapid trend adoption, and superior personalization make it the go-to for style-conscious shoppers. Its global reach and constant influx of new products outpace Temu in the fashion segment.
>> See more: 10 Best Clothing Apps For Women in 2025
3. Wish
Wish is a US-based e-commerce platform established in 2010, famous for ultra-low prices on a wide range of products, from fashion to gadgets, sourced mainly from Chinese sellers. As one of shopping apps like Temu most, Wish prioritizes affordability and connects buyers directly with sellers, offering items as low as $1. Its mobile-first approach and personalized recommendations mirror Temu’s user-friendly, deal-driven experience, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers globally.
App store rating: ⭐4.7(2,338,545 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.7(14,448,711 reviews)
Key Features:
- Products as low as $1 across fashion, electronics, home decor, and more.
- Flash sales, daily discounts, and a stamp system for login rewards.
- Personalized recommendations based on your browsing habits.
- Global shipping with delivery in 15-45 days.
- 30-day return policy for defective or undelivered items.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: For starters, Wish’s transparent pricing and stamp-based loyalty program offer clear savings, unlike Temu’s less exciting rewards. Being US-based, Wish also provides more accessible customer service, which Temu’s users sometimes find lacking.
4. Amazon
Since 1994, Amazon has grown into the world’s e-commerce giant, offering everything from gadgets to groceries at competitive prices. While Temu focuses on ultra-cheap items, Amazon blends affordability with quality, often sourcing directly from manufacturers. Its global reach and lightning-fast shipping mirror Temu’s convenience, but Amazon’s trusted name and vast seller network make it a one-stop shop.
App store rating: ⭐4.8(8,120,444 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.4(4,129,987 reviews)
Key Features:
- Millions of products, from budget finds to premium goods (350+ million items)
- Free shipping for Prime members or on eligible orders.
- Detailed customer reviews and Q&A sections for smart buys.
- Fast delivery, often within 2 days for Prime members.
- Easy returns, with free options on many items.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: Amazon takes the lead with its speedy shipping (2 days vs. Temu’s 15-45 days) and top-tier customer service, which Temu can’t always match. Prime members enjoy exclusive deals and free shipping, offering unbeatable value for frequent shoppers. Moreover, Amazon’s strict seller standards ensure higher product quality, making it a safer bet despite slightly higher prices on some items.
>> Explore: 8 Amazon Ecommerce Strategies for Newbie Merchants
5. DHgate
Starting in 2004, DHgate is a China-based marketplace connecting buyers with wholesale and retail goodies suppliers. DHgate offers rock-bottom prices on electronics, fashion, and home goods by cutting out middlemen like Temu. Its focus on bulk deals appeals to resellers, but solo shoppers also score great deals. As a result, DHgate’s competitive pricing and variety make it a strong contender for budget shoppers.
App store rating: ⭐4.2(525,981 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.5(521,927 reviews)
Key Features:
- Over 20 million products, including electronics, fashion, and more.
- Big discounts for bulk orders, perfect for resellers.
- Buyer protection with secure payments and refunds.
- Free shipping on many items, with delivery in 15-45 days.
- Product reviews and ratings to guide your choices.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: DHgate is a game-changer for bulk buyers, offering lower per-unit prices than Temu’s retail-focused model. Its long-standing platform ensures better supplier vetting, reducing the quality issues Temu users sometimes face. Additionally, DHgate’s secure transactions and localized warehouses for faster delivery in some areas make it more reliable.
>> Read more: 20 Reliable Wholesale Vendors for Small Businesses
6. Joom
Founded in 2016 in Latvia, Joom is a mobile-first platform that brings affordable products from international sellers, mostly in China. Like Temu, it’s all about low prices and a fun, diverse catalog of fashion, electronics, and home goods. Its personalized recommendations and sleek app make shopping a joy, much like Temu’s engaging vibe. For this reason, Joom’s growing popularity in Europe and beyond makes it a hidden gem.
App store rating: ⭐4.7(67,111 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.4(3,622,223 reviews)
Key Features:
- Products starting under $1, from fashion to gadgets.
- Free shipping on many items, with delivery in 15-45 days.
- Personalized picks based on your shopping preferences.
- Daily deals and freebie promotions for extra savings.
- Multi-language support and easy refund process.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: Joom’s European roots mean faster shipping to Europe (sometimes under 15 days) compared to Temu’s longer waits. Its app also offers better product visuals and smoother search tools, making shopping more enjoyable. Plus, Joom’s referral bonuses and freebie deals outshine Temu’s less consistent promos. If you love a polished app and great incentives, Joom’s a fantastic choice.
7. Etsy
Etsy is a global online marketplace launched in 2005, specializing in handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Unlike Temu’s mass-market approach, Etsy focuses on connecting buyers with independent creators and small businesses, offering products that are often custom-made or one-of-a-kind. The platform is renowned for its strong community of artisans and crafters, making it the go-to destination for personalized gifts, craft supplies, vintage items, and eco-friendly products. Etsy’s curated experience and emphasis on creativity set it apart from generic discount shopping apps like Temu.
App store rating: ⭐4.9(6,389,959 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.8(1,818,118 reviews)
Key Features:
- Unique handmade and vintage items, like jewelry, decor, and clothing.
- Seller ratings and reviews for full transparency.
- Custom orders with direct seller chats.
- Global shipping, with delivery times varying by seller.
- Secure payments via PayPal, credit cards, and more.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: Etsy stands out with its high-quality, one-of-a-kind products, unlike Temu’s often generic items. Supporting small artisans feels good and offers an ethical edge, appealing to conscious shoppers. While prices may be a tad higher, Etsy’s personalized experience and reliable seller communication beat Temu’s quality inconsistencies.
8. eBay
Kicking off in 1995, eBay is a global e-commerce legend offering new and secondhand goods through auctions and fixed-price listings. Similar to shopping apps like Temu, it connects you with diverse sellers for affordable electronics, fashion, and collectibles. Its trusted reputation and deal-hunting vibe make it a versatile alternative. Naturally, eBay’s focus on user trust keeps shoppers coming back for more.
App store rating: ⭐4.8(4,783,310 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.7(4,902,173 reviews)
Key Features:
- Millions of products, including new, used, and refurbished items.
- Auction-style bidding for potential big savings.
- Buyer protection for secure purchases and refunds.
- Free shipping on many items, with delivery varying by seller.
- Detailed seller ratings and customer feedback.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: eBay’s auction system lets you snag deals below Temu’s fixed prices, and its secondhand market offers unique items Temu can’t match. Stricter seller rules and robust buyer protection reduce the risk of low-quality goods, a common Temu issue. Plus, eBay’s faster domestic shipping in the US beats Temu’s international delays.
>> See more: Best eBay Alternatives For Sellers To Consider in 2025
9. Bangood
Banggood, established in 2006, is a China-based e-commerce platform best known for its affordable electronics, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Its low prices and wide range align with Temu’s bargain model, but a tech-heavy focus sets it apart. Global shipping and frequent deals keep it competitive, drawing gadget geeks and deal seekers alike.
App store rating: ⭐4.7(43,185 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.6(425,159 reviews)
Key Features:
- Wide selection of electronics and gadgets
- Global shipping with local warehouses
- Frequent discounts, flash sales, and coupons
- Buyer protection and secure payments
- Diverse product range including home, fashion, and tools
Why It’s Better Than Temu: Banggood shines in electronics, offering better quality and variety than Temu’s hit-or-miss tech items. Its localized warehouses cut shipping times in some areas, unlike Temu’s long delays. Moreover, Banggood’s clear pricing and reliable reviews make shopping more trustworthy, especially for tech fans.
10. ASOS
ASOS is a UK-based fashion retailer founded in 2000, popular for its trendy, affordable clothing and accessories targeting young adults. Like Temu, ASOS offers a vast selection and frequent sales, but with a sharper focus on fashion quality and brand curation. The app provides a seamless, personalized shopping experience with features like visual search and tailored outfit suggestions, making it easy for users to discover new styles.
App store rating: ⭐4.9(487,286 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.8(1,718,376 reviews)
Key Features:
- Over 850 brands, including ASOS’s own stylish collections.
- Free shipping on orders over a set amount (varies by region).
- Inclusive sizing and diverse style options for all.
- Regular sales with up to 70% off.
- Easy returns, though processing times vary by location.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: ASOS delivers trendier, higher-quality fashion compared to Temu’s often generic clothing. Its focus on established and emerging brands ensures better fit and durability, tackling Temu’s quality woes. Plus, ASOS’s faster shipping (within a week in many regions) and sustainability efforts make it a more reliable and ethical choice.
11. Boohoo
Launched in 2006, UK’s Boohoo is a fast-fashion star, dishing out affordable, trendy clothes for young adults. Its low prices and weekly style drops mirror Temu’s budget-friendly, ever-changing catalog. With global shipping and a lively app, Boohoo’s as accessible as Temu but laser-focused on fashion flair.
App store rating: ⭐4.7(242,765 reviews)
Google play rating: ⭐4.5(84,540 reviews)
Key Features:
- Trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories with weekly new arrivals.
- Discounts up to 70% during sales and promos.
- Free shipping on orders above a minimum (varies by region).
- Mobile app with personalized picks and smooth navigation.
- Returns within 28 days, with free returns in some areas.
Why It’s Better Than Temu: Boohoo’s fashion-forward designs and stricter quality control outshine Temu’s often low-quality clothing. Its weekly style drops keep it fresh and trendy, perfect for young shoppers. Additionally, Boohoo’s faster shipping (5-10 days in many regions) and better sizing consistency address Temu’s delivery and fit issues.
In the fast-moving world of digital commerce, apps like Temu aren’t just retail platforms—they’re playbooks in motion, revealing what today’s consumers crave and how tech can deliver it. The examples above highlight how different players are redefining affordability, scale, and user experience in ways that are both innovative and instructive.
Whether you’re refining your own e-commerce app or brainstorming your next big idea, these Temu-like platforms offer a rich source of insight. Study what works, adapt what fits, and stay a step ahead in a space that rewards both speed and strategy.
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