Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress: Which One Should You Use?
Three platforms from the same group serve very different buyers. A plain comparison of price, MOQ, language, payment and protection.
They share a parent company and often the same suppliers, but they are built for different people.
| AliExpress | Alibaba.com | 1688.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audience | Consumers worldwide | International B2B buyers | Chinese domestic B2B |
| Minimum order | 1 unit | Usually tens to thousands | Often low, varies widely |
| Price level | Highest per unit | Middle | Lowest |
| Language | English and others | English | Chinese |
| Payment | Cards, PayPal in many regions | Cards, bank transfer, Trade Assurance | Alipay / Chinese bank |
| Ships abroad | Yes | Yes, arranged with supplier | No — domestic only |
| Customisation | Rare | Common (OEM/ODM) | Possible, negotiate in Chinese |
How to choose
- Testing a product idea with 5–20 units: AliExpress, or 1688 through an agent if you'll order more later.
- Branded or customised product: Alibaba.com, where suppliers expect OEM requests and you get Trade Assurance.
- Lowest cost on standard goods, or combining items from many suppliers: 1688 through an agent.
Using them together
A common pattern is to find a product on Alibaba, then search 1688 with the same photo to see what the domestic price is. That gives you a benchmark for negotiating, even if you end up buying on Alibaba.
Want a second pair of eyes on your suppliers?
We search 1688 and Alibaba in Chinese, compare 3–5 suppliers, check their business licences and store records, and estimate your landed cost — all in one clear report.
See how it works
We search 1688 and Alibaba in Chinese, compare 3–5 suppliers, check their business licences and store records, and estimate your landed cost — all in one clear report.
See how it works
More guides
- How to Buy from 1688 When You Don't Live in China
- What a China Sourcing Agent Really Costs
- Shipping from China: Express, Air, Sea and Rail Compared
- How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before You Pay
- How to Calculate Landed Cost for Imported Products
- Negotiating with Chinese Suppliers Without Burning the Relationship
- How to Inspect Quality on a Chinese Order Before You Pay the Balance
- Incoterms for Small Importers: FOB, CIF, and DDP Explained Simply