Return policy comparison · 2026
AliExpress vs Depop
Policy data verified June 26, 2026 (AliExpress) and July 24, 2026 (Depop)
Winner
AliExpress
B+
3.6 / 5.0 · Good
Depop
B-
2.9 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against Depop's B- (2.9/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AliExpressDepop
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| AliExpress | Depop | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 15 days | ✓ 30 days (Depop Protection; seller policies vary) |
| Free returns | ✓ Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays | — |
| Restocking fee | None in the baseline buyer-protection terms (individual sellers may vary). | None (marketplace - seller dependent) |
| Return shipping | Seller-dependent. Items with the 'Free Return' badge: seller pays a prepaid label (capped at 3 free returns per month). Seller error (wrong/damaged/not-as-described): seller pays. Otherwise the buyer pays. | — |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | — |
| Non-returnable | Customized or personalized goods, perishables, unsealed hygiene/personal-care items, opened sealed media or software, alcohol, downloaded digital content, and services already performed. | Purchases paid for outside the app (PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer), in-person meetups, and lost items where tracking shows delivery to your address |
| Watch-out items | Digital products are non-refundable once accessed or downloaded. Buyer Protection for items that never arrive runs up to 60 days (90 for Russia, 120 for Brazil). | — |
AliExpress tip
AliExpress is a marketplace, so terms vary by seller — always check the item page for the 'Free Return' badge before buying. The baseline is a 15-day window, and free returns are capped at 3 a month on eligible items. If an order never arrives or isn't as described, open a dispute inside Buyer Protection.
Depop tip
Depop Protection only applies if you pay through Depop's own checkout — paying a seller directly outside the app means you have zero recourse if the item never shows up or isn't as described.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, AliExpress or Depop?
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against Depop's B- (2.9/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
What is AliExpress's return window?
AliExpress's return window is 15 days.
What is Depop's return window?
Depop's return window is 30 days (Depop Protection; seller policies vary).
Does AliExpress or Depop offer free returns?
AliExpress: Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays. Depop: see full policy.