Return policy comparison · 2026
AliExpress vs EarthHero
Policy data verified June 26, 2026 (AliExpress) and July 24, 2026 (EarthHero)
Winner
AliExpress
B+
3.6 / 5.0 · Good
EarthHero
C
2.1 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against EarthHero's C (2.1/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AliExpressEarthHero
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 | EarthHero | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 15 days | 20-30 days (varies by brand/category) |
| Free returns | ✓ Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None in the baseline buyer-protection terms (individual sellers may vary). | None published |
| 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. | Customer pays; the cost of a return shipping label is deducted from apparel refunds. Route protection charges and original shipping are non-refundable. |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| 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. | Clearance/sale items (final sale), personal care items, underwear, face coverings/PPE, skincare products, most Holy Lamb Organics products |
| 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). | Holy Lamb Organics products: 20-day window (shorter than most categories) |
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.
EarthHero tip
Because EarthHero is a curated marketplace of independent eco-brands rather than one manufacturer, return terms genuinely differ by product - check the specific item's page before assuming a blanket policy applies.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, AliExpress or EarthHero?
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against EarthHero's C (2.1/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is AliExpress's return window?
AliExpress's return window is 15 days.
What is EarthHero's return window?
EarthHero's return window is 20-30 days (varies by brand/category).
Does AliExpress or EarthHero offer free returns?
AliExpress: Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays. EarthHero: No - fee deducted.