Return policy comparison · 2026
AliExpress vs Temu
Policy data verified June 26, 2026 (AliExpress) and April 17, 2026 (Temu)
Winner
AliExpress
B+
3.6 / 5.0 · Good
Temu
B+
3.5 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against Temu's B+ (3.5/5.0). It wins 1 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.
AliExpressTemu
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 | Temu | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 15 days | ✓ 90 days |
| Free returns | ✓ Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays | No - 1st free per order, $7.99 after |
| Restocking fee | None in the baseline buyer-protection terms (individual sellers may vary). | None |
| 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. | $7.99 per additional return from same order |
| Holiday extension | Not specifically extended | Yes - Nov 1 to Dec 31 through Jan 31 |
| Holiday deadline | — | Jan 31 |
| 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. | Final sale, customized, items marked non-returnable on product page |
| 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). | Electronics 45-90 days varies by seller |
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.
Temu tip
Items under $10 often get refunded without needing to return them — just contact support and provide photos.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, AliExpress or Temu?
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against Temu's B+ (3.5/5.0). It wins 1 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 Temu's return window?
Temu's return window is 90 days.
Does AliExpress or Temu offer free returns?
AliExpress: Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays. Temu: No - 1st free per order, $7.99 after.