AliExpress vs Amazon for Dropshipping: Which Is Better?
Choosing your supplier is the biggest decision in dropshipping. AliExpress and Amazon are the two giants — but which is right for you in 2026?
AliExpress: The Classic Choice
- Pros: Lowest prices (often 50-80% margins), millions of products, no minimum order
- Cons: 7-30 day shipping from China, quality varies wildly, customer support weak
- Best for: New dropshippers, low budgets, unique products
- Average margin: 60-75% with proper pricing
Amazon: The Premium Option
- Pros: Fast shipping (Prime 1-2 days), trusted brand, easy returns
- Cons: Higher costs, smaller margins, strict policies, need Amazon Associate account
- Best for: Established stores, US-based customers, branded products
- Average margin: 30-45% — lower but more reliable
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Price: AliExpress wins (50-80% cheaper)
- Shipping speed: Amazon wins (1-2 days vs 7-30 days)
- Product range: AliExpress wins (100M+ vs 12M)
- Quality control: Amazon wins (returns, reviews enforced)
- Customer trust: Amazon wins (premium brand)
- Profit margins: AliExpress wins (higher %)
When to Use Which
- Use AliExpress when: Starting out, testing new products, targeting price-sensitive markets, profit margins are key
- Use Amazon when: You need fast US delivery, customer expects premium experience, scaling proven products
The Hybrid Strategy (What Pros Do)
- Test products on AliExpress (cheap, low risk)
- Once a product proves profitable, source it from Amazon for faster shipping
- Or find a US-based 3PL to fulfill from AliExpress stock
- Result: AliExpress margins + Amazon shipping speed
Final Thoughts
Neither platform is universally better — it depends on your goals. Most successful dropshippers in 2026 use both strategically. DropAI helps you research products on both platforms simultaneously, with profit margin analysis built-in.