Temu is a Chinese marketplace app offering ultra-low prices on general merchandise through a gamified shopping experience, while Shein specializes in fast fashion with a focus on trendy clothing and accessories. Both prioritize affordability but target different product categories and shopping behaviors.
Temu vs Shein — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Chinese e-commerce app offering ultra-discounted items shipped directly from Asia with minimal middleman costs.
Fast-fashion e-commerce platform specializing in affordable clothing and accessories with rapid inventory turnover.
Primary Product Focus. Shopping Model. Average Price Point. Shipping Speed. User Base Size (2026). Return Policy. Quality Consistency. Regional Availability
Temu excels for budget-conscious shoppers seeking variety in general merchandise with engaging gamified features, while Shein remains the superior choice for fast fashion enthusiasts wanting consistent clothing quality and faster delivery. The choice depends on whether you prioritize ultra-low prices across categories or reliable fashion trends with slightly better shipping times.
Temu: Variable (2-4 stars) | Shein: Consistent (3.5-4.5 stars)
Temu: Minimal oversight | Shein: Upgraded industrial machinery with automated controls
Temu: Electronics, gadgets, home goods | Shein: Fashion, clothing, accessories
Temu: Often free | Shein: Standard return window
Temu: 12+ main categories | Shein: Shein
Temu: Free (optional coins) | Shein: N/A
Temu: Limited oversight, mostly China-based | Shein: N/A
Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)
Temu: FTC Investigation (2024) | Shein: N/A
Temu: 14-day dispute window with store credit only | Shein: N/A
Temu: Non-compliant, Chinese data collection | Shein: N/A
Temu: 60-65% positive reviews | Shein: N/A
Temu: 22.5 days (15-30 range) | Shein: 17.5 days (10-25 range)
Temu: 35+ major categories | Shein: 12+ major categories (fashion-focused)
Temu: Ongoing (flagged 2024) | Shein: Ongoing (flagged 2023)
Temu: $4.50 average | Shein: $15 average
Temu: 28 days average | Shein: 10 days average
Temu: 2.4 stars (based on 1.8M reviews) | Shein: 3.2 stars (based on 2.1M reviews)
Temu: 7 days (severely limited; most items non-returnable) | Shein: 30 days
Temu: 2 years (founded 2022) | Shein: 16 years (founded 2008)
Temu: 8+ categories (fashion, electronics, home, beauty, sports, gadgets, pets, food) | Shein: 3 main categories (clothing, shoes, accessories)
Estimated Price Savings vs Traditional Retail
Temu: 70-90% cheaper | Shein: 40-60% cheaper
Temu: No limit (typically $100+) | Shein: N/A
Temu: 30-50% dispute win rate | Shein: N/A
Temu: 3/10 (data harvesting concerns) | Shein: N/A
Temu: ~3 years (major expansion) | Shein: 10+ years
Temu: 20+ categories | Shein: 5-8 categories (fashion-focused)
Temu: 72% (all categories) | Shein: 85% (apparel category)
Temu: Electronics, toys, home goods, apparel, gadgets (20+ categories) | Shein: Apparel, shoes, accessories (80% focus)
Temu: 30-60% vs traditional retail | Shein: 20-30% vs traditional retail
Temu: China-based, banned in US/EU countries, privacy concerns | Shein: N/A
Temu: High (FTC/EU investigations) | Shein: N/A
Temu: 180 (per Reddit/Trustpilot analysis) | Shein: N/A
Temu: High (U.S. Treasury ban threat as of 2024) | Shein: N/A
Temu: N/A | Shein: Minimal transparency; direct manufacturer
Temu: N/A | Shein: 40-60% below traditional retail
Temu: N/A | Shein: Daily new styles (trend-focused)
Temu: N/A | Shein: 40+ subcategories (fashion-heavy)
Temu: N/A | Shein: $0 first return, $3-15 after
Temu: N/A | Shein: Runs small (60% report fit issues)
Temu: N/A | Shein: Estimated 15-18% (fashion-specific)
Temu: N/A | Shein: Lower - fewer quality controls on reviews
Temu: N/A | Shein: 2.8/5 (highly variable)
Temu: N/A | Shein: 35-42% of reviews mention fit issues
Temu: N/A | Shein: Optional paid protection plan
Temu vs Shein — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Temu vs Shein. Contains 134 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Temu vs Shein — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Temu vs Shein.
Is Temu or Shein safer to buy from in 2026?
Both platforms have implemented improved security measures by 2026. Temu has addressed previous privacy concerns with enhanced data protection policies, while Shein maintains consistent security standards. Both use secure payment processing, but always enable account verification and monitor transactions for fraud.
Which platform offers better value for money?
Temu typically offers lower absolute prices ($1-$15 items), making it better for budget shopping across categories. Shein provides better value for fashion specifically due to consistent quality and trend accuracy. Your choice depends on product category and quality expectations.
Temu typically ships in 10-30 days depending on item origin and destination. Shein averages 7-25 days with multiple warehouse locations. Both offer expedited shipping options for additional fees. Actual times vary by region and current order volume.
Can I return items easily on both platforms?
Both offer 30-day return windows, but Temu is generally more buyer-friendly with fewer restrictions. Shein may charge restocking fees on certain items. Return shipping costs vary; check each platform's specific policy before purchase in your region.
Which platform has better customer support?
Shein typically has more responsive customer service with multiple contact channels and faster response times. Temu's support has improved but can be slower due to higher volume. Both offer chat support, email, and help centers with varying resolution times.
Primary Product Focus: Temu has General merchandise (gadgets, home goods, fashion, electronics), while Shein has Fashion and apparel (clothing, shoes, accessories).
Shopping Model: Temu has Gamified with rewards, live streaming, and social features, while Shein has Traditional catalog browsing with trend-focused curation.
Average Price Point: Temu has $1-$15 per item, while Shein has $5-$25 per item.
Shipping Speed: Temu has 10-30 days (standard international), while Shein has 7-25 days (multiple warehouse locations).
User Base Size (2026): Temu has 700+ million monthly active users, while Shein has 150+ million monthly active users.
Return Policy: Temu has 30-day returns, buyer-friendly, while Shein has 30-day returns with restocking fees on some items.
Quality Consistency: Temu has Variable across sellers and categories, while Shein has More consistent in fashion items.
Regional Availability: Temu has 150+ countries, while Shein has 220+ countries and territories.