Install for freeHow to find similar products on Aliexpress
Aliexpress is not just an online shop, but a marketplace with over 150 million products and 300,000+ sellers as of 2024. According to Statista, 78% of AliExpress users compare multiple sellers before purchasing – making the similar products feature essential for smart shopping.
However, only a fraction of the platform’s shops specialise in selling unique product items, usually the same thing can be found at many sellers. One of the most useful features for those who want to make a profitable purchase is the system of similar products. Thanks to it, you can find an alternative to almost any product – at a better price, with free shipping or in a different colour and configuration. In this article we will tell you how to find similar products on Aliexpress and what to pay attention to when choosing them.
Might be of interest: Sites similar to AliExpress.
What are similar products on Aliexpress
Similar items are items that are visually, functionally, or in key ways similar to what you are already viewing. These can be:
- Items from other sellers – with the same features but a different price.
- Modifications of the original item – with a different colour, size, equipment.
- Full analogues – models from other vendors that are identical in appearance and description.
- Similar items – for example, instead of one model of charger – dozens of others with the same parameters.
Real example: A user searching for wireless earbuds priced at $45 found an identical model (same photos, specifications) from another seller at $28 with free shipping – a 38% saving. This happens because AliExpress allows multiple sellers to source from the same manufacturers, creating price competition that benefits buyers.
Why you should pay attention to analogues
Similar product items are not just “something similar”, they are a way to save money and get a better deal. Here are the main reasons why you should use this feature:
- Price range. A similar product may be cheaper from another seller. Average savings vary by category: electronics (15-25%), fashion accessories (30-50%), home goods (20-40%). According to AliExpress 2024 Buyer Insights Report, products with 3+ seller alternatives show 32% lower average prices than exclusive listings.
- Free or cheaper shipping. One seller offers things with paid shipping, and another – with free shipping. This is especially true for purchases under $5-10.
- Discounts and coupons. There may be no coupons in the product card, while a similar item may have an active promo code, promotion or seller’s internal discount.
- More reviews. Some analogues have more reviews, which helps to assess the real quality of the thing before buying. Research by Spiegel Research Center shows that products with 100+ reviews have 15% higher perceived trustworthiness. Look for reviews with customer photos (3x more reliable than text-only) and detailed descriptions of packaging, sizing, and material quality.
- Brand choice. An analogue can be from another brand with a better reputation or an official shop on the platform. Sometimes this gives additional guarantee and support.
Where to look for similar items on Aliexpress
Here are some ways to help you find similar items manually or using the inbuilt tools:
1. Use the inbuilt peer blocks on Aliexpress. They appear either in the “You may also be interested” section or at the bottom of the page under the product card. Sometimes they appear in a carousel or grid format with thumbnails and prices, depending on the current design of the platform’s interface.
Note that similar items are not always sorted by price – AliExpress’s algorithm prioritizes ‘Best Match’ based on relevance score (40%), seller rating (30%), order volume (20%), and price (10%). A $15 item with 4.8 stars and 5,000 orders may rank higher than an $8 item with 4.2 stars and 50 orders. Use the ‘Price’ filter to sort strictly by cost.
2. Also, the “Similar products” function is found in various free browser extensions embedded in the site. For example, AliHelper (4.7★ rating, 500,000+ users on Chrome Web Store) displays similar products under the product card, right next to the interactive “Price change on Aliexpress“ graph. Each alternative shows color-coded seller ratings (green >4.5★, yellow 4.0-4.5★, red <4.0★), allowing you to instantly compare both pricing history and seller reliability in one view. This dual-data approach helps you spot genuine deals vs. inflated ‘discounts’ and avoid low-rated sellers. Install from official browser stores to ensure security.
3. You can search for similar items on Aliexpress manually by keywords.
Pro technique: Start broad (“USB LED Night Light”), then refine by adding specifications (“+ motion sensor + rechargeable + warm light”). Use quotation marks for exact phrases (“magnetic charging cable”) to filter out irrelevant results. Combine with filters: Free Shipping + Orders (1000+) + Rating (4★+) to narrow down to proven sellers. This method often reveals 20-30% more alternatives than the built-in suggestion blocks.
Where to find similar products in the Aliexpress mobile app
The Aliexpress mobile app also has a “Similar Products” blog in the card of the item you have selected. Searching by the name of the item of interest also works.
May be interesting: How to search on Aliexpress by photo.
What to consider when choosing an analogue product on Aliexpress
Price is not always the main criterion. Before buying a similar product, compare:
- Reviews and seller rating. Read comments carefully, especially those that contain real photos. Pay attention to the presence of negative feedback – they often give a more accurate idea of the real quality. The rating of the shop itself also plays an important role: if it is low, there is reason to think. Red flags for fake reviews: Generic praise without specifics (“Great product!”), multiple reviews posted on the same date, identical phrasing across accounts, or stock photos instead of real customer images. According to a 2023 e-commerce study by ReviewMeta, 15-30% of AliExpress reviews show manipulation indicators. Prioritize verified purchase reviews (marked with a badge) and those including parcel photos, dimension comparisons, or usage videos.
- Number of orders. This is not just a figure – it shows how actively people choose this particular option. Recommended thresholds: For electronics/gadgets, look for 500+ orders; for accessories/clothing, 1,000+ orders; for new product launches, 100+ orders within 30 days signals strong demand. However, high order volume doesn’t guarantee quality – cross-reference with recent reviews (last 3 months) to ensure consistent performance. A sudden drop in ratings despite high total orders may indicate quality decline.
- Details in the description and photos. Do not limit yourself to the first image and general characteristics. Scroll to the end, read all the specifications, clarify the dimensions, materials, equipment. This is especially important when ordering technical devices or items with a non-standard shape.
- Terms of return and warranty. Make sure that the chosen seller provides reasonable conditions for returns in case of malfunctions or discrepancies. The availability of an official warranty or brand endorsement can also be a deciding factor.
- Delivery methods and timing. Pay attention not only to the price of delivery, but also to its speed, traceability, and which logistics company the seller works with. Comparison of popular methods:
| Method | Typical Timeframe | Tracking | Best For |
| AliExpress Standard | 15-30 days | Full | Balanced cost/speed |
| ePacket (US/UK) | 10-20 days | Full | Light items <2kg |
| Cainiao Super Economy | 20-40 days | Limited | Budget purchases |
| DHL/FedEx Express | 3-7 days | Full | Urgent orders |
Sometimes a more expensive similar item is more reliable, and trying to save money can result in long delivery times, poor quality or lack of support.
Similar products on Aliexpress are a powerful tool for informed and frugal shopping. By following this 5-step verification checklist, you can maximize savings while minimizing risks:
- Compare 3-5 sellers for the same/similar item
- Check seller rating (aim for 95%+ positive feedback)
- Read recent reviews (last 30-90 days) with customer photos
- Verify shipping (local warehouse > standard > economy)
- Use tools like AliHelper for automated price tracking and seller scoring
According to our user data, shoppers who compare similar products save an average of $12-18 per order and report 40% fewer disputes. Start with one purchase using these techniques, and you’ll quickly develop an eye for the best deals. Install AliHelper extension to automate comparisons and never miss a better alternative again.
