Temu vs Shein 2025: The Ultimate Quality Comparison (I Tested 50+...

If you've been torn between Temu and Shein, you're not alone. I spent the last three months ordering from both platforms to answer the million-dollar question: which one actually delivers better value? (You might also want to see how Temu compares to Amazon and AliExpress.)

The short answer? It's complicated. The long answer? Well, that's what the next 3,000 words will unpack. I've tested everything from $2 phone cases to $35 dresses, tracked shipping times, dealt with customer service nightmares (and pleasant surprises), and learned exactly where each platform shines. Before placing your first order, check if Temu is legitimate and grab some discount codes.

Let's start with the category most people care about: clothes. I ordered 15 clothing items from each platform, ranging from basic tees to trendy dresses. Here's what I discovered:

Fabric Quality

Shein: While still fast fashion, Shein's fabrics feel noticeably better. The cotton blends actually have some weight to them, and synthetic materials don't feel as plasticky. Out of 15 items, 11 had acceptable fabric quality for the price point.

Temu: This is where Temu struggles. The fabrics are thinner, more prone to pilling, and often feel cheap to the touch. Only 6 out of 15 items met my basic quality expectations. One dress literally felt like wearing a garbage bag.

The Sizing Nightmare

Both platforms run small, but Temu is worse. I typically wear a US Medium. Here's what fit:

• Shein: Large fit perfectly (1 size up worked consistently)
• Temu: XL was still tight in some items (needed 2-3 sizes up, unpredictable)

Real Testing Results: Clothing Items

Plot twist: Temu absolutely crushes Shein when it comes to home goods, kitchen items, and organizational products. I tested everything from storage containers to LED lights to bathroom organizers.

Why Temu Wins for Home Items

The quality difference I noticed in clothing completely flips for home goods. Temu's storage containers, kitchen gadgets, and organizational items are surprisingly solid. Out of 12 home items I tested:

• 10 items exceeded expectations for the price
• 2 items were "okay" but functional
• 0 items were complete failures

Shein's home selection is limited and overpriced. They clearly focus on fashion, and it shows. Their home decor is cute but not practical, and kitchen items are marked up 40-50% compared to Temu for similar quality.

Best Home Items I Tested from Temu

Here's where you need to be careful with both platforms, but Temu has a massive advantage in selection and price.

What Works (and What Doesn't)

✅ Safe to Buy on Temu:

• Phone cases and screen protectors (great quality, $1-3)
• LED lights and decorative electronics
• USB cables and charging accessories (basic use only)
• Bluetooth speakers (don't expect audiophile quality)
• Smartwatch bands and accessories

❌ Skip on Temu (and Shein):

• Laptops, tablets, or expensive electronics
• Hair styling tools (potential fire hazard)
• Power banks (questionable safety standards)
• Anything that generates heat
• Medical devices or health monitors

I tracked shipping times across 20 orders from each platform. Here are the real numbers:

Winner: Shein - Consistently faster shipping and better tracking updates.

Temu is cheaper—there's no debate. But here's the catch: cheaper doesn't always mean better value. Let me explain with real examples:

Price Comparison: Same/Similar Items

I intentionally contacted customer service for both platforms multiple times with various issues. Here's how they handled it:

Temu Customer Service

Shein Customer Service

Is Temu better than Shein for quality?

For clothing, Shein offers better quality and more consistent sizing. However, Temu excels in home goods, electronics, and accessories. Temu's prices are typically 15-30% lower, but Shein's fashion items fit better and use superior fabrics.

Which ships faster, Temu or Shein?

Shein typically ships faster with average delivery of 7-12 days compared to Temu's 10-20 days. Shein also offers express shipping options that can deliver in 3-7 days, while Temu's fastest option still takes about a week.

Are Shein sizes the same as Temu sizes?

No, Shein and Temu use different sizing standards. Shein runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US sizing, while Temu can run 2-3 sizes smaller. Always check the specific size charts for each item and consider ordering one size up for Shein, two sizes up for Temu.

Can I trust quality from either platform?

Both platforms sell budget fast fashion and goods, so quality is hit or miss. Shein is more reliable for clothing quality, while Temu offers better value for home goods and accessories. Always read reviews with photos before purchasing.

Which has better return policies?

Temu offers a more generous 90-day return window with free returns, while Shein provides 45 days but typically requires you to pay return shipping. However, Temu is quicker to issue refunds without requiring items to be returned.