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Is AliExpress safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe for buying with buyer protection, but counterfeit and unsafe products are a known problem.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Alibaba Group
Based in
Hangzhou, China
Encryption
Standard encryption in transit.
Data it collects
Account, address, payment and browsing data.
Minimum age
18+

What keeps you safe

  • Buyer protection and dispute system.
  • Seller ratings.

Risks to know about

  • The European Commission has investigated AliExpress over illegal and unsafe products.
  • Banned in India since 2020.

Scams to watch for on AliExpress

  • Sellers asking to pay outside AliExpress.
  • Fake "AliExpress refund" calls.

Is AliExpress legit?

AliExpress is a real marketplace run by Alibaba.

Is it safe for kids?

Adults only for purchases.

How to use AliExpress safely

  1. Always pay inside AliExpress.

  2. Open disputes before the protection period ends.

Where AliExpress is restricted

Does a VPN make AliExpress safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop AliExpress collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (with the protocol on Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is AliExpress safe to use?

Safe for buying with buyer protection, but counterfeit and unsafe products are a known problem.

Is AliExpress legit?

AliExpress is a real marketplace run by Alibaba.

Is AliExpress encrypted?

Standard encryption in transit.

What data does AliExpress collect?

Account, address, payment and browsing data.

Is AliExpress safe for kids?

Adults only for purchases.

Does a VPN make AliExpress safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on AliExpress. It does not stop AliExpress itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.