DHgate vs AliExpress: Which Platform Has Better Wholesale Data for Dropshippers?

If you're doing dropshipping or wholesale sourcing from China, you've probably used both DHgate and AliExpress. They look similar on the surface — millions of products, Chinese suppliers, competitive prices. But when you dig into the data, they serve very different purposes. This comparison breaks down what each platform actually offers from a data perspective — not just "which is cheaper," but which gives you better intelligence for making sourcing decisions. Platform Overview DHgate DHgate is a B2B cross-border wholesale marketplace. Think of it as the international-facing version of China's domestic wholesale markets. Key characteristics: Focus : Wholesale and bulk orders Pricing : Tiered pricing (buy more, pay less) Minimum orders : Often 1 piece, but real savings start at 5-50+ Seller base : Mostly Chinese manufacturers and trading companies Buyer protection : Escrow-based payment system AliExpress AliExpress (owned by Alibaba Group) started as a B2C platform but has become the go