Best Platforms for Sourcing Electronics from China (2026)

Each sourcing platform serves a different purpose. Alibaba for B2B bulk orders, DHgate for smaller quantities, 1688 for factory prices if you can read Chinese. Here’s how to use each one effectively.

Not sure which one fits your situation? Start with the Alibaba vs DHgate vs 1688 comparison before diving into platform-specific guides. The short answer for most first-time importers: start with Alibaba, then reassess once you know your products.

Price differences between platforms are real. A product listed at $8.50 on Alibaba might be $5.40 on 1688 — but 1688 requires a sourcing agent, which eats back some of that savings. The comparison guide runs the actual numbers.