When it comes to online shopping in the Philippines, two names instantly pop into our minds: Shopee vs. Lazada.
These e-commerce giants have become household names. They offer everything from gadgets and fashion finds to household essentials, all at the tap of a finger.
But which platform suits you better? Is it the fun, orange team Shopee with its irresistible sales and catchy jingles, or Lazada’s sleek, blue vibe and diverse product offerings?
Let’s discuss what makes each platform unique and see which one wins your heart (and wallet!).
Keep reading and join the conversation!
General Company Comparison
| Lazada | Shopee | |
| Launch | 2012 | 2015 |
| Headquarter | Bras Basah, Singapore | Queenstown, Singapore |
| Number of users | 160 million monthly active users (2023) | 295 million users in 2023 |
| Country they Operate | Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan | Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico |
| Logistic Partners | Shopee Express, J&T Express, Ninja Van, DHL eCommerce, Pos Laju | Lazada Express (LEX), Ninja Van, J&T Express, Pos Laju, DHL eCommerce |
Shopee vs Lazada Shopping Experience
Diversity of products
Both platforms offer a wide variety of products, thanks to their collaboration with numerous third-party sellers.
This partnership enables Shopee and Lazada to provide a broad range of items, catering to various needs and preferences. From electronics and fashion to home essentials and more, users can explore an extensive selection on both platforms.
Discounts
Shopee generally offers more sales and vouchers compared to Lazada. This includes mega discount vouchers, which provide huge price cuts and are available to all users. It is worth noting that they provide exclusive vouchers that are offered specifically for users of Shopee’s SpayLater service.
Shopee also provides higher discount caps for large purchases, allowing users to save more when buying in bulk. For instance, during mega discount events, Shopee typically offers caps of around ₱1,000 for significant purchases.
Lazada, on the other hand, excels during major sale events such as 11.11 and 12.12, offering substantial vouchers. However, for normal vouchers, the maximum discount cap is usually around ₱800, slightly lower than Shopee’s offerings for large purchases.
For smaller-priced items, the vouchers offered by both platforms are nearly identical, providing similar savings opportunities.
Customer Service
In terms of customer service, Lazada has recently implemented an AI-powered assistant. This is called “Lazzie,” and it streamlined customer service operations. This AI assistant works alongside a human workforce to address customer inquiries efficiently.
Shopee, on the other hand, relies on its dedicated human workforce to provide personalized customer service. While it does not mention the use of AI for customer support, its approach emphasizes direct human interaction to resolve customer concerns.
Shipping fees
Both Shopee and Lazada provide free or discounted shipping fees, making online shopping more affordable for users.
In addition, both platforms regularly provide vouchers and discounts on a wide range of products.
But in general, Shopee tends to offer lower shipping costs compared to Lazada.
Shopee further enhances its appeal by offering free shipping specials on selected products, allowing users to enjoy more free shipping options without relying heavily on shipping vouchers.
Return & Refund
Lazada offers a simpler and more straightforward return process compared to Shopee.
On Lazada, buyers can initiate a return without needing approval from customer service, making the process faster and more convenient. Additionally, Lazada provides a longer return period, offering more flexibility to customers.
Shopee, on the other hand, requires buyers to obtain approval from customer service before proceeding with a return, which can make the process slightly more time-consuming.
However, Shopee has recently introduced the COD Unbox feature, allowing customers to open packages upon delivery and return items immediately if they are damaged. This feature is currently available only for selected products.
Here’s a table comparing the return dates for both platforms:
Shopee
| Seller Type | Buyer Confirm Time | Shopee Returns Window |
| Mall | 7 days from delivery | 15 days from delivery (Extended) |
| Non-Mall | 3 days from delivery | 7 days from delivery (Extended) |
Lazada
| Seller Type | Buyer Return Window |
| LazMall | 30 days from delivery |
| Lazada Marketplace Items | 7 days from delivery |
Lazpay vs Shopee Pay Mobile Wallet
Both LazPay and Shopee Pay are comparable in terms of functionality as mobile wallet platforms, offering users a seamless cash-in and cash-out experience.
One advantage of LazPay is its integration with GCash, allowing for quick and convenient purchases. On the other hand, Shopee Pay offers the ability to link with SeaBank, providing users with enhanced savings opportunities and exclusive deals for online shopping.
In this category, both LazPay and Shopee Pay perform equally well, offering reliable and user-friendly experiences for their respective features.
SpayLater vs LazPayLater
When it comes to flexible payment options, both SpayLater and LazPayLater offer great choices, but each has its own perks.
SpayLater makes it super easy and quick to increase your credit limit. If you’re looking to boost your spending power, you’ll find it more convenient on SpayLater compared to LazPayLater.
On the other hand, LazPayLater excels in payment flexibility by allowing you to make micropayments in small increments until the due date, giving you more freedom to manage your budget. In contrast, SpayLater requires the full amount to be paid at once.
Shopee & Lazada Video Feed
Both Shopee and Lazada offer fun ways to earn rewards through video feeds, but they each have their unique perks.
Lazada gives you LazRewards for watching videos. It’s a great way to earn points that you can later use for discounts or other goodies!
Shopee, on the other hand, gives you Shopee Coins for every video you watch. These coins can add up quickly and be used to get discounts or freebies on your next purchase.
When it comes to discounts, Shopee has an edge. Some videos on Shopee even offer special discounts on the products featured, making it a great way to save on your favorite items.
Which platform do you prefer for earning rewards? Let us know in the comments!
Wrapping it up
The platform you choose depends on your shopping preferences and priorities. Whether you’re all about rewards, sales, or smooth shopping experiences, both Shopee and Lazada have something to offer.
So, what’s your go-to platform for online shopping? Share your thoughts with us! Happy shopping!