Short answer: it depends on what matters most to you.

Quick summary

• Choose Zalora in Singapore if you value faster local delivery, easier/local returns and more reliable brand/authenticity. (corporate.zalora.com)
• Choose SHEIN if you want the cheapest, widest selection of ultra‑fast‑fashion styles and are willing to accept variable quality, sizing issues and slower/more global logistics. (trustpilot.com)

How they compare (practical points)

• Price & selection

  • SHEIN: huge inventory and generally lower prices — good for trend pieces and bargains, but many items are very low cost and quality can vary. (trustpilot.com)
  • Zalora: carries a mix of mid‑range local/International brands and marketplace sellers — prices are higher on average but you’ll find branded or better‑made items more often. (corporate.zalora.com)

• Delivery speed & logistics

  • Zalora: operates local fulfilment/return centres in SEA and offers express / same‑day / next‑working‑day options (Zalora Now membership), so deliveries in Singapore are usually faster. (corporate.zalora.com)
  • SHEIN: ships from global warehouses (though it has local logistics arrangements in Singapore with SingPost), so times can be longer or split shipments — but prices on shipping are often low or free above a threshold. (m.shein.com)

• Returns & refunds

  • Zalora: established local return options and category‑dependent return windows (often 14–30 days depending on product); returns handled through local hubs. (support-sg.zalora-ops.com)
  • SHEIN: has a 14–15 day return policy for many items and often offers the first return free; but customer‑service and some users’ return experiences are mixed. (m.shein.com)

• Trust, authenticity & customer service

  • Zalora: generally seen as a legitimate regional marketplace with many branded sellers; reviews are mixed (some delivery/CS complaints exist, as with most big retailers). (trustpilot.com)
  • SHEIN: popular but has recurring complaints about inconsistent sizing, item quality, returns and customer service; also faces regulatory and reputational scrutiny over environmental/marketing claims. If you buy from SHEIN, read item reviews and size charts carefully. (trustpilot.com)

• Taxes / fees (important for Singapore)

  • Since Jan 1, 2023 Singapore extended GST to low‑value imports under the Overseas Vendor Registration regime — that means OVR vendors (overseas sellers) must collect GST at checkout for low‑value goods. In practice both platforms will show GST/shipping at checkout, but double‑check during payment. (iras.gov.sg)

Which is “better” for typical shoppers

• If you want convenience, faster delivery, easier local returns and more reliable branded/authentic items → Zalora is generally better in Singapore. (corporate.zalora.com)
• If you prioritise the lowest prices and the largest variety of trend pieces (and you accept hit‑or‑miss quality and longer/complex returns) → SHEIN may be better. (trustpilot.com)

Quick shopping tips

• On SHEIN: always check size charts and buyer photos/reviews; keep return deadlines and tracking proof; don’t assume every item equals the product photo. (trustpilot.com)
• On Zalora: look for “Sold by ZALORA” tags for faster delivery, and consider Zalora Now if you buy frequently and want next‑day shipping. (support-sg.zalora-ops.com)
• Always confirm GST and final total at checkout (IRAS OVR rules apply). (iras.gov.sg)

If you tell me what you value most (price, speed, brand authenticity, sustainability), I can give a one‑line recommendation tailored to you.