Short answer — it depends on what you value:

• Choose Zalora if you want better local support, brand-name / higher‑quality items, faster local delivery and easier local returns. (zalora.com.ph)
• Choose SHEIN if you want the lowest prices, very large trend-driven selection, and don’t mind variable quality and longer/centralized fulfilment. (m.shein.com)

Why (quick comparison):

• Selection & quality

  • Zalora: marketplace + official local/reseller listings for international and Filipino brands — generally better for branded items and more consistent QC. (zalora.com.ph)
  • SHEIN: fast‑fashion, many ultra‑cheap styles; quality and fit are hit‑or‑miss so expect to inspect sizing/reviews carefully. (m.shein.com)

• Price

  • SHEIN is generally cheaper and runs constant promos. Zalora is pricier on average but runs sales and carries higher‑end/official brands. (m.shein.com)

• Shipping & delivery

  • Zalora: local operations → usually faster domestic delivery and local returns handling. (zalora.com.ph)
  • SHEIN: most Philippines orders ship from global hubs (though delivery windows can be short), and processing/return windows are centralized — which can mean longer resolution times for problems. (m.shein.com)

• Payment & returns

  • Zalora: wide local payment options including cash‑on‑delivery and instalment promos; local returns/ refunds processes. (zalora.com.ph)
  • SHEIN PH: offers payment methods (including COD in PH per their site) but returns/refunds are handled through SHEIN’s global system and can take longer. Read product return rules carefully. (m.shein.com)

• Customer service & trust

  • Both platforms have mixed reviews; public review pages show complaints about delivery, refunds and quality for both companies, so expect some risk and read item/ seller reviews before buying. (trustpilot.com)

Other practical things to watch for in the Philippines

• "De‑minimis" / customs handling: the Philippines has rules and handling fees affecting low‑value imports (reports of a PHP ~430 handling fee applied to de‑minimis shipments); that can reduce the price advantage of imported small parcels. Factor potential customs/handling charges and delayed deliveries into decisions. (dhl.com)

My short recommendation by shopper type

• If you want convenience, local returns, authentic brands or easier customer service: go Zalora. (zalora.com.ph)
• If you want the lowest prices and are okay trading reliability/brand guarantees for bargains: go SHEIN — but check reviews, sizing charts, and the return policy before you buy. (m.shein.com)

If you want, I can:

• look up current delivery times or promo thresholds for each site (I’ll check the live PH pages), or
• make a quick checklist of questions to ask when comparing a specific item (seller rating, origin, return cost, estimated delivery).