Short answer: it depends on what you value.

• Pick Zalora if you want faster local delivery, easier returns, and authentic branded items (better for higher‑price or last‑minute purchases). (support-sg.zalora-ops.com)
• Pick SHEIN if you want the cheapest, constantly updated trend pieces and the largest variety — but expect variable quality, sizing inconsistency, longer/global shipping in many cases, and more friction on some returns/customer‑service issues. SHEIN has also faced regulatory scrutiny over marketing, sustainability and supply‑chain practices. (trustpilot.com)

Quick breakdown (Singapore focus)

• Delivery speed & logistics

  • Zalora: local inventory and options including express / same‑day or next‑day (ZALORA NOW membership) depending on the item; generally faster for “sold by Zalora” items. (support-sg.zalora-ops.com)
  • SHEIN: many items ship from global/overseas fulfilment (longer lead times), though SHEIN lists “Quickship”/localised stock for some items. Expect standard international shipping windows unless an item is in a local warehouse. (m.shein.com)

• Returns & refunds

  • Zalora: up to 30 days for most items and local returns processing. Good for returns on branded/pricey purchases. (zalora.sg)
  • SHEIN: 15 days for most returns; first return label often free but subsequent returns incur fees; return processing and refund methods differ. Read the item exclusions (swimwear/lingerie/jewellery etc.). (m.shein.com)

• Price, selection & brands

  • SHEIN: much larger, fast‑turnover catalogue with very low prices — great for experimenting with trends or inexpensive basics. (trustpilot.com)
  • Zalora: curated selection with many international and premium brands; better when you want authentic branded items or higher quality. (zalora.sg)

• Quality, sizing & authenticity

  • SHEIN: highly variable quality and inconsistent sizing — check product reviews and the measurement chart closely. There have also been broader industry concerns about sustainability and supply‑chain practices at SHEIN. (sitejabber.com)
  • Zalora: sells authorised brands and emphasizes authenticity (better for branded purchases), though user reviews for service/returns can be mixed. (zalora.sg)

• Customer service & trust

  • Both platforms have mixed public reviews. SHEIN has many global users and reviews (positive on price/value, negative on returns/delivery sometimes); Zalora is local and offers local customer support hours but also has mixed customer feedback. If a smooth post‑purchase experience is critical, Zalora’s local support and local logistics tend to be an advantage. (trustpilot.com)

Which is “better” for most Singapore shoppers?

• For speed, authenticity, branded items, easier returns and last‑minute orders → Zalora. (support-sg.zalora-ops.com)
• For lowest prices, huge trend choices and low‑risk casual buys (if you accept variable quality and slower/more complex returns) → SHEIN. (trustpilot.com)

Practical tips

• On SHEIN: only buy inexpensive/low‑risk items (try one piece first); study the size chart and user photos; pick “Quickship” or local‑stock items if you need them quickly; keep return windows in mind. (m.shein.com)
• On Zalora: use the delivery lead‑time indicator on product pages and consider ZALORA NOW/VIP if you want many fast deliveries; keep receipts and photos for returns on higher‑value branded items. (support-sg.zalora-ops.com)

If you tell me what matters most to you (speed, brand authenticity, price, sustainability, or returns simplicity), I can give a one‑line recommendation tailored to your priorities.