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If you’ve ever looked into dropshipping, you’ve probably heard of Oberlo. For years, it was the tool Shopify users swore by to quickly import AliExpress products and start selling without holding inventory. I remember using it myself in my early eCommerce experiments—it just made things ridiculously simple.

But fast forward to 2025, and things have changed. Oberlo isn’t around anymore. So why are people still searching for Oberlo reviews? The truth is, many are trying to understand what happened, whether there’s anything like it still out there, and what they should be using instead.

In this no-fluff Oberlo review, I’ll take you through what made it popular, why it shut down, and what your best options are now. Whether you're just starting or pivoting from Oberlo, you're in the right place.

Let’s dive in and clear the air.

What Was Oberlo?

Before we talk about what to use instead, it’s worth understanding what Oberlo actually did—and why so many people loved it.

Oberlo wasn’t just another dropshipping app. It was a tool that gave beginners a real shot at launching a Shopify store without upfront inventory or complex logistics.

The One-Click Bridge Between AliExpress and Shopify

At its core, Oberlo acted like a bridge between your Shopify store and AliExpress. You’d find a product on AliExpress, click a button, and boom—it was live on your site. Product photos, descriptions, prices—they all came pre-filled. You could tweak them if you wanted, or just start selling.

This made it ridiculously easy for new entrepreneurs to set up shop in a weekend.

Built for People Who Didn’t Want to Be Tech Experts

You didn’t need coding skills or supply chain knowledge. Oberlo handled order routing, supplier syncing, and even inventory updates. When a customer ordered, Oberlo would place the order with the AliExpress supplier and handle everything in the background.

For someone dipping their toes into eCommerce, it felt almost magical.

Why It Got So Popular So Fast

Timing had a lot to do with Oberlo’s rise. Shopify was booming, and people were actively searching for ways to make money online without holding inventory. Oberlo fit perfectly into that narrative.

It became more than just a tool—it became the entry point into the entire dropshipping movement.

Why Did Oberlo Shut Down?

Now that we’ve covered what Oberlo was and why it exploded in popularity, let’s talk about the twist nobody saw coming—Oberlo shutdown.

Oberlo officially closed its doors in June 2022. And yes, it left a lot of users confused and scrambling for alternatives.

The Official Word: Shopify’s Strategic Decision

Oberlo was actually owned by Shopify. When the platform announced the shutdown, it didn’t give a dramatic reason—just a corporate-sounding “strategic decision to focus on other priorities.”

Translation? Shopify likely wanted to move away from the AliExpress model and encourage sellers to use faster, more localized fulfillment options.

What Was Really Going On?

Here’s the thing: While Oberlo was easy to use, the reliance on AliExpress caused problems. Long shipping times, inconsistent product quality, and supplier issues led to more customer complaints as dropshipping matured.

Shopify saw this shift and started nudging users toward more professional supplier networks. Oberlo, for all its early glory, no longer aligned with where eCommerce was headed.

The Replacement: DSers

Instead of leaving users high and dry, Shopify partnered with DSers—another dropshipping tool with similar AliExpress functionality. They even allowed Oberlo users to migrate their stores over with a few clicks.

Still, the vibe wasn’t the same. Many missed Oberlo’s simplicity, and for some, DSers felt like a downgrade in terms of usability.

Top Alternatives to Oberlo in 2025

With Oberlo out of the picture, dropshippers have had to pivot. The good news? Several tools now offer even more advanced features, faster shipping, and better supplier options.

Let’s look at the best Oberlo alternatives that are actually worth your time in 2025.

1. AliDrop – Full Ownership with a One-Time Payment

If you liked the idea of Oberlo but hated the monthly fees, AliDrop might be your new favorite. It’s a WordPress-based solution that lets you launch a fully-owned dropshipping store for a one-time cost—no ongoing subscription required.

You still source from AliExpress, but the control is all yours. Plus, it’s packed with automation tools, from order placement to tracking updates. Many experienced sellers prefer AliDrop for the freedom it offers over hosted platforms.

2. Spocket – Faster Shipping from US & EU Suppliers

One of the biggest drawbacks of Oberlo was long shipping times. Spocket fixes that by connecting you to suppliers based in the US and Europe.

This means products ship faster, which your customers will absolutely notice. The platform also features branded invoicing, premium products, and seamless integration with Shopify and WooCommerce. If you want to focus on quality and customer experience, Spocket is a solid choice.

3. DSers – Oberlo’s Official Replacement

DSers became Shopify’s go-to after Oberlo shut down. It still uses AliExpress suppliers, but adds bulk order features, supplier mapping, and better order tracking.

It’s more advanced than Oberlo, but can feel a bit overwhelming at first. If you’re used to Oberlo’s simplicity, expect a small learning curve—but plenty of power once you get used to it.

4. CJdropshipping – Product Sourcing + Fulfillment in One

CJdropshipping does more than just connect you to products. It helps with sourcing, quality checks, warehousing, and even private labeling.

It’s like combining Oberlo, a supplier network, and a logistics team into one dashboard. If you’re scaling your store and want more control over quality, CJ is worth a look.

5. AutoDS – Automation for Serious Sellers

If you’re managing multiple stores or products, AutoDS can save you hours every week. It handles product imports, pricing automation, inventory sync, and automatic order fulfillment.

It even includes an in-platform product research tool, so you can find winning products without switching tabs every two minutes. It’s ideal for pros who want to fully automate their dropshipping flow.

Quick Comparison Table

Still not sure which platform fits your style? Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the top Oberlo alternatives to help you decide faster.

This table compares their core strengths, pricing, and shipping capabilities so you can make an informed move without the guesswork.

How to Transition from Oberlo to Other Platforms

Finding a new tool is one thing. Moving your entire dropshipping setup over? That’s where it can get tricky, especially if you were deeply integrated with Oberlo.

But don’t stress. The transition process is smoother than you think—if you know what to do. Here’s how to make the switch without losing momentum.

Step 1: Export Your Oberlo Data

Before Oberlo shut down, it allowed users to export their products, orders, and settings. If you managed to grab that data, great—this will save you tons of time. If not, you may need to re-import products manually into your new platform.

Pro tip: Save all your product titles, descriptions, and images locally if you can. Even a simple Google Sheet can make the migration easier.

Step 2: Choose Your Replacement Wisely

This isn’t just about picking the flashiest dashboard. Think about what you actually need. Want local suppliers and faster shipping? Go with Spocket. Prefer one-time payment and full ownership? AliDrop is your friend.

Each platform has its strengths. Don’t rush—compare features based on your current goals, not what used to work with Oberlo.

Step 3: Set Up Integrations and Import Products

Most modern tools like DSers, AutoDS, or CJdropshipping have product importers built in. You’ll need to install their app (or plugin), connect your store, and start populating it with your chosen products.

Take this time to update your product descriptions. Trust me—well-written, clear descriptions convert better, especially if you’re switching suppliers.

Step 4: Test Everything Before You Go Live

This is where most dropshippers slip. After migrating, always test the checkout, order processing, and customer emails.

Place a test order. Make sure your shipping times, product variants, and supplier syncs are working as expected. It’s better to find problems now than deal with angry customers later.

Is Dropshipping Still Viable in 2025?

By now, you might be wondering—is this even worth it anymore? With Oberlo gone and the market evolving so fast, it's a fair question.

Let’s be honest: dropshipping isn’t as effortless as it looked back in 2018. But that’s actually a good thing.

The Truth: It’s Not Dead—It’s Just Matured

Dropshipping isn’t dead. It’s just no longer a shortcut to fast money. The people still winning today are focused on brand, quality, and experience, not just selling the cheapest gadgets off AliExpress.

Consumers are smarter. They can spot a generic dropshipping store from a mile away. That’s why tools like Spocket and AliDrop, which give you more control and better products, are becoming more popular.

What Still Works in 2025?

Winning in dropshipping today means offering value, not just products. That could mean faster shipping, better content, cleaner store design, or even custom packaging. You don’t have to be Amazon—but you can’t be careless either.

If you're willing to treat your store like a real business, there's still massive potential here.

Final Thoughts

Oberlo may be gone, but dropshipping is far from over. In fact, its exit has made room for better tools, smarter systems, and more sustainable businesses. That’s a win for serious sellers like you.

If you're just starting out, platforms like AliDrop and Spocket give you far more flexibility and control than Oberlo ever could. And if you're switching from Oberlo, you’ve got solid options to land on your feet and grow stronger.

The key takeaway? Dropshipping in 2025 is all about quality, strategy, and brand. It’s not about shortcuts anymore—but with the right mindset and tools, it can still be one of the best online business models out there.

So take a deep breath, choose the platform that aligns with your goals, and build something real.

You've got this.