If you’ve ever tried buying from platforms like Taobao, 1688, or JD.com, you know the biggest hurdle isn’t product selection—it’s getting your items shipped overseas affordably and securely. That’s where parcel forwarders like CNfans and AllChinaBuy (also known as acbuy) come into play.
But with so many reviews floating around, buyers are left wondering: Which is cheaper AllChinaBuy or CNfans? And more importantly—which is more reliable, secure, and customer-friendly?
This in-depth article will guide you through a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of these two popular Chinese parcel forwarding platforms, factoring in not just costs, but features, customer experience, and real user reviews.
Understanding Parcel Forwarding Services in China
What Is Parcel Forwarding?
Parcel forwarding is a service that helps international shoppers buy from Chinese marketplaces that don’t offer direct shipping to their countries. You ship items to the forwarder’s warehouse in China, and they consolidate and send the package to you.
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Why Forwarders Like CNfans and AllChinaBuy Matter
Both CNfans and acbuy play a critical role in bridging international shoppers with Chinese marketplaces. But their pricing structures, service quality, and delivery speed can differ drastically.
Overview of CNfans (Cnfans Reviews)
Company Background
CNfans, founded in 2014, is a popular Chinese parcel forwarding service known for its deep integration with 1688, Taobao, and JD. It supports both individual shoppers and small business resellers.
Key Services Offered
- Address forwarding
- Package consolidation
- Product sourcing
- Invoicing and value-declaration support
- Real-time logistics tracking
Pros and Cons Based on CNFans Reviews
Pros:
- Friendly UI (especially for English users)
- Fast response from customer service
- Great for small, lightweight parcels
Cons:
- Some users report unexpected charges during shipping
- Limited refund handling options
Overview of AllChinaBuy (acbuy Reviews)
Company Background
AllChinaBuy, also known as acbuy, is slightly newer but has quickly become a favorite among bulk shoppers and international resellers. It offers robust consolidation and low per-parcel handling fees.
Key Services Offered
- Free storage (up to 60 days)
- Consolidated shipping
- Customs invoicing assistance
- Optional photo inspection
Pros and Cons Based on acbuy Reviews
Pros:
- One of the lowest base fees in the market
- Free consolidation and generous storage
- Transparent cost breakdown
Cons:
- Interface is slightly dated
- Slower warehouse processing time (2-3 days)
Cnfans or acbuy: Features Showdown
User Interface and Website Experience
CNfans has a sleeker, more modern dashboard with English support, while acbuy is a bit dated but more functional for bulk orders. CNfans wins on UI, but acbuy wins on usability.
Customer Support Comparison
CNfans offers faster live chat support, while AllChinaBuy has slower but more detailed email responses.
App or Mobile Experience
CNfans currently provides better mobile support. Acbuy is still web-first.
Shipping Costs Breakdown: Which Is Cheaper All China Buy or CNfans?
Base Service Fees
- CNfans: ¥10–20 per order
- acbuy: ¥5–10 per order (cheaper!)
International Shipping Costs
For a 2kg package to the US:
- CNfans: ~$28 USD via EMS
- acbuy: ~$22 USD via EMS
(Acbuy is cheaper for midweight packages)
Consolidation & Storage Fee Comparison
- CNfans: 30 days free, then ¥1/day
- acbuy: 60 days free, no consolidation fee
(Huge win for AllChinaBuy)
Speed of Delivery: Who’s Faster in 2025?
Handling Times
CNfans typically processes incoming parcels within 24 hours.
AllChinaBuy (acbuy) may take 2–3 days to confirm, photograph, and prepare packages.
Delivery Options & Courier Partnerships
CNfans offers more courier options such as:
- EMS
- DHL
- SF Express
AllChinaBuy focuses on affordable, slower methods like:
- ePacket
- Yanwen
- 4PX
Customer Experience & Reputation
User Reviews Summary
| Platform | Trustpilot Avg. | Reddit Feedback | Common Praise | Common Complaint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNfans | 3.8/5 | Mostly Positive | Fast support, easy UI | Hidden fees |
| AllChinaBuy | 4.2/5 | Positive | Cheap rates, storage | Slower processing |
Refund, Return, and Dispute Policies
CNfans allows dispute filing, but resolution often depends on seller cooperation.
AllChinaBuy offers photo verification before shipping, minimizing return needs.
Payment Methods and Platform Security
| Platform | Accepted Payments | Security Measures |
|---|---|---|
| CNfans | Alipay, WeChat Pay, PayPal | SSL encryption, OTP login |
| AllChinaBuy | Alipay, Bank Transfer | Basic SSL, email confirmation |
Best Value for Money: Final Cost-to-Benefit Analysis
| Feature | CNfans | AllChinaBuy (acbuy) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fee | Higher | Lower |
| Shipping Rate | Medium | Lower |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Customer Support | Better | Average |
| Storage Duration | 30 Days Free | 60 Days Free |
| Consolidation | Small Fee | Free |
➡ Verdict: If you want the cheapest forwarding with maximum storage and free consolidation, go with AllChinaBuy.
➡ If you want speed, smoother UI, and premium support, choose CNfans.
Top Use Cases: When to Choose CNfans vs AllChinaBuy
Best for Small Shoppers
- Occasional buyers
- Need faster processing
- Use PayPal
Winner: CNfans
Best for Bulk Buyers & Resellers
- Buy wholesale from 1688
- Want long storage + cheap fees
Winner: AllChinaBuy
CNFans x GoNest
You can shop through CNFans, and we at GoNest will be responsible for shipping it home!
How to use? Then please go and find out!
Expert Verdict: Which Forwarder Should You Trust in 2025?
For most budget-conscious international shoppers and resellers, AllChinaBuy (acbuy) offers the best overall value. Its generous free storage, low base fees, and transparent structure make it ideal for savvy shoppers.
However, if speed, app support, and responsive customer service matter more, CNfans may be worth the extra cost.
➡ Final Verdict:
Best Budget Option – AllChinaBuy (acbuy)
Best for Convenience & Speed – CNfans
FAQs: AllChinaBuy vs CNfans
- Is CNfans legit and reliable?
Yes, CNfans is a legitimate forwarding platform used by thousands of international buyers. It’s especially trusted by users shopping from Taobao and 1688. - How do I consolidate packages with AllChinaBuy?
AllChinaBuy offers free consolidation. Once your packages arrive, simply select the items you want to ship together in your dashboard, and they’ll be repackaged into one parcel. - Are there hidden fees on CNfans or AllChinaBuy?
CNfans may add additional handling or processing fees depending on the courier or package size. AllChinaBuy is generally more transparent and charges fewer unexpected costs. - Which platform has better customer support?
CNfans offers faster response times via chat. AllChinaBuy is more detailed in responses but slower. CNfans wins for urgency; acbuy for completeness. - Can I use both CNfans and AllChinaBuy?
Absolutely. Many users test both platforms for different needs or suppliers, especially when optimizing for either cost or speed. - Which service works better with Taobao or 1688 orders?
Both work well with Taobao, but CNfans has tighter integration with 1688 and faster syncing with Chinese sellers.
Conclusion: Making the Smartest Choice
When it comes to choosing between CNfans or AllChinaBuy, your budget, time sensitivity, and order volume will determine the best option for you.
Want low costs, long storage, and bulk efficiency? → Choose AllChinaBuy
Want speed, easy navigation, and better customer support? → Choose CNfans
Do your own trial runs if possible—and keep an eye on updates, as forwarding platforms can change quickly.
