[Objective] In order to explore the difference of precipitation characteristics for multisource precipitation products and their applicability for runoff simulation in an alpine basin on the Tianshan Mountains. [Methods] A comparative analysis of the spatiotemporal characteristics of precipitation is conducted in the upper reaches of the Manas River Basin, based on the datasets CN05.1, GPM, AIMERG, CMFD, and ERA5. Subsequently the accuracy of different products is evaluated based on observed precipitation, and their applicability for runoff simulation is assessed by means of HBV hydrological model. [Results] The spatial pattern for all the precipitation products is characterized by the increase and then decrease from the north to south, whereas only AIMERG and CMFD are able to display higher precipitation in the glacier area. Consistent seasonal variation are detected, but large difference in summer precipitation are shown. At summer, ERA5 is twice as much as CN05.1, and GPM is lower than the other precipitation products. GPM underestimates the monthly precipitation, especially in winter and spring (64%～76%). While the monthly precipitation is overestimated by CMFD, ERA5 and AIMERG. The overestimation of ERA5 is the most serious, especially in summer and autumn (134%～206%), and CMFD slightly overestimates the monthly precipitation. AIMERG has the higher correlation with the observed monthly precipitation and greater critical success index in both rainy season and the non- rainy season. AIMERG, CMFD and CN05.1 have the greatest ability to reproduce daily runoff, with the higher NSE (0.81～0.82) and lower relative error (＜6%). Moreover, the former two products show higher performance in reproducing extreme runoff when compared with CN05.1.[Conclusion] AIMERG and CMFD show great potential in runoff simulation of the upper Manas River. The results can serve as data references for runoff simulation and soil erosion prevention research in the Tianshan region, where meteorological data is limited.