ALTERNATE review

Updated September 30, 2026 · GizmoCue Editorial Team · Facts checked September 30, 2026

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Our verdict

ALTERNATE suits shoppers in its home region who want one store for computers, phones, audio and gaming, with returns handled the same way as other European retailers. Its 2 years of cover and build to order machines make it a solid pick, though 14 days for returns sits mid-table.

Key facts

Best for
One European storefront for computers, gaming gear, phones and audio, with returns on a standard window.
Return window
14 days (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Extended warranty
Yes (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Click and collect
Yes (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Markets
DE, AT, BE, DK, FR, IT, LU, NL, CH, ES (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Legal entity
ALTERNATE GmbH (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Headquarters
Germany (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Founded
1992 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Support channels
Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Departments
Computers, Phones, Audio, Tv, Gaming, Appliances, Refurbished
Official website
alternate.de

Computers

Price from
€31.99 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Build to order
Yes (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Warranty
2 years (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Return window
14 days (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Most memory (GB)
64 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Markets
DE, AT, BE, DK, FR, IT, LU, NL, CH, ES (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Legal entity
ALTERNATE GmbH (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Headquarters
Germany (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Founded
1992 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Support channels
Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Products
Laptop, Gaming laptop, Desktop, Gaming pc, Mini pc, Tablet
Operating systems
Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Ipados
Graphics
Nvidia, Amd, Intel

Monitors and peripherals

Price from
€31.99 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Highest refresh rate (Hz)
540 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Warranty
2 years (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Zero dead pixel policy
No (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Wireless peripherals
Yes (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Markets
DE, AT, BE, DK, FR, IT, LU, NL, CH, ES (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Legal entity
ALTERNATE GmbH (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Headquarters
Germany (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Founded
1992 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Support channels
Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Products
Laptop, Gaming laptop, Desktop, Gaming pc, Mini pc, Tablet
Panel types
Ips, Va, Oled

Gaming gear

Price from
€31.99 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Wireless peripherals
Yes (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Warranty
2 years (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Markets
DE, AT, BE, DK, FR, IT, LU, NL, CH, ES (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Legal entity
ALTERNATE GmbH (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Headquarters
Germany (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Founded
1992 (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Support channels
Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 30, 2026)
Products
Laptop, Gaming laptop, Desktop, Gaming pc, Mini pc, Tablet
Platforms
Pc, Playstation, Xbox, Switch, Mobile, Standalone

Apps and profiles

Elsewhere
X

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Store categories run from computers and phones to audio, tv, gaming, appliances and refurbished goods, so most tech lists stay in one place.
  • Returns run 14 days, a clear window to compare before you commit.
  • Build to order is available, which matters for gaming laptops and desktops where stock configurations run out.
  • Support reaches you through email, phone and help centre, and click and collect is on top of standard delivery.
  • Cover starts at 2 years, with extended warranty available as an add on.

Cons

  • The 14 day return window sits in the middle of the field, behind the brands ranked higher on that measure.
  • A dead pixel policy is not offered, so a faulty panel has to go through the standard returns route.
  • Monitor listings cap at 540 Hz, with ips, va and oled panels stocked, which narrows the top end of the display range.
  • Buying outside DE, AT and BE means dealing with a foreign ALTERNATE GmbH, which can complicate a return.
ALTERNATE

Ready to try ALTERNATE?

Scored 9.1 / 10 by GizmoCue.

See alternatives

Who it suits

  • Shoppers in Germany, AT and BE who want a single store for computers, phones, audio and gaming gear.
  • Gaming buyers after laptop, gaming laptop and desktop and pc, playstation and xbox coverage from one seller.
  • People who value click and collect and a long support list over the widest catalogue.

Who should look elsewhere

  • Buyers who want the longest return window in the comparison, where a retailer ranked higher on that measure fits better.
  • Anyone shopping mainly for cameras, since JBL does not list that category either but stays audio focused.
  • Price hunters comparing the very cheapest baskets, where Banggood's broad category list is worth checking first.

Core features

Returns run 14 days from delivery, which is the standard European withdrawal window rather than the longest on offer here. That length is enough to check a laptop's screen, keyboard and battery behaviour, but tight if a machine needs time to settle. Cover runs 2 years as standard, and extended warranty can be added for longer protection, which is worth considering on gaming laptops and desktops where the build to order configuration is fixed at purchase. Delivery choices include click and collect, handy if you are near a collection point and want to see a monitor or headset before committing. Product lines are broad, from laptops and gaming laptops to desktops, gaming pcs, mini pcs and tablets, with nvidia, amd and intel graphics options across them.

The company behind it

ALTERNATE trades as ALTERNATE GmbH, headquartered in Germany and trading since 1992, which is a long operating history in European retail. It serves DE, AT and BE, so the same store setup and delivery options apply across those countries rather than a separate regional site per market. Support is offered through email, phone and help centre, giving you a help centre for self service, plus direct routes when a question needs an answer from a person. Store categories include computers, phones, audio, tv, gaming, appliances and refurbished goods, so the range extends well past the laptop and desktop listings that most comparisons start from.

How ALTERNATE compares

Where ALTERNATE is available

Available
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland

Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 30, 2026)

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to return something bought at ALTERNATE?+

You have 14 days from delivery to change your mind and send an item back. That is the standard withdrawal period and sits in the middle of this comparison rather than at the top. Keep the product in its original packaging and condition to keep the return straightforward.

What warranty comes with machines from ALTERNATE?+

Cover runs 2 years as standard across the range. Extended warranty is also available, which is worth adding on expensive gaming laptops and desktops. Fault cover and accidental damage are separate questions, so check the terms for the specific machine before you buy.

Can I configure a laptop or desktop rather than buy ready made?+

Yes. Build to order is offered, so you can pick components for a laptop, gaming laptop, desktop or gaming pc instead of taking whatever configuration is in stock. Stock machines often reach a lower headline price, so compare the built price against the ready made equivalent before deciding.

Which countries does ALTERNATE ship to?+

ALTERNATE serves DE, AT and BE. It is headquartered in Germany and trades as ALTERNATE GmbH, so buying from another market in that list is straightforward, while shoppers outside it may face more friction on delivery and returns.

What kinds of products does ALTERNATE sell?+

The catalogue covers laptop, gaming laptop and desktop, along with phones, audio, tv and appliances, and a refurbished section. In gaming it lists pc, playstation and xbox support for headsets and controllers, and monitors come in ips, va and oled variants. Wireless gear is also stocked.

What are the entry prices for computers and gaming gear?+

Prices start at €31.99 for the cheapest listed gear, which sits below the median entry price across stores in this comparison. Desktop and laptop ranges run higher depending on the graphics card and memory you choose, with nvidia, amd and intel options available.

How do I get help from ALTERNATE?+

Support runs through email, phone and help centre, so you can use the help centre for account and order questions, or reach the team directly when something needs sorting quickly. Click and collect is also available, which can be easier than delivery when you want hardware quickly.

Do I get a dead pixel guarantee on monitors?+

A dead pixel policy is not offered, which is worth remembering when buying a monitor. Monitors are stocked in ips, va and oled panels with refresh rates up to 540 Hz, so check the return window and inspect the panel on arrival.

Sources

  • alternate.de checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Build to order, Markets, Departments, Support channels

    “Laenderauswahl: Belgien(FR) Belgien(NL) Deutschland Daenemark Frankreich Italien Luxemburg Niederlande Schweiz Spanien Oesterreich”

  • alternate.de/HILFE/ALTERNATE/%C3%9Cber-uns checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Founded

  • alternate.de/HILFE/ALTERNATE/AGB checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Zero dead pixel policy, Warranty

  • alternate.de/HILFE/ALTERNATE/Impressum checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Headquarters, Legal entity

    “ALTERNATE GmbH, Philipp-Reis-Str. 2-3, D-35440 Linden”

  • alternate.de/HILFE/ALTERNATE/Widerrufsrecht checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Return window

  • alternate.de/HILFE/Versand-Lieferung checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Click and collect

  • alternate.de/Monitore checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Panel types, Highest refresh rate (Hz)

    “GIGABYTE G27Q20T, Gaming-Monitor ... QHD, SS-IPS; Samsung Odyssey G95C S49CG954EU ... DQHD, VA; MSI MAG 341CQPDE QD-OLED ... UWQHD, QD-OLED”

  • alternate.de/Notebook checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Operating systems, Products, Most memory (GB)

    “Alle Notebooks ... Gaming-Notebooks ... Alle Tablets; [PC menu] Alle PCs ... Gaming-PCs ... Mini-PCs”

  • alternate.de/PC checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Graphics

    “Grafik: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT ... Grafikchip: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 ... (Notebook) Intel Iris Xe Graphics”

  • alternate.de/PC-Gaming/Headsets/Gaming-Headsets checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Platforms, Price from, Wireless peripherals

    “Geeignet fuer: Gaming, Mobile Abspielgeraete, Mobiltelefone, Nintendo Switch, PC-Systeme, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S”

  • alternate.de/Produktschutz checked September 30, 2026

    Backs: Extended warranty

Compiled from 11 source pages, checked September 30, 2026. We did not open an account.

What changed

  • September 30, 2026: score was 9.2, now 9.1
ALTERNATE

ALTERNATE

One European storefront for computers, gaming gear, phones and audio, with returns on a standard window.

9.1/10See alternatives

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