Updated September 30, 2026 · GizmoCue Editorial Team
ALTERNATE vs Varjo
ALTERNATE vs Varjo: the differences
| Compare |  ALTERNATE | Varjo ReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €31.99 | $4,618.95 |
| Wireless peripherals | YesHas it | No |
| Warranty | 2 yearsHigher | 1 year |
| Markets | DE, AT, BE, DK, FR, IT, LU, NL, CH, ES | AU, AT, BE, BG, HR, CA, CY, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HK, HU, IS, IN, IE, IT, JP, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, NZ, NO, PL, PT, RO, SG, SK, SI, KR, ES, SE, CH, TR, AE, GB, USCovers more |
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Key differences
- ALTERNATE scores higher overall: 9.1 vs 8.3.
- Wireless peripherals: only ALTERNATE.
- Warranty is higher at ALTERNATE: 2 years vs 1 year.
- Support channels: only ALTERNATE offers Email, Phone, Community.
- Founded is lower at ALTERNATE: 1992 vs 2016.
- Varjo is available in 32 more countries.
- Products: only ALTERNATE offers Laptop, Gaming laptop, Desktop.
- Products: only Varjo offers Vr headset, Controller.
- Platforms: only ALTERNATE offers Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
- Markets: only Varjo offers AU, BG, HR.
Our verdict on each
ALTERNATE
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.
Varjo
Varjo is the pick for studios and enterprise teams that need professional pc virtual reality hardware and can absorb a high entry price. It scores 8.3 overall, with trust the strongest part at 8.9 and a price of $4,618.95 at the start.
Score breakdown
| Area | ALTERNATE | Varjo |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 8.0Entry price of $4,618.95 sits low in the field, ranking 47 of 47 brands. |
| Offer | 9.1HigherPrices start at €31.99, with 2 years of cover and optional extended protection at checkout. | 8.3Covers vr headset and controller on a single platform, pc, with a business warranty of 1 year. |
| Trust | 9.2HigherOperating as ALTERNATE GmbH since 1992, with a 14 days return window and email, phone and help centre support. | 8.9Sold by Varjo Technologies Oyj, based in FI and shipping to the markets in AU, AT and BE. |
Also worth a look
XRshop - Tienda de Realidad Extendida y Gaming has warranty at 3 years, against 2 years for ALTERNATE and 1 year for Varjo.
XRshop - Tienda de Realidad Extendida y Gaming reviewHow they place
| Ranking | ALTERNATE | Varjo |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming headsets and controllers | 43 of 71 | 63 of 71 |
| VR headsets | 8 of 16 | 15 of 16 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | ALTERNATE | Varjo |
|---|---|---|
| Products | Laptop, Gaming laptop, Desktop, Gaming pc, Mini pc, Tablet | Vr headset, Controller |
| Platforms | Pc, Playstation, Xbox, Switch, Mobile, StandaloneCovers more | Pc |
| Legal entity | ALTERNATE GmbH | Varjo Technologies Oyj |
| Headquarters | Germany | Finland |
| Founded | 1992Lower | 2016 |
| Support channels | Email, Phone, Help centre, CommunityCovers more | Help centre |
Computers
| Fact | ALTERNATE | Varjo |
|---|---|---|
| Operating systems | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Ipados | Not confirmed |
| Build to order | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Return window | 14 days | Not confirmed |
| Most memory (GB) | 64 | Not confirmed |
| Graphics | Nvidia, Amd, Intel | Not confirmed |
Monitors and peripherals
| Fact | ALTERNATE | Varjo |
|---|---|---|
| Highest refresh rate (Hz) | 540 | Not confirmed |
| Panel types | Ips, Va, Oled | Not confirmed |
| Zero dead pixel policy | No | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | ALTERNATE | Varjo | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 2 yearsabove the median | 1 yearat the median | 1 year |
Median across 44 listed brands.
Pros and cons
ALTERNATE
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.
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.
Varjo
Pros
- Covers two product lines, vr headset and controller, so a headset and a controller can come from one maker.
- Ships to a wide list of markets, listed in Australia, AT and BE, including the US, GB, DE and FR.
- Backed by a named legal entity, Varjo Technologies Oyj, and a business warranty of 1 year.
Cons
- Entry price of $4,618.95 is high for a first virtual reality purchase.
- Wireless support is no, so the headset needs a wired link to the pc.
- Support runs on help centre only, with no phone or live chat route listed.
Who each suits
ALTERNATE
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.
Varjo
Who it suits
- Studios and simulation teams already set up on pc
- Enterprise buyers who need a named legal counterparty in Varjo Technologies Oyj
Who should look elsewhere
- Console players, since pc is the only platform listed
- Buyers on a tight budget, given $4,618.95
- Anyone who needs untethered play, since wireless is no
Country by country
| Country | ALTERNATE | Varjo |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | No | Yes |
| Bulgaria | No | Yes |
| Canada | No | Yes |
| Croatia | No | Yes |
| Cyprus | No | Yes |
| Czechia | No | Yes |
| Estonia | No | Yes |
| Finland | No | Yes |
8 of 42 countries where either is available.
Questions about each
ALTERNATE
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.
Varjo
What does a Varjo headset cost at the start?+
Varjo hardware starts at $4,618.95. That is an introductory price for pc virtual reality gear aimed at studios and enterprise buyers, not a casual gaming spend. Budget for the pc itself as well, since pc is the only platform listed.
Does Varjo make wireless headsets?+
Wireless is no across vr headset and controller, so the hardware is designed around a wired link. That suits a fixed training or simulation room where a tethered device is preferable. It rules out roaming use in a larger space.