Universal vs ALTERNATE: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Universal scores 94 out of 100 and ALTERNATE scores 63. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Universal | ALTERNATE | |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 100 | 100 |
| Returns and warranty | 100 | 60 |
| Delivery and pickup | 97 | 40 |
| Payment and service | 71 | 50 |
Pros and cons
Universal
- Long period to return an online order
- Names the seller's legal entity and registration number
- Long-established retailer
- Home delivery can be free
ALTERNATE
- Names the seller's legal entity and registration number
- Long-established retailer
- Online orders can be collected in a shop or pickup point
- You can pay in instalments or on credit
- No free home delivery stated
Facts side by side
| Fact | Universal | ALTERNATE |
|---|---|---|
| Return period for online orders | 30 days universal.at | 14 days alternate.at |
| Seller's legal entity on the website | Yes universal.at | Yes alternate.at |
| Registration number | FN 235040y (LG Salzburg) universal.at | HRB 2110 (AG Gießen) alternate.at |
| In business since | 1968 universal.at | 1992 alternate.at |
| Extended warranty | Yes universal.at | Yes alternate.at |
| Free home delivery | Yes universal.at | No alternate.at |
| Free delivery from | ab 75 € universal.at | Not verified |
| Click and collect | Yes universal.at | Yes alternate.at |
| Shops and pickup points (as stated) | 1,600 universal.at | Not verified |
| Instalments or credit | Yes universal.at | Yes alternate.at |
| App Store rating | 4.8★ itunes.apple.com | Not verified |
| App Store ratings | 15,226 itunes.apple.com | Not verified |