Dell, one of the most trusted American laptop manufacturers, has been delivering good-value PCs since its founding in 1987—and PCMag has been testing and reviewing laptops since before Michael Dell began building and selling computers out of his dorm room. (We've benchmarked and rated thousands of laptops since our founding in 1982.) Our analysts have collective decades of experience and expertise in evaluating laptops. We use rigorous, repeatable tests for each model and assess raw performance, build and display quality, ease of use, special features, and overall value. Are you wedded to the Dell brand? If so, our current best Dell laptop for most buyers is the Dell 14 Plus (DB14250). Read on for all the details on that model and more vetted recommendations from the Texas PC giant, plus a detailed buying guide and a handy spec comparison to help you make sense of the current Dell line. (It's changed a lot lately.)
Overview
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![Dell 14 Plus (DB14250)]()
Best Dell Laptop for Most PeopleDell 14 Plus (DB14250)
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![Dell Inspiron 15 (3535)]()
Best Budget Dell LaptopDell Inspiron 15 (3535)
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![Dell XPS 14 (2026)]()
Best Dell UltraportableDell XPS 14 (2026)
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![Dell 16 Premium (DA16250)]()
Best Dell Desktop Replacement LaptopDell 16 Premium (DA16250)
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![Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640)]()
Best Dell 2-in-1 LaptopDell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640)
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![Alienware 16X Aurora]()
Best Mainstream Dell Gaming LaptopAlienware 16X Aurora
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![Alienware 16 Area-51]()
Best High-End Dell Gaming LaptopAlienware 16 Area-51
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![Dell Pro 14 Premium (PA14250)]()
Best Dell Enterprise Fleet LaptopDell Pro 14 Premium (PA14250)
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![Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable]()
Best Dell Windows TabletDell Latitude 7350 Detachable
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![Dell Pro Max 18 Plus]()
Best Dell Mobile WorkstationDell Pro Max 18 Plus
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![Dell Pro Rugged 12 Tablet]()
Best Rugged Dell TabletDell Pro Rugged 12 Tablet
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell 14 Plus (DB14250)]()
Best Dell Laptop for Most PeopleDell 14 Plus (DB14250)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Dell's new 14 Plus midrange laptop comes in a full-metal, nearly ultraportable chassis, with a comfy keyboard and plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 4. Our test model had a sharp, saturated 1600p IPS panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, an optional upgrade. This laptop can ace basic computing tasks—like homework, bill management, and web browsing—for long periods with 20 hours of battery life. While not amazingly list-priced, the Dell 14 Plus becomes an excellent value when found on sale—we've seen it as low as $699.99.
Who It's For
Casual computer users: This laptop is a fine fit for you if you're looking to just browse the web, manage your home finances, and occasionally edit photos. As a Microsoft Copilot+ PC, the Dell 14 Plus also features the necessary hardware to access Microsoft's comprehensive suite of on-device AI tools in Windows 11.
High school and college students: This Dell is a choice laptop for students who are at least teenagers, thanks to its relatively low cost and decent power for homework. The sharp screen, high-resolution webcam, and well-made speakers will help with remote learning (when necessary) or catching up with family back home.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.67 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 256V RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 90 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 20:06 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.42 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) Review -
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![Dell Inspiron 15 (3535)]()
Best Budget Dell LaptopDell Inspiron 15 (3535)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Dell Inspiron 15 (3535) is the best budget Dell laptop we've tested so far, overall improving over the 3525 model it replaces. While not an award winner, it's ideal for everyday users who prioritize speed and a decent screen while saving as much cash as possible. The laptop also offers suitable memory and storage capacities for its (sometimes) sub-$300 price, making its budget-bound shortcomings easier to overlook.
Who It's For
PC users on a budget: This is the top Dell laptop for anyone who's frequently on the go but doesn't want to spend too much on a personal laptop. You'll need to be prepared to make some compromises—you'll only get 8GB of memory, a 1080p 120Hz screen, and 512GB of SSD space—but you just can't beat this price.
Kids' first laptop: This is an ideal first laptop for elementary school-aged children and up. Its low investment helps soften the blow of any unexpected (read: totally expected) damage to the laptop, and it provides enough power to get through basic homework and stream educational (or just downright entertaining) videos.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.75 by 14.1 by 9.3 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon 610M Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen 5 7520U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 15.6 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 16:22 Variable Refresh Support Manual Weight 3.59 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 5 Learn More Dell Inspiron 15 (3535) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell XPS 14 (2026)]()
Best Dell UltraportableDell XPS 14 (2026)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Dell's Premium line is out, and XPS is back, as its leading laptop in performance and high-end panache. The Dell XPS 14 updates the XPS styling once again, this time hewing even closer to the MacBook Pro than the line has in the past, with rounded edges throughout and a uniform silhouette. This year's model gets back to basics, updating the seamless haptic touchpad with better-defined boundaries and replacing the LED function-key row with traditional keys. Our review model contains a next-level "Panther Lake" Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, which hikes the price for its blazing speed within this slick design. This generation of high-end Intel chips particularly upgrades integrated graphics performance to levels rivaling Apple's latest M5 chip. The 1800p OLED touch screen is a delight, and the 4K webcam on top is excellent for meetings and keeping up with loved ones.
Who It's For
Deep-pocketed power users: Dell's 14-inch XPS revival laptop targets PC enthusiasts who are flush with cash. This Dell laptop is the one to buy for a substantial thin-and-light device. Even if you're after high performance, the XPS 14 delivers on everything short of high-end gaming and cutting-edge workstation tasks.
Mac converts: This XPS laptop looks, feels, and performs more like a MacBook Pro than ever before. While the XPS 14 doesn't beat the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro in many tasks, it came mighty close throughout in productivity and content creation testing. Plus, to its credit, that Ultra X7 chip can absolutely tussle with M5 on graphics.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc B390 Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra X7 358H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:02 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell XPS 14 (2026) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell 16 Premium (DA16250)]()
Best Dell Desktop Replacement LaptopDell 16 Premium (DA16250)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're looking for the best big-screen laptop from Dell, then stop your search at its Premium laptop line. The Dell 16 Premium makes the most of its size with potent performance and a dazzling 4K OLED display, for starters. Dell's large-screen laptop follows that up with a sharp webcam and lengthy battery life to deliver a desktop replacement worthy of the name "Premium."
Who It's For
Big-screen laptop lovers: This laptop is a fit for people shopping for a large, fast, and sharp-screened laptop. The Dell 16 Premium has room for plenty of storage, packs a long-lasting battery, and features an effective webcam, serving up the whole package for big-screen laptop fans.
People replacing their desktops: This is a well-suited laptop for shoppers replacing their desktops, thanks to its top-end display and desktop-rivaling speed. Using Intel Core H-series processing and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, the Dell 16 Premium gets mighty close to desktop-grade potency with an included gorgeous display.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.75 by 14.10 by 9.40 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 3840 x 2400 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 255H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16.3 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 13:31 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support G-Sync Weight 4.65 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell 16 Premium (DA16250) Review -
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![Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640)]()
Best Dell 2-in-1 LaptopDell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Most of Dell's traditional laptop lines have 2-in-1 variants, with the Inspiron 2-in-1 line being its best for mainstream audiences. The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 7640 sits at the top of Dell's pile, being both the biggest and the most beautiful among all the Inspiron hybrid laptops. This is another example of a midrange laptop serving a taste of the high life with a gorgeous 1600p mini-LED touch screen and a helpful 90Hz refresh rate. The laptop's innards utilize that panel with Intel Core Ultra processing and Intel Arc graphics for light gaming and content creation chops.
Who It's For
Fans of big-screen convertibles: This laptop best serves a most specific niche: people who want a large tablet with pen support. The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 7640 is bigger than the tablet options available from Apple's iPads or Google's Android partners. The attached keyboard and entire Windows interface only increase this device's capabilities as a complete laptop, but it's all about that lovely screen for watching, playing, and drafting.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Convertible 2-in-1 Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.75 by 14 by 10 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology Mini LED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 155H RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 90 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 16:25 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 4.68 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Alienware 16X Aurora]()
Best Mainstream Dell Gaming LaptopAlienware 16X Aurora
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Dell's Alienware 16X Aurora laptop is the best option for mainstream PC gamers from the company right now. It strikes an excellent balance of performance and premium features, delivering a high-fidelity PC gaming experience for less than Dell's flagship Area-51 laptops. Our review configuration strikes a balance between budget and midrange well, with its assortment of components arrayed to great effect. The fact that it's frequently on sale also helps its position on this list.
Who It's For
The average PC gamer: This is the most fitting Dell laptop for mainstream PC gamers. It provides a speedy, beyond-HD display with the graphics hardware to back it up well. This combination provides gamers with the flexibility to meet the demands of high-refresh-rate competitive games at 1080p as well as high-detail sprawling adventures at 1600p.
Content creators: This is an ideal laptop for content creators in media and design, who also have a penchant for PC gaming. Many of the 16X Aurora's features that enhance its gaming experience also work to boost productivity in content creation workflows, particularly its display and graphics chip, which work in tandem for photo and video editing, as well as graphic design.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 0.92 by 14.05 by 10.45 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 240 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 5:39 Variable Refresh Support G-Sync Weight 5.66 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Alienware 16X Aurora Review -
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![Alienware 16 Area-51]()
Best High-End Dell Gaming LaptopAlienware 16 Area-51
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
In our review, we praised the Alienware 16 Area-51's excellent metal build and space-age design, which includes customizable RGB lighting. Dell also includes an excellent optional Cherry MX mechanical keyboard, allowing you to game without needing a separate keyboard in a pinch. We also love the sharp, bright screen with its matte finish and speedy 240Hz refresh rate. Finally, our configuration, with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, delivers blistering speeds for both gaming and demanding professional workloads, making it a powerful desktop replacement.
Who It's For
PC gaming enthusiasts: This is Dell's top-end gaming laptop, designed as a peak-performance desktop replacement for deep-pocketed PC gamers. Its dense 7.49-pound weight and fleeting battery life also place it in this category. The near-top-level GPU and ultimate CPU combo crushed our gaming benchmarks, taking full advantage of that fast-refresh display.
Top-level content creators: This laptop works well for content creators with particularly demanding workloads who also enjoy gaming. It's easier to tote between desks than a desktop PC, but it's not the ideal machine for getting work done on the go. Plugged in, the Area-51 chews through dense media production and asset rendering tasks, appealing to pros who need a powerful machine for more than just gaming.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1.12 by 14.4 by 11.4 inches Graphics Memory 16 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 240 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 2:48 Variable Refresh Support G-Sync Weight 7.49 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Alienware 16 Area-51 Review -
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![Dell Pro 14 Premium (PA14250)]()
Best Dell Enterprise Fleet LaptopDell Pro 14 Premium (PA14250)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Dell's major 2025 brand revision began with the Dell Pro 14 Premium, the first to debut from the outgoing Latitude line. This laptop represents the highest-end tier of the newly named Dell Pro line for offices, bringing Copilot+ PC AI capabilities to Dell's enterprise fleet with Intel Core Ultra 200V processing. The Pro 14 Premium is a slim and light laptop with a decent port arrangement for its size and lengthy battery life—all essential for the mobile professional.
Who It's For
Enterprise fleet customers: This Dell laptop is designed for mass adoption by large offices worldwide, particularly in the US. With a range of features and competencies that are all essential for the average modern office employee, the Dell Pro 14 Premium targets a broad professional audience. Additionally, the three years of on-site service should appeal to IT professionals.
Independent contractors: This is an excellent laptop choice for entrepreneurs and freelancers, thanks to approachable pricing for individual units. While it's a more expensive machine, the Pro 14 Premium isn't priced out of reach and will impress clients and fellow pros alike.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Business Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.71 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 268V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 25:53 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.52 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell Pro 14 Premium (PA14250) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable]()
Best Dell Windows TabletDell Latitude 7350 Detachable
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
As 2-in-1 detachable laptops grow increasingly scarce, it's reassuring to know that Dell supports the form factor with well-made devices like the Latitude 7350. This tablet-and-keyboard combo meets all the expectations of the category, including an entire workday's worth of battery life, laptop-grade speeds, a sharp 2,880-by-1,920-resolution touch screen, and the latest wireless specifications. The three-year warranty is also a significant plus.
Who It's For
Client- and public-facing professionals: This is a 2-in-1 solution that's ideal for contractors and businesses that frequently present materials to clients or customers. It comes at a premium, particularly with the keyboard and pen accessories that—while top-quality—are sold separately. Regardless, it's a high-grade device that deserves to share at least a sliver of the class-leading Microsoft Surface Pro's spotlight.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.35 by 11.5 by 8.2 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1920 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 164U RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:26 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.76 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell Pro Max 18 Plus]()
Best Dell Mobile WorkstationDell Pro Max 18 Plus
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For workstation-level performance and features, the answer is easy: the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus. Winning our Editors' Choice award in the category, the Pro Max 18 Plus delivers ultimate performance with the topmost Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an Nvidia RTX PRO 5000 in our review configuration. Backed by room for up to 256GB of DDR5 CAMM2 error-correcting memory and gobs of storage, this laptop can handle almost any high-demand computing task you toss its way, from AI development to database management and even complex 3D model rendering.
Who It's For
Computationally demanding businesses: This is a laptop built for companies that work in demanding digital design, animation or rendering, and engineering fields. The Pro Max 18 Plus can handle high-fidelity CGI content, complex digital assets, or the most mammoth datasets. Fleet managers should look to this laptop for their most demanding employees.
Independent cutting-edge professionals: This laptop is a fantastic fit for independent contractors in computationally intense fields, such as CGI animation, AI product development, and complex database management. In-demand freelancers in the aforementioned fields need a reliable powerhouse workstation, too, so we point them in the same direction—just be prepared to spend big time.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Workstation Dimensions (HWD) 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.0 inches Graphics Memory 24 Graphics Processor Nvidia RTX PRO 5000 Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX RAM (as Tested) 128 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 18 Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Secondary Drive Type SSD Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 4:20 Weight 7.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell Pro Max 18 Plus Review -
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![Dell Pro Rugged 12 Tablet]()
Best Rugged Dell TabletDell Pro Rugged 12 Tablet
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
It's not only tough to beat the Pro Rugged 12 among Dell's rugged tablet lineup, but everyone else's, too. Earning our Editors' Choice award in the category, this is a brick house of a mobile PC. Beyond the MIL-STD-810H certification, Dell focused on a top-notch touch screen with glove-touch capability, potent Intel processing, and long battery life. Topped off with a broad range of accessories and a set of intuitive, customizable buttons and edge-menu elements, the Dell Pro Rugged 12 is a best-in-class field machine.
Who It's For
Field workers of all stripes: This is the best Dell tablet device for outdoor professionals across many fields of work. Its super-strong frame can take four-foot drops without a flinch, withstand water sprays, endure blasts of dust, and weather extreme temperatures. With that kind of grit, professions like construction, first-response, and military service are all ripe for making use of a potent, portable, and durable device such as the Pro Rugged 12.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 1.17 by 11.9 by 8.2 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 268V Processor Speed 2.2 RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 12 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:23 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.89 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell Pro Rugged 12 Tablet Review -
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Best For | Best Dell Laptop for Most People | Best Budget Dell Laptop | Best Dell Ultraportable | Best Dell Desktop Replacement Laptop | Best Dell 2-in-1 Laptop | Best Mainstream Dell Gaming Laptop | Best High-End Dell Gaming Laptop | Best Dell Enterprise Fleet Laptop | Best Dell Windows Tablet | Best Dell Mobile Workstation | Best Dell Laptop for Most People | Best Budget Dell Laptop | Best Dell Ultraportable |
Class | Ultraportable | Budget, Desktop Replacement | Ultraportable | Desktop Replacement | Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement | Gaming | Gaming | Business, Ultraportable | Detachable 2-in-1 | Workstation | Ultraportable | Budget, Desktop Replacement | Ultraportable |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H | Intel Core Ultra 7 255H | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 268V | Intel Core Ultra 7 164U | Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H |
Processor Speed | |||||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 16 | 8 | 32 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 128 | 16 | 8 | 32 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 | 512 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 512 | 1 | 1 | 512 | 1 |
Secondary Drive Type | SSD | ||||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 | ||||||||||||
Optical Drive | |||||||||||||
Screen Size | 14 | 15.6 | 14 | 16.3 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 18 | 14 | 15.6 | 14 |
Native Display Resolution | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1080 | 2880 by 1800 | 3840 x 2400 | 2560 by 1600 | 2560 by 1600 | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1920 | 2560 by 1600 | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1080 | 2880 by 1800 |
Touch Screen | |||||||||||||
Panel Technology | IPS | IPS | OLED | OLED | Mini LED | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | OLED |
Variable Refresh Support | None | Manual | None | G-Sync | G-Sync | G-Sync | None | None | None | Manual | None | ||
Screen Refresh Rate | 90 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 90 | 240 | 240 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 90 | 120 | 120 |
Graphics Processor | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | AMD Radeon 610M Graphics | Intel Arc B390 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU | Intel Arc Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Intel Graphics | Nvidia RTX PRO 5000 | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | AMD Radeon 610M Graphics | Intel Arc B390 |
Graphics Memory | 8 | 8 | 16 | 24 | |||||||||
Wireless Networking | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.67 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches | 0.75 by 14.1 by 9.3 inches | 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches | 0.75 by 14.10 by 9.40 inches | 0.75 by 14 by 10 inches | 0.92 by 14.05 by 10.45 inches | 1.12 by 14.4 by 11.4 inches | 0.71 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches | 0.35 by 11.5 by 8.2 inches | 1.19 by 15.8 by 11.0 inches | 0.67 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches | 0.75 by 14.1 by 9.3 inches | 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches |
Weight | 3.42 | 3.59 | 3 | 4.65 | 4.68 | 5.66 | 7.49 | 2.52 | 1.76 | 7.17 | 3.42 | 3.59 | 3 |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 20:06 | 16:22 | 21:02 | 13:31 | 16:25 | 5:39 | 2:48 | 25:53 | 15:26 | 4:20 | 20:06 | 16:22 | 21:02 |
Buying Guide: The Best Dell Laptops for 2026
When looking for the best Dell laptop, you'll want to focus on which of its six main laptop families best meets your needs, including a recent reversal that saw the return of the "XPS" brand. The ones you used to familiarize yourself with were Inspiron, Alienware, G Series, Latitude, and Precision. Apart from the two gaming-oriented ones, you could find both clamshell and 2-in-1 convertible entries in all these families.
What Are the Differences Among Dell's Laptop Lines?
In 2025, Dell rebranded almost all of its PC product lines under new names while covering the same subcategories. This year, however, Dell reversed course on one of its branding moves, reviving the XPS brand in place of the "Premium" name it used for that tier of laptop last year. Here's a cheat sheet of where things stand in 2026:
- Inspiron is now simply "Dell" followed by the screen size. (For example, the Inspiron 15 is now the Dell 15.) These are Dell's entry-level mainstream laptops.
- Inspiron Plus is now "Dell Plus," followed by the screen size. (For example, what was an Inspiron Plus 16 is now a Dell Plus 16.) These are a step up from the basic laptop line, adopting some premium features and performance in the same or similar chassis.
- The XPS line, which was "Dell Premium" for the year 2025, is back in 14-inch and 16-inch varieties in 2026, and called "XPS" again. These are the top-tier consumer Dell laptops.
- Latitude has become "Dell Pro" or "Dell Pro Plus," followed by the screen size. (Example: Latitude 14 is now Dell Pro 14.) These are Dell's professional-use laptops for contractors and offices.
- The Precision family became "Dell Pro Max," followed by the screen size. (The Precision 16 converted to Dell Pro Max 16.) These are Dell's workstation laptops with pro-grade silicon inside. Dell, however, is resurrecting the Precision brand name in 2026 in new models.
- Finally, the Alienware brand now covers all of Dell's gaming laptop products. Dell has discontinued the Dell G Series; mainstream-priced Alienware Aurora laptops replace it.
Dell: The Mainstream Choice
Dell's self-named brand—straight-up just called "Dell"—encompasses a range of consumer laptops for use at home or in school, including power machines, budget-friendly "just enough" systems, models with large displays, and ultra-compact options. Whether editing photos or managing your home finances, these options cater to most buyers' screen size and budget needs. These machines are mostly Windows models; if you want something less expensive for simple tasks and browsing online, consider Dell's Chromebooks, which put basic functionality into affordable packages that work great for kids and students.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Dell used to break its Inspiron line into three gradations or levels: 3000, 5000, and 7000 series. As you went up that stack, you tended to see more premium features and higher relative pricing. Today, Dell names its eponymous laptops first according to their rough screen sizes, which now include 14-inch and 16-inch varieties, followed by a quality tier, either just "Dell" at the base level, or "Dell Plus." This creates some ambiguity around what each laptop is capable of; you'll want to consult detailed reviews with testing results to get an idea of their relative potency.
(Want to ensure you're saving the most cash possible, even on one of the best Dell laptops? Check out our article with 16 money-saving tips for buying laptops.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Remember, the plain-vanilla Inspiron brand is now just "Dell," followed by the screen size call-out. For example, the Inspiron 15 is now the Dell 15. Likewise, the Inspiron Plus is now simply referred to as "Dell Plus."
Dell XPS: The Power-User Class
Successive versions of the Dell XPS 13 were our "near-perfect" ultraportable for some years. Refresh after refresh, Dell continued to tune this hardy machine to stay at the top. XPS signified a premium, fully decked-out machine that bridges the gap between demanding consumers and business users on both the desktop and laptop sides of the market. After a year of trying something different ("Dell Premium"), Dell brought back the XPS brand for this year and beyond, redesigning its XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops to focus on a simple yet peerlessly designed frame with powerful internals.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Dell's prior XPS laptops also served as testing grounds for futuristic features, such as in the XPS 13 Plus, which ditched a physical touchpad in favor of a haptic feedback mechanism integrated into the palm rest. This practice continued into the new naming scheme and can be seen in laptops such as the Dell 14 Premium. However, the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 for this year seem more focused on refining their focus and avoiding overdesigned features that their more affordable laptops might adopt later.
Dell's new XPS laptops will feature Intel's Core Ultra 3 "Panther Lake" processors and focus on promoting that silicon for use in general applications and content creation. The company will also release a hyper-portable, and apparently more affordable, XPS 13 laptop this year.
Alienware and Aurora: Full-Spectrum Gaming
While you may still find some of the options mentioned below (notably, Dell's G series) as the last stock at third-party retailers, Dell has also adjusted its gaming laptop line. First, Dell has revived the Alienware Area-51 name for its top-tier gaming laptops. These models feature a new design with an improved airflow system for better cooling. You'll find these laptops equipped with top-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 or 5080 graphics (or an RTX 5070 Ti to start) for prices north of $3,000.
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(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Dell's efforts to serve more gamers across budgets, though, are now served by its revival of the Alienware Aurora brand. These new laptops, starting at $1,100, have similar styling but less flashy materials and lighting effects.
Dell previously offered gaming machines for less than $1,000 with its G Series, but the G Series is no longer available, and the Aurora's higher starting price has become the new baseline for Dell's gaming laptops. The new Aurora laptops, dubbed 16 Aurora and 16X Aurora, start with RTX 4050 graphics and ramp up to an RTX 5070 in the highest-end models, which retail for around $2,000.
Dell Pro: Dell's Umbrella for Business Machines
Then we have the business machines. Dell's Latitude brand has long been its mainstay for its business laptops, competing with options from Lenovo (the ThinkPad series) and HP (its various EliteBooks). Latitude offered options for office and field workers, featuring a mix of thin yet powerful laptops and durable systems that withstand rough conditions.
Like the Inspirons once did, classic Latitudes used a 3000, 5000, and 7000 hierarchy, plus a top-of-the-line 9000 series. With the move to Dell Pro, these designations are simplified to "Dell Pro," "Dell Pro Plus," and "Dell Pro Premium," with screen sizes of 14 or 16 inches.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Beyond the "simply" durable units, the Pro line also includes a few costly, highly ruggedized models designed for use in hostile environments: doused in water, clipped onto an ATV, exposed to cold and wind, or carried into harm's way by first responders. These are branded under the Dell Pro Rugged moniker.
Dell Pro Max and Pro Precision: Workstation Laptops for Demanding Professionals
Mobile workstations are a breed of machines that share some traits with business models. Still, they stand apart for their independent software vendor (ISV) certifications and, in some cases, specialized CPU and GPU options, as well as support for precise error-correcting code (ECC) memory. ISV certifications give users of demanding professional business apps (in areas such as scientific computing, architecture, and engineering) assurances that the workstation can run up to snuff with a given application. Companies such as Adobe, Autodesk, Avid, Dassault Systemes, and Siemens tend to be the ISVs involved.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Dell's mobile workstation line was traditionally its Precision line, which comprises laptop and desktop models. On the laptop side, Precision used the same 3000, 5000, and 7000 series nomenclature as the Latitudes, with screen size indicated in the model number. In 2025, Precision gave way to "Dell Pro Max," which covered its various screen sizes and hardware configurations using simple two-digit numbers followed by "Max," "Max Plus," or "Max Premium." For instance, the Dell Precision 5680 of yesterday was now the Dell Pro Max 16 Premium.
But, in a late-breaking XPS-style resurrection in spring 2026, Dell is bringing back the Precision name, in a line of 2026 "Pro Precision" machines that's also appearing alongside the Dell Pro (which, yes, will still be called Dell Pro).
Whatever you call them--Dell Pro Max, or Pro Precision!--depending on the model and the target price, a workstation might use consumer- or business-grade Intel CPUs. The mark of a high-end workstation is the presence of a dedicated workstation-grade graphics processor from Nvidia (RTX and A-series) or AMD (Radeon Pro, much less common). These contrast consumer-GPU counterparts (GeForce RTX and Radeon RX, respectively) and are designed specifically for the heavy-duty calculations that ISV-class applications require.
Ready to Buy the Best Dell Laptop for You?
You'll find plenty of solid Dell systems, but don't be overwhelmed by the options. We've combed through our many reviews and singled out the best Dell systems in multiple categories in the lists and summaries above. For more Dell and non-Dell options, check out our best laptops overall (updated constantly) and our lists of the best Chromebooks, budget laptops, and gaming laptops.