Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
January 30, 2026: With this update, our lineup of recommended Dell laptops remains unchanged. We have updated our buying advice with the latest on the return of Dell’s XPS brand. The existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated three new laptops for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other laptop roundups. We are currently testing four Dell laptops in PC Labs, from the Dell Pro and Dell Pro Rugged lines.
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
- Good speakers and webcam
- Premium metal construction
- Practical port selection
- Half a pound overweight
- Screen could be brighter
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.
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.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.42 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
20:06
Learn More
Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) Review
- Low price
- Sufficient memory and storage
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Tepid performance
- Chintzy keyboard
- Wi-Fi 5, not 6E or 7
- Dim display
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.
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.
Class
Budget, Desktop Replacement
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 7520U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 610M Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.1 by 9.3 inches
Weight
3.59 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:22
Learn More
Dell Inspiron 15 (3535) Review
- Slick, modern design
- Striking 3.2K OLED touch display
- Unique keyboard touch row
- Expensive
- Similarly priced laptops are faster
- USB Type-C ports only
When it comes to ultraportable laptops, nothing beats Dell’s Premium line (formerly XPS) in terms of performance and high-end panache. The Dell 14 Premium features the recently updated XPS styling, including a hyper-modern seamless touchpad and an LED function-key row. Our review model contains a speedy Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, though expect to pay a bit more for its speed within this slick design. The 3.2K OLED touch screen is a treat, and the compact metal build is satisfying to carry around.
Deep-pocketed power users: The target audience for this high-end laptop is primarily well-funded computing enthusiasts. If you’re looking for something light and compact that feels substantial, this should be your first stop in the Dell aisle. If you’re more concerned with performance for this cost, more powerful but less sleek options are available.
Mac converts: This is the Dell laptop that’s most comparable with a MacBook in style and performance. Like the 16-inch version, this model is one of the best Windows-based alternatives to comparable Apple MacBook models. While it doesn’t beat the 14-inch MacBook Pro, the Dell 14 Premium comes mighty close.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
3200 by 2000
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc 140T
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.6 by 8.5 inches
Weight
3.66 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:29
Learn More
Dell 14 Premium (DA14250) Review
- Powerful performance and graphics
- Gorgeous OLED display
- Elegant design
- Decent webcam
- Long battery life for a 4K laptop
- Pricey in basic and upticked configurations
- Keyboard looks better than it feels
- Short on ports
- Loud but middling speakers
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.”
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.
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 x 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.10 by 9.40 inches
Weight
4.65 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:31
Learn More
Dell 16 Premium (DA16250) Review
- Beautiful mini-LED display with vivid color and brightness
- Pen support ideal for sketching
- Impressive battery life
- Generally potent if inconsistent performance
- Too big and bulky for tablet use
- Hinge and vent design aren’t ideal
- Graphics performance hindered by lack of GPU
- Outdated HDMI 1.4 means no 4K monitor use
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.
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.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
Yes
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14 by 10 inches
Weight
4.68 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:25
Learn More
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640) Review
- Slim and sturdy design with aluminum lid
- Fast Intel processor and capable RTX 5060 GPU
- Bright and sharp 240Hz 1600p display
- Wide port selection
- A touch expensive for an RTX 5060
- No OLED option
- Single-zone RGB keyboard
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.
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.
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.92 by 14.05 by 10.45 inches
Weight
2.57 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
5:39
Learn More
Alienware 16X Aurora Review
- Superior metal build
- Iridescent finish and futuristic design
- Blistering performance as configured
- Satisfying Cherry MX mechanical keyboard
- Steep starting price
- Hefty for a 16-inch laptop
- Woeful battery life
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.
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.
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.12 by 14.4 by 11.4 inches
Weight
7.49 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
2:48
Learn More
Alienware 16 Area-51 Review
- Svelte and light
- Decent array of ports
- Impressive battery life
- Includes three years of on-site service
- Expensive
- Lattice keyboard looks better than it works
- OLED and WWAN models not available yet
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.
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.
Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 268V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.52 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
25:53
Learn More
Dell Pro 14 Premium (PA14250) Review
- Full-workday battery life
- Powerful, laptop-like performance
- Wi-Fi 7 and Intel vPro
- Built with recycled materials
- Three-year warranty
- Expensive, and essential accessories are still extra
- So-so cameras
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.
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.
Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 164U
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1920
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.35 by 11.5 by 8.2 inches
Weight
1.76 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:26
Learn More
Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable Review
- Ultra performance
- Top-end build quality
- Vivid display
- Supports 256GB RAM, four storage drives
- Excellent connectivity and security
- Pricey
- No 4K or OLED screen options
- Short battery life
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.
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.
Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX
RAM (as Tested)
128 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
2,560 by 1,600
Panel Technology
IPS
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX PRO 5000
Graphics Memory
24 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
1.19 by 15.83 by 11.02 inches
Weight
7.17 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
4:20
Learn More
Dell Pro Max 18 Plus Review
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The Best Dell Laptops for 2026
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Buying Guide: The Best Dell Laptops for 2026
What Are the Differences Among Dell’s Laptop Lines?
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.
Last year, 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 is now “Dell Pro Max,” followed by the screen size. (The Precision 16 converts to Dell Pro Max 16.) These are Dell’s workstation laptops with pro-grade silicon inside.
-
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.
(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: 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. Now, Precision has given way to “Dell Pro Max,” which covers 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 is now the Dell Pro Max 16 Premium.
Depending on the model and the target price, a workstation might use consumer- or business-grade Intel CPUs. Still, 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.
