Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 18, 2025: With this update, we added the Alienware 16X Aurora as our latest Best Mainstream Dell Gaming Laptop and the Alienware 16 Area-51 as our new Best High-End Dell Gaming Laptop. All of our remaining 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 five Dell laptops in PC Labs, from the Alienware, Dell Pro, and Dell Premium lines.
Pros & Cons
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
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
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Low price
Sufficient memory and storage
120Hz refresh rate
Tepid performance
Chintzy keyboard
Wi-Fi 5, not 6E or 7
Dim display
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
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
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
Pros & Cons
Slick, modern design
Striking 3.2K OLED touch display
Unique keyboard touch row
Expensive
Similarly priced laptops are faster
USB Type-C ports only
Why We Picked It
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.
Who It’s For
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.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
Pros & Cons
Impressive battery life
Vibrant, speedy screen
Decent speakers and webcam
Sturdy aluminum build
Stiff-click touchpad
A bit overweight
Why We Picked It
Dell’s midrange big-screen 16 Plus laptop is a fitting desktop replacement option in all senses. It features an attractive 16-inch 1600p screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of memory, and a spacious 1TB SSD storage capacity. The speakers and webcam are effective, and the system is all wrapped up in a surprisingly plush aluminum build for the price. The cons are pretty minimal, and the overall value is substantial, making the 16 Plus the best Dell pick for your go-to mobile desktop alternative.
Who It’s For
Big-screen laptop lovers: This laptop is ideal for computer users who want a large, fast, and sharp-screened device with snappy performance at a more approachable price than the top-end models. It comes with plenty of storage, has long battery life, and weighs only a hair more than 4 pounds.
People replacing their desktops: This laptop is well-suited for anyone shopping to replace their desktop, Dell or otherwise, thanks in no small part to its large display. Upgrading your desktop to a 16-inch laptop, such as this one, not only improves processing speeds but also doubles your display count if you’ve been using just one monitor.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 14.1 by 10 inches
Weight
4.12 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:25
Learn More
Dell 16 Plus (DB16250) Review
(Credit: Brian Westover)
(Credit: Brian Westover)
Pros & Cons
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
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
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
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
Pros & Cons
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
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
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
Pros & Cons
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
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
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
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
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
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
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
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
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
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
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
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
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Stunning 4K OLED touch screen
Blazing performance for its size
Elegant build with snappy keyboard
Not quite as fast or expandable as heavier rivals
No USB-A ports or webcam shutter
Mega expensive, as most mobile workstations are
Why We Picked It
Dell’s most potent power lurks within its Precision line of mobile workstations, and the best unit we’ve tested to date is the Precision 5690. Packed with an Intel Core 9 Ultra processor and an Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada professional GPU, this 16-inch workstation chewed through every high-intensity benchmark we threw at it. Shockingly, it also lasted more than 17 hours in our battery test, delivering a MacBook Pro-like experience for the Windows camp. Of course, like all elite workstations, it’s premium-priced, so enterprise clients or exceptionally fortunate contractors are its target customers.
Who It’s For
Computationally demanding businesses: A laptop of this power level is almost exclusively aimed toward particularly well-off businesses in demanding design and engineering fields or enterprise-level buyers for large firms. The Precision 5690 can handle high-fidelity CGI content, complex digital assets, or the most mammoth datasets. The Precision is an impressive, if pricey, proposition with the chops to back it up.
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, who need a powerhouse workstation that won’t let them down.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.87 by 13.9 by 9.5 inches
Weight
4.46 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:11
Learn More
Dell Precision 5690 Review
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The Best Dell Laptops for 2025
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Dell Laptops for 2025
What Are the Differences Among Dell’s Laptop Lines?
When looking for the best Dell laptop, you’ll want to concentrate on which of its six main laptop families best meets your needs. The ones to familiarize yourself with used to be Inspiron, XPS, 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.
However, this year, Dell has rebranded almost all of its PC product lines under new names while covering the same subcategories. Here’s a cheat sheet:
Inspiron is now simply “Dell” followed by the screen size. For example, the Inspiron 15 of 2024 will be the Dell 15 of 2025.
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.)
The XPS line is now “Dell Premium,” followed by the screen size. (XPS 14 is now Dell Premium 14.)
Latitude has now become “Dell Pro” or “Dell Pro Plus,” followed by the screen size. (Example: Latitude 14 is now Dell Pro 14.)
The Precision family is now “Dell Pro Max,” followed by the screen size. (The Precision 16 converts to Dell Pro Max 16.)
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 of 2024 will be the Dell 15 of 2025. Likewise, the Inspiron Plus is now simply referred to as “Dell Plus.”
Dell Premium: The Power-User Class
Successive versions of the Dell XPS 13 were our “near-perfect” ultraportable for some years. Refresh after refresh, Dell continues 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. Now, though, XPS is known more simply as “Dell Premium,” and this line of power tools is equally at home in a home office, a coffee shop, a conference room, or a high-stakes business meeting.
(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 has continued into the new naming scheme, and can be seen in laptops such as the Dell 14 Premium.
Dell’s Premium laptops, which feature Intel’s Core Ultra AI-equipped processors, come in 14-inch and 16-inch models, as they have before. However, many of Dell’s 13-, 15-, and 17-inch high-end laptop options have been phased out in the move to this new branding strategy.
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 for 2025. 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, will be served by its 2025 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 gamers machines at less than $1,000 with its G Series, but the G Series is no longer available, and it appears that 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 workers in the office or out in the field, featuring a mix of thin yet powerful laptops and durable systems that can 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 size options of either 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 and 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 will 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: Molly Flores)
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 lingo as the Latitudes, with the screen size indicated within 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.
