The best Dell laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

1 month ago 4

For almost 40 years, Dell has been a core player in the tech industry with innovative, high-performing machines. The recent rebranding of its entire laptop line has left some consumers a little lost. Luckily, we've gone hands-on with the best Dell laptops, like the sleek and powerful XPS 16 and the creative powerhouse Alienware m16 R2, to put the lineup into context for you.

We've rigorously tested dozens of Dell laptops, evaluating size and weight, performance, battery life, and pricing. After going hands-on with all the top models, we've curated a list of the best six Dell laptops for 2025, highlighting a broad selection of the best Dell laptops to fit a wide array of use cases.

What is the best Dell laptop right now?

Of all the Dell laptops we've tested, the Dell XPS 16 is our top pick for its versatility, performance, and innovative, bold design. This is a laptop with a clear identity and looks as great as it handles. Under the hood, you've got a powerful selection of hardware, up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and 64GB of RAM as well as a brilliant 4K OLED display that's a treat to work with.

Also: The best 15-inch laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

The best Dell laptops of 2025

Why we like it: Dell's XPS lineup features a handful of highly versatile, customizable laptops, but the flagship device at the head of the pack is the XPS 16 -- a powerhouse of design and performance.

We love the sleek, minimalist design coupled with the stunning display. The XPS 16 features a 4K screen with razor-thin bezels, mirrored by an "invisible" trackpad and zero-lattice keyboard that go right up to the very edge of the device for a statement-making look.

Review: Dell XPS 16 (2024)

Who it's for: The Dell XPS 16 is a versatile device through and through, able to swap from demanding creative tasks to work to gaming. In that sense, we recommend this to folks who want a powerful laptop that can do a little bit of everything.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 processor, paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphics card and up to 64GB of RAM make for a solid stack of hardware that allows it to handle whatever you want to throw at it.

Who should look elsewhere: The bold design choices here aren't for everyone, and we want to warn you that the strict forward-facing port selection consists of three USB-Cs and nothing else. If you're looking for backward compatibility, you'll need a docking station.

If you're looking for something that's a little more affordable, you'll want to check out the Inspiron 14 Plus.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: The Dell Plus lineup is said to take the place of what used to be the Inspiron line, but I wouldn't say it's a 1:1 comparison. The new Dell Plus is quite a bit more grown up, with a solid, premium-looking form factor and respectable hardware stack.

The "Lunar Lake" Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 processors, paired with 16GB or 32GB of RAM allow for great battery life and a significant amount of customization. Meanwhile, the 16-inch, 2.5K mini-LED display at 90Hz offers a good middle-ground between premium-tier visuals and the bare minimum you might find on a budget Inspiron.

Who it's for: Anyone looking for a reliable laptop for work or business with a 16-inch display that balances features and cost will appreciate this laptop. The new Dell Plus lineup consists of balanced, mid-range laptops with a variety of configurations, and this laptop encapsulates that concept.

Add this to the fact that Dell knows how to design a full-sized keyboard, and the spacious number pad feels satisfying to use, with good key travel. Lastly, the 2-in-1 form factor allows for flexibility with presentations or freeform workflows, and the included stylus enables its use as a tablet.

Who should look elsewhere: This is not a lightweight and ultraportable laptop, so it's best for consumers looking for a mid-tier-plus performance in the office or at home, but aren't constantly commuting with the device in tow.

Additionally, as this device sits firmly in the mid-tier, consumers seeking either high-powered laptops or those looking to cop an inexpensive ultraportable would do better to look elsewhere.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: Dell's Inspiron 14 Plus (7441) checks all the boxes for a campus-ready device: great battery life, portable form factor, reliable performance, and, most importantly, an approachable price.

The Snapdragon X Plus or Elite processor is a snappy, power-efficient machine that runs cool and provides reliable performance in ways that matter to students: fast boot times, reliable performance, and excellent multitasking. The comfortable keyboard is conducive to long periods of typing, while the integrated neural processing unit (NPU) unlocks AI capabilities for future tech readiness.

Who it's for: Students will appreciate the combination of fast hardware, portability, and approachable price point. That being said, by no means is this device solely for students -- freelancers, hybrid workers, or everyday users will also appreciate its solid performance and competitive price.

Review: Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441

Who should look elsewhere: Consumers looking for more premium build and hardware would do better to check out the Dell XPS 14, or if you want a similar device that's newer and more upgraded, see the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: The XPS 13 (9345) with the Snapdragon X Elite processor is one of the best Copilot+ PCs released last year. The sleek, ultraportable design, rapid-fire performance, and marathon battery creates a pseudo-magical laptop experience that feels fun to use and future-forward.

There are multiple configurations of the XPS 13, but the Copilot+ PC with the Snapdragon X Elite chip deserves to be called out for its performance. This is supported in our benchmarking tests, which place it near the top of all the first batch of laptops with the Qualcomm chip. Metrics aside, this is a laptop that has no problem multitasking and handling demanding tasks while staying cool and battery-efficient in the process.

Review: Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ PC

Who it's for: Anyone looking for a photo or video editing laptop, or need a powerful productivity machine, will gravitate toward the XPS 13's vibrant QHD+ display and ability to display multiple external monitors without skipping a beat.

Additionally, the XPS lineup has a bold design perspective that not everyone can commit to. This is a future-forward laptop for consumers who appreciate innovative design that stands out from the crowd.

Who should look elsewhere: If you think 13-inch laptops are too small, this might not be the laptop for you. Personally, I am one of those people, but every time I have a chance to use the XPS 13, I end up rethinking my preferences. This is a laptop that's so portable and lightweight, you forget you're carrying it.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: Dell's Alienware line is a little more grown up these days, with the RBG lights easily disabled in one click, making this laptop an easy office companion. Under the hood, you're looking at some powerful hardware. The Intel Core Ultra 7 and 16GB or 32GB of RAM pairs nicely with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card to enable solid multimedia performance across multiple displays.

Who it's for: Dell's Alienware laptops are some of the most iconic gaming machines out there, but they're not just good for gaming; the high-end graphics cards and powerful processors make for fantastic creative workstations. Case in point, the Alienware m16 R2 is a 16-inch powerhouse with all the right pieces for tackling graphics, design, and video tasks.

Review: Dell Alienware m16 R2

Who should look elsewhere: The m16 R2's display features a 240Hz refresh rate and 2K resolution, but it caps out at 300 nits, which might not be bright enough for some users. That makes this laptop particularly good for users who spend most of their time connected to external displays anyway.

Along that vein, the battery on this laptop is fine, but it's not going to compete against some of the other lighter machines on this list. We recommend keeping your charger on hand if you're running intensive tasks.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: Dell's Inspiron laptop line is known for being versatile, and nowhere is this more evident than with the Inspiron 16 Plus (7640).

It's not the lightest laptop around at 4.94 pounds, but it's not the heaviest 16-inch either, especially at this price point. When tasked with creative projects, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 or 4060 graphics card delivers, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes for a sharp image despite not being bright enough to pass for a dedicated creator's laptop.

Who it's for: As a jack-of-all-trades, the Inspiron 16 Plus is designed for users who want a big display and reliable performance but don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Priced at around $800, the Inspiron Plus 16 is easily the best bang-for-your-buck laptop on this list, with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or 9 185H processor powering the show.

Review: Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7640)

Who should look elsewhere: Similarly, the battery is quite good, lasting well over a day of work, but managing power-saving settings is needed to get the most out of it. If you have a bigger budget and want a laptop with a more premium build, consider one of Dell's XPS machines or the new Dell 16 Plus.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we love it: Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is a top-tier gaming laptop that runs upwards of $3,000, but it's well worth the cost. This 18-inch powerhouse is a beast, designed for one thing: immersive gaming.

As the refresh of last year's m18 R1 model, the R2 is a top-of-the-line gamer's paradise stacked with a 14th-generation HX Intel 24-core 5.8 GHz max boost processor, high-end graphics capabilities, a sophisticated cooling system, and more ports than you'll know what to do with.

Review: Alienware m18 R2

Who it's for: This is a laptop for serious gamers. Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is right at the top of the line when it comes to the best gaming laptops. It's a powerful machine with a distinct identity that can handle virtually any title on the market right now, with vibrant graphics and blazing-fast speeds. Plus, it can get dressed for the office at the press of a button if you need to turn off the LED lights.

Who should look elsewhere: If you're not looking for a dedicated gaming machine or willing to drop at least $2,500, this is not the laptop for you. This is a colossal laptop that exudes power and will be overkill in the hands of everyday users.

Show Expert Take Show less

What are the tariffs in the U.S.?

The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We're Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy

Laptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new U.S. tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.

These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.

Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for long

Dell is well-known for making versatile machines with powerful hardware. All the laptops on our list fit that bill, but we can further separate the devices by identifying specific use cases like gaming, creative workflows, and versatility, and then talk about budget.

While Dell certainly has a handful of laptops for sale below that $1,000 price point, the devices I chose are the best for their use cases, and as such hover around the mid- or upper mid-ranges. The Dell XPS 16 offers high-end hardware for a competitive price and is one of the best bang-for-your-buck devices on the market.

Best Dell laptop	Starting price	Processor/GPU	RAM/Storage
Dell XPS 16	$2,200	Intel Core Ultra 7, 9, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070	Up to 64GB, up to 4TB
Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1	$1,250	Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, 9 "Lunar Lake"	16GB, 32GB, up to 1TB
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus	$1,050	Snapdragon X Plus/Elite, Qualcomm Adreno GPU	16GB, Up to 1TB
Dell XPS 13 (Snapdragon X Elite)	$1,000	Snapdragon X Plus/Elite, Qualcomm Adreno GPU	Up to 64GB, up to 2TB
Alienware m16 R2	$1,799	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070	Up to 64GB, up to 8TB
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7640)	$800	Intel Core Ultra 7, 9, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060	Up to 32GB, up to 2TB
Alienware m18 R2	$2,223	Intel Core i9, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090	Up to 64GB, up to 4TB

The Dell laptop that's the best fit for you depends on what you'll be using it for. Note that all of the laptops on this list are capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, but if you want to specialize in one area or another, you have options.

Here's a well-researched and tested list of our top Dell laptops for a wide array of use cases.

Buy this Dell laptop...	If you need...
Dell XPS 16	A versatile, future-forward laptop with powerful hardware and many different customization options.
Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1	A convertible laptop for work with a large, 16-inch screen, stylus, full keyboard, and mid-tier-plus hardware.
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus	A fast, portable laptop with an approachable price point.
Dell XPS 13 (Snapdragon X Elite)	A future-forward, battery-efficient ultraportable that can go anywhere with you.
Alienware m16 R2	A powerful laptop for creators or gamers that can dress up for the office or rock the RGBs after hours.
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus	A truly versatile laptop equipped with reliable hardware to do a little bit of everything.
Alienware m18 R2	A top-of-the-line gaming laptop that comes stacked with powerful hardware.

As the competition to produce higher-performing laptops at ever-competitive price points heats up, different brands have embraced their reputations and specialized offerings to set themselves apart. We've tested machines from all of the top brands and can safely say there are certain things some do better than others.

Dell vs. Lenovo

Lenovo is known for its utilitarian, durable design philosophy, particularly with its iconic ThinkPad line of laptops. They're robust, versatile, and have a reputation for being workhorses, especially in the office. By contrast, Dell is known for some rather innovative designs. The Dell XPS 14, for example, is a powerful laptop that is visually daring with its flush keyboard, "InfinityEdge" display, and invisible trackpad.

Also: This 16-inch Dell Inspiron is one of the most versatile laptops I've tested, and it's $200 off right now

Many Lenovo laptops are designed for the enterprise space and exude a conservative "down-to-business" element. On the other hand, Dell laptops are versatile and marketed toward a broad range of consumers, from creators and businesses to home users.

Dell vs. Apple

Apple needs no introduction when it comes to brand aesthetics. Its minimalist, sleek design is evident in all of its products, and users still see Apple at the forefront of innovation. Its line of MacBooks is some of the highest-performing laptops on the market, and they compete in processing power with even the highest-tier Windows machines.

Dell's laptops are much more varied, with some resembling familiar -- even non-descript -- designs. Others reach for bold design elements and statement-making looks. One thing both companies have in common, however, is an emphasis on high-performing hardware.

Dell vs. HP

HP's line of laptops reaches a broad range of consumers, from budget machines to high-end laptops like the new OmniBook X 14. Dell laptops put an emphasis on customizability -- particularly in a business context -- while HP laptops tend to target consumers seeking a balance between affordability and function, as well as familiar branding.

Dell vs. Microsoft

Microsoft's latest Surface Pro attracted a lot of attention for its innovative, 2-in-1 form factor, something Dell is not particularly famous for. If you're looking for a convertible laptop/tablet device, both brands offer solid choices, with Microsoft's machine at the cutting edge of design and form.

Also: I replaced my laptop with Microsoft's 12-inch Surface Pro - here's my buying advice a week later

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is also a sleek, high-performing laptop for creators, business users, and home use alike, and one that we praised earlier this year for its versatility and AI readiness.

There are multiple factors to consider when picking out the best Dell laptop, including:

Form factor: Laptops come in various form factors these days, be it a traditional clamshell or a 2-in-1 convertible design or the Inspiron 14 Plus, which can go either way. Convertible laptops generally give you greater flexibility and portability, but they can lack some features available on more traditional laptops.
Size: If you plan to take your Dell laptop on the go, you'll want a smaller build for portability. It's important to be mindful of the display size as it directly affects the overall dimensions of a laptop. Also, laptops with particularly high-end hardware tend to be much heavier, like the Alienware m18 R2.
CPU: A laptop's processor gives you an idea of how fast a laptop is. Dell's laptop lineup is extensive and diverse, with models that utilize all three of the top processor manufacturers: Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. All three have a range of models with higher-performing chips that cost more but provide more power.
Graphics: Consider the type of graphics card available with your laptop. If you are a gamer or video editor, a strong GPU is an important feature to consider.
Battery: It's important to be familiar with a laptop's battery life capabilities. Some, like the Inspiron 14 Plus will last several hours or days, while others will have a much shorter lifespan. If you spend a lot of time traveling, you may need a laptop with a longer battery life, so you don't constantly have to fumble for a charger.

The cost of the best Dell laptop can vary, as it depends on the model you choose. The best Dell laptop overall is the Dell XPS 16, which normally starts at $2,199 although it does go on sale. Dell is known for having lots of customizable options for its laptops and electing for higher-end components will bring the price up.

The Alienware lineup features high-end hardware and can easily run upwards of $3,000, while less expensive models from the Inspiron line can retail for less than $1,000.

Battery life depends on various factors, such as what tasks you're doing and whether your computer is in a battery-saving mode or high-performance mode. Dell's XPS and Inspiron line of devices are known for having solid batteries, but beefy gaming rigs like Alienware m18 R2 will have shorter battery lives.

Also: One of the best 13-inch laptops I've tested has marathon battery life and a bold design

When looking at a laptop's battery, take into account its watt-hour number, written as Wh, which measures how much power a battery uses over one hour. The higher the number, the longer the battery should theoretically last, but how fast the computer burns through that power is another story.

For example, the Alienware m16 R2 features a 90Wh battery, but the powerful hardware on board will demand lots of power from the battery. Conversely, the 55Wh battery in the Dell XPS 13 is much smaller, but will in the will drain at a trickle thanks to the AI on board the Snapdragon X Elite processor.

Yes, but you'll get the best performance from a computer designed for gaming, like any of the Alienware models. The reason for this has a lot to do with graphics processing and whether or not the device is designed to mitigate heat well.

Also: One of the most versatile laptops I've used is a real crowd-pleaser

Most Dell laptops are fine for casual or entry-level gaming, but once you start running graphically intense games, you're going to run into performance issues, and the laptop will not be able to compensate for the heat generated by the hardware.

Dell's own gaming options come with dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays, and a robust cooling system. If you truly want the best gaming laptop, there are a lot of options. Check out the Razer Blade 15, for example, or a desktop computer.

Dell laptops are about as durable as other laptops around the same price point. In general, bulkier laptops with larger chassis are harder to damage, but any laptop can be put out of commission with a bad fall.

Also: I tested Dell's 2024 XPS 14 laptop and can't recommend it enough

Regarding the laptops on this list, the Inspiron 14 and 16 Plus models are strong enough to handle the bump and grind of everyday use but are not robust enough to withstand extreme conditions. The XPS series laptops are generally a bit more durable, featuring aluminum chassis and carbon fiber keyboard decks that allow them to flex and bend, and withstand a fall.

Lastly, the Alienware laptops are the most durable, able to withstand high levels of heat and made of solid components that result in their overall bulkier build.

A new laptop is an investment, and making it last is essential to maximizing its value. To care for your new laptop, you'll want to minimize the amount of bumps and vibrations it's exposed to and keep it closed when not in use to protect the keys and screen, which can be fragile.

Maximizing your laptop's battery life is also part of its longevity, as it's best to keep it between 30% and 80% to optimize battery life. Besides these obvious factors, you'll want to keep the software and drivers up to date, and get a backpack and sleeve for safe, efficient transport.

Latest information on Dell laptops in 2025

In early 2025, Dell announced that it would be renaming its entire lineup of laptops according to the "Dell", "Dell Plus", and "Dell Pro" convention, foregoing the former family lines that included Inspiron, Latitude, and XPS. This decision received mixed reviews from experts and consumers alike, many of who felt a certain familiarity -- and even loyalty -- to the previous names.

Nevertheless, Dell says its consolidated naming convention is easier to navigate and understand, as its product catalog now falls under one roof. These developments are recent, so we have yet to go hands-on with all the new models, but over the coming months we'll be reviewing each in turn.

In our May, 2025 update, we added the new Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 to this list, representing our top pick from Dell's most recent releases. We also reformatted each pick to include the same three justifications as part of their descriptions: "Why we love it", "Who it's for", and "Who should look elsewhere" to make the bottom line of each of these laptops easier to understand.