The best Dell laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

Dell's catalog of reliable, high-performing laptops has been a mainstay for over 40 years now, so it's no surprise the brand has a loyal consumer base. However, its recent lineup rebrand has confused repeat and new customers alike with familiar names replaced by a "Plus/Pro" moniker.  

Luckily, we've gone hands-on with the new laptops such as the Dell 14 Plus and the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1. Through testing, we put them in context with previous models to clarify where they stand -- and how they improve on -- battery life, performance, and of course, value. 

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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: At a glance, the Dell 16 Premium looks nearly identical to the XPS, with its zero-lattice keyboard and LED capacitive touch panel. The design is complemented by a wonderfully vibrant 4K OLED touchscreen covering the entire DCI-P3 color gamut and velvety-smooth on-screen animations thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. 

The Dell 16 Premium is a flagship device that carries the XPS name forward with lots of customization and strong hardware for a vast range of use cases. 

Who it's for: Creatives, professionals, and gamers will appreciate the power behind the Intel Core Ultra 9 258H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070. It's a combo that easily multitasks across graphic design, animation, and video editing applications. Additionally, its three Thunderbolt 4 Gen-2 ports support DisplayPort 2.1 and power delivery, while the microSD v7.1 card slot makes it practical for pros.

Review: Dell 16 Premium

Who should look elsewhere: The combination of a brilliant display and powerful hardware will attract gamers and creators alike, but the invisible touchpad and LED touch function row are high-design elements aren't for everyone. If you weren't a fan of the XPS, the Dell 16 Premium probably won't impress you. 

Dell XPS 16 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: LED or OLED | Resolution: Up to 4K | RAM: 32GB-64GB | Storage: Up to 2TB SSD | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 285H | Battery life: Up to 5 hours

• Gorgeous display
• Powerful hardware
• Easily handles photo/video editing

• Not the best battery
• Heavy
• Pricey

Why we like it: At a glance, the Dell 16 Premium looks nearly identical to the XPS, with its zero-lattice keyboard and LED capacitive touch panel. The design is complemented by a wonderfully vibrant 4K OLED touchscreen covering the entire DCI-P3 color gamut and velvety-smooth on-screen animations thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. 

The Dell 16 Premium is a flagship device that carries the XPS name forward with lots of customization and strong hardware for a vast range of use cases. 

Who it's for: Creatives, professionals, and gamers will appreciate the power behind the Intel Core Ultra 9 258H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070. It's a combo that easily multitasks across graphic design, animation, and video editing applications. Additionally, its three Thunderbolt 4 Gen-2 ports support DisplayPort 2.1 and power delivery, while the microSD v7.1 card slot makes it practical for pros.

Review: Dell 16 Premium

Who should look elsewhere: The combination of a brilliant display and powerful hardware will attract gamers and creators alike, but the invisible touchpad and LED touch function row are high-design elements aren't for everyone. If you weren't a fan of the XPS, the Dell 16 Premium probably won't impress you. 

Dell XPS 16 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: LED or OLED | Resolution: Up to 4K | RAM: 32GB-64GB | Storage: Up to 2TB SSD | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 285H | Battery life: Up to 5 hours

Why we like it: The brand-new Dell 14 Plus checks all the boxes for a campus-ready device: great battery life, portable form factor, reliable performance, and, most importantly, an approachable price. As one of Dell's latest laptops, it's future-proofed for powerful performance for years to come. 

The "Lunar Lake" Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 processor is a snappy, power-efficient chip 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 and portability, but 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 14 Plus

Who should look elsewhere: As one of the latest Dell laptops to be released in 2025, the Dell 14 Plus isn't cheap, but it's quite affordable for what you're getting. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly device, check out the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus from last year, which is similar, but a little easier on the wallet.

Dell 14 Plus tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: Non-touch IPS | Resolution: 2.5K | RAM: 16GB-32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | CPU:  Intel Core Ultra 7, 9 | Battery life: Up to 12 hours

• Powerful hardware
• Good battery life
• Good speakers
• Fast and responsive

• Bloatware
• Mid-range display

Why we like it: The brand-new Dell 14 Plus checks all the boxes for a campus-ready device: great battery life, portable form factor, reliable performance, and, most importantly, an approachable price. As one of Dell's latest laptops, it's future-proofed for powerful performance for years to come. 

The "Lunar Lake" Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 processor is a snappy, power-efficient chip 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 and portability, but 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 14 Plus

Who should look elsewhere: As one of the latest Dell laptops to be released in 2025, the Dell 14 Plus isn't cheap, but it's quite affordable for what you're getting. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly device, check out the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus from last year, which is similar, but a little easier on the wallet.

Dell 14 Plus tech specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: Non-touch IPS | Resolution: 2.5K | RAM: 16GB-32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | CPU:  Intel Core Ultra 7, 9 | Battery life: Up to 12 hours

Why we like it: Dell may have officially rebranded its XPS lineup, but it's still being sold at several retailers and on Dell's official website (often at discounted rates). The XPS 13 (9345) with the Snapdragon X Elite processor is one of the best Copilot+ PCs released in 2024, with a sleek, ultraportable design and rapid-fire performance that's 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. This is supported in our benchmarking tests, which place it near the top in terms of performance and battery life. 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. 

Dell XPS 13 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: LED or OLED | Resolution: Up to 4K | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Storage: Up to 4TB SSD | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Battery life: Up to 12 hours

• Sleek and ultraportable
• Fast and responsive
• Great battery
• Great display

• Limited ports
• Bloatware

Why we like it: Dell may have officially rebranded its XPS lineup, but it's still being sold at several retailers and on Dell's official website (often at discounted rates). The XPS 13 (9345) with the Snapdragon X Elite processor is one of the best Copilot+ PCs released in 2024, with a sleek, ultraportable design and rapid-fire performance that's 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. This is supported in our benchmarking tests, which place it near the top in terms of performance and battery life. 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. 

Dell XPS 13 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: LED or OLED | Resolution: Up to 4K | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Storage: Up to 4TB SSD | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Battery life: Up to 12 hours

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 direct 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.

Review: Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1   

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. 

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: Mini LED touchscreen | Resolution: Up to 2.5K | RAM: 16GB-32GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 | Battery life: Up to 18 hours

• Highly customizable
• Flexible 2-in-1 form factor
• Full-sized keyboard
• Comes with the stylus

• Nearly five pounds
• 16-inch tablet might be too unwieldy for some
• Hardware upgrades run the price up

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 direct 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.

Review: Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1   

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. 

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 tech specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: Mini LED touchscreen | Resolution: Up to 2.5K | RAM: 16GB-32GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 | Battery life: Up to 18 hours

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.

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.

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 2-in-1 (7640) tech specs: Display size: 16-inch touch or non-touch | Display type: LED | Resolution: 2.5K | RAM: 16GB-32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB SSD | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Battery life: Up to 12 hours

• Versatile, jack-of-all trades
• Solid hardware
• Affordable, with lots of configurations

• On the heavier side
• Not the brightest screen

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.

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.

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 2-in-1 (7640) tech specs: Display size: 16-inch touch or non-touch | Display type: LED | Resolution: 2.5K | RAM: 16GB-32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB SSD | CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Battery life: Up to 12 hours

Why we love it: Dell's Alienware 18 Area-51 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. 

It sports an 18-inch WQXGA resolution display with an incredible refresh rate of 300Hz and a response time of 3ms for super smooth gameplay. Below the display: a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard we fell in love with for responsive key presses and clicky, tactile buttons.

In terms of hardware, it boasts an Intel Core Ultra 9 275Hx processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, and 64GB of memory -- top tier specs that played recent titles beautifully in our testing. Thanks to this powerful GPU, you can run games on max graphics settings with total performance power (TPP) up to 245W.

Review: Alienware 18 Area-51

Who it's for: This is a laptop for serious gamers. Dell's Alienware 18 Area-51 is right at the top of the line 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: This is a laptop for gamers looking to commit to a powerful laptop. It exudes power and will be overkill in the hands of everyday users. 

Alienware 18 Area-51 tech specs: Display size: 18 inches | Display type: QHD | Resolution: Up to 4K | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 275X | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, 24GB | RAM: 32GB-64GB | Storage: 1TB-2TB M.2 SSD, Up to 12TB RAID | Battery life: Up to 3 hours

• Powerful hardware
• Massive display
• Tons of storage
• Future-proofed to handle upcoming titles

• Expensive
• Heavy and bulky
• Best while plugged in

Why we love it: Dell's Alienware 18 Area-51 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. 

It sports an 18-inch WQXGA resolution display with an incredible refresh rate of 300Hz and a response time of 3ms for super smooth gameplay. Below the display: a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard we fell in love with for responsive key presses and clicky, tactile buttons.

In terms of hardware, it boasts an Intel Core Ultra 9 275Hx processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, and 64GB of memory -- top tier specs that played recent titles beautifully in our testing. Thanks to this powerful GPU, you can run games on max graphics settings with total performance power (TPP) up to 245W.

Review: Alienware 18 Area-51

Who it's for: This is a laptop for serious gamers. Dell's Alienware 18 Area-51 is right at the top of the line 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: This is a laptop for gamers looking to commit to a powerful laptop. It exudes power and will be overkill in the hands of everyday users. 

Alienware 18 Area-51 tech specs: Display size: 18 inches | Display type: QHD | Resolution: Up to 4K | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 275X | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, 24GB | RAM: 32GB-64GB | Storage: 1TB-2TB M.2 SSD, Up to 12TB RAID | Battery life: Up to 3 hours

Which is the right Dell laptop for you?

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. 

How does Dell compare to other top brands?

Factors to consider when choosing a Dell laptop

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.  

Latest information on Dell laptops in 2025

Dell's product line renaming conventions

In early 2025, Dell announced 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 whom 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. Over the coming months we'll be reviewing each in turn. 

FAQs on Dell laptops

How much does a Dell laptop cost?

Dell is known for having a wide range of customization options for its laptops, so the cost can vary dramatically. We're talking multiple thousands of dollars difference, here. 

For example, the Alienware 18 Area-51 with minimum hardware starts at $1,899, a competitive price for an 18-inch gaming laptop. Beefing up its hardware, however, can raise the price well over $5,000 at checkout if you go all out with the top-tier specs. 

Other laptops may not see quite as dramatic a range, but consumers might see a greater range of price points compared to other laptops with more streamlined specs. That being said, Dell often has significant sales, marking down a wide range of models several hundred dollars below the starting price. 

How long does the battery typically last on a Dell laptop?

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 the Alienware 18 Area-51 will have shorter battery lives.

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