The best Dell laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

Dell's laptop lineup has been a reliable mainstay in the market for over 40 years now, with a loyal consumer base who appreciate its high-performance machines. The recent rebranding of its lineup has confused repeat and new consumers alike, however, with some of the names we've grown familiar with to be replaced by a simplified "Plus/Pro" moniker.

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

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. 

Dell XPS 16 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

• Top-tier hardware
• Room-filling speakers
• 4K display
• Versatile configurations
• Bold design

• Not cheap
• Divisive keyboard/trackpad design
• Limited ports

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. 

Dell XPS 16 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 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.

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 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.

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: 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 going to be the cheapest (although it is 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 very similar, but a little easier on the wallet.

Dell XPS 16 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 going to be the cheapest (although it is 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 very similar, but a little easier on the wallet.

Dell XPS 16 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: 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. 

Dell XPS 16 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: 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. 

Dell XPS 16 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: 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.

Dell XPS 16 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

• Gorgeous display
• Powerful hardware
• Great for demanding workflows

• Not the best battery
• Heavy

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.

Dell XPS 16 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: 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 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. 

Alienware m18 R2 tech specs: Display size: 18 inches | Display type: QHD | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | CPU: 14th Gen Intel Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 16GB | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Storage: 1TB-8TB SSD | Battery life: 10 hours 

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

• Expensive
• Loud, powerful fans
• Heavy and bulky
• Best while plugged in

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. 

Alienware m18 R2 tech specs: Display size: 18 inches | Display type: QHD | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | CPU: 14th Gen Intel Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 16GB | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Storage: 1TB-8TB SSD | Battery life: 10 hours 

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.

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.