The Best Dell Laptops, According To IT Experts

Forbes

20 hours ago

A good laptop can help you get your work and personal tasks done thanks to a combination of a powerful processor, a large battery and a color-accurate screen—and if you're seeking a new laptop, odds are that Dell has come up in your search. It's with good reason: The best Dell laptops, like our top pick, the Dell 14 Plus, take what a good laptop can accomplish a step further. It has a gorgeous display for editing, an all-day battery life and useful AI integrations that can help streamline your workflow.
After hours of research and speaking with IT experts, we found the best Dell laptops for working, ... More gaming and streaming. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
But there are other options available if the Dell 14 Plus isn't ideal for your needs. The Dell Inspiron 15 comes with a large, bright display and plenty of processing power and costs less than four figures. Gamers should pick up the Dell Alienware 16 Aurora to play AAA games with ease. After hours of research and speaking with IT experts, here are the best Dell laptops you can use to work, game or stream today.
Best Dell Laptop Overall: Dell 14 Plus
Best Value Dell Laptop: Dell Inspiron 15
Best Workstation Dell Laptop: Dell Pro 14 Premium
Best Dell Gaming Laptop: Dell Alienware 16 Aurora
Best Dell Laptop For Creatives: Dell XPS 16
Best Dell 2-In-1 Laptop: Dell Latitude 7350 13-Inch 2-in-1
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X | Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 14-inch non-touch 2.5K | Battery: Up to 22 hours | Weight: 3.4 pounds
Pros: Intel Core 7 processer is great for multitasking
Lightweight, portable build
Long battery life
Cons: Graphics card may not be enough for heavy video editing
Not a touch display
The best Dell laptop overall is the Dell 14 Plus: It has a great blend to help you complete your tasks without spending thousands on a device. The model I chose has an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, which can handle hefty multitasking; if you want more raw power, you can also upgrade to the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. Its 32GB of RAM complements the Ultra 7 processor, and the result is that the laptop can handle power-hungry work applications with ease. The configuration I chose also offers 1TB of SSD storage—plenty to store documents as well as some larger files.
It has Intel Arc Graphics, which isn't enough for the heaviest of video editors, but if you're doing light work in Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom, it suffices. It also comes with plenty of ports if you need to connect peripherals, including one USB-C, one HDMI, one USB-A and a headphone jack. It's also worth noting that while the 14-inch display isn't a touchscreen, it has a 2.5K resolution and gets up to 300 nits brightness. Could it be brighter? Absolutely. But if you're not heading outdoors with this device, it should suffice.
Good Value
CPU: Intel Core i7-1355U | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 15.6-inch FHD touch screen | Battery: Up to 9 hours | Weight: 3.6 pounds
Pros: Good combination of 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage
Touch screen is useful for light tasks
Cons: Intel Iris Xe Graphics could be stronger
Battery life is weaker compared to other picks
For those who want to keep the price tag under four figures, take a look at the Dell Inspiron 15. It's a 3.6-pound laptop that gets the basics right, with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD drive. To get this particular configuration, including the 15.6-inch FHD touch screen, you need to customize your selection on the site. Still, for the basics, it's worth that extra effort: The processor is good enough if you work mainly with documents. Just keep in mind that this has an Intel Iris XE graphics chip, so don't expect to do really any photo or video editing on it—it's not strong enough. It's good enough for casual social media edits, but for any Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop work, look elsewhere.
The battery life on the Dell Inspiron 15 is also a little lacking; while others on this list can last nearly 24 hours away from a power socket, this model can only get up to nine hours on a single charge. That's a pretty significant difference. Still, nine hours is plenty of time for students, light work or just casual browsing, so don't let that sway you too much from this model. You also get plenty of ways to connect your peripherals, including USB-A, USB-C and an HDMI 1.4 port.
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 268V | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X | Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 14-inch FHD non-touch | Battery: Up to 21 hours | Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros: Offers a lightweight sturdy chassis, especially if you're prone to accidental drops
Powerful processor is great for multitasking
Built-in Microsoft Copilot for streamlining your workflow
Cons: The display could be more powerful
Video editors may need a stronger graphics card
The Dell Pro Premium 14-inch has a lot going for it: Not only is it crafted from eco-friendly materials, but it's also a military-grade chassis, an ideal feature if you're prone to accidental drops. It's also lightweight, weighing only 2.5 pounds. One standout feature is the 8MP HDR+ webcam to keep your image crisp during meetings.
Our configuration uses an Intel Core 7 processor which promises 48 TOPS NPUs, or neural processing units. These neural units help maximize the raw processing power when you're working with the heaviest of applications. While the Intel Arc graphics could be stronger, if you're mainly using this as a business machine or for light editing work, it suffices. Those who work with video editing should look elsewhere.
Its 32GB RAM is good for multitasking and working, and the 1TB of SSD storage is plenty for storing documents and some larger files. The full HD, or FHD, display is non-touch, but that's not a dealbreaker unless you need to convert your Dell laptop into a tablet. You also get access to Microsoft Copilot for brainstorming, streamlining tasks and more. That said, the display's brightness is a little low, at 300 nits. Still, for a good blend of powerful multitasking processing, battery life and a decent display, the Dell Pro 14 Premium is the best bet.
CPU: Intel Core 9-270H Series 2 | RAM: 32GB DDR5 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 16-inch WQXGA non-touch | Battery: Up to 6 hours | Weight: 5.6 pounds
Pros: Great combination of power and price
32GB RAM helps to keep games responsive
Cons: Very heavy—plan to keep at your desk
No slots for extra SSD storage
The Dell Alienware 16 Aurora was built to play literally any game and keep the most demanding action sequences buttery smooth. That's thanks to a combination of the powerful Intel Core 9-270H Series 2, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics chip and the 32GB RAM packed under the hood (the latter is becoming the new standard base RAM for new AAA titles). The processor may cost extra, but it's worthwhile: It can handle any AAA title with ease.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 is part of the latest 2025 graphics card launches, so you can expect it to last for years before it begins to show any signs of aging. Two large fans and rear vents help keep the laptop cool when playing demanding games, too. The WQXGA screen, combined with a 120Hz refresh rate, helps to keep the graphics not only gorgeous but smooth during gameplay, too. Yes, the storage could be a little bigger, and the biggest downside is that there aren't any extra slots for adding more SSD cards. It's also the heaviest laptop on this list at 5.6 pounds.
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 16.3-inch 4K OLED touch screen | Battery: Up to 14 hours | Weight: 4.7 pounds
Pros: 32GB of RAM is built for video editing and other heavy applications
Nvidia 4060 chipset is great for graphics-heavy tasks
Cons: Last year's graphics card may be off-putting for some
Heavy
No SD or MicroSD slot
For those who need raw power, the Dell XPS 16 laptop is chock-full of features that make it worthwhile for creatives. It packs in the Intel Core Ultra 9 chip that can handle literally anything you throw at it. Tack on 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage, and you can work on any application you can think of and have plenty of space to store large files. Its main draw is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card to handle exactly what it's designed for—graphics applications. That said, that 40 series chip is a little older than the current 50 series available, and some creatives may bristle at that. But for most, it's still a powerful graphics card that can handle almost any task you throw at it.
The 16.3-inch touch screen may be a little too large for some, but it has a 4K OLED resolution, and it gets a little brighter than others on this list. While many Dell laptops can only hit 300 nits, the XPS 16 can hit 400 nits. You can expect to pay for all of these features, and it's still missing a pretty important feature for creatives—the SD card slot, which I personally need to upload my camera's shots. In this case, plan to invest in a USB hub for those specific needs. But the power this device can draw upon to work on the heaviest applications, including CAD and video editing, makes the price and the weight well worthwhile.
Best Features
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 165U | RAM: 32GB | Graphics: Integrated Intel Graphics | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 13.3-inch QHD+ touch screen | Battery: Up to 12 hours | Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros: Lightweight aluminum build is great for working on the go
Long battery life lasts most of the day on a single charge
Cons: Display is on the smaller side
Minor software glitches may be off-putting
The Dell Latitude 7350 13-Inch 2-In-1 is a great choice for those seeking a blend of workhorse power but also need a touch-screen tablet. I used it as my main working device for several months—the aluminum chassis is lightweight enough to tuck into my work bag when I'm traveling around New York City, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor feels snappy for all of my working needs. The model here has 32GB of RAM which is more than plenty for editing work and may be overkill for those seeking a device for watching content. But for the price, it's worth that extra splurge. It's worth noting that I work with Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop to edit projects; the Dell 7350 handles these tasks with ease, and the display gets plenty bright and can hit 500 nits.
That said, there are a few drawbacks to the Dell 7350. While the laptop itself offers plenty of ports, for those doing light editing work, plan to add a USB hub that includes an SD card slot. While most Dell devices don't come with this, it's an oversight for creatives who feel a 2-in-1 better suits their needs. Also, there have been moments with small software glitches—some of my peripherals randomly disconnect, and restarting and repairing these peripherals is the only way to get them working again.
The Forbes Vetted team works entirely from home, and we rely on our laptops to stay connected to our coworkers and complete day-to-day tasks, like maintaining our hundreds of tech and electronic guides . By leveraging our personal experiences with laptops and in-depth product research, we've published several guides on home office essentials , including the best home printers and Wi-Fi extenders in addition to this roundup. Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs has spent the past six years testing and reviewing the latest in consumer technology. Isaacs has personally tested many Dell laptops and can speak to benchmarking, build quality and more. She has also tested products for related guides, like the best gaming TVs , Android phones and writing tablets .
has spent the past six years testing and reviewing the latest in consumer technology. Isaacs has personally tested many Dell laptops and can speak to benchmarking, build quality and more. She has also tested products for related guides, like the , and . We also consulted unbiased computer experts to learn more about Dell devices and their offerings. In particular, we spoke with Jake Turner, cofounder and CFO of IT consulting company Cosmistack, Inc.
To ensure our recommendations are current and relevant, we frequently update this guide. It was published in June 2025.
To find the best Dell laptops, we reviewed the company's latest laptop launches and considered its most popular laptop models. We compared key features and cross-checked components like the processor, graphics card, RAM and more to determine what made the shortlist. We also leaned on expert insights from IT professionals. We dove into the details for the processor, RAM, graphics, storage, display and more to narrow down what features provide the best experiences.
We relied on the expert advice of Turner to help guide our choices.
Additionally, we interviewed a representative from Dell to understand which laptops were designed for which type of user, and took into account the features that can help make or break these experiences.
All of the laptops on this list have outstanding customer reviews, with an average rating of no fewer than 4 out of 5 stars.
We also considered different customer needs, from gamers to students to casual browsers and more. All of the laptops on this list encompass a variety of users, so there's something on this list for everyone.
A Dell laptop should showcase plenty of processing power so you can accomplish all of your work tasks, but it's not just about processing power. There's plenty more to consider before deciding on your next Dell laptop. Here's what to know. Performance
A laptop's performance refers to how well its processor, or CPU, tackles different tasks. Essentially, it's considered the laptop's brain, and the stronger it is, the faster it can work with heavy applications. Dell offers two different brands of processors, Intel and AMD. 'Intel and AMD are neck-and-neck these days, and you'd have to be doing some pretty intensive computing to start fretting over the nuances between each. All of the processors available in the Dell Pro line, the line I recommend, are going to throw some heavy punches,' says Turner.
For Intel, look for the Intel 14th generation or the Core Ultra. AMD Ryzens typically come in three different levels, also known as series. Series 5 is good for casual tasks and general internet browsing. Series 7 offers more balance for power-hungry tasks while keeping this power affordable. Series 9 is the company's top-of-the-line processor that's built for heavy applications and AAA gaming. Most shoppers, depending on their needs, should opt for an AMD Ryzen Series 7 or higher, especially for multitasking or playing video games on your Dell laptop. Display
Odds are you're staring at your screen for multiple hours per day, and a bright display can make a big difference, whether you're reviewing images or just watching content. Most of the Dell displays that made our list are FHD displays that are an IPS display, which is a type of LCD. LCDs are recommended for having bright backlighting, so they're ideal for working at any time of day.
That said, there are a few on our list that are OLEDs, which is a panel that's composed of self-lit pixels. These displays are excellent for reproducing high-contrast images with vivid colors, and it's why a lot of video editors and photographers prefer this type of panel. Portability
If you tend to move between an office or travel frequently for work, consider the size and weight of your laptop. Some of the best Dell laptops on this list, including the Dell 7350 13-Inch 2-In-1 and the Dell Pro 14 Premium, weigh less than three pounds, making them a great option to carry in a backpack or work bag. Battery Life
With a longer battery life, you don't have to worry about always being near an outlet. The minimum amount of time a laptop's battery should last is eight hours (though gaming laptops can last as few as four), but some laptops can last significantly longer. The Dell 14 Plus, as an example, can last up to 22 hours on a single charge.
What Series Of Dell Laptops Are Best?
It depends on what you plan to use the laptop for. Turner says to ask yourself, 'What kind of tasks will you be doing? General web browsing and administrative work or graphic design and video editing?' In general, Turner recommends the Dell Pro 14 line of laptops for workers, saying it's great for 'knowledge workers who need all-around performance and portability.'
For most needs, the Plus lineup is a great choice. It offers the balance of the raw power that the Pro line has while staying more affordable. The Plus line is also great for document processing, like working on essays or school assignments.
Is Dell XPS Or Inspiron Better?
It depends on your needs. The Dell XPS lineup is best suited for business owners and those who need a more powerful processor. The Inspiron line is better suited to casual users and students who may be working with documents and lighter processing.
But there's another more complicated answer here: Dell is in the process of sunsetting these lineup names, opting for a standardized lineup called Dell, Dell Plus, Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max titles. You can still get the XPS and the Inspiron laptops, but plan to look for these new titles.
If you're looking to go straight to the new names, Turner recommends the Pro line. 'The new 'Pro' line is a result of Dell simplifying their naming conventions in 2025 and combines the product families that business users may already be familiar with, such as Latitude, OptiPlex, and Vostro,' says Turner. But once you dive into the Pro family, you can narrow your needs further. 'Inside of the 'Pro' line, there are three further segments: 'Pro,' 'Pro Plus,' and 'Pro Premium,' each with differing levels of performance, connectivity, and versatility,' Turner says. So in short, while the Pro lineup is best for business owners, make sure you consider all the features before buying.
For students and casual users looking to replicate the Dell Inspiron line, the Plus line should be where you start. The Dell Plus line can handle document processing for working on schoolwork without costing a hefty sum.
Which Dell Laptop Is Best Overall?
Based on our research and testing, the best Dell laptop right now is the Dell 14 Plus. It has a great Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and plenty of RAM and storage that fits most needs.