How to choose the best Dell laptop for you: Alienware, Premium, Pro, Pro Max, and more

If you’re thinking about getting a new laptop – for yourself or as a gift – you’ve probably considered Dell. They’re one of the most well-known computer brands, and offer a wide variety of laptops and desktop computers.

Finding the right Dell laptop can be tricky, even if you know what features you need and what you’re willing to spend. While our top-rated Windows laptops are a great place to start, Dell’s website offers a wide variety, so you might find exactly what you’re looking for there.

No matter what you’re looking for in a Dell laptop – from the sleek design and powerful features of the Dell 16 Premium to the extreme performance of the Alienware 16 Area-51, or the robust security of the Dell Pro 14 – this guide will help you find the perfect one.

Dell’s complete 2025 PC rebrand explained

Dell used to have a lot of different product lines, like Inspiron, XPS, and Latitude. But at CES 2025, they announced they’re making a big change to how they name their computers and devices. The goal is to make things simpler and less confusing for customers.

Dell has simplified its branding. Popular consumer lines like Inspiron and XPS are gone, now just called “Dell.” Business laptops previously known as Latitude are now “Dell Pro,” and high-performance workstations are “Dell Pro Max.” All of Dell’s gaming products are now under the Alienware brand, which has also streamlined its product names.

Beyond the main Dell brand, Dell uses terms like “Plus” and “Premium” to show where a laptop fits within its lineup, and the number usually refers to the screen size. For instance, the Dell 15 is a basic 15-inch laptop, the Dell 14 Plus is a step up with a 14-inch screen, and the Dell 16 Premium is their top-of-the-line 16-inch model. This same pattern applies to other Dell series, such as the Dell Pro 14, Dell Pro 14 Plus, and Dell Pro 14 Premium.

	Dell	Dell Pro	Dell Pro Max	Alienware
Essential	N/A	Laptops	N/A	N/A
Base	Laptops, Desktops, Monitors	Laptops, Desktops, Monitors	Laptops, Desktops	Monitors
Plus	Laptops, Desktops, Monitors	Laptops, Desktops, Monitors	Laptops	N/A
Premium	Laptops	Laptops	Laptops	N/A
Aurora	N/A	N/A	N/A	Laptops, Desktops
Area-51	N/A	N/A	N/A	Laptops, Desktops

Dell now applies this naming system to all its products – from small PCs and desktop towers to monitors. For example, you might see a Dell Pro Tower desktop or a Dell 32 Plus monitor. The table above helps break down how it all works, as Dell’s otherwise straightforward system can be a little confusing.

Dell’s recent branding changes move away from relying on customers recognizing product lines like “Inspiron” or “XPS.” However, this has unintentionally made it harder to tell Dell’s different products apart. The announcement received criticism, with many believing Dell has lost its unique identity. This is particularly noticeable when compared to HP’s 2024 rebrand of the OmniBook and EliteBook lines, which is both clearer and more easily distinguishable.

Dell’s consumer laptops explained

Dell offers a range of laptops for everyday users, categorized into three lines: Dell, Dell Plus, and Dell Premium. Each line builds on the previous one, offering improved performance, a more stylish look, and additional features – but also at a higher cost. These models are expected to be Dell’s most popular with general consumers.

Dell

The “Base” line, often simply called “Dell,” features the company’s most affordable laptops and desktops. These models prioritize value, offering straightforward designs, basic screens, and fewer high-end features – all at a budget-friendly price.

The Dell 15 is a great affordable laptop, starting at $399.99 on Dell.com. It’s ideal for everyday tasks and perfect for people who don’t use a laptop often, or for students who need a computer for school.

The Dell 14 is available starting at $699.99 directly from Dell.com and features a sleek, modern 14-inch design and upgraded features like a backlit keyboard. For those who prefer a larger display, the Dell 16 is also available from Dell.com, starting at $699.99.

The Dell Base family of computers starts at $399.99 on Dell.com, with options for both Intel and AMD processors. However, these are entry-level models that often have discounts, so it’s best to wait for a sale before buying.

Dell Plus

Dell Plus laptops represent a great balance of features and price, and are the most popular choice for many customers. These models step up the quality with sleeker metal designs, and often include extras like touchscreen and stylus support – though they do come at a higher cost.

The Dell 14 Plus is available starting at $799.99 directly from Dell.com, and it’s one of the first laptops with the newest AI capabilities built into Windows 11. I tested the DB14255 model and found it to be a generally dependable mid-range laptop, although the screen quality was a bit of a letdown.

The Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is available from $849.99 at Dell.com. It’s the standard Dell 14 Plus laptop, but with a 360-degree hinge, allowing it to be used as a tablet, and supports touch and stylus input.

For a bigger, better display, the Dell 16 Plus is available starting at $849.99 from Dell.com. If you’d like a more high-end option, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 starts at $1,099.99. You can explore the complete Dell Plus range beginning at $799.99 on the Dell website. With the exception of the 2-in-1 model, all these laptops come with either AMD or Intel processors, and the AMD versions are generally more affordable.

Dell Premium

If you’re looking to spend a lot on a truly high-end laptop, the Dell Premium series is a great option. These are Dell’s top-of-the-line models and essentially succeed the older Dell XPS line.

As a tech fan, I’m really excited about these new laptops! They come in two sizes, and both look amazing – super modern with these seamless touchpads. Plus, the screens are incredible OLEDs, and you can even get them with a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card if you want extra power. Seriously, they’ve thought of everything!

Dell offers the 14 Premium laptop starting at $1,549.99 and the more powerful 16 Premium starting at $2,499.99, both available at Dell.com. While they’re expensive, these laptops deliver exceptional performance and features.

My colleague, Rebecca Spear, recently reviewed the Dell 16 Premium and thought it was both powerful and visually appealing, though its simple design isn’t for everyone. The Dell Premium series starts at $1,099.99 and is available at Dell.com. Dell also continues to offer some older XPS models, providing a more affordable option for those seeking a high-quality laptop.

Dell’s Alienware gaming laptops explained

Alienware is a well-established and recognizable name in gaming PCs, which is why Dell decided to focus entirely on Alienware and discontinue its own G-Series gaming line. With a limited number of models, it’s simple for both gamers and creative professionals to find a powerful laptop that fits their needs.

Alienware Aurora

The Alienware Aurora is a line of laptops that offers a relatively affordable option, which is unusual for Alienware products.

Dell.com offers the Alienware 16 Aurora starting at $1,099.99, featuring a 16-inch, 120Hz display and more basic specifications. For those needing more performance, the Alienware 16X Aurora is available from $1,649.99 and boasts upgraded hardware.

I’m currently testing the Alienware 16X and 16, and I’m impressed so far. The Alienware Aurora series starts at $1,099.99 and is available at Dell.com.

Alienware Area-51

Dell is bringing back the classic “Area-51” name for its newest, top-of-the-line Alienware gaming laptops. These laptops are designed to offer the ultimate high-end PC gaming experience, regardless of cost.

These laptops are quite bulky and weigh a lot, but they boast top-of-the-line Intel and NVIDIA processors and a comprehensive set of advanced features, like the option for a colorful, mechanical keyboard. They do come with a high price tag, but you won’t find a laptop that performs much better on the go.

Dell.com offers the Alienware 16 Area-51 starting at $2,749.99. My colleague, Rebecca Spear, reviewed it and awarded it her Editor’s Choice. For those wanting even more power, there’s the Alienware 18 Area-51, available from $3,449.99, which pushes performance to the absolute limit.

You can check out the complete Alienware Area-51 family from $2,749.99 at Dell.com.

Dell’s Pro and Pro Max business laptops explained

Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max laptops are built for businesses and professionals. They prioritize essential features, security, and a reliable experience over trendy designs or extra bells and whistles.

Because of how expansive these families are, I’ve condensed what would be seven sections into three.

Dell Pro Essential & Dell Pro

The Dell Pro Essential and Dell Pro lines offer budget-friendly PCs for small businesses and professionals. Like other Dell Pro laptops, they include Windows 11 Pro, enhanced security features designed for businesses, and are built to be more durable.

Dell offers several Pro laptops, including the Pro 15 Essential starting at $449, the Pro 14 from $669, and the Pro 16 from $779 – all available at Dell.com. These laptops come with either Intel or AMD processors and are frequently purchased by companies to provide computers for their employees.

Before you buy one, think about whether you really need the extra features of a “Pro” laptop – most people find a standard laptop works just fine and saves money. The Dell Pro Essential and Dell Pro laptops are available at Dell.com starting at $449.

Dell Pro Plus & Dell Pro Premium

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Dell Pro Plus laptops are a great option. Many of these are designed as AI PCs, offering features like fingerprint or facial recognition, faster performance, and tools to boost your productivity.

Dell offers a range of Pro laptops, including the Pro 14 Plus starting at $1,289, available with Intel or AMD processors and as a 2-in-1. The larger Dell Pro 16 Plus is available from $1,259 and includes a number pad, which many users appreciate. For those who prefer a smaller size, the Dell Pro 13 Plus, with its 13.3-inch screen, is available from $1,699 and is popular with customers who need a portable option for fieldwork. All models are available at Dell.com.

If you have a larger budget, consider Dell Pro Premium laptops – Dell’s top-of-the-line models, just below professional workstations. These stylish laptops are designed for owners and executives who demand the best in security, performance, and features. You can find the Dell Pro 14 Premium starting at $1,819 on Dell.com.

I’ve been checking out these Dell laptops, and honestly, they’re well-built enough for anyone, not just businesses. But it’s worth knowing you’re paying a bit more for the added security features – both in the hardware and software – and the ability to manage them remotely. The starting price for the Dell Pro Plus and Pro Premium lines is $1,289 directly from Dell.com.

Dell Pro Max

Okay, so last but definitely not least, there’s the Dell Pro Max series. These are Dell’s workstations built for serious, professional use. Honestly, they’re powerhouses – you *can* take them with you, but they really shine when they’re plugged in and running at full capacity. They’re built for performance first, portability second.

The Dell Pro Max line offers a lot of choices, with different models like the Base, Plus, and Premium. You can customize it with either Intel or AMD processors, dedicated NVIDIA graphics cards, and even choose to run Linux instead of Windows. Prices start around $1,279 for the Dell Pro Max 14, available at Dell.com.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve been checking out the Dell Pro series, and wow, things get pricey fast when you start adding serious power! The Pro Max 16 Plus starts at $4,079 directly from Dell.com. If you want a really nice machine with plenty of performance but don’t want to go *quite* that high, the Dell Pro Max 16 Premium is a great option, starting at $3,610 on Dell.com.

These laptops aren’t the lightest to carry around, but they’re incredibly powerful and can easily handle demanding tasks like artificial intelligence and 3D modeling. You can find the complete Dell Pro Max range starting at $1,279 on Dell.com.

How to choose the best Dell laptop for you

Dell offers a wide variety of Windows laptops, and with so many choices, it can be tough to pick the right one. But figuring out which Dell laptop is best for you is actually quite simple. Whether you need a computer for everyday home use, gaming, schoolwork, or a specific job, you can easily find a great fit.

To help you figure things out, here are a few questions to consider, along with our recommendations.

What are you planning to do on your laptop?

This question is straightforward, and your answer will guide us in determining your power requirements, desired features, and top priorities.

Most laptop users spend their time browsing the internet, checking email, using programs like Microsoft Office, video chatting, and enjoying entertainment such as videos, music, and simple games.

Dell laptops all have this capability, but you don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-line or professional model. Alienware laptops are likely more powerful than you need, and they tend to be bulkier, heavier, and have shorter battery life compared to everyday laptops.

If you enjoy playing video games, or need a powerful laptop for demanding tasks like editing photos and videos, design work, or software development, look for models with a dedicated graphics card – such as those from the Dell Premium, Alienware, or Dell Pro Max lines.

Dell Plus is a great option for most people. If you have a bit more to spend and want a better laptop, consider Dell Premium. And for those who need serious performance, Alienware is the way to go.

How much are you willing to spend on a new laptop?

After you’ve decided what you’ll be using your laptop for, figuring out your budget is the next important step. Dell organizes its laptops into different price ranges, so knowing how much you can afford will help you quickly find the right options.

Even if you have the money for the priciest Dell laptop, it’s not always the best choice. While spending more gets you a nicer look, improved features like a better screen or sound, and faster performance, it doesn’t usually mean longer battery life. Sometimes, fancy designs prioritize appearance over practicality. On the other hand, cheaper laptops often mean sacrificing build quality and overall user experience.

When choosing a laptop, think beyond just the price. Consider how much you’ll actually use it and how important it is to your daily routine. If you depend on it for work, it’s a good idea to spend a little more on a durable, fast model. But if it’s for a child or just occasional use, a simpler, less expensive laptop might be a better fit.

Dell Pro and Pro Max laptops come with extra security and remote management tools, but those features add to the cost – and most users don’t actually need them. Standard laptops offer enough security and privacy for everyday use.

Do you have specific requirements for a work laptop?

If you only need a laptop for work, you don’t necessarily need to buy a Dell Pro or Dell Pro Max. These laptops are built for large businesses, and everyday users end up paying extra for features like enhanced security, privacy, and remote management tools that are really meant for IT professionals.

Businesses frequently buy laptops in large quantities to provide for their staff. Even if employees are asked to buy their own devices, they’ll usually be aware of the necessary security standards they must follow.

Think about whether the extra features on these laptops – like enhanced security for sensitive data – are useful to you. Keep in mind these are built for businesses, not everyday users, so things like the screen quality for movies, speaker sound, or gaming performance might not be as good as on a typical consumer laptop.

Do you need an AI laptop?

It’s not always easy to define what an AI PC actually is. Artificial intelligence is becoming common, and most computers today can already use AI features like Copilot to some extent. So, what makes a dedicated AI laptop different from any other laptop that *can* use AI?

Generally, the key considerations are Windows 11 and ensuring your laptop stays relevant for years to come. Windows 11 now identifies “Copilot+ PCs” – newer laptops with powerful processors called NPUs. These NPUs allow for a range of AI features that run directly on your device, offering benefits like better webcam quality for video calls, a private history of your work for easy access to old files, live captions and translations, improved photo and video editing, and even the ability to create images, among other things.

While most of these AI features aren’t essential for everyone today, the key benefit of AI PCs is that they unlock new capabilities within Windows 11 that older computers can’t access. This also means they’re designed to stay current – AI laptops will continue receiving the newest software features as they’re released, and that list is always expanding.

This is happening even with programs that aren’t specifically designed for Windows. Many companies are now using the special AI processors in laptops to improve features in popular apps, like those from Adobe, for millions of people.

When buying a new laptop that you plan to keep for a long time, it’s a good idea to consider one with AI capabilities. Even if you don’t need those features right now, having them will prepare you for future advancements. Plus, Dell offers AI laptops at various price points, so you don’t have to spend a fortune.

What is the best Dell laptop?

There’s no single “best” Dell laptop for everyone. Because laptops come in so many different types and people use them in so many different ways, the ideal choice depends on individual needs.

Here are my top three recommendations, focusing on what most people need in a laptop. First, the Dell 14 Plus, starting at $1,099.99 at Dell.com, offers a great combination of features. It’s a sleek, all-metal laptop with artificial intelligence capabilities, and you can customize it with a stunning Mini LED display.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line laptop, the Dell 14 Premium is a great option, starting at $1,549.99 on Dell.com. It has a sleek design and can even be upgraded with an NVIDIA graphics card for faster performance.

Gamers will want to check out the Alienware 16X Aurora, available at Dell.com starting at $1,649.99. I’m still evaluating it, but so far it’s proving to be a powerful machine, and the price seems fair for the performance.

2025-10-29 15:15