The best Dell laptops in 2022
Although from the same brand, the best Dell laptops are surprisingly varied. Dell produces machines perfect for all hobbies, professions and budgets (including students heading back to school). Yes, you can pay through the nose for a flagship XPS workstation laptop, but the Inspiron series is very reasonable and often found in schools and workplaces. Basically, whatever your requirement, Dell almost certainly has a device for you.
Dell even creates laptops for gaming. Its fairly-priced G-series doesn't have the usual flashy designs, but has a look more suited to an office environment, but the super-powerful Alienware sub-brand is hardware designed for those who need the absolute best.
However, those devices aren't just suited to gaming. All that extra graphical power mean they're ideal for creatives relying on demanding applications, and they usually come with a bunch of ports so you can plug everything in for a remote working setup – from mice to webcams and more.
It can be hard to whittle down your choice of which could be considered the best Dell laptop. You'll always want value for money, decent battery life and the perfect level of power, but anything other than that comes down to your specific task list. Here, we've rated our favourites based on extensive evaluation (see how we test laptops for more on our process), and we've pointed out who the machines would be best suited to.
If you can't find what you want in this list, why not explore our guide to the best laptops for graphic designers? You can also look at our best student laptops if you're seeking something more affordable, and our guide to the most powerful laptops if you're looking for high-end specs.
The best Dell laptops available today
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(Image credit: Dell)
01. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022) The best Dell laptop available right now Specifications CPU: 12th gen Intel Core i5/i7 Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: 8GB/16GB Screen: 13-inch 2880x1920 touchscreen display Storage: 256GB/512GB Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Latest-gen Intel CPU + Solid battery life + Weighs less than 3 lbs. Reasons to avoid - Limited ports
The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022) is one of the best 2-in-1 devices on the market, and while it's not the most powerful device, there are plenty of reasons why we selected this as the best Dell laptop that you can buy right now.
Featuring a 13-inch touchscreen with 3K resolution, don't let its small size fool you - it's more than capable of running applications such as Adobe Photoshop, and its ability to fold into a tablet device also means you can pair it with a stylus to avoid requiring a graphics drawing tablet for tasks like photo editing or digital illustration.
Not only does it come equipped with a fast Intel processor, plenty of RAM and integrated graphics, but its hybrid design and wide range of configurations means it's well suited to almost every environment. Students can appreciate how lightweight it is for carrying around campus for example, while creative professionals such as graphic designers can utilize its touchscreen display for making quick edits on the go.
Speaking of creatives, there are a few adjustments you can make that will ensure the Dell XPS 13 is well suited to handling your requirements, such as opting for the full 16GB of ultrafast DDR4 RAM.
It also has up to 512GB of onboard storage for saving large files like raw photographs, as well as up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, so you can bring it with you on the go without anxiously looking for a power outlet.
If this doesn't take your fancy, check out our guide to the best 2-in-1 laptops for creatives.
(Image credit: Dell)
02. Dell XPS 15 (2022) The best Dell laptop for creative pros Specifications CPU: 12th gen Intel i5/i7/i9 Graphics: Intel Iris Xe/NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 / GeForce RTX 3050 Ti RAM: 16GB/32GB/64GB Screen: 15.6-inch 1080p, 3.5K OLED, 4K Storage: 512GB/1TB/2TB/4TB Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Remarkably powerful performance + Stunning 3.5K OLED display + Three Thunderbolt 3 ports and SD card slot Reasons to avoid - Battery life is disappointing - No USB-A ports - Too expensive for most budgets
The Dell XPS 15 should be top of your list if you're on the market for something Windows-based that can rival a MacBook Pro. Not only does it provide incredible performance thanks to the latest generation of components powering this bad boy, but it's stylish and lightweight to boot - it even offers a few features that you won't currently find on any Apple laptops.
That is, of course, a glorious OLED InfinityEdge display for crisp blacks and vivid colours which is sure to win over any creative professional. Pair that with a 12th-generation Intel processor and Nvidia RTX 3050 or 3050 Ti graphics cards, It's the ideal choice for photo editing, video editing and graphic design, all while also being a decent buy for everyday working professionals and students.
You can even configure this powerful, portable workstation to have up to 64GB of RAM to eat through every application you toss its way. This isn't just one of the best Dell laptops on the market, it's one of the best laptops period.
(Image credit: Michelle Rae Uy)
03. Dell XPS 17 (2022) A big and powerful Dell laptop Specifications CPU: 12th Generation Intel Core i5/i7/i9 Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 / GeForce RTX 3060 RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5-4800MHz Screen: 17-inch 1920x1080, 17-inch 3840x2400 touchscreen display Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Great 17-inch display + Powerful configurations available + Up to 64GB of RAM Reasons to avoid - Below-average battery life - Could do with more ports
The Dell XPS 17 will be a better choice if you love all of the qualities of the 15-inch model above, but you enjoy using a larger screen, which makes it well suited for creatives who will appreciate the additional real-estate.
That's because that huge 17-inch 4K display is ideal for editing 4K video footage, touching up photos in Adobe Lightroom and graphic design. You can rest assured that the screen is high-quality too, with 500 nits of brightness and 100 per cent Adobe RGB and 94 per cent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage available at your disposal.
That beautiful display needs some fantastic components to power it, and luckily, the Dell XPS 17 is highly configurable, with up to a 12th-generation Intel Core i9 processor, 64GB of RAM and a GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card available.
You can expect around seven hours of battery life on a single charge, which was our only real criticism of the laptop given most of the XPS range has a fairly impressive battery life, but so long as you stay near a power source it won't cause too much of an issue.
See our complete Dell XPS 17 review for more details.
(Image credit: Dell)
04. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 The best Dell laptop for students Specifications CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 - AMD Ryzen 7 Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics RAM: 8GB Screen: 15.6-inch 1920x1080 Storage: 256GB / 512GB SSD Today's Best Deals View at Studio (opens in new tab) View at CCL (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Large 15.6-inch screen + Powerful enough for daily tasks + Decent amount of ports Reasons to avoid - Middling graphics - No USB-C
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is an incredible budget-friendly laptop for those who just need a way to get online, but can't be limited to using a Chromebook. In fact, it's likely you will have used an Inspiron device at some point thanks to their popularity across schools, colleges and workforces because of how affordable and reliable they are. This makes this model an excellent choice for students
There are a good few configurations available, from 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and a choice of Intel or AMD processor. That's clearly not going to be running 3D renders anytime soon, but it's a great choice for creative professionals with low hardware requirements, such as digital illustration programs like Clip Studio Paint, and you can always configure this with more powerful components.
The 15.6-inch HD display is pretty good for the price, and you're getting plenty of ports and slots. We would recommend this for students on a tight budget, but it's also well suited for those who are working from home.
(Image credit: Dell Alienware)
06. Alienware m17 R4 (2021) The best Dell laptop for AAA gaming Specifications CPU: 10th-gen Intel Core i7 – i9 Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 - 3080 RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR4 2933MHz Screen: 17.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz 7ms 300-nits – 17.3" UHD (3840 x 2160) 60Hz 25ms 500-nits Storage: 256GB PCIe M.2 SSD – 4TB RAID0 + 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Dell Technologies UK (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Blazing fast performance + Powerful components + Stylish chassis with a ton of RGB Reasons to avoid - The battery life really sucks - Seriously expensive, even for a gaming laptop
The Alienware m17 R4 is, despite its name, a Dell-branded product after the two brands merged several years ago, and while it's marketed as a gaming laptop, there's plenty about it that creatives will love.
Price likely won't be one of them as something this powerful costs a lot of cash, but you're getting a lot of laptop for your money. The m17 R4 is equipped with a choice of either Intel i7 or i9 10th-gen Intel processors, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 or RTX 3080 GPU and up to 32GB of RAM, and those components make it well suited for 3D sculpting and game design.
The processor might be slightly older now that Intel has released its 12th-generation CPUs for laptops, but that doesn't make them any less capable. There are also very few dedicated creative laptops on the market, which makes gaming hardware a more accessible choice for folks wanting to use apps like Blender and Unreal Engine 5 on the go.
The trade-off is that the battery life is extremely poor, and the design is certainly going to be a deal-breaker for some, but overall, this is a great choice for creatives working with graphically demanding software.
(Image credit: Dell)
07. Dell G15 A Dell laptop that offers professional style with power for gaming Specifications CPU: 12th Generation Intel Core i7 – i9 Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 - RTX 3070 Ti RAM: 16GB – 32GB Screen: 15.6-inch 1920x1080, 15.6-inch 2560x1440 Storage: 512GB SSD – 1TB SSD Today's Best Deals View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Affordable for a gaming laptop + Anti-glare FHD LED display Reasons to avoid - The build is a tad flimsy - Design is rather uninspiring
The Dell G15 is another gaming laptop, though this model will appeal to you more than the Alienware above thanks to its more palatable price tag and modest looks, exchanging an RGB-infested, alien-branded chassis for something that would look more appropriate in an office of classroom.
There's plenty of configurations available for you to customize the device to your exact needs, though you won't be able to equip it with the most powerful hardware on the market. Still, the top-spec RTX 3060 model is very capable at running 3D applications. It's a great choice for creative professionals and students alike who want a laptop with a little more power under the hood for playing around in apps like Blender.
The caveat is going to be both fan noise and battery life, but if you're happy to stick near a power outlet and make sure it gets plenty of unrestricted airflow then this is a great choice for both work and play.
(Image credit: Dell)
08. Alienware x15 (2022) A ultra-powerful Alienware gaming laptop Specifications CPU: 12th generation Intel Core i7 - Intel Core i9 Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 - RTX 3080 Ti RAM: 16GB - 32GB DDR4 Screen: 15.6-inch 1920x1080, 15.-inch 2560x1440, 165Hz - 360Hz Storage: Up to 8TB RAID0 + 512GB SSD Today's Best Deals View at Dell Technologies UK (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Sturdy build quality and flashy design + Huge storage capacity + Powerful top-end specifications Reasons to avoid - Eye wateringly expensive for a gaming laptop - Design and RGB might not be for everyone
The Alienware x15 is another great option for creatives who need a powerful, portable workstation. Its dedicated graphics make it a good choice for those working in game development or 3D applications, and the configurations are top of the line, with 12th generation Intel processors that start from the i7 up to the workstation-ready i9, and a GPU ranging from the RTX 3060 to the RTX 3080 Ti.
There are even multiple options for the display, with a choice between either FHD or QHD resolution, with FHD having an sRGB 100% colour gamut rating and the QHD panel rocking 99% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. There are even a few refresh rates to choose from starting from 165Hz, which could tempt some video editors.
As those high-end components might imply, this is a pricey product which is going to be a hard sell for those on a tight budget, and like most gaming laptops, the battery life can be lacklustre, but you have to accept some accommodations in exchange for all that power.
(Image credit: Dell)
09. Dell Chromebook 3110 2-in-1 Specifications CPU: Intel Celeron N4500 Graphics: Integrated RAM: 4GB, 8GB Screen: 11.6-inch 1366x768 display Storage: 32GB eMMC, 64GB eMMC Reasons to buy + Light and portable + Affordable for a 2-in-1 Reasons to avoid - Not very powerful - Fairly small screen
If you’re a student, you might have looked at the range of Dell laptops and wondered if there’s something more affordable. Well, the good news is that Dell makes a very good Chromebook that’s perfect for students or those on a budget.
The Dell Chromebook 3110 2-in-1 shows you don’t need to spend big to get 2-in-1 functionality. It’s highly portable, making it perfect for taking to lectures or loading into a backpack. And if you want to turn it into a tablet, just detach it from the keyboard and away you go.
For sure, it’s far from the most powerful Dell laptop in the world, but that’s not the point of a Chromebook. Instead, you’ll be getting a lightweight device that won’t weigh you down when you need to do a bit of work here and there.
(Image credit: Dell)
10. Dell Precision 5760 A truly portable workstation from Dell Specifications CPU: 11th generation Intel Core i5 - Intel Core i9, Intel Xeon W Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A2000 RAM: 8GB to 64GB DDR4 3200MHz Screen: 17-inch 1920x1080 display with 500 nits of brightness Storage: 512GB - 4TB SSD Today's Best Deals View at Dell Technologies UK (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Impressive display + Sufficient power for most demanding applications + Modern, slim design Reasons to avoid - Battery life needs some improvement - Lacks much port variety - Expensive, even for a workstation
The Dell Precision 5760 is a true workstation rather than a gaming laptop, and that comes with a pinch of professionalism. What it lacks in flashy RGB lighting, it makes up for with raw power and performance.
You're getting a display that offers up to 100% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 coverage, as well as the powerful RTX A3000 graphics card that doesn't feature too often in laptops. This is the professional alternative to game-ready graphics cards, making this ideal for anyone looking for a portable solution while working with VFX.
As always, battery life on something with a discrete GPU is going to be a bit disappointing but if you're set on buying an actual workstation laptop over a gaming device then this is one of the best options on the market - providing you can stomach its hefty price tag.
(Image credit: Dell)
11. Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 The best 2-in-1 Inspiron from Dell Specifications CPU: 12th Generation Intel Core i5 – i7 Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce MX550 RAM: 8GB – 16GB Screen: 16-inch 1920x1200 touchscreen, 16-inch 3840x2160 touchscreen Storage: 512 GB SSD – 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Today's Best Deals View at Dell Technologies UK (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Competent performance to rival the XPS + Premium design is highly versatile Reasons to avoid - 4K display option can be a battery drain
The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 will be a great choice for folks who don't have especially high hardware demands and instead, value utility and portability. Its tablet-inspired design means it's well equipped for use with a stylus, so graphic designers and other creative professionals can make quick adjustments to their work on the fly, without needing to lug around a graphics drawing tablet.
For graphics, you've got either integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or an Nvidia GeForce MX550, so they're not the strongest GPU options, but software like Clip Studio Paint or Adobe Photoshop will run just fine. Besides, you're getting a super-slim machine, which makes this a great choice for those who commute frequently or work on the go.
There's an option for a beautiful 4K display, and while this can be a big drain on the battery, overall the Inspiron 16 2-in-1 has plenty of flexibility advantage over other Inspiron laptops. We think it's worth considering over a tablet or something running a Lite version of the Windows OS, as this won't support all of the apps available on the full desktop version.
Why should I buy a Dell laptop? Dell makes some of the best all-around laptops and 2-in-1 devices on the market, perfectly balancing the technical specs needed by most users across a wide range of budgets. The build quality across both Dell and Alienware is very respectable, so if you're looking for a powerful gaming laptop, buying from either brand is a safe bet. Not only are they offer top-of-the-line components and features, but they look very classy and stylish to boot, competing for looks against well established devices like the Apple range of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops. If you have a price in mind and a particular area that needs to be optimised for your needs, Dell will have something that suits you, from 4K displays for photo editors, to beefy graphics cards and plentiful RAM for 3D artists and gamers.
What's the best Dell laptop? There's no one answer to the question of which is the best Dell laptop overall because everyone will have very different needs from a device. We love the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 for its portability and speedy components, but it won't appeal to those of you who need something with more power behind it for especially demanding applications. The Dell XPS 15 or 17 are well suited for those who need raw power and a high-quality display, but size could prove troublesome for anyone looking for portability. For high-quality gaming, consider something from Alienware, a sub-brand of Dell that makes powerful gaming laptops, and for a real workhorse, look at the Precision range of portable workstations.
How should I choose the best Dell laptop? When looking for the best Dell laptop, you'll need to consider your specific needs. Dell's range spans all types of laptop including 2-in-1, gaming and workstations. Each have their own merits, but won't all be the right fit for everyone. You should consider whether you're always out and about (and need good battery life and a lightweight machine) or mostly in one place so portability isn't a consideration. Creative professionals are likely to need a laptop with good RAM, a powerful graphics card and a fast processor so the machine is capable of handling technical and demanding applications. A laptop named as a workstation has the power of a desktop. If this is what you need, then the Dell Precision 5760 is a good bet. The Dell XPS 17 (2021) is also super-powerful, with a giant screen. It also goes without saying (but we will anyway) that those working with video or images will want to prioritise the display. Students may not need the power of a gaming laptop or a workstation (unless their specialism is in a creative discipline) so could look for something that proritises value for money over power, such as the Dell Inspiron 15 3000.
Need something in between tremendous power and simplicity? Our top pick straddles the gap, and is also a 2-in-1 laptop. 2-in-1 devices are usually less powerful but are gaining power all the time. Plus, you can edit high-res images using a stylus – a useful function for creatives.
Read more:
Dell vs HP vs Samsung Laptops: Which is Better in 2022?
Comparing laptops isn’t as easy as it may appear. It is like comparing apples with apples and overlooking the colors. You want to narrow in on what makes each laptop different from the next.
The criteria for comparing a laptop include the design, performance, graphics, and prices. You want to make sure that you are going over the primary specs for each device so that you take an objective approach to which laptop might be better.
Here we are comparing Dell versus HP versus Samsung laptops. These devices usually run similarly to each other, and if you are on the market for the best Samsung laptop or are interested in a unibody laptop, then you want to read on to find out what you can learn about the differences.
Have a look at this comparison of the various laptop brands.
Samsung versus Dell versus HP Laptop Comparison
Learn what makes each laptop similar to the next and what makes them different to help you pick the best one for you.
Samsung
These laptops are known for being very functional, versatile, and advanced in technology. Samsung is one of the world leaders in providing you excellent mobile devices for work or play. ‘
If what you are looking for is a sturdy laptop that is functional in all aspects, then Samsung is the one you want. These laptops have top-notch components that make them a true contender in the best of the best.
Graphics – The graphics come with an HDMI port. What that means is these laptops have the capabilities to run in high definition. The display is bright and very colorful. Playing games or watching movies on this laptop is pleasurable.
Design– The design of the laptop follows OLED technology. The OLED technology company knows it is relatively new and is collaborating with Samsung to make it better all the time. The OLED tech helps to take the design of Samsung laptops to a whole new level that is appealing.
Performance – The performance of these laptops is considerably well, but not as high as other laptops of higher degrees. However, if you want a competitive laptop, this is the one.
Prices – There is a wide range of laptops that are produced by Samsung, and it allows you to choose from a spectrum of budget to premium options. The best middle ground laptops are going to run between $500 to $800. Laptops range in a variety of prices, and that makes Samsung highly comparable.
Also see the best gaming laptops.
Dell
Dell has a long-standing reputation as one of the best in the laptop industry. The popularity of its laptops is due to connectivity and mobility. Dell offers a large range of products, but they are best known for laptops. These devices are best known for dependability, durability, and performance in a highly competitive industry.
Graphics – The graphics of these laptops range from mediocre to outstanding. For the primary line of popular home and work laptops, the graphics are amazing. Strong images in bright colors help make these laptops desired for both workers and gamers alike.
Design – Dell laptops are built to be both visually appealing and durable. You will find that the design of these devices is for optimal computing. The covers are attractive looking and strong enough to protect the computer itself. You don’t have to worry about denting or scratching.
Performance – The quality intel processors used in Dell products make for improved performance with a wide variety of memory and storage options. The rich features for multimedia and otherwise, make the performance of this device robust and high-end.
Prices – Dell laptops come in a range of prices, from budget to high-end options for premium business users. However, of all the laptops with a high-quality processor and incredible performance, you will look to pay in the range of $600 to $1000. You get what you are paying for with these devices.
Hewlett – Packard (HP)
HP is directly a competitor of Dell and, by default, Samsung. HP is a trendy brand of laptop that started with a simple workstation to become one of the stands out competitors in the market. HP is well known for being durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically appealing.
Graphics – With higher-end video cards, HP has improved drastically with its graphics. The images are stark with deep, rich colors and intense images. You will love how impressive the images on these systems are.
Design – HP has worked hard to improve the design of their systems. When compared to the earlier devices, the new ones are notably improved. Most laptops have an aluminum chassis that is expertly crafted and looks incredibly appealing.
Performance – HP has improved their performance, but still fall a bit short when they compare to Dell. However, these devices have notably improved performance with faster processing and increased storage capabilities.
Prices – Though HP seems to be the bottom of the line when it comes to the three contenders, they do price attractively. You can get a comparable HP to any Dell or Samsung device for $400 to $700. These devices tend to range less in price as compared to competitors. Take the HP ProBook. For example, they have all the qualities of a high-end laptop, but for a fraction of the price.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the tops three contenders of Samsung, HP, and Dell, there is no clear winner. It really depends on what you want when it comes to a device and which one you are most comfortable working on.
This Dell laptop is a whopping 69% off on Amazon — just $312
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There are some insane hidden deals on high-end laptops on Amazon right now. Recently, we noticed that one of Lenovo’s most advanced and best-selling touchscreen laptops is a whopping 69% off, and now, this customer-favorite Dell Inspiron laptop that was originally $1,000 is on sale for just $312!
Hands down one of the best laptop deals we’ve seen all year, this best-selling Dell computer is a staggering 69% off (that’s over $680 off) on Amazon.
Currently one of the respected brands’ most popular models, the 15-inch laptop comes with Windows 10 Home and has 4 GB of built-in memory and a 500 GB hard drive to store more than enough photos, videos, music, documents and more.
This premium and well-made Dell laptop also has built-in Bluetooth technology that makes pairing external devices a breeze. Also, if graphics mean a lot to you, its Intel HD Graphics 610 coprocessor helps produce one of the crispest pictures you’ll find from any laptop today.
Credit: Amazon
In addition to all the A1 features, the Dell Inspiron 3583 15-Inch Intel Celeron Laptop is extremely thin and light, making it the perfect laptop for college students and commuters.
Also, shoppers can’t stop raving about how easy it is to use and how light it is.
“This one has a beautiful cover case,” one shopper wrote before adding that it has “plenty of ports.”
Also, the overall consensus shoppers seem to have about this laptop is that it’s “very fast and light to carry.”
Snag the Dell Inspiron 3583 15-Inch Intel Celeron Laptop while it’s over $680 off on Amazon right now. This deal definitely won’t last long and is sure to go fast.
If you enjoyed this story, check out this super-thin laptop on sale for just $260 on Amazon — that’s $790 off.
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