Top 5 Dell Laptops to Buy in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Dell 14 Plus	Balanced performance and portability
Best value	Dell 14	Reliable basics at an affordable price
Best for creatives	Dell 16 Premium	Powerful specs for demanding work
Best for business	Dell Pro 14	Enterprise features and durability
Also recommended	Dell Pro Max 18 Plus	Max power and ecc memory for pros
Also recommended	Dell G16	Solid budget gaming at an accessible price
Also recommended	Dell 16 Plus	Larger screen version of the balanced 14 plus

How we chose and tested

We evaluated Dell laptops based on real-world performance, battery life, build quality, and value. Each model was assessed for its intended use case, from everyday productivity to demanding creative work and gaming. We considered factors like processor performance, display quality, port selection, and overall user experience.

The best Dell laptops right now

Dell 14 Plus - Best overall

The Dell 14 Plus delivers excellent performance in a portable package, making it the go-to choice for most users. It handles everyday tasks smoothly while offering better display quality than budget options.

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Key highlights

Intel Lunar Lake or AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor options
Higher-resolution display than entry-level models
Solid build quality in a compact 14-inch form factor
Good balance of performance and battery life
Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity

Pros

Excellent performance for everyday tasks
Crisp display with good color accuracy
Portable design that's easy to carry
Multiple configuration options available

Cons

Limited port selection may require a dock
Not ideal for heavy gaming or video editing
Can get expensive with higher-end configurations

Who it is for: Students, office workers, and anyone needing reliable daily performance in a portable package.

Skip if

You need maximum gaming performance or extensive video editing capabilities.

Dell 14 - Best value

For those watching their budget, the Dell 14 offers reliable performance without unnecessary extras. It covers the basics well while keeping costs reasonable.

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Key highlights

Affordable starting price under $800
Solid everyday performance for work and school
Good battery life for all-day use
Multiple processor and storage options
Durable construction for daily use

Pros

Excellent value for money
Handles productivity tasks smoothly
Lightweight and portable
Available with various storage configurations

Cons

Display quality not as sharp as premium models
Limited graphics performance
Fewer premium features than Plus models

Who it is for: Budget-conscious students, home users, and anyone needing basic computing power.

Skip if

You require high-resolution displays or gaming-level graphics.

Dell 16 Premium - Best for creatives

Creative professionals need power and display quality, and the Dell 16 Premium delivers both. It's essentially the successor to the XPS 16 with refined design and capable hardware.

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Key highlights

Gorgeous 4K OLED display option
Powerful processors for demanding workloads
Dedicated graphics for creative applications
Premium build quality and materials
Good port selection for peripherals

Pros

Excellent display for photo and video work
Strong performance for creative applications
Premium construction feels solid
Good thermal performance under load

Cons

Expensive, especially with higher configurations
Battery life suffers with 4K display
Heavier than 14-inch models

Who it is for: Photographers, video editors, and designers who need color-accurate displays and processing power.

Skip if

You're on a tight budget or prioritize maximum portability.

Dell Pro 14 - Best for business

Business users need reliability and security features, and the Dell Pro 14 delivers enterprise-grade capabilities in a portable package. It's built for durability and manageability.

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Key highlights

Enterprise security features and manageability
Durable construction for business travel
Long battery life for all-day meetings
Business-focused warranty and support options
Good performance for office applications

Pros

Excellent security and management features
Durable build quality
Good battery life for business travel
Reliable performance for office work

Cons

More expensive than consumer models
Heavier than ultraportable options
Gaming performance is limited

Who it is for: Business professionals, IT departments, and anyone needing enterprise features and reliability.

Skip if

You're a home user who doesn't need business-specific features.

Also Good

Dell Pro Max 18 Plus - max power and ecc memory for pros.
Dell G16 - solid budget gaming at an accessible price.
Dell 16 Plus - larger screen version of the balanced 14 plus.

How to Choose

Screen size matters most. 14-inch models offer the best balance of portability and screen real estate. Go for 16-inch if you need more workspace or better gaming immersion, but expect less portability.

Processor choice depends on your workload. Most users are fine with mid-range Intel or AMD chips. Creative professionals and gamers should prioritize higher-end processors with better graphics capabilities.

Consider future needs. Many modern laptops have soldered memory, so buy more RAM than you think you'll need. Storage is easier to upgrade later, but 512GB is a good starting point for most users.

Battery life varies widely. Gaming laptops sacrifice battery for performance, while ultraportables prioritize longevity. Match the battery to your typical usage patterns and charging opportunities.

Don't overlook build quality. More expensive models typically offer better materials and construction. If you travel frequently or are hard on your devices, invest in a more durable build.

FAQ

What's the difference between Dell, Dell Plus, and Dell Premium?

These represent different quality tiers in Dell's consumer lineup. Dell is the entry level, Dell Plus adds better displays and materials, and Dell Premium offers the highest quality with premium features.

Are Dell laptops good for gaming?

Yes, through the Alienware brand. Dell offers gaming laptops at various price points, from budget-friendly G series to high-end Area-51 models with top-tier graphics cards.

How long do Dell laptops typically last?

With proper care, most Dell laptops should last 3-5 years. Higher-end models with better build quality and components often last longer than budget options.

Should I wait for new models?

Dell typically refreshes its lineup annually. If you need a laptop now, buy what's available. If you can wait a few months, you might get newer technology, but current models will likely see price drops.

What about Dell's business laptops?

Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max lines replace the former Latitude and Precision brands. They offer enterprise features like better security, manageability, and durability for business users.