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The best Alienware laptops represent the top end of the market. These are powerful machines that pack the latest components into thoughtful design schemes and often slap some of the best displays available on top of them. From mechanical keyboards to new thermal controls, the latest Alienware gaming laptops are taking the brand even further up the ranks of the best gaming laptops on the market.
With the slimline design of the X15 and X17 models and the decreased price of the M15 R5 and R6, then, there’s plenty to love here. We’re big fans of Alienware laptops and while we know very well that they demand a steep price of admission, the machines go a long way to justify that and they’re so tough to beat on gaming clout alone.
Like the best Alienware gaming PCs, these machines do come with a premium, and one that the company often receives a bit of flak for, yet these rigs are still incredibly popular. They sell by the bucket load too, giving an idea of their quality.
To help break the choice down a little, we’ve rounded up a shortlist of all the best Alienware laptops available right now. Based on our own testing, and the components up for grabs in each model, this list is compiled from both hands-on experience and price-checking competitors for value for money.
We’ve also listed all the lowest prices from around the web to ensure you save as much money as possible while making such a sizeable, but well-placed, investment.
The best Alienware gaming laptops available now
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1. Alienware X15 R2
The best Alienware gaming laptop overall
Specifications
CPU: i7-12700H | i9-12900HGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 TiRAM: up to 32GBStorage: Up to 4TBDisplay: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz
Reasons to buy
+The latest 15.6-inch Alienware laptop+Powerful configurations available+Big storage potential
Reasons to avoid
-Far more expensive than previous flagships
Our favorite configuration:
(opens in new tab)Alienware X15 R2 | Intel i7-12700H | RTX 3070 Ti at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Alienware x15 R2 is a premium piece of kit, so we’d recommend boosting your GPU up to an RTX 3070 Ti to get the best value over the baseline RTX 3060 option. There’s around $300 between the two configurations, but that’s cash well spent when you’re at this level of investment.
There’s a new Alienware laptop in town, now that Dell has refreshed its like of X15 and X17 machines for 2022. The new releases are now available on the shelves, though you might have to crack open the piggy bank – these are not cheap rigs.
That’s why we’ve put the 15.6-inch model above the 17.3-inch version in our guide to the best Alienware laptops. You’re still getting that sleek form factor, Intel 12th generation chipset, and radical RTX 3080Ti opportunities, but without dropping an insane amount of cash. Don’t get us wrong, these are still premium machines – but with prices cutting slightly under those of the 17-incher things are that little bit more reachable here.
The Alienware X15 R2 brings with it Intel’s new 12th generation processors, the capacity to build up to Nvidia’s RTX 3080 Ti GPU, and extra attention paid to the LEDs running along the back of the chassis. It’s still the slimline, highly powerful rig we’ve all come to welcome onto the premium shelf, but refreshed to keep up with cutting edge developments from key component developers.
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2. Alienware M15 R5 / R6
Currently the cheapest Alienware laptop
Specifications
CPU: i5-11400H | i7-11800H | i9-11900HGPU: RTX 3050Ti | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 | RTX 3080RAM: up to 32GBStorage: up to 2TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz
Reasons to buy
+Incredible performance+Makes the most of the RTX 3080+Amazing 360Hz display
Reasons to avoid
-Gets extremely hot and loud-Heavy for its size
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware M15 R5 | RTX 3070 | Ryzen 7 5800H at Dell (opens in new tab)
Now that the new R7 models are on the shelves, the Alienware M15 R5 / R6 is the cheapest Alienware laptop available. We’re seeing significant discounts hitting this range these days, so for the best value we’d recommend hitting the an RTX 3070 configuration – we’ve seen this rigs in the price range of $1,399 for a few weeks now.
The Alienware M15 line is still going, with the R5 and R6 hitting the shelves in 2021. Previously the flagship model, there are some price-cutting sacrifices in the latest iteration, now that Dell is focusing on its X range for its premium customers. The plastic chassis and slimline RGB lighting will be disappointing for some, but you’re still getting that classic design that makes the best Alienware gaming laptops so interesting. Plus, you’re getting it for a better price than previous iterations as well.
In our testing, the Alienware M15 R6 (Intel-based) absolutely smashed RTX 3080 performance, but did run a little warm as a result. We were recording temperatures in the high-90s while pushing this rig in gaming or processor-intensive tasks.
Still, with a slightly thinner frame and powerful display this is a machine that you’ll be running from your desk just as much as you will on the go. You’ll want to make sure you let this machine breathe, but considering we were hitting average framerate of 122 fps on Metro Exodus’s high setting (and 95 fps on ultra), it’s worth leaning into what this rig can do when it gets going.
It’s worth noting that the Alienware M15 R7 is also now on the shelves (opens in new tab), with Intel’s 12th generation processors in tow. However, that means we’re seeing some particularly good prices on the Alienware M15 R5 and R6 right now, some skirting close to $1,000 / £1,000.
The M15 R5 (AMD-based) is listed above, but you’ll find all the lowest prices on the Alienware M15 R6 just below.
Read more: Alienware M15 R6 review
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3. Alienware M15 R7
The best mid-range Alienware laptop
Specifications
CPU: i7-12700H | i9-12900HGPU: RTX 3050 Ti | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 Ti RAM: up to 64GBStorage: up to 4TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | QHD at 240HzPorts: 3x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45 Killer E3100 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, 1x 3.5mm headset jack
Reasons to buy
+Incredible performance+Satisfying keyboard+Fast display+Some premium design features
Reasons to avoid
-Cheaper plastic body-Difficult to transport-Particularly loud fans
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware M15 R7 | RTX 3060 | Intel i7-12700H at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Alienware M15 R7 that we tested came with an RTX 3070 Ti GPU, but that configuration will run you over $2,000. For better value, we’d recommend putting that cash towards a 360Hz display if you’re after a mid-range spec. The 3060 GPU under the hood here will still perform admirably thanks to the thermal engineering under the hood, and you’re still getting a super fast 12th generation i7 processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM.
The Alienware M15 R7 has taken over from the M5 / M6 models to bring the series up to 2022’s standards. Featuring 12th generation Intel processors, and Nvidia’s Ti graphics cards, you’re getting the latest and greatest under the hood here – and all the thermal handling to help them sing as well. This rig barely broke a sweat in our testing, sailing past 60fps in even the most extreme of benchmarking situations. Red Dead Redemption 2 on Ultra settings? Metro Exodus with RTX hitched all the way up? Absolutely no problem for this beast.
The Alienware M15 R7 is a certified powerhouse, and if you’re married to this brand’s expert engineering and unique aesthetic, it’s the best value for money within the current range.
Alienware M15 R7 review
We saw numbers that would rival far more expensive Alienware gaming laptops in this middle of the road model, though you are making some sacrifices to get there. Compared to the rest of the market, we were a little disappointed to see the same plastic chassis as the R5 and R6 models here. You’ll find far cheaper rigs offering more durable build materials out in the wild. Plus, this laptop hasn’t been built with portability in mind. Weighing in at just under 6 lbs, and with a bulky form factor to prove it, this is one you’ll be keeping firmly on your desk.
We found that those sacrifices were easy to make considering the excellent power under the hood, though. While it’s not as cheap as its predecessors these days, you are getting a whole boat load more for your cash, and we’d heartily recommend anyone browsing in the $1,500 – $2,000 price range seriously considers the latest release.
You’re still picking up luxury Alienware design features, like the LED strip of RGB lighting running around the (plentiful) back ports. Plus, we were particularly impressed with the feel of the mSeries keyboard here. While not a true mechanical model (as featured in more expensive configurations of the X17), there’s was a satisfying tension here, and a longer travel distance than we typically see in laptop decks.
Read more: Alienware M15 R7 review
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4. Alienware X17
The best Alienware laptop for big screen gaming
Specifications
CPU: i7-12700H | i9-12900HGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070Ti | RTX 3080 TiRAM: up to 64GBStorage: up to 4TB SSD (2x2TB)Display: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | UHD at 120Hz
Reasons to buy
+Powerful components+Fantastic gaming performance+Mechanical Cherry MX keyboard
Reasons to avoid
-Premium prices-Gets hot
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware X17 R2 | i7-12700H | RTX 3060 at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Alienware X17 R2 is the biggest and best Alienware gaming laptop on the market on paper. Its premium cost keeps it from the very top of this list, as most gamers will be able to spend X15 prices and still enjoy the luxury. However, there’s plenty to dig into with this RTX 3060 configuration, balancing plenty of power from the Alder Lake processor.
If you’re looking for a larger display, the absolute best Alienware laptop for you is the brand new X17 R2. There’s plenty of power under the hood here, with the very latest 12th generation i7 and i9 processors, up to 64GB of RAM, 4TB of SSD storage and a glorious display to top it all off.
That Alienware X17 form factor remains, with all the luxury accents and deep-backed hinges. However, the LED trackpad that we so loved with the R1 release has been removed for the R2. Still, there’s no point grieving RGB when there’s so much power available under the hood. We managed to squeeze 30fps in our 4K testing, something we can’t say for the similarly priced Razer Blade Pro 17, and thanks to that reinvented cooling system and larger design, temperatures never climbed as high as the Alienware M15.
Of course, this isn’t going to be the best Alienware laptop for everyone. You’re going to be spending quite a few beans locking in this purchase, and the heavier form factor and desktop-grade configurations won’t be right for the majority of players. However, if you do have the budget to put into a larger device, this is the Alienware laptop we would recommend.
The Alienware X17 still follows the slimline design of the X15, but adds a little extra thickness with that mechanical keyboard the additional ports. If you’re after a premium big-screen experience, the specs on offer here are unlikely to disappoint. This laptop looks and feels great, a statement piece for those who take their gaming seriously.
We’d aim for those 12th generation Intel processors on the new R2 release, with an RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 Ti GPU to ensure you’re getting the best value for your cash.
Read more: Alienware X17 R1 review
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5. Alienware X15 (2021)
The best Alienware laptop for price to performance value
Specifications
CPU: i7-11800H | i9-11900HGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 | RTX 3080RAM: 16GB | 32GBStorage: up to 4TB SSD (2x2TB)Display: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz
Reasons to buy
+Still excellent components inside+Likely to see more discounts soon+Slimline, premium design
Reasons to avoid
-No 12th gen Intel processors-No RTX 3070 Ti or 3080 Ti options
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware X15 | Intel i7-11800H | RTX 3060 at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Alienware X15 offers a premium experience, but you’ll find some excellent value in the mid-range here. An RTX 3060 GPU may feel a little weak in such a powerful rig, but there’s plenty going on under the hood here that you don’t need to spend more on a flashy GPU to see value for money.
While the M15 range was previously leader of the pack, Alienware made way for a new flagship in 2021, refreshing once again in 2022. The X15 (and X17 for those after a larger display) offers up the most powerful components on the market in a slimline chassis designed to hit the thinner, lighter aesthetic of top of the range machines today. While pricey, it’s the best Alienware laptop on the market right now, with some impressive display specs and powerful baseline configurations.
Alienware gaming laptops are already packed with power, which can sometimes result in some unfortunate thermal frustrations. However, the X15 has been outfitted with plenty of smart cooling features and some new thermal limiting tech as well. While you are dropping the mechanical keyboard of the X17 here, the price to performance ratio is all the more friendly here and you’re still getting the very latest hardware.
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6. Alienware x14
The smallest Alienware laptop
Specifications
CPU: i5-12500H / i7-12700HGraphics: RTX 3050 / RTX 3050 Ti / RTX 3060RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5Storage: : 512GB – 2TB SSDScreen:: 14-inch, 1080p, 144Hz
Reasons to buy
+Super slimline form factor+Impressive performance+More affordable than other Alienware rigs+Sleek aesthetic
Reasons to avoid
-Limited configurations available-Increased depth leaves larger footprint-Matte display can dull colors
Our favorite configuration:
Alienware x14 | Intel i7-12700H | RTX 3050 Ti at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Alienware x14 is best served with an RTX 3050 Ti GPU and 12th generation i7 processor. After all, there’s only $100 between this boosted version and the i5 / RTX 3050 configuration and the extra power is well worth the slight bump in price. You’re picking this machine for its impossibly thin form factor and luxurious design, rather than its ability to pump out three-figure framerates, and there’s diminishing returns the further up the price scale you go.
Dell has shrunk its premium line of gaming laptops with the Alienware x14. Taking the luxury design of the x15 and x17 models and shrinking it down to a new 14-inch form factor, this is the smallest Alienware laptop currently on the market. That means you’re dropping down a few pegs in terms of your configuration, especially compared to the high-flying specs of the larger models.
The x14 comes with an RTX 3050, RTX 3050 Ti, or RTX 3060 GPU, paired up with either an Intel i5-12500H or i7-12700H processor. Those new-generation processors (and the DDR5 RAM that accompanies them) certainly push those graphics cards to some new heights, even in this smaller form factor. We were impressed with the 108 average frames per second on Highest settings in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and while more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 did present more of a challenge, we were still benchmarking at 55fps in High.
Those smaller specs mean that this is one of the cheapest Alienware laptops currently available, when configured as such. We tested an RTX 3060 / i7 configuration, but that rig costs close to $2,000. We thought that was a little hard to swallow considering every Alienware x14 ships with the same 1080p 144Hz display. However, down at the bottom end of the price scale there’s actually some solid value for money. That’s why we’d recommend checking this machine if you’re after form factor over performance, aiming for an RTX 3050 GPU.
You’re paying for the high-end engineering, design, and build quality here – all wrapped up in a super skinny machine that can slide easily into any backpack.
Read more: Alienware x14 review
How we test Alienware laptops
Finding the very best Alienware laptops is no mean feat. Of course, Dell only produces so many ranges and models per year – but not each one carries its price tag the same way. We run all gaming laptops that pass our desks through a series of industry tests, while working and playing with them for a considerable amount of time in every day life. That way we can accurately judge the value proposition on offer, and determine just how far that price tag will take you.
Our testing covers everything from GPU performance to storage speeds, using 3D Mark, Cinebench, PC Mark 10, and Crystal Disk Mark to ensure we have a set of baseline data to compare models. After that, we see how each Alienware laptop fares in the real world, with framerate tests across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Metro Exodus, The Division 2, and Red Dead Redemption 2.
These laptops also slot directly into our everyday lives when we’re testing, which means we have the chance to see exactly how they fare against daily work and play, while also testing battery, portability, and overall quality of life as well.
You can find more information on how we review the products we recommend in our full Hardware Policy, and we’re also showing you exactly how we test gaming laptops for more details as well.
If you’re shopping between brands, check out our guide to the best Razer laptops on the market, and our roundup of the latest cheap Razer laptop deals as well. Or, to kit out your new rig, take a look at the best gaming mouse, best gaming keyboard, and best gaming monitor options available now.
