The best Alienware laptops are in a state of transition right now. The Area-51 and Aurora lines are well and truly here, with the old M- and X-Series rigs hitting clearance shelves. Dell has dropped these older lines from its roster now, making way for affordable, mid-range, and high-end options in its new releases.
The best Alienware laptop I've tested so far is the Alienware 16 Area-51. I had an RTX 5080 version on my test bench and was impressed with its overall performance and sturdiness. There's plenty more where that came from, and you'll find all my top picks just below.
Players head to Alienware for power. Historically, Dell has produced some of the best gaming laptops when it comes down to sheer performance, but it's important to note that you do make some sacrifices to keep those prices lower. Compared to high-end options from Asus and Razer, these machines can sometimes look far more affordable than they did in the past. That's because they tend to drop luxury display options and slimline form factors. Everything here is pumped into your framerate.
The Quick List
The Area-51 range sits above the new Aurora laptops in Alienware's roster, with plenty of power and a sturdy selection of configuration options. It's the best all-rounder in Dell's arsenal right now.
The Alienware M18 is a powerhouse, and while it's certainly too chunky to take on the road it's the best Alienware laptop of the previous generation.
The Alienware x16 R2 isn't for everyone, but if you're looking to invest in a 16-inch device with high-end components it's a must-see.
I've been reviewing gaming laptops at GamesRadar+ since I joined in 2021, with a keen eye for Alienware's rigs in particular. These were among the first gaming laptops I ever started reviewing, so I've seen their evolution first-hand over the last few years. Beyond the brand itself, though, I've had my head in portable PCs for over ten years so I know what makes a good rig tick.
September 2 - The Alienware 16 Area-51 has hit the top spot on this guide, with its focus on performance over frills offering a fantastic desktop experience (with that portability option). That means the previous generation Alienware M18 has been nudged down a peg, though it is still available on the shelves. The Alienware M16 R2 has been dropped to my 'also tested' section further down the page.
The best Alienware laptop overall
My favorite configuration:
The Alienware 16 Area-51 is the best Alienware laptop overall right now - sure some of those same old gripes are still here. The display is a little lackluster compared to the competition, and it's a slightly chunkier machine than you'll find elsewhere. However, if you're prioritizing performance and grunt this is where you should be looking.
✅ You want to connect to a high-end monitor: You're paying a good price for your components here, but dropping some display specs. That makes it ideal for a desk setup that still offers some portability.
✅ You want top specs: The Aurora line focuses more on lower-end configurations, and while you can still throw an RTX 5060 under the hood the best value comes in at the top of the range.
✅ You want a mechanical keyboard: It comes with a slight premium, but if you want to upgrade your typing experience, this is the best implementation of a mechanical keyboard I've seen in a gaming laptop.
❌ You need a laptop for everyday work as well: If you're after a portable laptop you can rely on away from an outlet, this isn't it. The Area-51 is a power-hungry machine with a lower-than-average battery life.
❌ You prioritize screen quality: If you don't want to rely on an external monitor for a high-end visual experience, there are other laptops more geared towards luxury panels.
Design: The Area-51 brings a few new design quirks to Alienware's gaming laptop range, from the transparent viewing window on the underside to the RGB fans and slight iridescent finish on the main chassis. That glass panel isn't going to be seen too often (it's on the bottom of the laptop after all), but the changes are neat when noticed.
I found the softening of the design a lot more impressive. Instead of a large, boxy, sometimes angular, case we've got rounded corners and gradual slopes for a smoother feel overall. It's still among the heavier machines on the market, and comes in at 1.12-inches thick, but it feels more streamlined than previous iterations.
Features: If you're hunting down the best Alienware laptops I have something to tell you straight out the gate. These rigs don't tend to offer the most impactful screens. There's no OLED, Mini LED or 4K options here, instead the Area-51 features a 500-nit panel that can sometimes fall behind in vibrancy compared to competitors. This isn't a rig designed to win on its screen, though. In fact, it feels like the Area-51 wants to be closed for most of its life.
That's because it diverts more of its resources to being a desktop power house. Configurable all the way up to the RTX 5090 and with Intel's latest CPU options, you're getting high-end components here. Those rear ports also give the game away, allowing for an excellent range of connections that all stay out of sight.
Of course, there's also that fantastic keyboard. Granted, I reviewed the mechanical option, but it's well worth considering the upgrade. Everything is clacky and super satisfying here, offering a slightly heavier experience than other models - but one that will offer far greater precision.
Performance: The HP Omen Max 16 did beat the Alienware 16 Area-51 in my benchmarks, though only in certain battles. The RTX 5080 model I tested put slimmer RTX 5090 machines through their paces, often beating the Razer Blade 16 in framerates. That's all for far less than Sneki's top-of-the-range configuration.
Verdict: If you're after high-end performance without a massive 18-inch footprint, the Alienware 16 Area-51 is the best machine on Dell's shelves right now. Prices are fair compared to the rest of the competition, though you do prioritize performance over extra features like display quality.
Read more: Alienware 16 Area-51 review
The best previous generation Alienware laptop
My favorite configuration:
The Alienware M18 marked the brand's return to big-screen gaming laptops, but it did so much more than slap an 18-inch display across its hulking chassis. This is a powerful machine running the latest components but still managing to stay within a reasonable price tag. If you can find one on the shelves, there's excellent value in here.
✅ You want an immersive display: 18-inch gaming laptops offer much larger displays for more immersion in your play. However, they often come at a premium. The M18 manages to tread this line particularly well, often undercutting other brands in price.
✅ You don't need to travel with your laptop: If you don't need to take your laptop out and about, but maybe would like to move your PC setup from room to room, an 18-incher is well worth it. The M18 is chunkier than other models, but all that extra space means more power.
✅ You like neat cables: The rear ports on the M18 are a lifesaver for anyone who values a tidy desk. It means you can keep all your permanent connections and 2.4GHz receivers tucked away out of sight rather than sprawled across the top of your table.
❌ You want a QHD+ 240Hz display: The Alienware M18 is only configurable with a 165Hz QHD+ panel (or a super-fast 480Hz FHD+ screen). That means those looking for the now-standard QHD+ 240Hz display are better off elsewhere.
❌ You want the best screen quality possible: Alienware's displays don't always match up to their competitors, often lacking brightness and vibrancy compared to the Mini LED or OLED panels available elsewhere.
❌ You travel regularly with your laptop: If you do need a portable device for work or play elsewhere, you'll likely struggle with the size of the Alienware M18. Something smaller like the M16 will offer a better balance.
Design: Let's get one thing out the way first, this is a giant laptop. Its 18-inch display has to be housed with something after all. However, I was surprised that the M18 doesn't feel as big as it should, thanks to its curved lines and particularly effective sloped front lip. Compared to the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, a fairly boxy design, this thing feels sleek. I'm not getting carried away here, though - this is still a 4.23kg machine so regular transport is out of the question.
Everything else remains as you would expect from Alienware. Yes, that embossed number and cool gray lid, hexagonal grills and narrow keyboard all feels a little tired now, but it's an aesthetic that works and remains subtle while still giving you that RGB glow.
Features: That 18-inch display is going a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to features. It's an expansive panel and the best option for anyone after the best Alienware laptop for pure immersion. You've got two display options, a 165Hz QHD+ model and a super speedy 480Hz FHD+ model. It would have been nice to see a split down the middle here, as Asus, Razer, and MSI all offer QHD+ panels in this size with a 240Hz refresh rate.
Nevertheless, motion remains slick and the overall picture is still solid - if a little darker due to the matte coating. You'll also find an expansive selection of ports to play with, an impressive 1080p webcam, and a super tactile keyboard with a full-sized number pad built in.
Performance: The M18 also benefits from have a wide range of configuration options - far more than Asus's competitor. That means you can run from an i7 / RTX 4060 model all the way up to Intel's turbo charged i9 processors and RTX 4090 graphics. I had a top end build in for review, and was blown away by the results. The M18 nearly bested the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (the most powerful gaming laptop I've ever had our hands on), offering some benchmark numbers that skirted a little higher than Asus overall.
Verdict: The Alienware M18 isn't without its drawbacks, but if you're after Dell's biggest and best rig you've come to the right place. With a massive range of configuration options, and the power to draw all the best parts of those components out, this is my favorite Alienware laptop from the previous generation.
Read more: Alienware M18 review
The best premium Alienware laptop
My favorite configuration:
The Alienware x16 R2 is a premium piece of kit, but if you're looking for big power in a 16-inch form factor it's your best option right now. The M16 R2 caps out at an RTX 4070 and while it arguably offers better value overall, those hunting down RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 framerates will need to upgrade.
✅ You want the best of both worlds: The M18 has all the power with no portability, and the M16 is smaller but sacrifices a little performance. The Alienware X16 R2 pairs the two together with high-end components and a skinny form factor.
✅ You care about looks: This is a gorgeous laptop, especially in the crisp off-white colorway I tested. Between a slimline design, super vivid RGB lighting, and a robust build quality it certainly looks and feels premium.
✅ You use the keyboard and trackpad: If you don't plan on hooking your laptop up to a secondary keyboard and mouse most of the time, it's worth noting that this is one of the best on the market.
❌ You want a small footprint: Yes, the X16 R2 is slimline, but it's still got that rear cooling shelf that extends the footprint of the device considerably. The M16 drops this, if you're willing to sacrifice power.
❌ You want an RTX 4070 configuration: The Alienware X16 R2 is a luxury device, so its cheaper RTX 4070 configurations can't compete with the value of the M16.
Design: The Alienware x16 R2 prides itself on design, so it makes sense that the luxury aesthetic and sturdy build quality remain some of this machine's best features. While cheaper M-Series rigs use a combination of metal and plastic, this is an anodized aluminum build with a slimmer profile. While I do prefer the soft-touch interior of the M16 above, everything still feels luxurious on the desk top here. You're getting RGB strewn across the rear cooling shelf (itself a slightly setback in portability), trackpad, keyboard, and logo for a bona fide 'gamer' aesthetic, but the crisp silver paint job works hard to keep things classy.
Features: The X16 R2 is configurable further up the power chart than the M16, moving beyond the RTX 4070 and into the territory of RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 greats. While I'm not a massive fan of the Intel Core Ultra processors Alienware pairs with these GPUs (the Intel Core i9-14900HX is a much better CPU for gaming), it keeps things nippy and is supported by up to 32GB RAM. The keyboard and trackpad are another obvious upgrade from cheaper models, using a precision glass structure in the mouse for a super tactile tap and excellent travel. Meanwhile the optional Cherry mechanical keyboard on high-end configurations can add an extra layer to this feature set.
The display isn't the laptop's main strength. In fact, I found it to be ever so slightly dimmer than that of the M16. However, it's still running a solid QHD+ resolution at 240Hz (or FHD at 480Hz).
Performance: The Alienware x16 R2 is a slimline machine, so it's not out-performing other RTX 4080 gaming laptops in its class. In my testing, it sat within the middle of the pack, though, beating other skinny machines like the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio. QHD performance is solid, running at three-figure framerates in less demanding games and still holding its head close to 100fps in ultra settings on more demanding titles as well.
Verdict: The Alienware x16 R2 isn't without its caveats - its display doesn't match up to other non-Alienware rigs at similar prices across the rest of the market, and that cooling shelf makes its slimline form factor a little redundant in the world of portability. However, if you're after a luxurious Alienware laptop with the power to see you through the latest games in style, this is where you should be looking.
Read more: Alienware x16 R2 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, Returnal, and The Talos Principle 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.
Also tested
How to choose an Alienware laptop
Alienware gaming laptops can get real pricey real fast, especially if you're shopping the more premium X-range. That means it can pay to make sure you're getting the model and spec that closest aligns with your own playstyle and needs. There are four factors to consider when narrowing down your options, and if you work through each one you should find yourself at the perfect Alienware laptop by the end.
Size
Alienware laptops generally come in three sizes these days; 14-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch. The smallest is designed for more portable play, that's the Alienware x14. It's going to be perfect for those who want to carry a lightweight slimline machine around with them, perhaps for everyday work rather than just gaming. You'll find a power drop in these smaller devices, though, so it's worth balancing your needs in the spec department as well.
16-inch machines are generally considered to be the best for most. They can still travel with you (and do so far easier thanks to newer shelf-less designs in Alienware rigs), but offer plenty of screen space and the internals for some fantastic performance.
18-inch rigs are for those who keep their gaming laptops on their desk, only really moving them when needed. They offer a desktop-like experience with loads of ports, bigger configuration options, and a massive display, but at the cost of portability.
Spec
Next you'll need to get down to the numbers. Once you've chosen which chassis size you're after it's time to fill it with some components. It's worth noting that larger Alienware laptops will give you access to higher powered GPUs, so if you're on the hunt for an RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 build you'll be looking at the M18 or X16. That's only for those really looking to push the highest possible framerates in higher resolutions. The majority of players can easily swing an RTX 4070 for a fantastic time, with the RTX 4060 and RTX 4050 serving up players of lighter or more casual games much better.
You'll need a minimum of 16GB RAM these days, which the vast majority of Alienware laptops will offer, and I'd recommend opting for at least 1TB of storage to keep things free as well. You can move up to 32GB if you want to keep extra systems running (like streaming clients or hardware configuration software).
Your processor is the brain of the operation, with most Alienware options running Intel or AMD's last two generations. An i7 or Ryzen 7 will be the option of choice for the majority of players, but those happy to invest in a faster rig should look for an i9 or Ryzen 9.
Build quality
This isn't so much of a decision around how well you want your laptop to be made, but more about how much you care. Alienware's range is split into the cheaper M-Series and more premium X-Series. Aside from some internal tweaks and additional configuration options, the biggest differences between these two are build materials and price. The M-Series still feels great, but is a cheaper construction overall, whereas the X-Series packs lightweight but sturdy chassis'.
Display
You've already decided on the size of your laptop, so you'll know already how big your screen will be, but there's more to consider here. Alienware sometimes allows its laptops to be configured with different screen specs, often bumping up refresh rates and the expense of higher resolutions. If you're a competitive gamer you can run all the way up to 480Hz on some rigs (an insanely fast display that will handle motion incredibly smoothly), however the vast majority of players should be aiming for a QHD+ panel at either 165Hz or, ideally, 240Hz.
New Alienware laptops
Alienware's 2025 lineup is now fully on the table, with the Alienware 16 Area-51, Alienware 18 Area-51, Alienware Aurora 16 and Alienware Aurora 16X live on the shelves right now. These machines combine new Nvidia RTX 50-Series GPUs with Intel's latest processors, though the amount you'll be spending varies greatly.
At the top of the food chain we have the Alienware Area-51, with both an 18-inch and 16-inch flavor on offer. These machines run from an RTX 5070 Ti up to an RTX 5090, with Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processors, bags of RAM, and a QHD+ display up top. With prices started at $3,099.99 for the cheapest model, though, it's easy to take another look at those Auroras.
These are newer releases, spanning the full range from an RTX 4050 to an RTX 5070. The Aurora 16 doesn't have any Ultra processor configurations, though, and starts out with a meagre (by 2025's standards) 8GB RAM. That's going to be tough to reconcile at a four-figure price tag, no matter how well it's put together.
The best value comes from the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 configurations of the Alienware Aurora 16X. You're getting the boost up to Intel's Ultra processors, and boosting the speed and brightness of your display as well.
Best Alienware laptops: FAQ
What is the best Alienware laptop?
The best Alienware laptop overall is currently the Alienware M18 as it performs the best out of each model and packs the largest screen to boot.
Is Alienware still the best?
Alienware gaming laptops have been top tier for years now, but other brands have caught up. As it stands, Alienware is an expensive option with configurations (particularly of the more premium X-Series) often costing far more than cheaper machines. However, the engineering and build quality of these machines is among the best in the business. Whether or not Alienware is the best brand for you comes down to your budget and how you want to use your machine. For portability? No, Alienware isn't the best. For a static rig designed for raw power? This could be the right brand for you.
Are Alienware laptops worth it?
At first glance, Alienware laptops might seem overpriced - you'd be justified in calling them the 'Apple' of gaming. However, they earn that price tag with accessibility, ease-of-use, and smart design that sets them apart from other manufacturers.
Alongside fierce technical capabilities that allow them to run today's games at their best, Alienware gaming laptops come ready-made and good to go, without a thoughtful design in both engineering and aesthetic.
Happily, Alienware is keen to make sure there's something to suit your budget as well. The official website lists a variety of builds with different costs, allowing you to pick and choose what you want. And if you decide you should have opted for more power down the line? It's often easy enough to open the case and upgrade your rig yourself.
If you're shopping between brands, check out our guide to the best Razer laptops and best Asus gaming 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.
