I can't believe it was Alienware that just matched the cheapest RTX 5060 gaming laptop deal I've seen so far

Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop open on a wooden desk with blue backlighting
(Image credit: Future)

Just last week, early Black Friday gaming laptop deals bestowed upon us a brand new record-low price on any RTX 5060 gaming laptop I'd seen yet. That was on an HP Omen rig, a model not unfamiliar with heavier discounts. I was surprised to see a three-figure price tag here, but not as impressed as I was when I stumbled upon this Alienware gaming laptop deal.

Yes, Alienware, the brand renowned for buffing its luxury gaming laptop prices. The brand currently has an RTX 5060 configuration of its 16-inch Aurora machine down to just $999.99 at Dell, for a full $350 discount. This is only the second time I've seen those kinds of numbers on a new-gen device of this class.

Alienware 16 Aurora RTX 5060 gaming laptop | $1,349.99 $999.99 at DellSave $350 -

Alienware 16 Aurora RTX 5060 gaming laptop | $1,349.99 $999.99 at Dell
Save $350 - I really didn't expect Alienware to be the brand matching the lowest price I've ever seen on an RTX 5060 gaming laptop but here we are. You're grabbing the Alienware 16 Aurora for a hair under $1,000 here.

Specs: Intel Core 7 240H | RTX 5060 | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | 120Hz QHD+ display

This is a similar spec to the HP Omen (still on sale for $999.99 at Best Buy), though that Intel Core 7 240H processor comes up a little weaker compared to the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H in HP's competitor and you're halving your storage to 512GB. Alienware wins in the build quality department from my experience, but it's also worth noting that you're getting a slightly faster 144Hz panel on the Omen - something that might come in handy if you're running lighter games in 1080p.

If you're on the hunt for the best gaming laptop under $1,000 this Black Friday there's certainly plenty going around.

Should you buy the Alienware 16 Aurora?

Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)

This is one of the cheapest Alienware machines on the shelves right now, and I'm not expecting to see too many other RTX 5060 models dropping below $1,000 in this year's Black Friday gaming laptop deals. If you're set on Dell's brand and would prefer a sturdy, premium design compared to a faster screen and more storage this is absolutely worth a look.

This rig shares an aesthetic with the Alienware 16X Aurora I reviewed earlier in the year, and she's a beauty. You're not paying for any unneccessary garnish like the Alienware 16 Area-51, but still getting a solid, sleek machine with a whimsical nod in its slightly iridescent material.

As excited as I am to see an Alienware gaming laptop at under $1,000, though, HP wins this bout for anyone after the best component value. You're getting a slightly better processor, 1TB of storage, and a faster screen for the exact same price here, though these more generic rigs don't tend to look as flashy.

We're rounding up plenty more Black Friday Alienware deals, as well as the best Black Friday gaming PC deals and Black Friday Steam Deck deals for something a little different as well.

Tabitha Baker
Managing Editor - Hardware

Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector. 

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