The best Alienware laptops are about to get a whole lot of power, with new 16-inch and 18-inch Area-51 machines now on Dell's shelves. These models only recently launched into early orders, but with RTX 5080 models now available to pre-order from $3,199.99 it looks like the flagship is ready to make some waves.
Alienware wants to streamline its efforts with two ranges on the shelves; the Area-51 and (so far unseen) Aurora gaming laptops will represent the brand's full portfolio going forwards. That means the current X-Series and M-Series ranges are going to gradually disappear from the shelves, with no new M16, M18, or X16 rigs introduced this year. All three of these rigs are currently still up for grabs, though, and now that the Area-51 has started to grace the shelves they will likely see their own clearance sales for the value-savvy shopper.
Right now, the best Alienware laptop I've tested is the M18, though I'd recommend most players actually head over to the M16. The M18 offers the best performance with the biggest screen and the most ports (it's the best gaming laptop in this larger form factor overall), but if you're looking for an easily portable machine the smaller option will serve you much better.
The Quick List
The Alienware M18 is a powerhouse, and while it's certainly too chunky to take on the road it's the best Alienware laptop we've tested so far.
If you're after a more well-rounded experience, the latest M16 model is still an excellent performer.
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.
Recent updates
March 25 - New Alienware 16 and 18 Area-51 gaming laptops have just hit the shelves at Dell and, though we're still waiting for RTX 5090 models to appear, these gut-busters look ready to dominate the brand's range. These are flagship devices going for gold, so I've updated relevant entries with value context and added more information about this news below.
The best Alienware laptop overall
Our favorite configuration:
The Alienware M18 marks the brand's return to big-screen gaming laptops, but it does 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. This RTX 40-Series beast may well be overtaken by the Alienware 18 Area-51 once reviewed, but for now the value still swings in the M-Series' favor.
✅ You want big-screen gaming without too high a cost: The M18 offers a range of configuration options, which means you can get away with a starting price of just $1,699.99 if you opt for an RTX 4060 version.
✅ You're keeping your laptop on your desk: This is a large, heavy device, and won't be a comfortable travel companion. If you plan on keeping your laptop on a desk for the majority of the time, though, it's a win.
✅ You don't want messy cables: It's a small point, but if you are going for the desk-based approach, those rear facing ports are going to be a life saver when it comes to cable management.
❌ You're a competitive player but still want QHD+: There's a quirk in the configuration options here. A QHD+ screen drops your refresh rate down to 165Hz, whereas FHD+ options bump it all the way up to 480Hz. There's no real good spot in the middle.
❌ You want the best screen quality possible: Alienware isn't winning the screen quality race against competitors like Asus right now. If you want high-end HDR Mini LED displays you'll need to look elsewhere.
❌ You want more of an option to travel: Of course, if you do need to travel with your laptop, you'll need to look at something thinner and lighter, potentially sacrificing some screen real estate.
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.
Yes, Alienware has made some sacrifices along the way - in screen, speakers, and portability - but if you're after a desktop replacement that really can take over your setup, you're in the right place.
Alienware M18 review
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 overall.
Read more: Alienware M18 review
The best Alienware laptop for most
Our favorite configuration:
The latest generation Alienware M16 R2 brings design changes to the forefront of the lineup, but has also dropped higher-end GPUs from its configuration lineup. The resulting RTX 4070 rig is tuned for excellent 1080p play and solid high-settings QHD+ play, with an expansive screen and one of the best keyboards I've seen in a gaming laptop so far. This is the best value Alienware gaming laptop on the market right now, making it the right option for most casual players. That's not likely to change with the release of the Alienware 16 Area-51 either. We've only got RTX 5080 configurations of the new flagship on the shelves so far, and they still cost over $3,000.
✅ You want a good-sized screen: The 16-inch panel in here still feels large compared to the 16:9 15.6-inch offerings of yore. With a taller frame there's plenty of space for big-screen entertainment.
✅ You want an all-rounder: If you need a new laptop for work as well as play, this is exactly where you need to be looking. The reduced form factor and nicely balanced power output make for a jack of all trades device.
✅ You prioritize speed over resolution: You'll need to drop some settings to get faster speeds out of a QHD+ resolution here, but at 1080p this thing is absolutely blazing.
❌ You want a high-end GPU: If you're looking for an RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 you'll need to head elsewhere, Alienware has put a limit on this year's model.
❌ You want to play more demanding games at Ultra settings: The M16 R2 struggles with more demanding titles running at full whack - if you've got a heavy Steam library it's worth investing a little more in the M18.
Design: Alienware has finally listened and dropped that annoying back shelf off its M16 gaming laptops. That means you're getting a normal-shaped machine that can easily fit into a backpack or slot into a desk setup. The thing is, that's not even the best part. I was surprised by just how luxurious the new model feels under hand. Of course, you're still getting the rock solid build quality expected from this brand, but with a matte soft-touch main deck, incredibly tactile feeling keyboard, and a more compact feel overall this feels like a marked step up from previous iterations.
Features: Yes, the M16 R2 does tap out at an RTX 4070 GPU, but you're getting a full 175W TDP model here which means some healthy juice at the same time. That's not something all 16-inch models boast. A 240Hz QHD+ display keeps things humble with a solid panel but without extra HDR or variable refresh rate features to break the bank. Plus, we've still got an excellent array of ports (handily split between the sides and the back) to keep everything connected as well.
Performance: The Alienware M16 R2 can outperform slimmer models and cheaper, larger devices in more clinical benchmark tests like Fire Strike and Time Spy, and in fairly demanding titles at both high and ultra settings. However, it does struggle with more complex tasks, like Returnal's benchmark. These heavier games can run at a smooth 60fps with a few graphical tweaks, though, and with a strong 1080p performance there's excellent flexibility baked in.
Verdict: The Alienware M16 R2 is more of an all-rounder than a storming gaming device, but if you're looking for a workhorse productivity machine that can also turn its hand to fairly demanding games it's a gem. This is the best value for money on Alienware's shelves overall right now, making it the best choice for most players.
Read more: Alienware M16 R2 review
The best premium Alienware laptop
Our 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 to move beyond an RTX 4070: If you're after a bigger GPU, the x16 R2 is your go-to. It's the only 16-incher in Alienware's current catalog that offers more than an RTX 4070.
✅ You want a luxury design: The metal chassis and slimline form factor make the x16 R2 a much better looking laptop than the M16, and those high-end materials feel sturdy as well.
✅ You want a satisfying keyboard and mouse: Even without the Cherry keyboard installed, the x16 R2 offers one of the best trackpad and keyboard experiences I've tested so far.
❌ You want an easily portable machine: If you're constantly slinging your laptop into a backpack, the extra cooling shelf on the x16 R2 might get in the way.
❌ You want mid-range value: Those hunting down an RTX 4070 rig might be better off with the extra value on offer in the M16 range instead.
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
Also tested
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.
How to choose the right Alienware laptop
Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
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.
Every Alienware laptop announced at CES 2025
Alienware has two new gaming laptops on the way; the Alienware 16 Area-51 and the Alienware 18 Area-51. No prizes for guessing the difference between the two.
These rigs bring back an iconic line for the brand, but without the promised swappable components that brought the range down last time. Instead, Dell is going all in on power for these chunkier machines. With RTX 50-Series graphics cards and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Ultra 9 275HX processors, there's plenty of power on the table. But Alienware is also leaning into its space-age theming, with a slick anodized metal chassis offering aurora borealis-inspired light shifts and a whole stack of RGBs, these rigs already look out of this world.
Both the 16-inch and 18-inch models will launch in Q1 of this year, with a base model starting at $1,999.
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.
