Dell has earned a reputation for building reliable and well-performing laptops ideal for personal, business, and gaming needs. As one of the top computer manufacturers worldwide, Dell offers a wide selection of laptops featuring the latest tech innovations.
In this definitive guide, we have highlighted the 5 best Dell laptop models that provide exceptional value in 2024 based on performance, design, battery life, and overall user experience. Whether you need a budget-friendly option or a powerhouse mobile workstation, Dell has a laptop that will exceed expectations.
An Overview of Dell Laptops
Founded in 1984, Dell pioneered the direct-to-consumer business model in the computer technology industry. By selling directly to customers, Dell could offer customized configurations at affordable prices.
Today, Dell continues to focus on quality, innovation, and value across its wide range of Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, Precision, Alienware, and G Series laptop model lines. From versatile 2-in-1 convertibles to thin-and-light ultrabooks to VR-ready gaming beasts, Dell strives to deliver the latest components and user-centric designs.
Dell laptops also come with a minimum 1-year limited warranty and excellent US-based customer service, so you can purchase with confidence. As you evaluate the best Dell laptop for your needs and budget, keep in mind these general advantages of Dell:
- Customizable configurations: Choose your ideal processor, RAM, storage, graphics card, screen size, and operating system
- Top-notch build quality: Sturdy chassis construction from premium materials
- User-friendly designs: Comfortable keyboards, precision touchpads, brilliant displays
- Solid performance: The latest Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA components for seamless multitasking and workflows
- Long battery life: Enhanced battery management for all-day power
- Innovative features: Models with touchscreens, convertible designs, exceptional graphics, and giant displays
Next, let‘s dive into the details on the 5 best Dell laptops to buy in 2024 and discover which model is right for you.
Best Overall: Dell XPS 15
Key Specs:
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H processor
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics
- 15.6-inch 3.5K OLED touch display
The Dell XPS 15 stands out as the best overall Dell laptop for its blazing performance, gorgeous display, and premium build. Featuring cutting-edge 13th Gen Intel Core processing and RTX 40 series graphics, the latest XPS 15 delivers incredible speed for demanding software and multitasking.
Even with its thin-and-light chassis, the XPS 15 doesn‘t compromise expanding with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card reader, and a superb keyboard and touchpad. The vibrant 15.6-inch 3.5K OLED touchscreen display pops with sharp details and captivating colors. From video editing to gaming, the XPS 15 brings exceptional power in an elegant package earning Editor‘s Choice awards.
Ideal for: Power users, creative professionals, gamers
Key Pros
- Top-tier performance perfect for intensive workflows
- Sleek and durable design with carbon fiber and aluminum construction
- One of the best displays on any laptop with 3.5K OLED touchscreen
- Excellent port selection with USB-C and SD card reader
- Capacious 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM easily handle demanding apps
Cons to Consider
- High price tag
- Battery life caps out around 8 hours for productivity
Bottom Line: With unmatched benchmarks and a gorgeous viewing experience, creators will love the Dell XPS 15 as a portable studio.
Best Budget: Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Key Specs:
- Intel Celeron N4020 processor
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 128GB SSD storage
- 15.6-inch HD display
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 offers a solid bang for your buck if you want a basic everyday laptop without spending a lot. The updated 2022 Inspiron 15 3000 model delivers smooth web browsing, video streaming, document editing, and basic tasks. While not meant for intensive gaming or creative applications, the Inspiron 15 3000 handles essentials with its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM.
You also get a spacious 15.6-inch screen in a thinner chassis plus a 720p webcam for video calls. The ergonomic keyboard is comfortable for typing out emails and reports. On a single charge, expect around 8.5 hours of battery life. For budget-focused buyers, the Inspiron 15 3000 is a reliable pick.
Ideal for: General home and student use
Key Pros
- Extremely affordable price point
- Capable of handling daily computing tasks
- Good battery life for an entry-level laptop
- Large 15.6-inch display with HD resolution
- Lightweight and slimmer design improves portability
Cons to Consider
- Basic build quality with more plastic materials
- Underpowered for intensive creative or gaming needs
- 128GB SSD offers limited storage for file storage
Bottom Line: With its low cost and essential feature set, the Inspiron 15 3000 is best suited for basic everyday computing rather than performance-driven use cases.
Best 2-in-1: Dell Inspiron 14 7000
Key Specs:
- 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1260P
- 16GB LPDDR4x RAM
- 512GB SSD
- 14-inch FHD+ touch display
For those wanting a versatile 2-in-1 laptop, the Dell Inspiron 14 7000 should top your list for its sleek convertible design and solid specs. With a 360-degree hinge, this Inspiron easily transitions between a traditional laptop and tablet mode. When in tablet configuration, you can take notes or draw using natural pen gestures with the included Dell Active Pen.
Under the hood, the 12th Gen Intel Evo platform delivers responsive app performance and fast wake times. The Inspiron 14 7000 also features integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, Wi-Fi 6 wireless, and plenty of ports like Thunderbolt 4. Battery life can reach nearly 11 hours for excellent mobility. Overall, it strikes an ideal balance of portability and productivity.
Ideal for: Business professionals, students, creators seeking a convertible
Key Pros
- Slim and lightweight 2-in-1 design for mobility
- Smooth stylus experience for note-taking and drawing
- Speedy performance from 12th Gen Intel processor
- Over 10 hours of battery life based on usage
- Brilliant 14-inch Full HD+ touchscreen display
Cons to Consider
- Fewer configurable specs when ordering
- Pen must stay charged to use
- Tablet mode can feel bulky for extended handheld use
Bottom Line: With its agile convertible form factor and snappy performance, the Inspiron 14 7000 lets you accomplish more in tablet or laptop orientation.
Best Portability: Dell XPS 13 Plus
Key Specs:
- 13.4-inch 4K+ OLED touch display
- Intel Core i7-1280P processor
- 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 1TB NVMe SSD storage
- Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics
Weighing just 2.71 pounds, the incredibly lightweight Dell XPS 13 Plus sets the standard for supreme portability without sacrificing top-notch speed. Dell focused on refining the details of its beloved XPS 13 to create an ultra-slim laptop with virtually no bezels surrounding the stunning 13.4-inch 4K+ OLED touch display.
Equipped with cutting-edge components like 13th Gen Intel processors and speedy LPDDR5 RAM, the XPS 13 Plus blazes through intensive workloads. To accommodate the compact chassis, Dell implemented a unique zero-lattice keyboard and invisible touchpad that seamlessly integrate into the design while optimizing the typing and tracking experience. For those constantly traveling, it doesn‘t get more portable than the XPS 13 Plus.
Ideal for: Professionals and students needing maximum portability
Key Pros
- Incredibly thin and lightweight build for true mobility
- Gorgeous 4K+ OLED touchscreen with slim bezels
- Fast LPDDR5 RAM and NVMe SSD speeds
- New zero-lattice keyboard and haptic touchpad
- Powerhouse performance from 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
Cons to Consider
- Fewer ports than some rivals
- Unconventional keyboard layout takes adjustment
- Battery life capped at just 8 hours
Bottom Line: With its incredibly slim and featherlight chassis paired with top-tier internals, the XPS 13 Plus lets professionals stay productive anywhere while carrying virtually no weight.
Best for Gaming: Alienware x15 R2
Key Specs:
- 15.6-inch QHD 240Hz G-Sync display
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD
- NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti GPU + Advanced Optimus
For gamers demanding bleeding-edge performance, the formidable Alienware x15 R2 gaming laptop blows away the competition. Dell‘s legendary Alienware brand focused on creating its thinnest 15-inch flagship gaming rig ever while still packing the highest-end components available. That means you can play AAA titles with buttery smooth frame rates thanks to the combination of Intel‘s HX 13th Gen eight-performance-core processor and NVIDIA‘s RTX 30 series graphics.
Just a few of the enhancements hardcore gamers will appreciate on the Alienware x15 R2 include Quad Fan technology with smart fan controls, Cherry MX mechanical keyboard, ultra-slim vapor chamber cooling, 2.5 GbE wired networking, HDMI 2.1, and a stellar 15.6-inch 240Hz G-Sync Quantum Dot display. If money is no object and you refuse to compromise speed for portability when gaming, the uniquely powerful Alienware x15 R2 is unmatched.
Ideal for: Hardcore gamers wanting no compromises
Key Pros
- Top-tier gaming performance from 13th Gen Intel + RTX 3070 Ti
- Stunning 15.6-inch QHD display with lightning 240Hz refresh
- Advanced Alienware Cryo-Tech cooling technology
- Cherry MX ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard
- Futuristic design with precision craftsmanship
Cons to Consider
- Expensive, especially for maxed out configs
- Battery life limited due to power-hungry components
- Runs extremely hot when gaming
Bottom Line: The Alienware x15 R2 brings chart-topping power for smooth AAA gaming in a uniquely thin profile.
How to Pick the Best Dell Laptop for Your Needs
With so many outstanding Dell laptops on the market in 2024, it can feel overwhelming deciding which model works best for you. Here are some tips on finding the right Dell laptop for your needs and budget:
Determine How You Will Use Your Laptop
First, reflect on how you expect to use your laptop most. Will you primarily browse the web, stream movies, and handle office work? Or do you plan to use processor-intensive creative programs for photo/video editing? Understanding your typical usage helps narrow your search.
Casual users can stick to Inspiron models while professionals needing ISV-certified software should look at Dell Precision mobile workstations. Expect to pay more for high-end gaming rigs capable of VR.
Decide on Must-Have Specs Based on Usage
Once you determine your needs, make a list of ideal specs you should target. For example, gamers may want 6-core processors, discrete NVIDIA RTX graphics, and 144Hz+ displays while general home use can get by with integrated graphics and 60Hz screens.
Also, factor in your appetite for storage space, memory, battery expectations, and screen resolution. Identifying key specs keeps your search focused only on laptops that meet your computing requirements.
Determine Your Budget Range
What you plan to spend significantly impacts options. Entry-level Dell Inspiron laptops start around $400 while mobile Precision workhorses run over $2,000. Gaming laptops with high-end GPUs can demand an even greater budget.
Set reasonable expectations around what components and hardware you can obtain per your budget. Remember, mid-range mainstream laptops from leading manufacturers like Dell offer the best bang for buck regarding performance.
Compare laptop Models Within Budget
Once you define usage needs, required specs, and budget, start researching the latest Dell laptops matching criteria. Compare choices head-to-head weighing pricing, features, reviews, and benchmarks.
Pay attention to warranty length, technical support reputation, customer satisfaction ratings, and trustworthiness of the seller. As you get to final contenders, go hands-on at a retail store if possible to evaluate first-hand.
Futureproof Your Investment
Look for laptops embracing the latest tech innovations and cutting-edge components that will keep them viable and snappy for years to come rather than base models nearing end-of-life.
Prioritize next-gen processors like 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core that offer more performance cores rather than older 10th Gen chips. Choose superior DDR5 memory over dated DDR3. Seek laptops prepped for the newest Wi-Fi 6E and USB4 standards.
Wrapping Up
We hope this guide of the 5 best Dell laptops gives you a great overview of the brand‘s top models across various usage categories and budgets to consider in 2024. Dell continues innovating and bringing premium designs that marry reliability, customization, and affordability.
From versatile 2-in-1 convertibles like the Inspiron 14 7000 to ultraportables such as the XPS 13 Plus and gaming juggernauts like Alienware, Dell has a laptop to match diverse needs backed by superior support. Thanks for reading and happy laptop hunting!
