The world of the best Alienware laptops is changing, with this year's release of the Alienware Area-51 16-inch and 18-inch machines and the recent announcement of two entirely new rigs alongside them. Alienware announced its Aurora 16 and Aurora 16X gaming laptops. I've had a look at both on paper, and it looks like the 16X is going to be offering much better value for money overall. The base spec does start at $1,149.99, but with much weaker configurations on offer.

While the M-Series and X-Series are due to be phased out over the year, they still offer excellent value today - especially considering I'm not seeing too much of a generational jump in framerates in other models. These RTX 40-Series rigs can still power up the latest and greatest releases, and could be doing so for far less.

The best Alienware laptop I've tested so far remains the Alienware M18, but more generalist players should be watching the M16. While the former offers more power, better ports, and a more immersive screen, the latter is much better suited to the portability many players need from the best gaming laptops on the market.

The Quick List

Best overall

1. Alienware M18

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.

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Best for most

2. Alienware M16 R2

If you're after a more well-rounded experience, the latest M16 model is still an excellent performer.

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Best premium

3. Alienware x16 R2

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.

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Curated by

Curated byTabitha Baker

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

July 3 - I've got the Alienware 16 Area-51 on the desk for testing right now and so far things are feeling good. The display is still a little lackluster compared to the competition but I'm having fun with the high performance and mechanical keyboard on offer.

The best Alienware laptop overall

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1. Alienware M18 R2

The best Alienware laptop overall

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: Intel i7-14650HX | Intel i7-14700HX | Intel i9-14900HXGPU: Nvidia RTX 4060 | RTX 4070 | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 RAM: 16GB DDR5 | 32GB DDR5 | 64GB DDR5Storage: 1TB SSD | 2TB SSD | 4TB SSD | 8TB SSDDisplay: 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 165Hz | 18-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 480HzPorts: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (PowerShare), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort), 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x mini-Display, 1x HDMI 2.1

Reasons to buy

+Incredible power under the hood+Cheaper configurations than Razer or Asus+Subtle design+Plenty of ports with excellent placement+Full sized keyboard and number pad

Reasons to avoid

-The heaviest gaming laptop we've tested so far-Display quality doesn't live up to the competition-Speakers don't feel as robust as Scar 18

Our favorite configuration:

Alienware M18 | Intel i9-13900HX | RTX 4080 at Dell
We tested an RTX 4090 graphics card with this i9-13900HX processor, but considering you can get away with a sub-$3,000 price tag on an RTX 4080 configuration we're pitching slightly downwards for our favorite configuration.

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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.

2. Alienware M16 R2

The best Alienware laptop for most

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel Core Ultra 9 185HGPU: RTX 4050 | RTX 4060 | RTX 4070RAM: 16GB | 32GB | 64GBStorage: 1TB | 2TB | 4TB | 8TBDisplay: 16-inch 240Hz 2560 x 1600

Reasons to buy

+Luxury design?+Feels more sophisticated than previous models+Satisfying keyboard and trackpad+Streamlined form factor+Solid mid-range performance

Reasons to avoid

-Taps out at RTX 4070-Struggles in more demanding games

Our favorite configuration:

Alienware M16 R2 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H / Nvidia RTX 4070 at Dell

We've gone with the same Intel Core Ultra 7 / RTX 4070 configuration as our test unit for this one, but dropped the 32GB RAM we tested down to 16GB. This is already a mid-range level of power, so you can feel free to cut some costs in the RAM department to keep things under $2,000.

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. The resulting RTX 4070 rig is tuned for excellent 1080p play and solid high-settings QHD+ experiences, 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. While the new Area-51 16-incher is going to be a little too expensive to truly threaten the M-Series' value for money, the Aurora 16X could well get in its way.

3. Alienware x16 R2

The best premium Alienware laptop

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Intel Core Ultra 7 155HGraphics: Nvidia RTX 4070 | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090RAM: 16GB | 32GB DDR5 RAMStorage: : 1TB | 2TB | 4TB | 8TB SSDScreen:: 16-inch QHD+ at 240Hz | 16-inch FHD+ at 480Hz

Reasons to buy

+Sleek slimline design+Wide range of configuration options+Excellent RGB+Smooth performance

Reasons to avoid

-Awkward rear shelf-Lackluster screen

Our favorite configuration:

Alienware x16 R2 | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H / RTX 4090 at Dell
You need to go big for the Alienware x16 R2 to truly prove its worth, so I've gone straight to the top of the spec sheet for this one. That RTX 4090 GPU is certainly going to keep the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor busy, and this is one of the few configurations that also net you that mechanical Cherry keyboard as well.

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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.

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

Alienware M16 R1 | Available at Amazon
The previous generation Alienware M16 still had that massive rear shelf, making it harder to transport. It also doesn't feature the same premium internal decking and keyboard materials. While harder to find, though, there are higher-end configurations of this model available.

Alienware M16 review

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Alienware x15 R2 | Check Amazon
The Alienware x15 R2 was an excellent machine in its day, but current prices just aren't worth it considering this is an RTX 30-Series machine from 2022.

Alienware x15 R2 review

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Alienware M15 R7 | Check Amazon
Before the M16 we had the 16:9 Alienware M15. This was a powerful machine back in the day, but it's just doesn't have value on its side with those older components.

Alienware M15 R7 review

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Alienware x17 | Check Amazon
The X17 was a monster of its time, packing high-end components into a larger form factor, all with a slick luxury design thrown on top. Like other older models, it's a little too difficult to find these days - and prices are higher than some M18 configurations.

Alienware x17 review

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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.

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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.

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