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10 Best Dell Laptops 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD (1920x1080) 120Hz Display, Intel Core i5-1334U Processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Platinum Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,366
Processor (CPU)
Storage (HDD/SSD)
Display Size and Type

Most important from
715 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Starts up quickly and runs smoothly, making everyday tasks feel effortless and lag-free.
Storage (HDD/SSD)
Fast performance and snappy responsiveness thanks to the SSD and efficient hardware.
Display Size and Type
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen delivers crisp visuals that are easy on the eyes during extended use.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid but not exceptional, suitable for typical daily productivity needs.
Build Quality and Portability
Lightweight yet sturdy design offers excellent portability without sacrificing build quality.
Special Features
User-friendly interface with Windows 11 brings a fresh, modern experience even for those upgrading from much older models.

The Dell 15 Laptop DC15250 is a solid choice for everyday use with a 15.6-inch Full HD display that offers clear visuals and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for general browsing and media viewing. Powered by an Intel Core i5-1334U processor paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, it delivers efficient multitasking and can handle most common tasks quickly, though its base CPU speed of 900 MHz suggests it is geared more toward light to moderate workloads rather than intensive computing or gaming. The 512GB SSD provides fast storage and quick boot times, which is a plus for productivity. It uses Intel UHD integrated graphics, sufficient for basic video and photo tasks but not designed for heavy graphical work or gaming.

Battery life benefits from an energy-efficient design and Express Charge, helping you stay productive longer between charges. The laptop features a sturdy yet lightweight build at 3.64 pounds, making it fairly portable for daily carry. Comfort is enhanced by an anti-glare screen and an ergonomic keyboard with backlighting, a numeric keypad, and a calculator hotkey that support comfortable and efficient typing. Connectivity includes multiple USB ports and Wi-Fi 6, covering most needs for peripherals and fast wireless internet.

A notable feature is the one-year onsite service from Dell, which offers helpful support if issues arise. While the laptop lacks an optical drive and uses integrated graphics, these are common trade-offs at this price and category. This Dell model suits users who want a dependable, well-rounded laptop for work, study, or general use rather than heavy gaming or demanding creative software.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,366
Processor (CPU)
Storage (HDD/SSD)
Display Size and Type

Most important from
715 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Starts up quickly and runs smoothly, making everyday tasks feel effortless and lag-free.
Storage (HDD/SSD)
Fast performance and snappy responsiveness thanks to the SSD and efficient hardware.
Display Size and Type
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen delivers crisp visuals that are easy on the eyes during extended use.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid but not exceptional, suitable for typical daily productivity needs.
Build Quality and Portability
Lightweight yet sturdy design offers excellent portability without sacrificing build quality.
Special Features
User-friendly interface with Windows 11 brings a fresh, modern experience even for those upgrading from much older models.
#2

Dell 14 Plus Laptop DB14250-14-inch 16:10 2.5K (2560x1600) Display, Intel Core Ultra 9-288V, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel Arc Graphics, Backlit Copilot Key Keyboard - Previously Inspiron

Rating
8.8
Processor (CPU)
Display Size and Type
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
143 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The combination of the Ultra 9 processor and 32GB LPDDR5X RAM delivers lightning-fast performance, effortlessly handling demanding photography and multitasking workloads.
Display Size and Type
The 14-inch 2560x1600 display is crystal clear and vibrant, with an anti-glare coating that effectively reduces eye strain during extended use.
Build Quality and Portability
Build quality feels premium with a sleek aluminum design, and the laptop remains quiet with only a barely noticeable warmth on the bottom left side during use.
Ports and Connectivity
Port selection is limited with only one USB-A port and two USB-C ports (one often used for charging), necessitating adapters for peripherals and card readers.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Backlit keyboard functionality is convenient, though the automatic dimming feature can be distracting and may require manual adjustment.

The Dell 14 Plus Laptop DB14250 is a strong choice for users needing a powerful and portable machine, especially for creative work and everyday productivity. It packs an impressive Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and 32GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, which means it can easily handle demanding tasks and multitasking without slowing down. The 1TB SSD ensures plenty of fast storage space, allowing quick file access and smooth performance. Its 14-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 2560x1600 resolution delivers sharp, vibrant visuals well-suited for photo editing, video watching, or detailed work. The anti-glare coating helps reduce eye strain in various lighting conditions. With Intel Arc Graphics, it offers a decent boost for graphics tasks although it's not aimed at heavy gaming.

The laptop features a backlit keyboard with a special Copilot key, useful for quick AI-powered assistance, which is increasingly helpful for writing, summarizing, or brainstorming ideas. Build quality is solid, with military-grade testing backing its durability, and the sleek aluminum design adds a premium feel while keeping the weight around 3.4 pounds, making it fairly portable. Connectivity options include USB 3.0 ports and modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 802.11.be and Bluetooth, covering most everyday needs. While the laptop is designed for AI tasks and productivity, it lacks an optical drive, which may not matter to most users today.

This Dell model is well-suited for professionals, creators, and anyone looking for a powerful, stylish, and AI-friendly laptop for work and entertainment.

Rating
8.8
Processor (CPU)
Display Size and Type
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
143 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The combination of the Ultra 9 processor and 32GB LPDDR5X RAM delivers lightning-fast performance, effortlessly handling demanding photography and multitasking workloads.
Display Size and Type
The 14-inch 2560x1600 display is crystal clear and vibrant, with an anti-glare coating that effectively reduces eye strain during extended use.
Build Quality and Portability
Build quality feels premium with a sleek aluminum design, and the laptop remains quiet with only a barely noticeable warmth on the bottom left side during use.
Ports and Connectivity
Port selection is limited with only one USB-A port and two USB-C ports (one often used for charging), necessitating adapters for peripherals and card readers.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Backlit keyboard functionality is convenient, though the automatic dimming feature can be distracting and may require manual adjustment.
#3

Dell Pro 16 Laptop Computer, Intel Core Ultra 7 265U & AI for Business, 16" Touch IPS Display, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 11 Pro

Rating
8.8
Display Size and Type
Build Quality and Portability
Processor (CPU)

Most important from
39 reviews

Display Size and Type
The laptop offers a large screen combined with solid-state technology in a durable and structurally sound design.
Build Quality and Portability
The laptop offers a large screen combined with solid-state technology in a durable and structurally sound design.
Processor (CPU)
Performance is noticeably faster compared to older models, eliminating slowdowns even after extensive use.
Special Features
It arrives ready to use, charged and easy to set up, providing a hassle-free initial experience.
Other
Graphic design tasks are handled smoothly with impressive color accuracy, making it ideal for creative professionals.

The Dell Pro 16 is designed for professionals who need a powerful and reliable laptop for work, especially those who want a mix of strong performance and good portability. It features a high-end Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with 12 cores, making it fast and capable of handling demanding tasks smoothly. The large 32GB of DDR5 RAM supports multitasking, allowing many programs to run without slowing down. Storage comes in a spacious 1TB PCIe SSD, providing quick access to files and plenty of room for documents and apps.

The 16-inch touchscreen display is a highlight, featuring a sharp Full HD+ resolution and an IPS panel that offers good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The slightly taller 16:10 screen ratio provides more vertical space, which is useful for working with documents or browsing. The touch feature adds convenience, though it may consume more battery compared to non-touch displays. The laptop is built for business use, expected to last through a typical workday, but heavy use of the high-res screen and powerful CPU might reduce that. It weighs over 4 pounds, and its modular and durable design, along with military-grade testing, ensures it can withstand travel and daily wear well.

Connectivity is solid, with the latest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless connections. Ports include USB-A and USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and an Ethernet jack, covering most needs without requiring extra adapters. The backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad is comfortable for extended typing, and Windows 11 Pro includes an AI assistant called Copilot for enhanced productivity. The integrated Intel Graphics are sufficient for everyday tasks but not suitable for heavy graphics work or gaming. The premium build and large display mean it is bulkier than ultraportable laptops. For professionals seeking a solid, fast, business-ready machine with a great screen and strong security features, the Dell Pro 16 is a fitting choice.

Rating
8.8
Display Size and Type
Build Quality and Portability
Processor (CPU)

Most important from
39 reviews

Display Size and Type
The laptop offers a large screen combined with solid-state technology in a durable and structurally sound design.
Build Quality and Portability
The laptop offers a large screen combined with solid-state technology in a durable and structurally sound design.
Processor (CPU)
Performance is noticeably faster compared to older models, eliminating slowdowns even after extensive use.
Special Features
It arrives ready to use, charged and easy to set up, providing a hassle-free initial experience.
Other
Graphic design tasks are handled smoothly with impressive color accuracy, making it ideal for creative professionals.

Buying Guide for the Best Dell Laptops

Choosing a Dell laptop is all about matching your needs to the features and specifications available. With a wide range of options, Dell offers models geared toward students, professionals, gamers, and home users. The most important thing is to understand what you'll be using the laptop for, as this will help narrow down which specifications are essential and which features are merely nice to have. By knowing yourself as a user, you can avoid paying for unused power or ending up with a device that falls short of your day-to-day requirements.
Processor (CPU)The processor is a critical component that determines how quickly your laptop can perform tasks. For everyday activities like browsing, email, or document editing, an entry-level or mid-range processor is often sufficient. High-performance laptops with more powerful CPUs are better suited for heavy multitasking, content creation, or gaming. If you want a laptop mainly for basic tasks, look for models with entry-level processors; if you plan to use demanding software or want your machine to last longer as software requirements grow, consider mid-range or high-end processors.
Memory (RAM)Memory, or RAM, affects your ability to smoothly run multiple programs at once. Basic tasks and casual use require less RAM, while tasks such as photo/video editing or heavy multitasking require more. Laptops typically range from 4GB to 32GB of RAM. For everyday users, 8GB is a balanced choice, while 16GB or more is recommended for power users or professionals running intensive applications.
Storage (HDD/SSD)Storage determines how much data, files, and programs you can keep on your laptop. More important than size is the type: SSDs (solid-state drives) are much faster than traditional HDDs, making your system feel quicker and starting applications faster. If you store lots of videos, photos, or large projects, higher capacity is important. For most users, a 256GB or 512GB SSD is sufficient, but if you work with large files regularly, go for more.
Display Size and TypeThe display size affects portability and your viewing experience. Smaller screens (13-14 inches) mean a lighter, more portable laptop, good for frequent travelers or students. Larger screens (15-17 inches) are better for multitasking and media consumption but are heavier and less portable. Display quality—measured by resolution (HD, Full HD, 4K)—impacts clarity. Full HD (1920x1080) is a good baseline for most users. If you edit photos/videos or want sharper visuals, consider higher resolutions or enhanced color panels.
Battery LifeBattery life measures how long your laptop can run without needing a charge. If you plan on being away from power outlets—like at school, in meetings, or during travel—look for laptops known for long battery life. Laptops with bigger batteries typically last longer, but heavy-duty models or high-resolution screens may drain power faster. For mostly desk use, it’s less critical, but portability-focused users should prioritize longer battery performance.
Build Quality and PortabilityBuild quality includes materials, design, and sturdiness. Metal bodies are generally more durable than plastic and offer a premium feel. Portability depends on weight and thickness—lighter and thinner laptops are easier to carry. If you move around a lot or travel for work or study, prioritize these aspects. If your laptop stays mostly at your desk, a heavier or larger build isn’t a dealbreaker.
Ports and ConnectivityPorts allow you to connect other devices, such as USB drives, monitors, or headphones. Consider how many and which types of devices you’ll want to connect—if you present with projectors, use multiple monitors, or need SD card slots, check the available ports. Wireless features like Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth can also improve connectivity. Think about your setup and make sure the laptop covers your routine needs.
Keyboard and TouchpadSince you interact with these components daily, their quality is crucial for comfort and productivity. If you type a lot, look for a comfortable, tactile keyboard, possibly with backlighting if you work in low light. A responsive, accurate touchpad also makes navigation easier, especially if you aren’t using an external mouse frequently. Test these features if possible, or look out for reviews mentioning user experience.
Special FeaturesSome Dell laptops offer features like fingerprint readers, webcams with privacy shutters, touchscreen capability, or 2-in-1 convertibility (switching between laptop and tablet mode). Decide which of these add real value to your personal or professional needs—like improved security, video call quality, or flexibility in use—rather than simply choosing the model with the most bells and whistles.

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