Dell XPS 16 (9650)
The XPS 16 is the flagship and my pick for most professionals. 16-inch OLED touchscreen, Intel Core Ultra 9 or 7, optional RTX 4070 mobile, and the gorgeous edge-to-edge keyboard. Battery life is respectable for a 16-inch (10 to 12 hours on basic tasks). The capacitive touch function row is divisive; I have grown to like it.
Check price on Amazon →I have run Dell laptops as my daily driver for over a decade. Here are the five Dell models I would buy in 2026 for work, travel, and gaming.
Our testing process
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell XPS 16 (9650) | Check price | ||
| Dell XPS 13 Plus | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Dell Latitude 7450 | Best Premium | Check price | |
| Alienware m16 R2 | Best for Business Travel | Check price | |
| Dell Precision 5690 | Check price |
Reviewed in detail
Dell XPS 16 (9650)
The XPS 16 is the flagship and my pick for most professionals. 16-inch OLED touchscreen, Intel Core Ultra 9 or 7, optional RTX 4070 mobile, and the gorgeous edge-to-edge keyboard. Battery life is respectable for a 16-inch (10 to 12 hours on basic tasks). The capacitive touch function row is divisive; I have grown to like it.
Dell XPS 13 Plus
The XPS 13 Plus is the travel laptop I take to client meetings. 13.4-inch OLED option, all-day battery life on the Intel U-series chips, and a slim 2.7-pound chassis. The flush trackpad and edge-to-edge keys are a love-or-hate design. Best for road warriors who write more than they compile.
Dell Latitude 7450
The Latitude 7450 is the business-class pick. Fingerprint reader, smart card slot, MIL-STD durability rating, and the full set of business ports including USB-A and HDMI. Not as flashy as the XPS, but better repairability and stronger IT department support. Excellent keyboard.
Alienware m16 R2
For mobile gaming and creative work, the Alienware m16 R2 is the Dell I would pick. RTX 4080 mobile option, 240Hz QHD+ screen, and the new redesigned chassis is much less garish than older Alienware. Thermals are aggressive and the per-key RGB is well done.
Dell Precision 5690
The Precision 5690 is the workstation pick for engineers and creators. ISV-certified for AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe pro apps. Xeon and RTX Pro GPU options, plus ECC memory configurations. Looks similar to the XPS 16 chassis but with workstation guts.
Common questions
It is still in the top three. The XPS 15 and XPS 16 redesigns improved screens and trackpads. They are no longer the only premium choice, with strong competition from Lenovo and HP, but Dell's build quality and OLED screens are class-leading.
If you travel with the laptop, Alienware. The build, screen, and thermals are worth the premium. If it lives on your desk and only occasionally travels, the G-series gives 90% of the gaming performance for less money.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
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