The best cheap Alienware gaming laptop deals for March 2024

Dell Alienware m16 on dark blue background
(Image credit: Future)

We've rounded up this week's best Alienware gaming laptop deals into one neat list right here on this page - perfect for our readers looking to save some cash on these serious gaming machines.

There are quite a few models in the range right now, so we've separated our Alienware gaming laptop deals page out into sections that cover both the latest 2024 iterations and older models. As you'd imagine, it's the previous generation of models that tend to have the deepest price cuts and the deals overall, so definitely don't skip them if you're looking for outright value.

Our roundup of today's best Alienware gaming laptop deals also includes detailed spec rundowns of each model so can easily compare each generation. We've included no-nonsense buying advice as well as alternative brands to check out, should you want to expand your search.

Overall, these aren't cheap gaming laptop deals by any stretch of the imagination as you would expect, but our roundup of today's best Alienware laptop prices might just potentially save you some big bucks.  Previously, we've seen discounts of up to $1,000 on these machines - especially around big sales events like Black Friday. While we've firmly passed this huge mega-sale now it's still worth keeping your eyes peeled for any good deals as there are often holdouts and surprise listings.

Alienware laptop deals and prices: 2024 models

Alienware M16 R2 gaming laptop

(Image credit: Alienware)

Alienware m16 R2

This year's standard 16-inch model

CPU: Intel Ultra 7 155H - Ultra 9 185H | Graphics: RTX 4050 - RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB - 64GB | Screen: 2560 x 1600 240Hz QHD | Storage: 1TB - 8TB SSD

Highly customizable
Latest components from Nvidia and Intel
No RTX 4080 or 4090 option

The M16 has received a refresh for 2024, with the current model being the second iteration. This second revision isn't just a simple upgrade, however, as not only has the M16 received new internal components, but it's also received a re-design. 

The new changes are most evident around the back of the machine, where it's lost the notoriously bulky ventilation chamber that extends from the chassis. This has resulted in an overall footprint that's now 15% smaller than the previous iteration, which is fantastic news on a slightly larger model like the M16.

Internally, the M16 still carries the latest RTX 4000 series cards, but has received a processor upgrade with the new 'Ultra' series chipsets from Intel. In day-to-day usage you may not see a huge bump in performance over the older Core i7 and i9 chipsets, but the new Ultra processors come with a dedicated AI processing unit that will be handy for video editing, live streaming, and Ray-Tracing features.

Overall, the Alienware M16 R2 is a superb choice for most users, offering a decent balance between specs and price. It's a little cheaper than the X16 and it's also packed with the latest components for 2024. 

Check out our Alienware M16 R2 hands-on review for more details on this model.

Alienware X16 R2 gaming laptop

(Image credit: Alienware)

Alienware x16 R2

The latest premium option

CPU: Intel Ultra 7 155H - Ultra 9 185H | Graphics: RTX 4060 - RTX 4090 | RAM: 16GB - 64GB | Screen: 2560 x 1600 240Hz QHD | Storage: 1TB - 8TB SSD

Highly customizable
Latest components from Nvidia and Intel
More expensive than the M

Another refreshed 16-inch model for 2024 is the Alienware X16 R2 - which is the slimmer, thinner, and lighter of the two options versus the M16. It's designed as a more portable and svelte laptop overall, but it doesn't quite match the heady heights that the M16 offers performance-wise.

Not that that really matters, of course, since the Alienware X16 R2 features the latest RTX 4000 series graphics cards and Intel's new Ultra processors, the latter being particularly focused on super-charging AI assisted tasks. This potent combination is more than enough to output some serious performance on the X16 R2's 1600p 240Hz refresh rate display. 

A few other minor upgrades include revised ventilation for better cooling, a better display and webcam, plus a distinctive rainbow-colored track pad that matches the RGB keyboard. Overall, the X16 R2 is designed as a premium high-end machine that's not entirely dedicated to performance - unlike the more cost-effective M16.

Check out our Alienware X16 R2 hands-on review for more details on this model.

Alienware laptop deals and prices: older models

Alienware m16 gaming laptop

(Image credit: Alienware)

Alienware m16

Still available - and for a great price

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700X - i9-13900X | Graphics: RTX 4060 - RTX 4080 | RAM: 16GB - 64GB | Screen: 165Hz - 240Hz QHD, 480Hz HD | Storage: 512GB - 8TB SSD

Highly customizable
Powerful components
Often on sale

The Alienware M16 is the previous iteration of the standard 'M' series and is a decent starting point for anyone looking to dip their feet into Alienware gaming laptop deals since it's readily available. It's still pricey, but the M series tends to offer a number of configurations, plenty of customization, and more reasonable price points versus the X models.

The 2023 model was the first to feature the slightly larger 16-inch display versus the usual 15.6-inch form factor, but it's essentially a refresh of the old m15 model. Inside, you'll get your choice of the latest RTX 4000 series cards and either a speedy Core i9-13900X or Core i7-13700X chipset - slightly older components now, but still great for gaming.

Editor's note, the 2023 Alienware M16 now also includes options for an AMD-based configuration starting at $1,699 / £1,599 for a Ryzen 7-7745HX chipset and RTX 4060 setup. This could be a great option if you're looking to save a little bit of cash.

Alienware x16 gaming laptop

(Image credit: Alienware)

Alienware X16

Premium portability

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700HK - i9-13900HK | Graphics: RTX 4060 - RTX 4080 | RAM: 16GB - 64GB | Screen: 165Hz - 240Hz QHD, 480Hz HD | Storage: 512GB - 8TB SSD

Slim form-factor
All aluminum build
More RGB lighting
Soldered RAM
Fewer customization options

The Alienware X16 is a medium-size premium model from the brand and a great option if you value form as well as function. It's a thinner model versus the 'standard' M16, features an all-metal aluminum chassis, and has fancier RGB lighting, if that's your thing.

The X16 features the same RTX 4000 series cards as the M16 model but there are also a few key differences with the other specs also. Firstly, the Core i9 processors featured in the X16 are the 'HK' variant, which is essentially a slimmed-down version of the HX in the M model with fewer cores. It's likely that this is a slight trade-off due to the X model's slimmer form factor.

Another trade-off from the slimmer build is the X16's 'integrated' RAM, which isn't upgradeable like the modular slots in the M16 model. This could be a deal-breaker for some but it's worth noting that the X16 features 32GB of DDR5 6,000MHz RAM, which is absolutely bonkers and more than enough for a good few years. 

Overall, the X16 is probably not the pick for those looking for outright performance-to-price ratio as the M16 model offers speedier components at a lower cost. It is, however, arguably the slickest-looking machine in the range right now.

Alienware m18 gaming laptop

(Image credit: Alienware)

Alienware m18

A compelling desktop replacement - for a price

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700HX - i9-13900HX | Graphics: RTX 4060 - 4090 | RAM: 16GB - 64GB | Screen: 165Hz QHD+, 480Hz FHD+ | Storage: 512GB - 8TB SSD

Huge 18" display
'HX' Intel Core chips
Much bigger than most laptops

Are you in need of some serious power and unlikely to be lugging your laptop around? If so, you may want to consider the Alienware M18. This was a new model for 2023 and quite possibly the largest laptop the brand has ever made. Out of all the models available, this is the one most suited to being a direct desktop replacement for those with relatively static setups.

The biggest selling point with the M18 is that you get a beefier 'HX' variant for the 13th gen Intel Core chips, a component that gets you some extra cores versus the 'X' variant in the M16 model and the 'HK' in the X16. Even though the GPU is going to do most of the heavy lifting in-game regardless of what model you go for, the M18 has heaps of power on tap - enough to help it properly fit the role of a true desktop replacement. 

Of course, the added screen real estate and beefier chipsets aren't going to matter much if you value portability. Out of all the new Alienware machines, the M18 is definitely the most niche buy. It's a great option if you're going to be relatively static with your laptop for a while - or don't have enough desk space for a traditional desktop and monitor combo, however.

Alienware X15

(Image credit: Alienware)

Alienware x15

A new slimmed-down option

CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H - i7-11900H | Graphics: RTX 3060 - RTX 3080 | RAM: 16GB - 32GB | Screen: 165Hz HD, 360Hz HD, 240Hz QHD | Storage: 256GB - 4TB SSD

Thin
Pricier vs m15
11th gen Intel CPU
No Ryzen options

The 'X' range is a new one from Alienware - one that's looking to slim down the traditionally bulky gaming laptop form factor into a svelter, easier to carry option. The general aesthetic is the same here, though, and as you'd expect from Alienware, these machines come packed with the latest components for superb gaming performance.

Specs-wise, these machines come with a dizzying array of options with super-speedy 11th gen Core i7 and i9 processors and your choice of everything from an RTX 3060 to RTX 3080 GPU. There's a lot of wiggle room for customisation here and these models have the same excellent array of display choices as the m15 models.

As of writing, these machines feature slightly older 11th gen Intel Core chips only. We do, however, expect Alienware to update this model with newer 12th gen chips and possibly AMD components too. When that happens, Alienware will probably list these under an 'R2' or 'Ryzen' model, although it'll essentially just be a specs refresh of the same laptop. 

For consumers, the biggest question surround the latest x15 model, and any model in the new 'X' range for that matter, is going to be whether it's worth the extra scratch versus the standard m15 model. As the newest and shiniest model in the range, you can expect discounts on this one to be less forthcoming than on the m15, which is generally still the best option for most gamers on a budget. Unless you really, really want a thinner laptop, we'd probably go for the m15. 

Check out our full Alienware x15 review.

Alienware gaming laptop deals: buying advice

alienware gaming laptop deals price sale

(Image credit: Alienware)

Are Alienware laptops good?

Alienware laptops are easily some of the 'best' gaming laptops money can buy right now. Are they expensive? Yes, they are incredibly pricey, even with such high-end components, but their design is incredibly unique, and overall they're fantastically well-engineered machines. 

A few years ago, Alienware was fairly notorious for having heat management issues on its laptops, although with the latest series of chassis, those complaints are generally moot now. The latest Alienware laptops are capable of pushing out incredible frame rates without throttling out and you'll be well served by any one of these machines... if you have the bank account to support such a purchase, that is.

Should I buy directly from Dell?

Dell, on average, do have the lowest prices for Alienware gaming laptops as well as unique options for customization that allow you to really tailor a specific machine to your needs. That alone is a great reason to always make the Dell site your first port of call when looking for Alienware gaming laptop deals.

That said, other retailers also stock Alienware laptops and do run their own discounts and sales throughout the year. Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart all stock Alienware laptops in the US though note - it can sometimes take a while for them to receive the latest models and they most often discount old stock as opposed to the shiniest new stuff. In the UK, it's the same story with Amazon, Currys, and Very, although we think John Lewis, in particular, stands out as a particularly good choice thanks to its extended warranty options - always a worthwhile thing to have on such expensive machines.

When's the best time to buy?

Dell runs some of the best seasonal sales in the business, so expect there to be particularly low prices around those big events in particular. We're talking about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Labor Day, and even around Amazon Prime Day too.

Price cuts around those events tend to range upwards of $1,000 / £800 on some of the top-end models, depending on their age, so it can be worth taking a quick look at the calendar for any holiday events coming up. 

What other gaming laptops are there?

Alienware's most notable rival in the premium gaming laptop deals market is Razer currently, which has similarly priced machines with high-end components and build quality. Aesthetics between the machines are vastly different, with Alienware going for a more space-age feel, while Razer tends to go for a more subdued approach. Both companies are fantastic, however, and If you're interested in seeing how Razer matches up to the models featured here, we recommend heading over to our dedicated best Razer Blade deals page.

If you're (understandably) looking for something a little cheaper, we've also got a fantastic cheap gaming laptop deals page with our current picks for the best bang for the buck machines on the market. You'll find plenty of machines under $1,000 there, and we'd also recommend checking out this week's best Asus Zephyrus G14 prices too, which is another one of our favorite gaming laptops right now.

Alex Whitelock
Deals Editor

Alex is deals editor at TechRadar. With over three years of experience on-site and eight years working in e-commerce, Alex has made it his personal mission to share all his favorite tips, bargains, and deals with our readers here at TechRadar. At work, he specializes in computing, phones, and covering huge sales events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Outside of work, you'll find him indulging his keen love of photography and PC gaming, or down at the local climbing gym hanging off boulders far too difficult for his abilities. His editorial bylines also include contributions to T3 and GamesRadar.