I tested Alienware's new budget gaming laptop, but these 3 might be smarter buys - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Why you can trust ZDNET: ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The Alienware 15 sets out to balance affordability and performance, but whether it succeeds depends on personal preferences. Article updated on July 13, 2026, 10:37 am EDT Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. When I first heard about a budget-friendly Alienware laptop, I was beyond excited. What was I expecting? A distinctly Alienware product at an approachable price point, with reasonable trade-offs to get there: a lower-end GPU, less RAM, and an entry-level but high-performing CPU. Well, it turns out balancing hardware, build, and features is not exactly easy, especially in this market. The Alienware 15 walks the line with its own set of trade-offs — whether or not they’re worth it is up for debate. Also: This Alienware laptop is a gaming powerhouse, and it’s $650 off right now It features a 300-nit WUXGA display, an Intel Core 7 “Raptor Lake” CPU, and either an RT