Dell
Dell XPS 14 (2026)
A
Ranked #3 in Laptops
Backed by 5 cited sources
Covered by 5 outlets
The consensus best Windows laptop of 2026: Dell's course correction ditches the controversial XPS design and, with Panther Lake and a 2.8K OLED touch display, is the first Windows machine reviewers say genuinely closes the gap with Apple Silicon. A 31% price hike keeps it out of S.
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Key features
- ✓ Intel Core Ultra X7 358H (Panther Lake, 16 cores)
- ✓ 14-inch 2.8K OLED InfinityEdge touch display
- ✓ 13-15 hours real-world battery life
- ✓ Return of a practical, loved XPS design
- ✓ Starts at $1,889 after May 2026 price increase
The sources behind this ranking
5 cited sources cover Dell XPS 14 (2026). Here's the stance each one takes.
S 1 A 3 B 1
T 
Tom's Guide Tom's Guide's best Windows laptop: the 2026 XPS 14 is the comeback reviewers have been waiting for and a true MacBook Pro competitor. S Read → T 
Tom's Hardware 'Two steps forward': a great showcase for Panther Lake with just the right mix of forward-looking design and everyday practicality. A Read → P 
PCWorld 'A course correction': Dell remade the XPS with vibrant OLED image quality and impressive performance from integrated graphics. A Read → T 
T3 Reviews it as a contender for best Windows laptop of the year, praising its premium build and Panther Lake performance. A Read → T 
TechRadar A great laptop that won't convert Apple fans; the hardware impresses but Windows 11 holds it back. B Read →
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