Dell vs HP – Which Brand Makes the Best Laptops?

If you click on links in this article, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Skip to our Top Picks

Dell vs HP? If you have been in the market for a laptop recently, you will have probably noticed that the market is flooded with a large number of machines made by Dell or HP. These two companies are strong leaders in the laptop space and have been for many years.

This devotion to excellence has created a large number of quality products and a large number of loyal customers.

But you only have time and money to get the very best. Making a decision between two leading brands is always difficult and the fear of making a poor choice looms large in today’s capitalist society.

Dell vs. HP – Which company makes a better laptop?

DELL vs HP Overview

PRICE – Is HP More Expensive Than Dell?

In terms of overall pricing, Dell is generally cheaper than HP.

There are many models that are similar in terms of specifications that come in at similar prices but if you are looking for the best software and components on a budget, Dell has more options on the lower end of the price scale than HP.

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: DEPENDS IF WANT CHEAP OPTIONS

BRAND RECOGNITION

When it comes to brand recognition, both are strong players. However, Dell probably has a slight edge.

Dell had a very aggressive marketing campaign and the Intel sound which featured prominently in their ads is still recognizable today.

HP also has a large brand footprint but HP is known more for its peripherals, such as printers, than their laptops in terms of brand recognition.

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: DELL

CUSTOMER SUPPORT – Who cares more – Dell or HP?

In terms of customer support and customer care, Dell is not only an industry leader but an overall leader.

Dell has been praised for its attentive customer service by all sectors of the economy and they regularly get top marks from normal buyers as well.

In comparison, HP largely outsources its customer service to overseas companies which can lead to mixed results. HP’s customer service is not bad per se, but if you are looking to get quick and effective results, Dell is going to win every time.

That’s not HP’s fault. Dell would beat most modern companies in this arena. HP has standard customer service for the modern era. It is not bad but in the face of greatness, average appears mediocre. 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: DELL

APPEARANCE & DESIGN

HP builds better looking computers.

If you are someone whose eye is drawn to sleek modern looking machines then you are going to appreciate the design philosophy of HP over Dell hands down.

Dell computers have usually been utilitarian black boxes that focus on performance over appearance and that is still largely true today.

Recently, Dell tried to change this perception by adding new color options to their custom machine selection but HP still looks better overall.

WINNER THIS ROUND: HP

COMPONENTS

In terms of components, both are very similar.

The vast majority of computer components today come from a handful of third party manufacturers like Intel and AMD meaning that HP and Dell decide what to put into their computers but the quality of the components themselves is not up to them.

In terms of hardware and components, you can look at each individual computer and decide which ones are right for you. 

Dell has traditionally had a strong relationship with Intel so if you like Intel chips and processors, you might want to go with Dell.

If you like AMD, HP has some great AMD options. Either way, both companies offer a lot of different options.

WINNER THIS ROUND: TIE – DELL FOR INTEL, HP FOR AMD

OPTIONS

Dell definitely has the edge in terms of overall options. This is largely driven by two factors.

First, they have a service where you can completely build and customize a laptop from scratch if you so choose.

This gives you complete freedom to pick your specifications, price point, and overall look and have them put it together for you.

HP does not do that. Secondly, Dell has Alienware gaming laptops as an integrated division of their company meaning you get a whole other line of powerful computers to choose from all under the Dell brand. 

HP offers a lot of variety within its standard models but nothing comes close to the true freedom that you can get with Dell if you so choose. 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: DELL

GAMING LAPTOPS – HP or DELL

Gamers can be notoriously fickle about their gaming machines but in this case, Dell has a slight edge.

HP has made some truly excellent gaming computers over the years but Dell has the advantage of being the maker of Alienware computers.

Alienware is one of the best and most respected brands in the gaming space due to the focus on creating top end gaming machines. Alienware gives Dell an advantage in presentation, brand recognition, and top end specifications. 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: DELL

MANUFACTURING – Where are Dell and HP Laptops Manufactured?

Lastly, HP has an edge in manufacturing. Dell is a truly global and international brand and they have factories all over the world from Ireland to China and Malaysia.

Many of their machines are top notch but with any brand that produces products in bulk from international sources, quality control can sometimes be an issue.

On the other hand, HP manufactures its computers in the United States. While some components still come in from overseas, HP puts their machines together in America. 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: HP

INNOVATION

Dell is by far the more innovative brand between the two. They experiment with a lot of different technologies and design concepts for their laptops.

In the past Dell has been known to produce heavy middle-of-the road utility laptops. But they’ve really upped their game lately. In order to expand their market reach, they’ve started implementing innovative laptops.

If you look at our XPS example we feature in this article, you will see that it’s a super lightweight version with innovative features such as being able to control cell phones via the laptop.

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: DELL

Dell Top 10 HP vs Dell Laptops

This is our table of the Top 10 best HP and Dell Laptops you can currently find that you can quickly scour. If you are looking for a more in-depth review of the Top 6 Laptops then check out our comparison right below this table!

Price Legend (estimates): $ = under $500 | $$ = $500-$1000 | $$$ = $1000-$1500 | $$$$ = over $1500

Top 6 Dell vs HP Laptops in Comparison

DELL Alienware Gaming Laptop

If you are looking to do some serious gaming on the go, you can’t go wrong with the Alienware FHD IPS.

With this laptop, you are getting everything you could ever need in a gaming computer.

It has a massive 17.3” screen, an amazing graphics card, a half-terabyte solid state drive plus a full terabyte hard drive, and the latest generation processor.

The newest Intel processors plus a stunning 32GB of onboard RAM means that this machine will be lightning fast for years to come. The result is a powerful machine that is portable, will be able to play the most recent games at the highest resolution, and will last even as technology progresses.

This computer is a great example of the best of Alienware and showcases what Dell can bring to the table in terms of gaming hardware. 

KEY FEATURES
● 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Processor
● NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 OC with 8 GB GDDR5 VRAM Graphics
● 17.3″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Display

HP Omen Gaming Laptop

The Omen is HP’s answer to Dell’s Alienware brand. It is a fantastic gaming machine in its own right and brings a lot to the table.

The Omen runs on NVIDIA RTX 2070 with 8GB of video memory giving you the graphical chops to display photorealistic games. It has a beefy solid state drive plus a full terabyte hard drive to store your gaming files.

A 17” screen, fast Intel processors, and 16GB of RAM fill out this machine. 

This is one of the best gaming laptops available and comes in with tons of extra input jacks and ports so you can fill out your computer with all of your favorite gaming gear and peripherals. The HP Omen is an excellent addition to the gaming laptop market. 

KEY FEATURES
● 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750h Processor
● NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
● 17.3” (1920 x 1080) FHD IPS Anti-Glare micro-edge WLED-backlit Display  

Utility Laptop – DELL XPS 15

If you are looking for your next all around capable laptop that can do everything with a high level of competence, you need to check out the Dell XPS 15.

This computer refutes the idea that a jack of all trades is a master of none. Not everyone needs a super specialized machine. Some people need to be able to work from home, video chat with family, do some casual gaming on the side, and throw together last minute presentations.

This computer can do all of that and more.

It has a high resolution touch screen which allows for fast editing and navigation. The XPS also features the latest processors from Intel, 16GB of RAM, and a respectable graphics card.

Together, this combination presents you with a laptop that can do a little bit of everything without having any weaknesses. The only downside is it comes in on the higher end of the price scale. But, if you are willing to spend the money, this could be the last laptop you need for a very long time. 

KEY FEATURES
● 8th Gen Intel Core i7 Processors
● NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Graphics
● 15.6” (3840 x 2160) 4K Ultra HD Touchscreen Display

Utility Laptop – HP ZBook

This HP ZBook advertises itself as a mobile workstation. That is because you can do everything you need to with this setup without having to worry about using another computer to finish the job.

This is the kind of computer you turn to when you want a laptop that can work from home, the office, or the coffee shop and not miss a beat. If you are looking to get vast amounts of overall utility from your laptop, in lieu of a tablet or desktop, then you are going to love the ZBook 15v. 

Today, we need computers that can do a little bit of everything. In our ever-changing world, we continue to ask more and more of our technology.

Work is done from home. School is remote. Everything is streaming or downloadable. You need a computer that can do the heavy lifting required of our machines today and this computer fits the bill. 

KEY FEATURES
● 8th Generation Intel i7-8750H 6-Core Processor
● NVIDIA Quadro P600 with 4 GB GDDR5 VRAM
● 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Touchscreen Glossy Display

2-in-1 – Dell Inspiron 5000

If you’re looking for a full 2-in-1 laptop with Dell’s remarkable quality, you are going to want to check out the Inspiron 5000. Inspiron has been a staple laptop brand for years and now they’ve moved their quality design into the modern era with a full 2-in-1 laptop.

It has a 14” fully foldable touchscreen, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive. 

This laptop gives you everything you love about a tablet combined with the proven efficiency of an Inspiron computer.

This makes the Inspiron 5000 a great option for anyone who does a lot of work on the go, likes to write from the cozy corner at the local coffee shop or library, or likes to use a lot of modern touch-capable apps. 

Best of all, it comes in at a reasonable price and you get the full assurance of Dell’s customer service.

KEY FEATURES
● 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145U Processor
● Intel UHD Graphics 620
● 14” HD (1366 x 768) LED-Backlit Touch Display

2-in-1 – HP Spectre x360

If you are in the market for one of the best 2-in-1 laptops available today, you need to look at the HP Spectre x360.

This takes the proven quality of high end HP laptops and combines it with the freshest and most modern 2-in-1 capable technology. The result is a stunning and powerful laptop that can go all the way around for full 360 degree folding motion.

This computer is perfect for anyone who does digital design, uses a lot of touch-capable apps at work, or someone who wants the newest and best machine for school. 

It is packed with 10th generation Intel components, 16GB of RAM, and a full 512GB of solid state storage. These specs are fantastic for a regular old laptop and even more so with the high-resolution 4k ultra crisp touchscreen.

If you are someone who hates desktops, loves tablets but still wants a powerful machine to do your heavy lifting on a daily basis, you need to be in the market for the HP Spectre x360. 

KEY FEATURES
● 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10510U Processor
● NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with 2GB dedicated Graphics Memory
● 15.6″ (3840 x 2160) 4K WLED-backlit edge-to-edge glass with Corning Gorilla Glass Display

BENEFITS OF DELL

Dell has two strong things going for it that sets it apart from the rest.

First, they have an absolutely massive number of different computers that cover all areas of the laptop space. Second, they have truly great customer service.

Dell is a global brand with years of experience in creating laptops for general use. 

If you are someone who needs help with their computers or someone who is looking for something very specific, whether that be a budget machine or high end gaming machine, Dell is going to be the brand that you want to look into.

Dell has many more options than HP at consumer-friendly price points. They present a standard level of quality that is present in all of their machines.

Dell is an easy choice for both the computer illiterate and the computer savvy due to their unrivaled combination of simplicity and options. 

BENEFITS OF HP

HP’s benefits come from its overall quality. Recently, HP has focused on creating some truly beautiful laptops. They have better screen quality and resolution.

Their laptops look great and are integrating some new and innovative features in their touch screens and keyboards.

If you are someone who is not looking for a lot of choice or options but wants to spend a moderate amount of money on a great computer out of the box that you don’t have to worry about, you probably want to look at HP. 

Some people want to pick and choose every aspect of their computers to make them perfect for what they need. The rest of us just want something that works, works well, and looks great doing it.

That is where HP shines. You might have noticed that the HP machines tend to be a little pricier than the Dell machines and that is because they operate at a higher level of quality and power than Dell.

There are fewer budget friendly options but plenty of quality high end machines available to choose from. Sleek, modern, and powerful machines that run right out of the box.

HP is a simple choice for the older student, work from home parent, or general use computer customer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are Dell or HP Laptops Better for Gaming?

Dell laptops are generally better for gaming than HP laptops.

Dell was one of the first companies to create a gaming laptop and that early development in the space when the technology was brand new spun off into Alienware, a household name in the computer gaming space.

Even without Alienware, Dell’s generic brand gaming computers are also pretty good. This mostly stems from the fact that they have been around the longest, they’ve been innovating the longest and their designs are always fresh. 

HP also has some high quality gaming machines but their options are much more limited in terms of overall scope and top end performance.

If you are a gamer looking for your next gaming laptop, Dell holds far more options and more customization than HP. 

Which is the Best Brand for Budget Buyers?

Dell’s large number of options and the ability to customize each individual laptop if you so choose allows buyers to get decent machines at a low price.

HP has a few budget options but most of HP’s laptops are in the mid to high end price range. Dell has been a staple for low priced office and school laptops for many years and that continues to be the case today. 

If you are trying to find a laptop on a low budget, Dell is going to have more options for you to choose from than HP.

If you have a middle ranged budget, HP might hold a few options that are better in terms of quality and appearance than Dell. It all depends on how much you want to spend.

Dell’s customization and their large number of low priced machines give them the edge in this category. 

Are Dell or HP Laptops more durable?

HP laptops are generally found to be more durable. In terms of overall longevity, HP machines seem to last longer than Dell.

This partly stems from Dell’s large number of budget laptops which have had some quality control issues in the past. HP’s machines are usually more expensive overall so you would expect them to last a little longer. 

In terms of the high end machines, there does not seem to be much of a difference. Although, HP is documented to have better battery life across all of their laptops.

Dell’s focus on speed and performance, especially in their gaming machines, has led some to complain that they have subpar battery life. 

Which Brand provides Better Customer Service?

Dell provides better customer service.

If you have any questions about your computer or have any issues with the software or hardware, they have an unrivaled department of professionals who are ready to help you.

This has been a brand staple of theirs for years. From the earliest days of laptop computers to the pandemic era of the 21st century, Dell has focused on providing fast, reliable, and useful customer service.

They are not only one of the best in the computer market but one of the best in the world at this.

OUR VERDICT

When it comes down to it, Dell checks more boxes than HP. HP is still a wonderful company that produces high quality laptops. These two are largely considered the best for a reason and they go head to head due to their combined excellence.

However, if you have to choose one, you are better off looking into getting a Dell.

Dell has way more options than HP that run the gambit from budget school laptop all the way up to professional grade gaming computers and everything in between. You have the ability to design your own laptop that meets your individual needs and have it built and shipped directly to you.

The prices for Dells are generally better than HPs, even if they don’t look as pretty out of the box. Dell has Alienware as a leading gaming industry brand that is constantly innovating and setting the bar for gaming laptops all over the world.

That division of the company gives Dell a solid lead over almost all competition in the gaming laptop space. 

Most importantly, Dell has an attentive, professional, and effective customer service. Far too often in today’s world, if you have a problem with one of your products getting a hold of someone who can actually help you is a chore that everyone dreads.

Dell has customer service that is reminiscent of the 20th century rather than the 21st century and that’s worth a lot. 

If you find yourself overloaded with options and can’t figure out which laptop company to go with, do yourself a favor and look into Dell first.

Between their prices, customization options, excellent prebuilt machines, and gaming pedigree, you are sure to find a laptop that fits your needs far faster than muddling about the general marketplace. 

If you are not interested in either Dell or HP, check out our Laptop Finder and take a deep dive into the best available laptops in the market today such as our list of best gaming laptops under $500.

Happy Laptop Shopping!

---