Many gaming laptops have seen their prices surge in recent months. The new entry-level Alienware 15 from Dell manages to deliver enough performance without breaking the bank.

The Alienware 15 opts for a simpler design, foregoing flashy elements like excessive RGB lighting or sharp edges. Instead, it borrows visual cues from its Aurora siblings, featuring a similar keyboard and chassis. The subtle curve of the vents just below the lid is a nice touch.

While at 0.9 inches thick, the laptop is noticeably heavier in the lid, this doesn’t make it feel cumbersome when open. Its screen might be chunky, but the design ensures it sits lower on the table while typing, making it more comfortable to use. It’s not as thick as its pricier Alienware 16 Aurora counterpart.

Despite some flex in the lid and keyboard deck, this isn’t a significant issue. Typing is enjoyable, with ample space for your fingers. The touchpad is decent but not exceptional – far from the worst on a cheap gaming laptop. Despite its budget-friendly status, it still manages to hit all the right notes.