WhichOneToGet
Updated 1 Nov 2026

Is the Dell XPS 13 (2026) worth it?

Yes — the Windows answer to the MacBook Neo.

It weighs about 1kg, its 13.4-inch 2560 x 1600 touchscreen is sharp and runs at up to 120Hz, and it lasted about 14½ to 15 hours in two browsing tests, a little longer than the MacBook Neo in the same test. Unlike the Neo it has a backlit keyboard and a 1080p webcam that unlocks Windows with your face. Its Intel Core 5 chip is fine for study, office work and streaming, but slower than the Neo in everyday tasks and not made for games. The 8GB model starts at $699 and £899; testers found 16GB clearly smoother in Windows, so get that if you can.

Good to know

  • The webcam picture is soft and washed out.
  • Only two USB-C ports.
  • The 8GB model gets sluggish with lots of tabs open.
  • On battery the screen can flicker in bright video until you change a display setting.
Dell XPS 13 (2026) windows laptop
  • Light aluminium body, about 1kg
  • Sharp 120Hz touchscreen
  • About 14 to 15 hours of battery in tests

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Get it if…

  • It's for school, university or everyday work, and you want Windows.
  • You want a touchscreen and a backlit keyboard for little money.
  • You carry it all day.

Skip it if…

  • You play games or edit video: it isn't built for that.
  • You're in the UK and happy with a Mac: the MacBook Neo costs £200 less.

More on the Dell XPS 13

How we reached this verdict

Tom's Hardware (Editor's Choice) calls it an excellent Windows answer to the MacBook Neo, with nearly 15 hours of battery and a body that feels better in the hand, but it trailed the Neo in benchmarks, the 8GB model was noticeably slower, and its screen flickered on battery until a setting was changed. Tom's Guide (Editor's Choice) calls it the best budget Windows laptop, with 14 hours 26 minutes of battery against the Neo's 13 hours 26 in the same test; its only complaint is the webcam. Windows Central reports the £899 UK price. Too few owner reviews yet for a score.

We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.

Sources: Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Windows Central (UK price), Dell, Tom's Guide, IT Pro, Notebookcheck, manufacturer specifications.

Updated 1 Nov 2026How we decide