Updated 1 Nov 2026
Is the Dell XPS 14 (2026) worth it?
Yes — if you want Windows; a MacBook still lasts longer.
Dell's 2026 redesign brought back real function keys, made the touchpad easy to find by feel and cut the weight to about 1.36kg. The 2.8K tandem OLED touchscreen looks superb (the cheapest model has a plainer 1920 x 1200 screen without touch), and the Panther Lake chips are quick for everyday work and can even run some games on their built-in graphics. Battery lasted just over 12 hours in two browsing tests: very good for Windows, but about six hours less than a 14-inch MacBook Pro. It has three USB-C ports and a headphone jack, and no HDMI or card slot.
Good to know
- No SD card slot or HDMI: just three USB-C ports.
- The screen shrank from 14.5 to 14 inches.
- The cheapest model's screen isn't OLED and isn't touch.
- Windows 11 comes with AI features you may not want, and can feel less polished than macOS.
- Gorgeous 2.8K tandem OLED option
- Fast Panther Lake chips, fine for light gaming
- About 12 hours of battery in tests
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Get it if…
- You want a premium laptop but prefer Windows.
- You'd use an OLED touchscreen for films, photos or drawing.
- You play some games but don't want a heavy gaming laptop.
Skip it if…
- Battery life matters most: a MacBook lasts hours longer.
- You need HDMI or an SD card slot every day.
More on the Dell XPS 14
How we reached this verdict
Tom's Guide calls it a comeback for the XPS: a better design, a vivid tandem OLED screen, fast Panther Lake performance and 12 hours 23 minutes of battery, with only the missing microSD slot and smaller screen against it. TechRadar calls it one of the best-looking Windows laptops and ran it for 12 hours 19 minutes, but notes that is about six hours less than the 14-inch MacBook Pro and that Windows 11 holds it back. 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 Guide, TechRadar, Dell, Tom's Hardware, IT Pro, Notebookcheck, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 1 Nov 2026How we decide