Dell XPS 13 review

The XPS 13 used to be a premium buy, but Dell's US store listed it from $699.99 when we checked, with student pricing from $599. Dell calls it the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop yet, at 0.50 inch and 2.2 pounds, the lightest on this list. Even the base model has a 13.4-inch QHD+ touch display at 2560 by 1600. The entry configuration uses an Intel Core 5 320 with 8GB of LPDDR5X memory and 256GB of storage, and Dell lists configurations up to a Core Ultra 7 355 with 32GB and 1TB. Dell quotes up to 17 hours of battery life, measured on a Core 5 320 model with 16GB and a 512GB SSD at 150 nits. The base memory is the main concern for a four-year laptop, and moving to 16GB and 512GB costs $999.99 at the regular price. If your budget reaches that far with student pricing, it is a strong Windows alternative to the MacBook Air.

Who it is for

Students who want a light, premium Windows laptop at a mid-range price, especially with Dell student pricing.

Price

From $699.99 at Dell, student pricing from $599, when checked.

Student pricing starting at $599 Dell Price $699.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Intel Core 5 320 in the base model, with Core Ultra 7 options
• 13.4-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) touch display
• 0.50 inch thin and 2.2 pounds
• Up to 17 hours of battery life in Dell's testing
• Configurations from 8GB and 256GB up to 32GB and 1TB

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The lightest laptop on this list at 2.2 pounds
• Strength: Touch QHD+ display even on the base model
• Strength: Dell student pricing drops the start to $599
• Weakness: The base model has 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage
• Weakness: 16GB and 512GB costs $999.99 at the regular price
• Weakness: Dell's battery figure was measured on a 16GB configuration

Key facts

• Price: From $699.99, student pricing from $599
• Processor: Intel Core 5 320 (base)
• Memory and storage: 8GB and 256GB (base)
• Display: 13.4-inch touch QHD+ (2560x1600)
• Battery: Up to 17 hours (Dell testing)
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

Where it ranks

Dell XPS 13 is No. 3 in our Best Laptops for Students verdict.