We’re comparing Alienware and Razer, titans in PC gaming, known for their striking, unique products. Both prioritize gaming.
In the realm of gaming laptops, these two names are often your initial choices. Choosing between Alienware and Razer can be daunting, especially if budget isn’t a concern.
While there are budget options like Asus or Dell’s G-Series if you can splurge, deciding between Alienware and Razer gets tricky.
Both brands excel in reviews, offering potent laptops with gamer-friendly features like RGB lighting, high refresh rates, and robust hardware. Their aesthetics set them apart, but is there more than meets the eye?
Let’s dive into what Alienware and Razer offer and how it impacts your gaming experience. We’ll also assess their peripherals.
ALIENWARE VS RAZER: PRICING
Both Alienware and Razer laptops often face criticism for their high prices. This trend is consistent, with sub-$1,000 models being a rarity, mainly as refurbished or older-gen versions from third-party retailers like Amazon or Newegg. However, there are disparities between these two brands.
Alienware’s most budget-friendly option, the x14 R2 gaming laptop, starts at $1,499 (approximately £1,208 / AU$2,321). It features a 13th-gen Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, and 512GB storage. In the UK, the Alienware m17 begins at £1,298.99 and includes an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, and 512GB storage.
Razer, on the other hand, takes a higher starting point, commencing at $1,999.99 / AU$3,449.00 (about £1,600). This configuration offers an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, and a 1TB SSD. However, it’s worth noting that this model is no longer available in the UK.
It’s evident that both brands come with a hefty price tag, but Razer is notably more expensive. To illustrate, let’s compare two recent and similarly sized models:
- Alienware M16 starts at $1,699.99 / £1,599.00 / AU$2,898.50. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 1TB SSD, and a 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 165Hz display.
- In contrast, the Razer Blade 16 (2023) begins at a substantial $2,699.99 (around £2119 / AU$4111). This model boasts an Intel Core i9-13950HX, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 1TB SSD, and a more impressive 16″ QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz, 16:10 panel.
While the Razer model offers slightly better specs, including a superior CPU and a display with double the refresh rate, Alienware has the upper hand in terms of price.
Winner: Alienware
ALIENWARE VS RAZER: DESIGN AND FEATURES
Distinguishing between Alienware and Razer is a breeze; they boast unique and consistent designs across their lineup.
Alienware:
- Offers a distinctive Lunar Silver shade with a futuristic spaceship aura.
- Embraces round, aerodynamic top and bottom lids.
- Showcases strategic RGB lighting, creating an enticing backlight and encircling the touchpad.
- Unconventional display design, with a deeper bottom than the lid for enhanced cooling.
- Back-located ports for a neat appearance, though less user-friendly.
Razer:
- Adopts an almost Ultrabook-like approach with a matte black or silver Mercury finish.
- Resembles an Apple MacBook Pro with a gaming twist, featuring a green Razer logo.
- Maintains a sleek look with an aluminum chassis and full keyboard backlighting.
- Utilizes a three-fan system for cooling and side-placed ports for convenience.
- Promises flexibility with display options, ensuring a minimum 144Hz refresh rate.
However, Alienware offers extreme 480Hz (FHD+) refresh rates, while Razer peaks at 360Hz (FHD). Razer takes the lead with OLED and dual-mode LED display upgrades.
Winner: Draw
ALIENWARE VS RAZER: PERFORMANCE
Comparing Alienware and Razer laptops in terms of performance can be challenging, primarily because current models pack ample power. Except for the cheapest options, featuring older Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPUs, both brands deliver near-max settings for most games.
For instance, while there’s a noticeable performance gap between the Alienware M16 and the previously mentioned Razer Blade 16 (2023), the results ensure smooth gameplay for years. In benchmark tests, the Alienware M16 slightly underperformed in Cyberpunk 2077 but outshone in 3DMark’s Fire Strike and Total War: Warhammer III.
These variations boil down to specific hardware differences, such as the Razer Blade 16’s marginally superior CPU. A direct comparison between your chosen Alienware and Razer models is recommended, especially since both companies offer high-end specs like Intel Core i9 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090. Notably, Alienware allows up to 64GB RAM, while Razer maxes out at 32 GB.
Winner: Razer, though performance hinges on configuration.
ALIENWARE VS RAZER: DESKTOP OPTIONS
We’ll briefly touch on desktops since only Alienware provides pre-built solutions. Alienware offers a diverse range of gaming PCs, with reasonable entry-level prices.
For example, the Alienware Aurora R16, equipped with a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, and 512GB storage, starts at $1,299.99. In the UK, it’s priced at £1,349.00. However, UK buyers are limited to an RTX 3050 for the base model.
If you seek top-tier performance, models with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 are available but come at a premium price range ($3,500+). Building your PC remains a cost-effective option.
Razer, while not in the pre-built PC market, offers various PC components, including cases, RGB fans, power supplies, and eGPU cases, catering to custom PC enthusiasts. This is especially valuable if you’re into DIY PC builds.
Winner: Alienware
ALIENWARE VS RAZER: PERIPHERALS
In the realm of peripherals, Razer takes the spotlight, with an extensive range covering keyboards, mice, and headsets. They offer budget-friendly options and premium models with innovative features.
Consider the customizable Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard or the feature-rich Razer Huntsman 2 mouse with wireless charging. Razer caters to a wide array of needs.
Conversely, Alienware’s peripheral selection is more restrained, providing a budget and premium option in each category. Yet, their premium offerings impress. The Alienware AW420K mechanical keyboard boasts an exceptional typing feel, captivating RGB lighting, and top-notch switches. Meanwhile, the Alienware AW720H gaming headset delivers clear Hi-Res audio with Dolby Atmos spatial sound.
Notably, Alienware shines in the monitor department, offering displays with up to a staggering 500Hz refresh rate, while Razer’s peripheral arsenal includes the Razer Raptor 27 with a 1440p resolution at 165Hz.
In essence, Razer excels in almost every peripheral category, except monitors.
Winner: Razer
ALIENWARE VS RAZER: YOUR CHOICE
Choosing between Alienware and Razer often hinges on aesthetics. They boast distinctive looks unlike any other.
However, disparities extend beyond appearances. Alienware, despite its premium status, tends to be more budget-friendly. Razer offers unique features, like the dual-mode display, and an extensive array of peripherals.
Performance-wise, both handle AAA games exceptionally unless you opt for an entry-level model. So, the answer is yes, differences exist, but they’re not extensive.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities.
Winner: Your Preference