Gaming laptops are truly a pinnacle of technological performance and capability. Needing top-quality graphics, memory, and power, their development has revolutionized PC gaming. Two of the best high-end gaming laptop brands out there are Alienware and Asus.
Both produce top-quality gaming laptops capable of handling the most demanding games out there. This guide will consider Alienware vs Asus and highlight all their similarities and key differences, helping you make the best selection for your gaming needs.
Founded in 1996, Alienware is an American company and a subsidiary of Dell, with a big focus on high-quality gaming laptops and desktop PCs. They are well-known for their eye-catching alien-themed logo and the glowing lights that feature on many models.
Alienware is well-established as one of the best makers of gaming laptops, and they are loved by serious gamers and other professionals. Many Alienware gaming laptops feature high-end graphics cards, great memory storage, and a decent battery life, which are all critical features for any laptop intended for gaming.
While previous critiques have focussed on Alienware's boxy and bulky designs, more recent lines have attempted a sleeker design that is easier to transport. Alienware’s laptops have even won a few awards!
Popular Alienware models include:
Pros & Cons Of Alienware Laptops
What We Like
Things We Don’t
Overview Of Asus Gaming Laptops
Founded in Taiwan in 1989, ASUS is now a multi-national company focused on high-quality computer hardware and other electronics. Their gaming laptops are known for being affordable while also performing at the same level as their more pricy competitors. Their quality products and innovative technology have won them multiple awards.
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is a recent laptop range produced by ASUS, with a primary focus on making powerful models capable of versatility for all your gaming needs. The popularity of this range is a testament to their success in these areas.
Popular ASUS models include:
Pros & Cons Of Asus Laptops
What We Like
Things We Don’t
Alienware Vs Asus: What Are The Key Differences?
Both Alienware and ASUS are producers of state-of-the-art gaming laptops capable of handling the highest graphics and memory demands for any game you may wish to download or stream.
One of the significant differences between them is the design of their models - it’s very clear which laptop belongs to which brand. ASUS produces quite sleek and streamlined models, easy to transport but still with backlights and high-performance capability.
Alienware has adjusted their designs with more recent models but still produces very bulky laptops that are a lot harder to transport. They are well-known for their flashy lighting and excellence in build quality and performance.
Another major difference comes down to price. There is a big divide between the cost of Alienware and ASUS. If you can afford Alienware’s prices, the tech you receive will be top quality and possible to upgrade, making it last much longer.
However, should your budget be lower, ASUS also offers quality and performance with a much more affordable price tag. There are some options for upgrading some parts of their models, but a lot fewer options than you get with Alienware.
Build Quality
Both brands are well-known for quality, with Alienware just edging ahead of ASUS. Considering how much Alienware costs, you would certainly expect them to exceed when it comes to quality. Some users find that while ASUS laptops perform well, the build quality is not always as excellent.
Winner: Alienware
Upgradability
The technology used in gaming laptops ages quickly. With new advancements producing better and faster laptops very quickly, having a model that can be upgraded to match newer models is certainly worth it. Both ASUS and Alienware have options to upgrade the hardware inside their laptops, but once again, Alienware slightly has the edge.
Many of their laptops allow you to upgrade the storage drives and RAM, and the Area-51 M R1 also allows upgrades for the CPU, GPU, and fans. In contrast, ASUS mainly enables you to upgrade the GPU, RAM, and hard drives.
Winner: Alienware
Processors
Alienware and ASUS both invest in quality processors for their laptops. Their models often use CPUs such as Intel Core and Ryzen, which are proven and powerful. It is sometimes felt that ASUS processors are slightly ahead of Alienware in terms of technological advancement.
For example, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 uses an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, and Alienware, in comparison using the lesser quality of an AMD Ryzen 7 processor in their Alienware m15 R5.
Winner: ASUS
Graphics
Just as with CPUs, the GPUs on both brands are top quality, offering the best gaming experience possible. ASUS laptops use GPUs like RTX 2060 or NVIDIA GeForce RTZ 2080. Alienware also uses NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs, and their laptops are well-known for their excellent graphics quality. Many laptops support 4K resolution, and some laptops even offer VR functionality.
Winner: Alienware
Storage
Storage is one area Alienware occasionally finds itself critiqued on. While many ASUS models comfortably offer between 1 - 1.5TB of storage, Alienware offers 500 GB - 1 TB options. While there are options for upgrades or external storage, the functionality of a standard laptop is what buyers are looking at, and Alienware just falls a little short. It's important to understand how much storage you need for your specific needs before buying.
Winner: ASUS
RAM
RAM is an important feature of any laptop, but you definitely need enough for tasks like streaming and gaming. Both Alienware and ASUS have models that allow their users to upgrade features like the RAM if you're in need of an upgrade. Some models from ASUS outperform Alienware when comparing RAM.
For example, Zephyrus is capable of boosting its RAM to 48GB, while the Mothership goes to 64GB. Some Alienware models also allow up to 64GB of RAM, while others like the M15 only go to 8GB.
Winner: ASUS
Keyboard Functions & Usability
A classic gaming laptop aesthetic includes a backlit keyboard that, if possible, is capable of changing colors. Alienware laptops are well known for their lighting features, and ASUS too offers fancy lights with many of their laptops.
When it comes to keyboard travel, ASUS models tend to offer the deeper tread. Many ASUS keyboards are described as ergonomic, with some even able to tilt, offering greater comfort while they are used.
Winner: ASUS
Displays & Screen
Alienware models, such as the Area-51m R4, include top-of-the-range displays. They often have Full HD and fast refresh rates that assist in keeping lag and screen tearing to a minimum. The anti-glare feature of their matte screens also assists in giving their users more visibility.
ASUS equally offers excellent viewing experiences with their displays. Full HD is also a feature, as is 178˚ wide-view technology. To increase performance in light areas, which can often reduce the quality of your visibility, models like the Zephyrus GX5 offer anti-glare technology.
Winner: Too close to call
Ports
Depending on the chosen model, both brands will offer a range of port options, allowing a great deal of connectivity, including the use of an external monitor, which can really enhance your gaming experience. ASUS offers ports such as an HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt with display 1.4 port, up to three USB 3.2 ports, and an RJ45 LAN jack.
Alienware similarly offers a good range of ports with their models, including a Thunderbolt 3 port, which was included with their m15 Ryzen laptop, and allows data to be transferred between devices.
Winner: Alienware
For High-End Games
Looking at performance alone, Alienware slightly beats out ASUS, according to many fans and reviewers. The graphics capabilities of many of their models allow them to run high-end games with a slight lag. ASUS performs well too, and many laptops in their range can store large game files. High-end gaming laptops should be able to play the latest titles without lag or having to lower the FPS.
Winner: Alienware
For Business Use
Alienware laptops tend to strongly focus on the gaming aspect, whereas ASUS can be more versatile and work just as well for business use as for pure gaming. It will depend on your individual requirements if this is a key buying concern, but it is always worth considering how much your laptop could do for you.
Winner: ASUS
Cost
When it comes to cost, ASUS has Alienware strongly beaten. While Alienware's laptops range between $1,500 to $2,700 without upgrades, many ASUS gaming laptops can be obtained for under $1,500. When a lot of their performance capabilities almost match up, the stark price difference may sway a lot of consumers.
It's no secret that gaming laptops do cost a little more than your standard laptop due to the performance demands, but when it comes to ASUS, you don't need to sacrifice cost for quality. It's the best of both worlds!
Winner: ASUS
Popular Models From Each Gaming Laptop Brand Compared
Asus ROG Swift PG348Q Vs Dell Alienware AW3418DW
Alongside gaming laptops, additional monitors can also be a worthwhile investment. They can allow you to increase productivity, offer a better gaming experience, and stream your playthroughs to YouTube or Twitch with ease.
The ASUS ROG Swift and the Alienware AW3418DW are remarkably similar looking. Both have a 34 inch display, a curved screen, and very similar dimensions. However, the Alienware's refresh rate and other display specs just edge it ahead of the ASUS Swift.
Features | Asus ROG Swift PG348Q | Dell Alienware AW3418DW |
|---|---|---|
Display | 34 in | 34 in |
Resolution | 3440 x 1440 | 3440 x 1440 |
Pixel Type | IPS | IPS |
Max Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz |
Curve Radius | 3800R | 1900R |
Weight (with stand) | 24.9 lbs | 25 lbs |
Asus ROG Strix Scar 2 Vs Alienware M15
Both the ASUS Strix Scar 2 and the Alienware M15 run the same CPU and GPU, and even offer the same size display. However, when it comes to both RAM and storage, the ASUS is much superior, with double the capacity for both. Its key travel is deeper, and it claims an impressive 17-hour battery life.
However, this is unlikely to hold up if your laptop is running high-powered games for an extended period of time.
Features | Asus ROG Strix Scar 2 | Alienware M15 |
|---|---|---|
Display | 15.6 in | 15.6 in |
CPU | Intel Core i7-8750H | Intel Core i7-8750H |
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB |
Storage | 1 TB | 512 GB |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 |
Key Travel/Actuation | 1.8 mm | 1.1 mm |
Battery Life (hours) | Up to 17 Hours | 6.46 hours |
Size (inches) | 262 x 361 x 26.1 mm | 274.32 x 363.22 x 20.32 mm |
Weight | 5.29lbs | 4.80lbs |
Alienware Area 51M Vs Asus Mothership
Both these models boast alien-themed names, and their technical capabilities are out of this world! Again both the Alienware Area 51M and the ASUS Mothership match up in display size, GPU, battery life, and RAM.
But once again, the ASUS Mothership manages to slip ahead with a superior storage capability, a more advanced CPU, and a .3 mm deeper key travel depth. The Alienware laptop can boast of being nearly 2 whole pounds lighter, however!
Features | Alienware Area 51M | Asus Mothership |
|---|---|---|
Display | 17.3 in | 17.3 in |
CPU | Intel Core i7-8700 | Intel Core i9-9980HK |
RAM | 64 GB | 64 GB |
Storage | 1 TB | 1.5 TB |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 |
Key Travel/Actuation | 2.2 mm | 2.5 mm |
Battery Life (hours) | 2 - 4 hours | 2.5 - 4.5 hours |
Size (inches) | 402.6 x 319.14 x 27.65 - 31.2 mm | 410 x 320 x 29.9 mm |
Weight | 8.54 lbs | 10.58 lbs |
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do Alienware & Asus compare with Acer gaming laptops?
Both Alienware and ASUS laptops are capable of outperforming many of Acer's models. However, Acer is still a solid brand with good options for gaming laptops. You can read our full review of Acer vs Asus laptops here.
How do Alienware & Asus compare with MSI gaming laptops?
Much like ASUS, MSI offers gaming laptops that are budget-friendly and capable of a good level of performance but may not look as nice as Alienware or ASUS. You can check out our full review of Asus vs MSI laptops here.
Are Alienware & Asus laptops prone to overheating when gaming?
Alienware laptops are well-known for running hot, whereas ASUS's use of fiber instead of a copper-built chassis means it doesn't conduct heat, meaning the laptops can regulate their temperature better.
How long do Asus gaming laptops last?
A well cared for laptop, gaming or otherwise should last you a good couple of years. ASUS models should last at least 3-4 years, if not more.
Conclusion
The best brand of gaming laptop for you will likely come down to personal requirements and preferences. Some see Alienware’s high performance and great design as worth their hefty price tag, whereas others find ASUS offers a similar experience to Alienware, with a much lighter price tag.
Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.