You can save a massive $550 on the powerful Alienware 18 Area-51 gaming laptop this Labor Day

If you’re looking to bag a gaming laptop bargain before heading back to school, feast your eyes on this incredible Labor Day deal: the Alienware 18 Area-51 is now $2,949.99 (was $3,499.99) at Amazon right now.

We rated its smaller sibling as the best gaming laptop in the premium category, thanks to its dazzling spec and performance. There are various configurations on sale, but we think the best value lies in the Intel Core Ultra 9 model with 32GB of RAM and an RTX 5080.

Take a look at our Labor Day sales hub for more great deals.

Today’s best Alienware 18 Area-51 deal

The Alienware 18 Area-51 features an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU – both top-tier components that should see you gaming at max settings with super-smooth frame rates. And with 32GB of RAM on board, you’ll be able to multitask without a hitch.

In our Alienware 16 Area-51 review, we found this smaller variant could blast through AAA titles no problem, offering average frame rates in the hundreds in some cases, even with maximum settings applied. We also liked Alienware’s Command Center app, as it provides an easy way to manage power and fan speeds.

What’s more, it sports a rather fetching design with some tasteful RGB, and has a welcome selection of ports, including an SD card reader. We were somewhat underwhelmed by the display, which lacks the image quality we were hoping for, but at least this 18-inch model is larger for a more immersive experience.

The battery life is also nothing spectacular. However, despite these drawbacks, the Alienware 18 Area-51 still remains one of the best gaming laptops around.

All of today’s best Labor Day deals

• Amazon: 50% off TVs, AirPods & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $89
• Appliances: 50% off at Best Buy
• Back-to-school: tech, supplies & clothing from $9
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• DreamCloud: up to 60% off mattresses + free accessories
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lowe’s: 40% off major appliances
• Nectar: mattress deals from $349, up to 50% off
• Samsung: up to $1,500 off major appliances
• Target: 30% off patio, clothing & accessories
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 70% off sitewide

Lewis Maddison is a Reviews Writer for TechRadar. He previously worked as a Staff Writer for our business section, TechRadar Pro, where he gained experience with productivity-enhancing hardware, ranging from keyboards to standing desks. His area of expertise lies in computer peripherals and audio hardware, having spent over a decade exploring the murky depths of both PC building and music production. He also revels in picking up on the finest details and niggles that ultimately make a big difference to the user experience.