To find the best i3 laptop, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your setup, no matter if you are going to be using it for work or for leisure. We recommend that you favor i3 laptops with high-grade Intel i3 processors and enough RAM to ensure you can have multiple applications running at the same time. Make sure to also consider the form factor, as a light and thin laptop will be better for portability and transport. When buying an i3 laptop, always look for plenty of RAM, efficient storage, and a long-lasting battery.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Asus Vivobook is the best i3 laptop on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best laptops on the market today.
Top 10 Best i3 Laptop
#1 Asus Vivobook i3 Laptop
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features a powerful Intel i3 processor, a large and gorgeous 15.6” FHD display, and 8GB of dedicated RAM, making this the best i3 laptop on the market.
- Light and thin form factor
- Large 15.6” FHD display
- 8GB of RAM
- Battery life on lower end
- 128GB SSD on smaller side, though decent
The Asus Vivobook i3 is an extremely capable and powerful laptop while coming in at a light and thin form factor. The specs here are excellent, with a powerful and efficiently made Intel i3 processor, 8GB of dedicated ram, and solid-state storage. We appreciated the 15.6-inch Full HD display, which is gorgeous, and the backlit keyboard, which allows for easy use in lowly lit areas of the home or outdoors.
Though this is the best laptop with an SSD, this drive is on the smaller side, coming in at just 128GB. Additionally, the battery life here on the Asus Vivobook 15 is on the lower end, as it can only last for four or five hours before needing a recharge. Compare that to the best 2 in 1 laptop that has a high-grade integrated lithium battery, which can go all day before needing a charge.
#2 HP 17-by1061st i3 Laptop
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features the renowned 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145U CPU, in addition to 8GB of dedicated RAM and an integrated lithium battery that can last around nine hours before needing a recharge.
- Large anti-glare display
- 8GB of DDR4 RAM
- Long-lasting battery
- 1TB of storage, but it’s an HDD
- Nearly 5lb
The HP 17-by1061st is a powerful laptop that boasts an 8th Generation Intel i3-8145U processor, 8GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM, and plenty of ports and connectivity options. We appreciated the large 17-inch Full HD anti-glare display and the integrated lithium-ion battery, which can run for approximately nine hours before needing to hit the power outlet for a recharge.
This is not an i3 SSD laptop, however, as the 1GB of storage that comes with this computer ships in the form of a hard disc drive. Also, this is a somewhat heavy model, coming in at nearly five pounds. Alternatively, consider purchasing the best laptop for students that features a relatively light form factor, at three pounds, and the attractive black matte finish.
#3 HP 1005G1 i3 Laptop
Award: BEST STORAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with a speedy and astounding large 1TB solid-state drive, while also featuring the 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor and a whopping 16GB of dedicated RAM.
- Battery can last 9 hours
- 16GB of RAM
- 10th gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU
- On the pricey side
- Screen is not touch-enabled
The HP 1005G1 i3 is the perfect choice for those looking for a lot of speedy and reliable storage, as this laptop ships with a full 1TB of solid-state storage. The rest of the specs are also excellent, thanks to the inclusion of the tenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor, which is actually more powerful than most Core i5 processors, and 16GB of dedicated RAM. We also appreciated the integrated battery, which can last up to nine hours of mixed-use before needing a recharge. For more great laptop recommendations, check out our guide to the best gaming laptops under $1000.
Though the 15.6-inch Full HD display produces great graphics, it is not touch-capable, so this laptop will not double as a tablet. Additionally, this computer is on the pricier side, likely due to the advanced specifications on offer. A more affordable option is the best Ubuntu laptop that still boasts advanced features such as a high-grade seventh-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and 16GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM.
#4 Lenovo IdeaPad S340 i3 Laptop
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: A durable and well-made laptop with plenty of high-quality features, such as 8GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM, a backlit keyboard for use in lowly lit areas, and a gorgeous anti-glare display. If you want more laptops with high-quality features, then visit our guide to the best laptop brands.
- Keyboard lights up for night use
- 15.6” display treated to resist glare
- 8GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM
- Battery only lasts around 6 hours
- 128GB SSD on smaller side
The Lenovo IdeaPad S340 Core i3 laptop is of exceptional quality, with a host of enviable features that include an eighth-generation Intel processor, 8GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM, and a backlit keyboard for use in lowly lit areas of the home. We also appreciated the gorgeous 15.6-inch Full HD display, which has been treated to reduce glare and to give a suitably wide viewing angle.
Though many of the specs here are on point, the integrated battery struggles a bit, lasting for only around six hours, maximum, before needing to be recharged. Also, the solid-state drive is on the smaller side, at 128GB, but is still large enough for a number of movies and personal documents. A better option here is the best touch screen laptop that features a massive 512GB of solid-state drive, making it a great gaming laptop.
#5 Dell Inspiron 3000 i3 Laptop
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST 2-IN-1 DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Highly useful 2-in-1 convertible laptop, with a touch-enabled display that allows for tablet-like functionality, in addition to offering beefy specs like 8GB of DDR4 RAM.
- Plenty of internal storage
- 8GB of DDR4 RAM
- 10th gen dual-core Intel i3 CPU
- Weighs nearly 5lb
- On the expensive side
The Dell Inspiron 3000 touchscreen laptop is the perfect choice for those who can’t decide on a laptop or a tablet, as this computer’s display is touch-enabled, allowing for the best of both worlds. The specs here are impressive, beyond the touch display, including a tenth-generation Intel dual-core processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and full integration with modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards. We also appreciated the impressive array of storage available with this laptop, as it comes with more than 1GB of storage split across a solid-state drive and a hard disk drive.
This is a pretty expensive 2-in-1 laptop, which is worth considering before making a purchase. Additionally, it weighs nearly five pounds and this relatively heavy weight could slightly impede portability. This is still a fantastic i3 10th generation laptop, but a more portable option is the best windows laptop that is ultra-lightweight and makes a perfect companion in the backpacks of students and travelers.
#6 Lenovo Flex 14 i3 Laptop
Award: BEST SECURITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed for maximum security and privacy, with a shutter block on the webcam, in addition to offering a long-lasting lithium battery complete with quick-charge technology, which offers an 80 percent charge in under an hour.
- Quick-charge battery tech
- Convertible design, with touch screen
- Multitude of useful ports
- On the expensive side
- Multitude of useful ports
The Lenovo Flex 14 is a great option for those worried about hackers or privacy breaches, as it ships with a suite of anti-virus and ransomware protection software and offers a shutter block on the exterior webcam. The specs here are decent, with 128GB of speedy solid-state storage and a newly manufactured 8th gen Intel i3 processor. We also appreciated the long-lasting battery, which gets nine hours of use out of a single charge, and the fact that it ships with a quick charger that can get that battery up to 80 percent filled in under an hour.
Though there is a gorgeous Full HD touch display, it does not ship with a digital pen or stylus, so you’ll have to buy one separately. Also, most of the specs are on point, though the 4GB of dedicated RAM may suffer slightly while multitasking. A much better option for multitasking would be the best laptop for programming that has 8 GB of fast RAM and benefits from an internal terabyte hard drive along with 128 GB worth of SSD storage.
#7 Dell Inspiron 14 5481 i3 Laptop
Award: BEST PORTABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed for maximum portability, with a light and thin form factor, in addition to offering serious features such as a Full HD touch-enabled display and a speedy solid-state storage drive.
- Efficient solid-state drive
- 14” FHD touch display
- RAM upgradeable to 16GB
- Battery life takes a slight hit
- Does not ship with digital pen or stylus
The Dell Inspiron 14 5481 is an extremely thin and light i3 laptop, coming in at well under three pounds, which makes it perfect for stuffing into a backpack or carry bag. The specs here are excellent, thanks to an eighth-generation Intel Core processor and 128GB of speedy and efficient solid-state storage. It ships with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, but this can be upgraded to 16GB if so desired.
Though we appreciated the gorgeous 14-inch Full HD display and its tablet-like functionality, thanks to being touch-sensitive, this laptop does not ship with a digital pen or stylus. Additionally, the battery life here takes a slight hit, due to the specs on offer, and maxes out at around six hours of use per charge. Try to compare this model to the best laptop for seniors that offers a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, which can go for more than eight hours on a single charge, even while running relatively advanced applications.
#8 Acer Aspire E i3 Laptop
Award: BEST BATTERY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with a fantastic and long-lasting battery that can go for nearly 14 hours before needing a recharge, in addition to shipping with a generous 6GB of dedicated RAM for multitasking.
- Powerful stereo speakers
- 6GB of dedicated RAM
- Gorgeous 15.6” FHD display
- No SSD, though 1TB HDD
- Over 5lb
The Acer Aspire E is a great choice for folks who want the maximum amount of battery life, as this laptop ships with a lithium-ion battery that allows the laptop to run for nearly 14 hours before needing to hit the power outlet for a recharge. The specs are impressive, with 6GB of dedicated RAM, an eighth-generation Intel Core processor, and a pair of powerful stereo speakers, along with a proprietary audio software suite to make the most out of them. We also appreciated the large 15.6-inch Full HD display, even if it is not touch-enabled.
This laptop does not feature a solid-state drive, however, though it does ship with a 1TB HDD, which is certainly large. Also, this is a somewhat heavier-than-average i3 laptop, coming in at over five pounds. A slightly lighter option is the best netbook on the market that weighs just over three pounds, which is not terribly heavy.
#9 Asus X540LA-SI30205P i3 Laptop
Award: BEST VALUE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-focused laptop with a robust feature set that includes a 15.6” HD display, 4GB of dedicated RAM, and a SuperMulti DVD and CD burner.
- Large HD display
- Attractive black matte finish
- Attractive gray matte finish exterior
- No SSD, though does come with 1TB HDD
- Heavy, over 5lb
The Asus X540LA-SI30205P comes in at a value-friendly price while offering features typically found with more expensive competitors, such as 4GB of dedicated RAM, for multitasking, and a large 15.6-inch high definition display. We also appreciated the attractive gray matte finish exterior and the inclusion of a DVD and CD burner, so you can get some use out of all of those compact discs lying around your home.
This laptop does not come with a speedy solid-state drive, though it does ship with a large 1TB HDD. Additionally, this i3 computer is on the heavier side, clocking in at well over five pounds. Compare that to the best business laptop which a particularly light and compact laptop, weighing just under three pounds.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we thoroughly researched a large number of laptops, ensuring they were equipped with a powerful Intel Core i3 processor, often eighth-generation or even newer. We also liked computers with plenty of dedicated RAM, for the purposes of multitasking, and those that shipped with large and speedy solid-state drives.
These are laptops, so battery life was of paramount importance. We selected computers with best-in-class lithium-ion batteries that allowed for at least six hours of use on a single charge. We awarded bonus points to laptops that shipped with a quick charger, allowing the said battery to complete recharge in record time.
As for the display, we liked screens with resolutions of at least HD, and liked large displays with ultra-slim bezels, for immersion. We also preferred laptops with touch-sensitive displays, allowing for some measure of tablet-like functionality. Finally, we liked laptops that shipped with useful additional features, such as HD webcams, loud stereo speakers, and a multitude of port and connection options.
Intel i3 Laptop Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Intel Core i3 Processor Not all Intel Core i3 processors are created equal. If you really want your laptop to whiz along, free from lag and stutter, make sure you are purchasing a computer with a recently designed and manufactured Intel Core i3 processor. Ideally, look for a computer equipped with a processor that is the eighth generation or above. These processors have come a long way in a short amount of time when it comes to power and efficiency.
- Display As these are laptops, the display should be researched thoroughly before making a purchase. Make sure this display is at least HD, though Full HD or higher would be preferable. Additionally, you may want to choose a display that features touch integration, which allows the laptop to double as a tablet, for the purposes of interacting with apps and games. As for the size, bigger may be better, but larger screens tend to make the laptop itself less portable.
- Battery If you are using an i3 laptop at a coffee shop or away from home, you will want to make sure the battery is on point. Look for long-lasting lithium batteries that can go for at least six hours before needing to hit the power outlet. Additionally, some laptops ship with quick charging technology, which can help the battery get to 75 or 80 percent charged in under one hour.
