Best Intel Core i5 Laptops of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Intel Core i5 laptops are a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient laptop. With its quad-core processor, it can handle multiple tasks at once with ease. It also has a built-in Intel HD graphics card, making it ideal for gaming and video editing. The laptops are available in various sizes, from 13 inches to 17 inches, and come with different storage options. They are also equipped with fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to stay connected on the go. Overall, Intel Core i5 laptops offer a great balance of performance and affordability.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HP 17-cn3399nr 17.3" Laptop Cover #TOP 1
HP 17-cn3399nr 17.3" Laptop
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Apple MacBook Air 2017 13-inch Cover #TOP 2
Apple MacBook Air 2017 13-inch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop Cover #TOP 3
HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Intel Core i5 Laptops

HP 17-cn3399nr 17.3" Laptop

HP
B8QE3UA#ABA
Natural silver
HP 17-cn3399nr 17.3" Laptop Cover
HP 17.3 inch Laptop, FHD Display, Intel Core i5-1334U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Natural Silver, 17-cn3399nr

The HP 17-inch Laptop offers a large 17.3-inch Full HD screen that delivers sharp and vibrant images, making it perfect for watching movies or editing photos with clear visuals from wide angles. Powered by the 13th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, it handles multitasking smoothly, helping you stay productive during busy days. The Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics enhance your experience with crisp and detailed visuals, ideal for casual gaming and creative work. With 16 GB of RAM and a fast 512 GB SSD, this laptop runs applications quickly and stores your files efficiently, ensuring a smooth and responsive performance overall.

What We Like
Large Full HD display
Powerful Intel Core i5 processor
Intel Iris Xe graphics
16 GB RAM
512 GB fast SSD storage
#TOP 2

Apple MacBook Air 2017 13-inch

MQD32LL/A
Silver
128GB
Apple MacBook Air 2017 13-inch Cover
Apple Macbook Air 2017 with 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage) (QWERTY English) Silver (Renewed)

The Apple MacBook Air delivers a smooth performance with its 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, letting you handle everyday tasks like browsing and document editing with ease. It comes with 8GB of RAM, which helps you run multiple apps smoothly without slowdowns. The 128GB SSD storage means faster startup times and quick access to your files, so you spend less time waiting. The 13.3-inch display offers a clear and bright view, making it comfortable to work on your projects or watch videos. Overall, the Apple MacBook Air is a lightweight, efficient laptop ideal for daily use.

What We Like
Intel Core i5 processor
8GB RAM for multitasking
128GB SSD storage
13.3-inch clear display

HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop

HP
15-fa1082wm
Silver
HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop Cover
HP Victus 15.6 inch FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop Intel Core i5-13420H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB - 16GB DDR4 512GB SSD Mica Silver (2024)

The HP Victus Gaming Laptop features a vibrant 15.6-inch FHD display with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring that your gaming experience is both immersive and fluid. Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, this laptop delivers impressive graphics performance for the latest games. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, you can multitask effortlessly and run demanding applications without lag. The 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD provides ample storage space and quick load times, so you can access your games and files in an instant. This laptop is designed to enhance your gaming sessions and productivity alike.

What We Like
High refresh rate display
Powerful graphics performance
Ample RAM for multitasking
Fast storage access
#TOP 4

HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop with Intel Core i5

HP
Silver
HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop with Intel Core i5 Cover
HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Core i5 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Numeric Keypad, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Long Battery Life, Windows 11 Home, Alpacatec Accessories, Silver

The HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop offers a powerful Intel Core i5 processor with 10 cores, allowing you to run your apps smoothly and efficiently. Its 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen display features a narrow bezel and anti-glare technology, making it perfect for enjoying clear photos, movies, and games without eye strain. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, you can easily multitask and keep multiple browser tabs open without slowdown. Plus, the 512GB PCIe SSD provides fast data access and ample storage, helping your laptop start up quickly and run programs without delay. This laptop is designed to keep up with your daily tasks effortlessly.

What We Like
Powerful Intel Core i5 processor
15.6" Full HD touchscreen display
16GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
512GB fast PCIe SSD storage

MSI Thin 15 B13VE Gaming Laptop

msi
Thin 15 B13VE-1697CA
Cosmos Gray
Intel i5-13420H
MSI Thin 15 B13VE Gaming Laptop Cover
MSI Thin 15 B13VE-1697CA 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop Intel® Core™ i5-13420H RTX 4050 16GB 512GB NVMe SSD Win11

The MSI Thin 15 Gaming laptop is built to handle your daily tasks and gaming needs with ease thanks to its powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. You’ll enjoy smooth and responsive performance whether you're working or playing. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card brings realistic lighting effects to your games, making visuals more immersive and lifelike. With Windows 11 Home pre-installed, this laptop provides a user-friendly and modern interface for everyday use. Plus, you can connect up to two extra monitors via USB-C and HDMI, giving you more screen space for multitasking or entertainment.

What We Like
Powerful 13th Gen Intel i5
NVIDIA RTX 4050 graphics
Windows 11 Home OS
Supports multiple external displays

Dell Inspiron 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop

dell inspiron 15
Black
Intel i5-1155G7
Dell Inspiron 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop Cover
Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

The Dell Inspiron Laptop combines power and efficiency with its Intel i5-1155G7 processor, allowing you to start working quickly. The 15.6" Full HD touch display enhances your viewing experience, making it perfect for streaming or online classes. With ample connectivity options, including USB ports and an HDMI output, you can easily connect to other devices. Running on Windows 11 Pro, this laptop is designed for students and professionals alike, ensuring a smooth experience whether you're in a Zoom meeting or tackling a project.

What We Like
Easy setup
Fast booting and download speeds
Clear camera for meetings
Lightweight design
Ample RAM
#TOP 7

HP 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop i5-1334U 32GB 1TB SSD

HP
Natural Silver
32GB RAM | 1TB SSD
HP 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop i5-1334U 32GB 1TB SSD Cover
HP 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Core i5-1334U(Up to 4.6GHz) 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro WiFi6 Windows AI Microsoft Copilot w/GM Accessory for Business and College Students

The HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop offers a fast Intel Core i5 processor that can handle multiple tasks smoothly, making it great for work, school, or online meetings. With Windows 11 Pro, you get enhanced security and tools that help you stay organized and productive. The large 15.6-inch full HD touchscreen reduces glare and lets you interact with your laptop easily, whether you’re taking notes or giving presentations. Plus, the 32GB of RAM ensures you can run several apps at once without slowing down, so you can focus on your projects without interruptions.

What We Like
Powerful Intel Core i5 CPU
Windows 11 Pro security
15.6" FHD touchscreen
32GB RAM for multitasking

HP Newest 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor

HP
HP 14" Laptop
14-14.99 inches
HP Newest 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Cover
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Blue (Renewed)

This renewed HP 14-inch laptop features a 14" diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit display, Intel Graphics, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, and 64GB SSD. It also comes with 3x USB Type A, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HP Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone, and Windows 11 OS. It is backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee and has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.

What We Like
Renewed product with 90-day Amazon guarantee
14" diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit display
Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor up to 2.60GHz
3x USB Type A, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone
802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HP Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone

HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop

HP
TPN-Q278_599J4AV
Blue
32GB RAM | 1TB SSD
HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop Cover
HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop, 15.6" FHD 1920*1080 144Hz, Intel Core i5-12450H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Backlit KB, Touchpad, SD Card Reader, Webcam, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, W11 H, Blue

The HP Victus Gaming Laptop offers impressive performance for gamers and multitaskers alike. With 32GB of high-speed RAM, you can run multiple applications and browser tabs seamlessly, ensuring a smooth experience. The 1TB SSD provides ample storage and allows for quick boot-up times and fast data transfer. Powered by the Intel Core i5-12450H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, this laptop handles demanding tasks and games efficiently. Its 15.6" Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate delivers stunning visuals, making your gaming and media experiences more immersive.

What We Like
Powerful performance for gaming
Smooth multitasking capability
Fast delivery and build quality
Affordable price point
Good for digital art

Dell 15 Laptop i5-1334U 32GB 1TB

Dell
Black
32GB RAM | 1TB SSD
Dell 15 Laptop i5-1334U 32GB 1TB Cover
Dell 15 Laptop 15.6 inch FHD Touchscreen, Intel 10-Core i5-1334U 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Win 11 Pro Black for Business and College Students

The Dell 15 Touchscreen Laptop is designed to help you complete your tasks quickly with its powerful Intel Core i5 processor. Its energy-efficient battery and fast Express Charge feature keep you working or studying longer without interruptions. The 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it great for creative projects, presentations, or watching videos while reducing eye strain. Plus, its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re moving between rooms or traveling. With added AI features, this laptop supports your productivity throughout the day.

What We Like
Powerful Intel Core i5 processor
Long battery life with fast charging
Vibrant 15.6" FHD touchscreen
Lightweight and portable design
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose the Best Intel Core i5 Laptops

How to Choose the Best Intel Core i5 Laptop

If you're in the market for a new laptop, you may be wondering which Intel Core i5 model to choose. The good news is that there are plenty of great options out there, but the bad news is that it can be overwhelming to sift through all the choices. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your options and choose the best Intel Core i5 laptop for your needs.

Consider Your Needs

The first thing you need to do is think about what you'll be using your laptop for. Are you a gamer, a graphic designer, a student, or a casual user? Different tasks require different specs, so it's important to choose a laptop that's tailored to your needs.

For example, if you're a gamer, you'll want a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, a fast processor, and plenty of RAM. On the other hand, if you're a student, you may prioritize portability, battery life, and a comfortable keyboard for typing up notes.

Check the Processor

Intel Core i5 laptops are known for their great performance, but there are different generations of processors to consider. The latest generation, the 11th Gen Intel Core i5, offers the best performance and battery life. However, if you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider an older generation like the 8th or 9th Gen Intel Core i5.

Look at RAM and Storage

RAM and storage are crucial specs to consider when choosing a laptop. For most users, 8GB of RAM is sufficient, but if you're a power user or gamer, you may want to consider 16GB or more. As for storage, SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, so it's recommended to choose a laptop with an SSD.

Consider the Brand

There are many reputable laptop brands that offer Intel Core i5 laptops, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to do your research and read reviews before making a decision.

Look for Deals

Finally, don't forget to look for deals and discounts. Many retailers offer sales and promotions throughout the year, so it's worth keeping an eye out for deals on Intel Core i5 laptops.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Intel Core i5 laptop requires careful consideration of your needs, the processor, RAM and storage, brand, and deals. By taking the time to research and compare different options, you can find a laptop that meets your requirements and fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Intel Core i5 good for a laptop?

Yes, Intel Core i5 processors are excellent choices for laptops. They offer fast clock speeds, multiple cores, and hyper-threading, making them well-suited for running demanding applications and games. They provide a good balance between performance and power efficiency.

2. Is i5 outdated?

No, i5 processors are not outdated. They are still capable of handling day-to-day tasks and even gaming. The most recent i5 chips, such as those in the Raptor Lake series, offer up to 14 cores on desktop and 12 cores on mobile, with boost clock speeds reaching upwards of 5GHz.

3. What is better, an i7 or i5 laptop?

The Intel Core i7 processors have some advantages over i5 processors. They include hyper-threading technology, which allows for faster computing. If you need to perform intensive tasks like video and graphics editing, data crunching, or gaming, an i7 would be a better choice. It offers a higher clock speed and a larger cache.

4. How long do i5 laptops last?

The lifespan of an i5 laptop can vary depending on various factors. However, if you have an entry-level laptop with an Intel Core i3, i5, or similar processors, you can expect it to last around 3-4 years. Higher-end processors may provide a longer lifespan.

5. Do I need an i7, or is i5 enough?

It depends on your specific needs. The Intel Core i5 is suitable for general tasks such as gaming, web browsing, and basic work. However, if you require more processing power for high-performance gaming, content creation, multimedia editing, or specialized applications, the Intel Core i7 would be a better choice.

Editor's Notes

During our intel core i5 laptop research, we found 24 intel core i5 laptop products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 26,431 customer reviews through our big data system to write the intel core i5 laptops list. We found that most customers choose intel core i5 laptops with an average price of $490.73.

The intel core i5 laptops are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of intel core i5 laptops, including HP, Apple, msi, Dell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.