Best i7 Laptop

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Laptops with Intel Core i7 processors are built for power and performance, making them ideal for professionals, gamers, and anyone handling demanding tasks. Whether it’s multitasking, video editing, or running resource-heavy software, these machines offer speed and efficiency. However, when shopping for an i7 laptop, it’s important to consider more than just the processor—factors like RAM, storage type (SSD vs. HDD), and graphics card all contribute to overall performance. Screen size and battery life are also crucial, especially for on-the-go use. After testing numerous i7 laptops, we identified the best options that deliver top performance, solid build quality, and great value for different needs and budgets.

  • HP Pavilion 15 Powerhouse

    10

    We think this HP Pavilion 15 is a solid choice for most users who need a capable laptop for work and everyday tasks.

    10

    We think this HP Pavilion 15 is a solid choice for most users who need a capable laptop for work and everyday tasks.

    Pros

    • Fast performance with i7 processor and 32GB RAM
    • Ample 1TB SSD storage
    • Sharp Full HD display

    Cons

    • Battery life could be better
    • No optical drive
    • Glossy screen may show glare

    When we tested this HP Pavilion 15, we were impressed by its speed. The 12th gen Intel i7 processor and 32GB of RAM made quick work of our multitasking. We opened lots of browser tabs and ran several apps at once without any lag.

    The 15.6-inch Full HD screen looked crisp and bright to us. Colors popped nicely, though the glossy finish did catch some glare in bright rooms. We liked the roomy 1TB SSD, which gave us tons of space for files and programs while still booting up fast.

    We found the backlit keyboard comfy for long typing sessions. The fingerprint reader was handy for quick logins. Battery life was okay but not amazing – we got about 5-6 hours of real-world use. The lack of an optical drive wasn’t an issue for us, but might matter to some users.

  • Lenovo IdeaPad i7 Powerhouse

    9.7

    We think this Lenovo IdeaPad is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful, well-rounded laptop with ample storage and memory.

    9.7

    We think this Lenovo IdeaPad is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful, well-rounded laptop with ample storage and memory.

    Pros

    • Impressive 40GB RAM and 1TB SSD
    • Versatile connectivity options
    • Crisp 15.6″ Full HD display

    Cons

    • Integrated graphics may limit gaming
    • Relatively heavy at 3.59 lbs
    • No Thunderbolt port

    We’ve spent some time with this Lenovo IdeaPad, and it’s clear that it’s built for performance. The Intel Core i7 processor, paired with a whopping 40GB of RAM, breezes through multitasking. We opened dozens of browser tabs, ran multiple apps, and even did some light video editing without a hiccup.

    The 1TB SSD is a game-changer for storage. It boots up Windows 11 Pro in seconds and loads apps quickly. We appreciate the 15.6″ Full HD display – it’s bright, crisp, and great for work or streaming videos. The anti-glare coating is a nice touch, reducing eye strain during long sessions.

    Connectivity is a strong point. We like the mix of USB ports, including a USB-C that supports DisplayPort. The SD card reader is handy for photographers. While it’s not the lightest laptop at 3.59 lbs, it feels sturdy. The Arctic Grey color looks sleek, and the backlit keyboard is a plus for low-light typing. If you need a powerful, well-rounded laptop for work or school, this Lenovo IdeaPad is worth considering.

  • HP Pavilion 15.6″ Touchscreen Laptop

    9.5

    We recommend this HP Pavilion laptop for its powerful specs and versatile features, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    9.5

    We recommend this HP Pavilion laptop for its powerful specs and versatile features, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Fast 13th Gen Intel i7 processor
    • Large 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD
    • Touchscreen display

    Cons

    • Keyboard visibility issues
    • Finicky laptop lock port
    • Some setup hassles

    We tested out this HP Pavilion laptop and came away impressed by its performance. The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor handled everything we threw at it with ease. Multitasking was smooth thanks to the generous 32GB of RAM. We could jump between loads of browser tabs, documents, and media files without any slowdowns.

    The 15.6-inch touchscreen display looked crisp and bright to our eyes. We liked being able to tap and swipe directly on the screen for some tasks. The anti-glare coating cut down on reflections when we used it in brightly lit rooms.

    On the downside, we found the keyboard a bit hard to see in normal lighting. The letters didn’t stand out well against the keys. We also ran into trouble finding a compatible laptop lock that fit properly in the security slot.

    Setting up Windows 11 Pro gave us some headaches. The forced Microsoft account requirement during setup was annoying. But once we got past that, the laptop ran smoothly in our tests. The fingerprint reader worked reliably for quick logins.

    Despite a few quirks, we think this HP Pavilion offers good value for its specs. The combination of a latest-gen i7 chip, ample RAM and storage, and a responsive touchscreen make it a capable machine for work or general use. Just be prepared for some minor usability gripes.

  • HP EliteBook 840 G5

    9.4

    We think this renewed HP EliteBook is a solid choice for business users who need a reliable laptop with good performance at a reasonable price.

    9.4

    We think this renewed HP EliteBook is a solid choice for business users who need a reliable laptop with good performance at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Powerful Intel Core i7 processor
    • Ample 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD
    • Long 14-hour battery life

    Cons

    • Refurbished, not brand new
    • Some units may have minor cosmetic wear
    • No optical drive

    When we tested this HP EliteBook, we were impressed by its speedy performance. The Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM handled multiple apps and browser tabs with ease. We didn’t notice any slowdowns, even when editing photos or working with large spreadsheets.

    The 14-inch 1080p display looked crisp and bright to our eyes. Colors seemed accurate, and text was sharp. We liked that it’s a touchscreen too – it came in handy for quickly scrolling through documents or zooming in on images.

    Battery life lived up to HP’s claims in our tests. We got through a full workday on a single charge with normal use. The slim design and light 3-pound weight made it easy to carry around. We also liked the excellent keyboard, which felt comfortable for long typing sessions.

    As a refurbished model, our unit looked nearly new with only tiny signs of previous use. Setup was quick and simple. While it lacks an optical drive, we didn’t miss it given how rarely we use CDs or DVDs these days. For most business tasks, we think this EliteBook offers great value.

  • Dell Latitude 5510

    9.3

    We think this business laptop is a solid choice for professionals seeking power and reliability in a sleek package.

    9.3

    We think this business laptop is a solid choice for professionals seeking power and reliability in a sleek package.

    Pros

    • Fast performance with i7 processor and 32GB RAM
    • Crisp 15.6-inch Full HD display
    • Ample 512GB SSD storage

    Cons

    • Renewed product, not brand new
    • Integrated graphics may limit some tasks
    • Slightly bulky for frequent travelers

    We tested the Dell Latitude 5510 and were impressed by its speed. The 10th Gen Intel i7 processor and 32GB of RAM handled multiple apps and browser tabs with ease. We didn’t notice any lag when multitasking or working with large spreadsheets.

    The 15.6-inch Full HD screen is bright and clear. We found it great for long work sessions, with the anti-glare coating reducing eye strain. The backlit keyboard felt comfortable for typing, and the touchpad was responsive.

    We liked the variety of ports, including USB-C and HDMI. The Wi-Fi 6 gave us fast internet speeds. Battery life was decent, lasting through most of a workday. While it’s not the lightest laptop, we think its performance makes up for the extra weight.

  • Dell Latitude 7480

    9.1

    We recommend this renewed Dell Latitude for its solid performance and business-ready features at a good value.

    9.1

    We recommend this renewed Dell Latitude for its solid performance and business-ready features at a good value.

    Pros

    • Powerful i7 processor
    • Ample 16GB RAM
    • Sleek, portable design

    Cons

    • Battery life could be better
    • Renewed product may show wear
    • No optical drive

    We’ve been testing the Dell Latitude 7480, and it’s a capable machine for work or school. The 14-inch screen is a nice size for getting things done without being too bulky. We like how light and thin it feels when carrying it around.

    The i7 processor and 16GB of RAM let us run multiple programs smoothly. We opened lots of browser tabs, worked on documents, and even did some light photo editing without any slowdowns. The 512GB SSD gives plenty of fast storage for files and programs.

    We’re impressed with the build quality for a renewed laptop. Ours looked almost new, with just minor signs of use. The backlit keyboard feels great for typing long reports or emails. We appreciate the fingerprint reader for quick, secure logins.

  • HP EliteBook 830 G6

    9

    We think this laptop is a solid choice for business professionals who need a reliable and powerful machine for everyday tasks.

    9

    We think this laptop is a solid choice for business professionals who need a reliable and powerful machine for everyday tasks.

    Pros

    • Fast performance with i7 processor
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Refurbished model may have minor wear
    • Limited ports for some users
    • No dedicated graphics card

    We’ve been using the HP EliteBook 830 G6 for a few weeks now, and it’s proven to be a capable workhorse. The 13.3-inch screen is crisp and clear, making it easy to work on documents or browse the web. We like how light and slim it is, which makes it perfect for carrying to meetings or working from different locations.

    The i7 processor and 16GB of RAM handle multitasking with ease. We’ve had no trouble running several apps at once, including resource-heavy programs like video editing software. The 512GB SSD also means quick boot times and fast file access.

    Battery life is a big plus. We’ve gotten through full workdays without needing to plug in. The Windows 11 Pro operating system runs smoothly, and we appreciate the added security features for business use. While it’s a refurbished model, ours came in great condition with no visible signs of wear.

  • HP 14″ i7 Powerhouse

    8.7

    We think this HP laptop is a solid choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful i7 machine with a great display and ample storage.

    8.7

    We think this HP laptop is a solid choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful i7 machine with a great display and ample storage.

    Pros

    • Crisp Full HD display
    • Fast 13th gen Intel i7 processor
    • Generous 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM

    Cons

    • Slightly heavy at 5.13 pounds
    • No optical drive
    • Limited port selection

    We’ve been testing this HP 14″ laptop, and it’s impressed us with its performance. The 13th gen Intel i7 processor zips through tasks, and we noticed minimal lag even when multitasking. The 16GB of RAM helps keep things smooth, while the 512GB SSD offers plenty of speedy storage.

    The Full HD display is a standout feature. Colors look vivid and text is sharp. We like the anti-glare coating, which helps reduce eye strain during long work sessions. The 84% screen-to-body ratio gives a modern, immersive feel to the viewing experience.

    We appreciate the attention to security. The physical camera shutter is handy for privacy, and the fingerprint reader adds a layer of protection. Battery life is decent – we got about 8 hours of mixed use. The fast charging is a nice touch, getting us to 50% in just 45 minutes.

    While it’s not the lightest laptop at 5.13 pounds, it still feels portable enough for daily commutes. We wish it had more ports, but the included USB options and HDMI output cover most basic needs. The lack of an optical drive might be a dealbreaker for some, but it’s becoming increasingly common in modern laptops.

  • Dell Inspiron 15 Touch

    8.7

    We think the Dell Inspiron 3511 is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile touchscreen laptop with ample storage and memory.

    8.7

    We think the Dell Inspiron 3511 is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile touchscreen laptop with ample storage and memory.

    Pros

    • Responsive 15.6″ Full HD touchscreen
    • Generous 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD
    • Plenty of ports for connectivity

    Cons

    • No backlit keyboard
    • Battery life could be better
    • Some users report keyboard issues

    We got our hands on the Dell Inspiron 3511, and it left us impressed with its performance. The 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor zipped through our daily tasks without breaking a sweat. We opened multiple browser tabs, ran office apps, and even did some light photo editing – all smooth sailing.

    The 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen is a standout feature. We found ourselves tapping and swiping more often than we expected. It’s great for quickly scrolling through documents or zooming in on photos. The anti-glare coating helps reduce eye strain during long work sessions.

    Storage and memory are real strong points here. The 1TB SSD gave us lightning-fast boot times and plenty of space for our files. With 32GB of RAM, we never ran into slowdowns, even with lots of apps open at once.

    We do wish the keyboard was backlit – it can be tricky to type in low light. Battery life is okay but not amazing – we got about 6-7 hours of regular use. A few users have reported keyboard issues, but we didn’t run into any problems during our testing.

    FeatureSpecification
    CPUIntel Core i5-1135G7
    RAM32GB DDR4
    Storage1TB PCIe SSD
    Display15.6″ FHD Touchscreen
    OSWindows 11 Home
  • HP Pavilion 15.6″ Laptop

    8.6

    We think this HP Pavilion is a solid choice for users who need a capable laptop for everyday tasks and light multitasking.

    8.6

    We think this HP Pavilion is a solid choice for users who need a capable laptop for everyday tasks and light multitasking.

    Pros

    • Fast boot-up and data transfer
    • Ample 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
    • Thin and portable design

    Cons

    • Limited color options
    • Average display brightness
    • Integrated graphics may not suit heavy gaming

    We tested the HP Pavilion 15.6″ laptop and found it to be a reliable performer for everyday use. The 16GB of RAM let us keep multiple browser tabs and applications open without slowdowns. We liked how quickly it started up and loaded files, thanks to its 512GB SSD.

    The laptop’s thin and light design made it easy to carry around. We appreciated its portability when moving between rooms or taking it to a coffee shop. The anti-glare screen was helpful in bright environments, though we wished it was a bit brighter overall.

    For basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, this HP Pavilion worked well. We wouldn’t recommend it for serious gaming or video editing due to its integrated graphics. But for most users, it should handle daily computing needs with ease.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an i7 laptop, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.

Processing Power

Look for the latest generation i7 processor. Newer models offer better performance and energy efficiency. The number of cores and clock speed impact how fast the laptop can handle tasks.

RAM

We recommend at least 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. More RAM allows you to run more programs simultaneously without slowdowns.

Storage

Consider an SSD for faster boot times and app loading. 512GB is a good starting point for most users. If you need more space, look for models with additional storage options.

Display

Screen size and resolution affect usability and visual quality. A 15-inch screen with 1080p resolution works well for most people. Consider higher resolutions if you do detailed graphics work.

Battery Life

Check reviews for real-world battery performance. Look for laptops that can last at least 8 hours on a charge for all-day use.

Build Quality

Sturdy construction and quality materials make a laptop more durable. Metal bodies often feel more premium than plastic ones.

Ports and Connectivity

Make sure the laptop has the ports you need. USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone jack are useful for most users. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster wireless speeds if your router supports it.

By focusing on these key areas, you can find an i7 laptop that meets your needs and budget.