This study deals with an enhanced assumed strain (EAS) three-dimensional element for free vibration analysis of laminated composite and sandwich structures. The three-dimensional finite element (FE) formulation based on the EAS method for composite structures shows excellence from the standpoints of computational efficiency, especially for distorted element shapes. Using the EAS FE formulation developed for this study, the effects of side-to-thickness ratios, aspect ratios and ply orientations on the natural frequency are studied and compared with the available elasticity solutions and other plate theories. The numerical results obtained are in good agreement with those reported by other investigators. The new approach works well for the numerical experiments tested, especially for complex structures such as sandwich plates with laminated composite faces.