<p>Functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic materials (FG-MEE) are highly valuable for intelligent applications, such as deformation control and active driving, because of their superior multi-physics coupling properties. The metallic porous materials have attracted attention due to their low density and strong energy absorption capabilities. A sandwich configuration is proposed, consisting of FG-MEE top and bottom layers with an intermediate porous aluminum section as the core. Within the FSDT framework and Hamilton’s variational approach, we model free vibration dynamics under spatially inhomogeneous electromagnetic potentials. Free vibration natural frequencies are determined through Navier’s solution technique with assumed simply-supported edges. By comparing with existing literature, the present model demonstrates reliable and accurate performance. Numerical results research the impacts of geometric parameters, BaTiO₃-CoFe₂O₄ volume fraction index, layer thickness ratio, magnetic potential, and electric potential on the natural vibration of FG-MEE sandwich porous plates. This work provides a foundation for further research on such structures, and its findings may aid in the optimization and design of intelligent structures made of FG-MEE.</p>