The Best Laptop Stands
Scoring a quality laptop stand can greatly enhance your laptop-using experience. And aside from improving your posture and preserving the health of your joints, they can be a real treat in terms of comfort. This is especially true for travelers, who often find themselves setting up their rig in unfamiliar places like cafes or libraries. So whether you're a telecommuter, a traveler, or an everyday tech user, take a peek at our favorites and see if you don't find something you like.
What to Look For
When searching for a stand for your laptop, the most important thing to consider is whether it will fit your particular model and brand. Some stands are made to work with specific laptops, while others feature adjustable, “universal” designs that accommodate a range of devices. From there, you should consider the quality of the stand, including its durability and stability, as well as any other features it offers that might make it more comfortable to use. One of our favorite stands is the option from Nulaxy, which boasts a universal design that fits nearly any sized laptop. We also love the versatile stand from Duchy, which offers a wide range of height adjustments for those looking for more flexibility in their workspace. For more on these picks and to find other laptop stands we’ve deemed superlative, read on.
Nulaxy Laptop Stand
Simplicity at its finest
Designed to fit laptops 10 to 16 inches in width, this stand offers a universal solution to any laptop owner looking for something affordable. Though its design isn’t exactly original, we’re not necessarily looking for originality here; rather, we want something that works. With its affordable price tag, one-step installation, and forward-tilt design, there’s a lot to like about this one. Because it’s a bit heavy, it’s not the best solution for travelers, but if you plan on keeping your stand at home, this is a fine choice.
Pros:
- We think this pick makes a fantastic gift for anyone who spends time working on their laptop, especially since it’s such a versatile size. Plus, the variety of sleek colors makes it easy to find one to suit your loved one’s style.
- The stand is strong enough to support 22 pounds, which is enough for virtually any modern laptop, so there’s no need to stress if you don’t know the specs by heart.
Cons:
- This stand cannot be adjusted, though its six-inch lift offers a pretty good amount of height for most folks.
Soundance Laptop Stand
Fashion meets function
No, this option isn’t the most groundbreaking stand to ever hit the market, but it doesn’t need to be. It gets by just fine by flaunting its enormous range of colorways and sturdy design. Sure, Soundance offers dazzling hues like aquamarine and gold. If the way your laptop stand looks matters to you, this one is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Laptop stands in this price range are usually wanting in durability, but this pick’s aluminum construction manages to be both lightweight and sturdy.
- The airflow-friendly design prevents your laptop from overheating, so you can burn the midnight oil without burning your CPU.
Cons:
- This pick isn’t ideal for very thin laptops.
Duchy FYSMY Adjustable Laptop Stand
Fine-tune your angle
If you’re working long days on your laptop, you know how important it is that you readjust your posture every so often. The thing is, there are only so many ways you can situate your body without putting serious strain on your joints and spine. Aside from being unhealthy in the long term, this can also be downright uncomfortable. With a hyper-adjustable stand like this one, rather than having to change your body’s position to stay comfy constantly, you can adjust the stand’s height every so often. Thanks to this versatility, here is an option suited for any situation – for short and tall folks, small computers and large ones, and office workers and travelers.
Pros:
- The ventilation hollows on the bottom are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your laptop cool.
- This pick gives you plenty of options for adjustability while still feeling solid. We appreciate that it’s strong without being cumbersome.
Cons:
- Though it’s a bit tedious to adjust it, this is also part of the stand’s appeal — its sturdy frame won’t collapse or break easily.
Soqool Ergonomic Laptop Stand
Stay in style
Yes, sometimes having the latest and great is all that it’s made out to be, but for some folks, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. This stand from Soqool embodies that maxim perfectly, featuring a streamlined design that prioritizes function over all else. Thanks to that, it boasts an ergonomic design that’s great for working for long periods. No, it isn’t the lightest, the best-looking, nor the most versatile, but do you really need all that in a laptop stand when you can buy a no-frills option like this one without breaking the bank? The choice is yours.
Pros:
- This sturdy stand supports laptops up to 17 inches wide, which beats out most competitors. If you’ve got a bigger laptop, don’t pass up this pick.
- The tilt angle goes a surprisingly long way toward alleviating postural issues from sitting for too long.
Cons:
- Despite the anti-skid features, it may wobble a bit, depending on the size and weight of your laptop.
The Roost V3 Portable Laptop Stand
Sturdy and strong
Expats, telecommuters, office workers, and the like all have excellent things to say about this stand from The Roost, and there’s a good reason for it. Light and portable at about 6 ounces in weight, this marvelous piece of engineering folds right up into a compact little bundle that you can easily slide into your backpack or briefcase without taking up much room. Sure, it’s costly, but it’s like they say: you get what you pay for.
Pros:
- This stand is ideal for travelers, but we love it for taller folks in general, too. Since it’s more adjustable than most options on the market, it can bring your laptop up to a comfortable height if you’re stuck in a tiny workspace.
- Thanks to its rugged construction, you can commute with this stand daily and still expect it to be in like-new condition after months (or even years) of daily use.
Cons:
- It costs a pretty penny, but if you plan on traveling or moving between various workplaces, it’s worth it in our book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a laptop stand?
The damage that our bodies incur doesn’t happen over the course of a day or a few months. It happens over a lifetime. Years of sitting in an unhealthy position can lead to cumulative damage. We’re talking decades. You may not notice it now, but give it fifteen or twenty years, and you’ll wish your younger self had taken precautions. That said, do you really need to buy a laptop stand? Not necessarily. You could always prop your laptop up on a thick book or another solid object to raise your laptop’s height. But this solution will not provide you with the stability or comfort that is most conducive to focusing on your work.
Do people really carry around laptop stands?
For some, the real pain would be not having a laptop stand. Those who work in public spaces often have to deal with low desks or otherwise uncomfortable seating arrangements. To mitigate that, having a portable laptop stand is important. No, it won’t transform that Starbucks work counter into your home office, but it’ll help recreate some semblance of a productive workspace. Further, plenty of stands (like a few of our top picks) are conceived with travelers or mobile workers in mind, so they’re intentionally designed to be both lightweight and portable.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.