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Best Laptop Stands

Updated November 2021
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Soundance Laptop Stand
Soundance
Laptop Stand
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Rugged & Durable
Bottom Line

This versatile design is a stylish option for anyone who is tired of hunching over while working at their office desk.

Pros

Compatible with 10-15.6 inches models. Lightweight and ergonomic design. Ample space for keyboard. Helps to ventilate and cool. Keeps desk neat. Available in 8 metallic colors.

Cons

Some colors are more readily available than others.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nulaxy Laptop Stand
Nulaxy
Laptop Stand
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This affordable, well-made, and versatile choice is a top option for a wide variety of machines.

Pros

Easily fits computers from 10-16 inches. Keeps machines well-ventilated. Sturdy rubberized feet. Convenient cable management. Simple assembly. Available in grey and silver.

Cons

Has a springy bounce if bumped roughly.

Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand
Rain Design
mStand Laptop Stand
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Best for MacBooks
Bottom Line

If you need to raise your MacBook to eye level, this sturdy model is well-worth the investment.

Pros

Optimized for MacBooks. Ergonomic design. Lots of space underneath for keyboard. Design ventilates. Convenient cable management. Available in gold, space grey, and silver.

Cons

Not ideal for chunkier machines.

Avantree Adjustable Laptop Standing Desk
Avantree
Adjustable Laptop Standing Desk
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Most Convenient
Bottom Line

Multifunctional design that works for sitting at a desk or for using when lying on the couch.

Pros

Sturdy and usable almost anywhere. Folds down to a small size to move wherever you need it. Very large surface area that will work with any size machine. Height adjustment range is up to 3 inches.

Cons

Some users expected better build quality.

AmazonBasics Aluminum Portable Foldable Laptop Support Stand
AmazonBasics
Aluminum Portable Foldable Laptop Support Stand
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This inexpensive laptop stand is a worthy option for traveling with a thinner or lighter laptop.

Pros

Affordable. Highly adjustable kickstand. Featherweight. Foldable. Optimized for ventilating laptop. Rubberized foot. Holds laptops up to 15 inches. Available in silver and black.

Cons

Not for heavier laptops.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
155
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best laptop stands

Even when not working, you may be frequently using devices. The simple act of looking down can add up pressure to our neck, which can result in chronic neck and shoulder pain, along with chronic headaches. Using a laptop stand lets you hold your head up and helps to alleviate unnecessary pain.

The best laptop stand will be a durable unit that securely holds your laptop in place. Fully adjustable laptop stands allow you to fine-tune their position to reduce muscle tension and screen glare. You'll also want to look for a lightweight model that features an appealing design and fits comfortably in your budget.

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It doesn't matter if you are sitting or standing, a laptop stand is effective for whatever type of desk you use.

Primary considerations

Size

Although some laptop stands may be designed for specific laptops, most fit a wide variety of models. When searching for the best laptop stand for your needs, you must be sure that it’s the right size for your laptop. It is important to remember this doesn't just mean width and depth, but also all the ports and features need to be accessible when your laptop is in the stand as well.

Height

Getting a laptop stand that only raises your laptop five inches isn't going to help if what you really need is 11 inches. Be sure the laptop stand that you are considering can raise your laptop to the height you need and hold it in the position you prefer — that is, if you don't want your laptop tilted on an angle, look for a model that offers horizontal positioning.

Features to consider

Features can either enhance the user experience, detract from it, or be inconsequential. To find the best laptop stand for your needs, look for a model that offers features that you would use.

  • Stability: If you cannot trust your laptop stand to securely hold your laptop and keep it safe, then you won't use it. Look for a model that gives you confidence.

  • Adjustability: Besides height, some laptop stands can swivel and tilt, which not only makes them more adaptable to your specific needs but can also help reduce glare, if that is a factor.

  • Extra wide: A laptop stand that features an extra-wide base will provide adequate room for a mouse or any other item you like to keep close when working.

  • Cell phone holder: Some laptop stands feature an additional cell phone holder to keep your phone at eye level as well.

  • Airflow: The more easily the air can flow around your laptop, the cooler it will be. A cooler laptop typically has a longer life expectancy.

  • Lightweight: Yes, you want a laptop stand that feels sturdy, but you also want one that is lightweight and easily portable. The lighter your laptop stand is, the more uses you will be able to find for it.

  • Collapsible: If your laptop stand folds down flat, you will have far more storage options than a unit that doesn't.

  • Cable organizer: Depending on what you use your laptop for, you could have half a dozen cords running out the back. Having a built-in cable organizer is a handy feature that can help keep your work area clutter-free.

  • Aesthetics: Laptop stands are available in a wide variety of designs, ranging from being virtually invisible to adding a new aesthetic to your workspace.

Laptop stand prices

Inexpensive: Laptop stands can start as low as $5. Between $5 and $15, the models have less material, meaning there are arms that support the laptop and the height adjustments are achieved by different tilts rather than raising and lowering.

Mid-range: As you move up to the $15 to $25 range, laptop stands still function mostly by the angle — the greater the degree, the higher the laptop screen. However, instead of having two arms for support, there is typically a frame or a shelf.

Expensive: Over $25, the models become more table-like, with much greater flexibility and a wide variety of ways to elevate the stand. Once you hit $40, you can find stand-alone laptop stands that function much like a podium, if that is what you are after.

Tips for working at your laptop

If you have a job that requires you to work at your laptop daily, you can quickly develop all manner of chronic pain. Stiff neck, constant headaches, and throbbing hands are just the beginning. To help alleviate some of that unnecessary pain, here are a few tips to keep in mind while working on a laptop:

  • Feet flat: When sitting, your feet should be flat on the floor.

  • Knees at hip level: When sitting, your knees should be bent and positioned roughly at the same height as your hips. If not, a little lower is acceptable.

  • Keep your keyboard close: Your keyboard should be close to your body and directly in front of you.

  • Entire arm relaxed: Your shoulders should be relaxed and your elbows should be slightly higher than your wrists, so there is no stress on your arms, wrists, or hands.

  • Laptop centered: Your laptop should be centered directly over your keyboard.

  • High screen: Ideally, the top of your laptop screen should be about two inches higher than your eyes. If you wear bifocals, the screen may need to be a little lower.

  • No glare: Position your laptop screen so that there is no glare.

  • Move often: Staying in the same position for extended periods of time, especially sitting, can interfere with blood returning to your heart. It is important to take brief one- to two-minute breaks every 20 or 30 minutes.

  • Refocus: Whenever you get a chance, focus on something farther away than the screen to give your eyes a rest.
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A laptop stand doesn't just have to be for work. You can use one to assume a more comfortable viewing position while watching movies and videos, too.

FAQ

Q. Why do I need a laptop stand?

A. Obviously, you don't need a laptop stand as you can still use your laptop without one. However, once you try a laptop stand, you may wonder how you ever got along without one. As your neck pain diminishes and your shoulders and back begin to feel like they did decades ago and you no longer have pain in your arms, wrists, or hands, you'll feel like a whole new person. You'll be healthier, happier, and more productive.

Q. Are there any other benefits to using a laptop stand?

A. Absolutely. If you have a laptop stand that tilts, you can position it to reduce glare so your screen is easier to see. Having your laptop raised, so air can circulate fully about it, may also help keep the unit running cooler, which is better for your laptop. Also, you can use a laptop stand on a desk as well as something taller, so you could alternate between sitting and standing, which is a much healthier option.

Q. Do I need a separate mouse and keyboard when I use a laptop stand?

A. In order for your laptop stand to be the most effective, yes, you will need a separate mouse and keyboard. The reason a laptop stand works is because it raises your screen while it lets you keep your hands in a more comfortable, natural position. A laptop stand will benefit your entire upper body. However, if you do not have a separate mouse and keyboard, a laptop stand can still be beneficial as it allows you to find a happy medium — you can raise the unit up just a little to reduce neck strain without drastically increasing the strain on your hands.

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