Here’s what makes them great, and how to pick the right one for you.

Why Bother With a Laptop Stand?

A laptop stand can make the experience of using a portable computer at a desk more comfortable.

Man sitting in front of a laptop and rubbing his neck in pain.

fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Over time, this could lead to posture issues.

At best, it makes for an uncomfortable experience that doesn’t feel as natural as it should.

Elevating a laptop can also help improve airflow.

Woman straining her neck to see a laptop screen.

fizkes/Shutterstock.com

This can help if you use your laptop forCPUorGPU-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.

This can help save space on a cluttered desk and keep your laptop out of harm’s way.

Others can expand the range of ports you have available, or provide a simple dock-and-charge solution.

UPRYZE laptop stand

UPRYZE

Which Types of Laptop Stand Are Available?

This makes full use of the laptop display, speakers, and even webcam.

You’ll need a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) to make proper use of these laptop stands.

41cMBeetqaL.<em>SL500</em>-2

This portable laptop stand uses a truly portable design, all-metal construction, and collapses down for carrying in a laptop bag.

Since this design is the most popular, there are lots to choose from on the market.

Stands that are designed with this purpose in mind often favor portability over stability.

TheElfAnt Portable Aluminum Laptop Standuses an all-metal design with non-slip silicone pads to keep your laptop in place.

Twelve South Cuve laptop stand

Twelve South

It also collapses down nice and small so that it fits snuggly in a bag alongside your laptop.

If you want something a little less portable but still collapsible and sturdy give theUPRYZE Ergonomic Standa shot.

These are heavier and designed to be left in place once you’ve set them up to your liking.

41gU3KhYAQL.<em>SL500</em>-1

Prefer form over function? Not using your laptop for resource-intensive tasks that produce a lot of heat? The HumanCentric Laptop Stand has a walnut finish that stands out for the right reasons.

Some come with built-inwireless chargingpads which can be powered by your laptop or an external USB power adapter.

There’s a stand of this bang out for every budget.

On the cheaper end of the spectrum you might want to look at theBesign LSX3.

41wlx-JuBhL.<em>SL500</em>-1

Keep your laptop cool and elevated with a laptop stand that features a fan with three speeds.

For a walnut finish that matches your desk, theHumanCentric Laptop Standwon’t disappoint.

Prefer form over function?

Not using your laptop for resource-intensive tasks that produce a lot of heat?

HumanCentric Laptop Stand

HumanCentric

The HumanCentric Laptop Stand has a walnut finish that stands out for the right reasons.

TheAMZPILOT Adjustable Laptop Stand with Cooling Fanis one such example, with aluminum construction and silver finish.

Keep your laptop cool and elevated with a laptop stand that features a fan with three speeds.

41mWfQGbR-L.<em>SL500</em>-1

The adjustable Psitek Aluminum Vertical Stand holds your laptop in place and can be adjusted to your model. The metal body is padded with silicone to prevent scratches.

Then there are upright stands, some of which also function as docking stations.

You canmount your laptopin a manner that still provides access to charging ports and any outputs you may need.

They solve the issue of where to put your laptop on a small desk when using an external display.

Aestoria MacBook Stand

Aestoria

The cheap and cheerfulPsitek Aluminum Vertical Standadjusts from 10mm to 30mm, and features a silicone padding.

The adjustable Psitek Aluminum Vertical Stand holds your laptop in place and can be adjusted to your model.

The metal body is padded with silicone to prevent scratches.

41lmvrMupSL.<em>SL500</em>-1

Dock your MacBook Pro vertically, keep your MacBook out of the way, and better dissipate heat with this vertical stand and docking station. Adds three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, card reader, card reader, Ethernet, dual HDMI, and a USB-C port to your laptop of choice.

There’s a list of compatible models including specific Dell, Lenovo, and HP.

They’re much wider than regular laptop stands since they provide additional space for peripherals like keyboards and mice.

Since your standing desk must accommodate your specific height, standing desk conversion kits are usually adjustable.

41hvIe8jdgL.<em>SL500</em>-1

This vertical docking station connects using a single USB-C or Thunderbolt port and adds two USB 3.0 Type-A inputs, a USB-C port, a card reader two HDMI outputs, a single USB 2.0 Type-A port, and supports USB-C Power Deliver up to 100w.

Check out theMonoprice Ultra Slim Desk Converterfor a smart-looking mid-price standing desk converter with good reviews.

A slim height-adjustable riser for your desk that requires no additional assembly out of the box.

31D9t-gOSmL.<em>SL500</em>-1

A slim height-adjustable riser for your desk that requires no additional assembly out of the box. The slim design helps reduce bulk at the lowest setting, perfect for use while sitting or storage when not in use.