For most people, there’s no going back to desktop PCs.
Laptops are so convenient and portable, and unless you need some serious computing power for gaming online or rendering gigantic video files, you can accomplish all your work and web surfing on a laptop.
However, desktop computers do offer one benefit over laptops: they don’t strain your neck when you use them.
It turns out that being able to sit upright and look at a monitor is much better for your posture and overall sense of well-being than crouching over a laptop. Thankfully, you can fix the problem with one simple tool (that doesn’t cost nearly as much as a new office chair).
Like a standing desk, a laptop stand elevates your computer to a level that’s comfortable to use. You can pair a stand with a wireless mouse and keyboard, or get a model that puts the laptop at an angle where you can type comfortably.
You can use a laptop stand with your existing desk, and if you know someone who could benefit from having one, they make great for a great tech accessory gift.
We consulted with Dr. Justin Lin, a physical therapist who runs the Rehab and Revive Pain and Wellness Center, to get his input on which laptop stands are best for your needs. Dr. Lin also shared his tips on using laptop stands and advice for how to deal with neck and back strain that can come from working for long periods at a computer, so check out his FAQ at the end of our roundup for some professional advice.
To jump ahead, click the category links below:
- Best Laptop Stand Overall
- Best Budget-Friendly Laptop Stand
- Best Laptop Stand for Desks
- Best Adjustable Laptop Stand
- Best Portable Laptop Stand
- Best Laptop Stand for Standing
Best Laptop Stand Overall
Mount-It! Adjustable Laptop Stand
Simply press the buttons on the joints of this laptop stand to set it to the most comfortable height and position for your needs. Built-in cooling holes prevent your computer from overheating, and a lip makes sure your laptop won’t slip off.
“This stand serves multiple functions and is durable as heck,” Lin said. “You could use it in bed, take it on a trip or operate it on a desk for a sit-to-stand experience. The reason it hits the sweet spot is the cost and [that] it can change [to] different angles and sizes for many of my needs when using a laptop. Keeping your body in good alignment is easy with the adjustable tray. Storage is also not a problem as it folds completely flat.”
Best Budget-Friendly Laptop Stand
Tonmom Laptop Stand
This is the most compact laptop stand we’ve seen. If you fold it down completely, you can definitely fit it inside your laptop bag and probably even inside your jacket pocket. It’s won an Amazon’s Choice label with thousands of positive reviews, and lucky for you, it costs just about $10. Talk about a good deal!
“What’s not to like about something that is simple with a few pieces and can support your laptop,” Lin said. “The different angles are clutch, and you can take it on the go. The portability and ease of use are definitely the highlight of this product.”
Best Laptop Stand for Desks
MOFT Multifunctional Desk Mat
If you have a bit of space to spread out your work essentials, this mat-style laptop stand is a smart choice. You can rest it at a few different angles to get the desired position for your wrists, and it has dedicated spots to hold and charge more devices. You can also use this directly on your lap, and if you prefer working on a tablet instead of a laptop, it supports that, too.
“I’ve always been a big fan of MOFT,” Lin said. “They do a great job with function, style and being lightweight. This is one of their newer products and seems to nail it with a place for your watch and charging for your phone. It can fold up or you can leave it right at your desk to serve your needs for good posture and jamming on the keyboard.”
Best Adjustable Laptop Stand
ROTTAY Collapsible Laptop Stand
This adjustable option goes above and beyond the call to duty by letting you raise the height to 16 inches — giving you the opportunity to use your computer while seated or standing. It also folds down relatively flat, so transporting or storing it is easy. If you’re sharing your workstation with other people, this stand suits all work styles and height preferences.
“My number one requirement of a laptop stand is that it must always keep your keyboard at an angle,” Lin said. “I like the collapsing feature and the different variety of ways you can use it or extend the tray from the base.”
Best Portable Laptop Stand
MOFT Z Invisible Thin Sit-Stand Desk
Considering this device folds down to be the same size as a standard laptop, it will have no problem fitting right next to your computer in whatever bag or carrying case you use. You can prop it up at four different angles, depending on your preferences, or use it at its full height for a taller computing experience.
“I personally have five or six of these in my clinic, at home and even my laptop bag,” Lin said. “I’ve used this in my EV car while waiting for it to charge and can’t say enough positive things about how thin it becomes and easily slides into a folder pocket. I’ve taken it to the airport and worked at the gate with it. I get to stay in great alignment and be productive with less of the aches and the pains.”
Best Laptop Stand for Standing
Drive Medical Adjustable Standing Desk
While most standing desks cost well over $100 and $200 dollars, this nontraditional option is under $75 and works great in most home offices. Its wheeled base lets you move it wherever its needed, and a simple lever on the underside of the tabletop lets you move it up and down. This may not be the most stylish laptop stand, but it certainly gets the job done.
“Something portable is nice, but not always a given,” Lin said. “[This desk] seems like something you see at a nursing home, because it is something we use. It can slide underneath your couch, and when my wife was recovering from a C-section and needed to work and answer emails, this was a lifesaver. Don’t discount the over-bed tables.”
An FAQ on laptop stands
Learn how a laptop stand can support you at home and in the workplace, according to physical therapist Dr. Justin Lin.
Why should I use a laptop stand, and what benefits does it offer?
Everyone should be using a laptop stand of some sort. Laptops were once thought of as a convenience, but times have changed, and with technology improving over the decades, having a laptop and working with it has become the norm as opposed to a desktop. We now have to figure out ways to make it ergonomically conducive to keep our busy bodies from breaking down.
I’d like to consider laptop stands as aides. It may or may not improve your ability to work for extended periods of time with or without back and neck pains.
The key thing to think about is that we are ultimately in charge of ourselves and being mindful of our sitting and standing posture. If you like to lay on your tummy and work on your laptop in bed or on the floor, no laptop stand in the world is going to keep the aches and pains away.
How can I tell if I’m using my laptop stand correctly?
One simple concept to note that we teach all our clients is that if you are standing or sitting correctly, all muscles in the neck and shoulders should remain relatively relaxed. [Your] feet should both be planted in the ground when sitting or standing.
Your head and chin should be at about a 5-degree downward angle to extend your upper cervical spine that is often flexed and compressed. The elbows should be bent with the shoulder at about 10-15 degrees below the plane parallel to the floor, and your trunk-to-hip angle is roughly 100-110 degrees, so your core and pelvic floor is relaxed when sitting.
Think of an infant learning to sit up. The closer your angles look like children’s natural “neutral,” the more you can sustain an efficient posture to your body and decrease the chronic aches and pains you may get from being a desk jockey.
What other things can I do to reduce strain on my neck, back and shoulders from sitting at a computer for extended periods?
Other than addressing the sitting and standing postures head-on with physical therapy or proper mechanics, our bodies are meant to move. Getting up for even 10 to 15 seconds resets the receptors or proprioceptors in our body to stay turned on. Our bodies tend to like being in screen-saver mode, but unfortunately, that will lead us to become the form we function in. Resetting is the key. Try some stretches.
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