Laptop cooling pads are stands and fan-equipped platforms that sit under a laptop to improve airflow and raise the screen to a more comfortable angle. They suit people who work long hours or run demanding software on a notebook. Our range includes models from NEOMOUNTS, GEMBIRD and Trust.
How to choose a laptop cooling pad
Laptop size. Check the largest screen size the pad is built for and compare it with your laptop. A pad that is too small leaves the vents at the back or sides uncovered, so it does little for cooling. Measure the width and depth of your laptop, not just the screen diagonal.
Active or passive cooling. Pads with built-in fans push air towards the underside of the laptop and help most when the machine runs hot under load, for example during gaming, video editing or rendering. Passive stands have no fans and rely on raised airflow, which is often enough for office work and keeps the desk silent.
Fan noise and placement. Look at how many fans the pad has, whether their speed can be adjusted and where they sit. Fans should line up with the intake vents of your laptop, which are usually on the underside. Larger, slower fans are generally quieter than small, fast ones.
Height and angle. A tilted surface is easier on the wrists and neck, so check whether the angle can be adjusted. If you often switch between sitting and standing, or use an external keyboard, adjustable height matters more than the fan count.
Power and ports. Most fan-powered pads draw power over USB from the laptop, which takes up a port. A pad with a pass-through USB port gives that connection back. Pads in our range come in black and grey, so you can match the look of your desk setup.
Laptop cooling pad brands we carry
- NEOMOUNTS: a Dutch brand known for monitor arms, desk mounts and laptop stands, with a focus on ergonomic workplaces.
- GEMBIRD: a supplier of computer accessories, cables and adapters, aimed at everyday, affordable add-ons for desktops and laptops.
- Trust: a Dutch consumer electronics brand known for PC accessories such as mice, webcams, headsets and laptop bags, sold under both the Trust and Trust Computer names.
Our laptop cooling pad range is small, with one model from each of these makers, so it is easy to compare them side by side.
Laptop cooling pads: frequently asked questions
Do laptop cooling pads really work?
Yes, they can lower the temperature of the laptop's underside and help the machine hold its speed for longer, but the effect depends on the design. Fan-equipped pads make the biggest difference on laptops that run hot under heavy loads. A pad cannot fix blocked vents or a heat sink clogged with dust.
Do I need a cooling pad for office work?
Usually not for light tasks such as email, documents and web browsing, as most laptops stay cool enough. A stand-style pad can still help if you want a better screen angle or if the laptop sits on a soft surface that blocks the vents. Fans are more useful for gaming, video editing and other long, demanding workloads.
What size cooling pad do I need?
Choose a pad that is rated for your laptop's screen size and is at least as wide and deep as the laptop itself. The fans should sit under the intake vents, which you can usually spot on the underside of the case. If you use a larger laptop, do not assume a smaller pad will fit.
How is a laptop cooling pad powered?
Most fan-based cooling pads run on power from a USB port on the laptop, so no separate adapter is needed. This uses up one port, so a model with a pass-through USB port is handy if your laptop has few connections. Passive stands need no power at all.