The best laptop stands this year, according to experts
The best laptop stand for your setup depends on your work. We consulted experts on different solutions at different price points.
Hanna Horvath
Hanna Horvath
This cart can easily move around your home and adjust to your needs, whether you are sitting or standing. It’s an affordable option for those who want more mobility for their home workstation. One downside is the size of the stand: It isn’t wide enough to accommodate a second monitor.
This highly-rated laptop stand is another affordable option. This laptop stand is height-adjustable and the ventilated metal mesh surface will help keep your computer from overheating. You can use this stand with or without an external keyboard or mouse. While you can buy this laptop stand right now, it won't ship until April 7 — if you need something sooner, consider the highly-rated and similarly-priced Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand.
This hefty stand easily switches from a standing desk to a seated desk. It has plenty of space for your laptop, keyboard and a second monitor. While pricier than other laptop stands, the easily adjustable settings may be worth it for those who like to stand while working. “Standing desks like these are helpful,” said Erickson. “And when you want to stand or sit, you can do it without breaking concentration.”
Once you've found the best laptop stand for your needs, here are some tips from the American Chiropractic Association on how to position it in your space:
A second monitor will increase productivity (no more clicking from tab to tab) but will also keep your eyes forward and at eye level. “If you have a second monitor at work, you should have another monitor at home,” said Stern. Most desktop monitors range in size — anywhere from 20 inches to 32 inches — and picture quality, writes technology writer Whitson Gordon. The size you choose depends on how much space you have in your office. Obviously, a larger size is going to make content more visible on your screen. If the monitor isn’t being used for video editing or something similar, the standard monitor resolution will work. Gordon recommends the Dell U2415 as the best all-around monitor: "Its IPS panel provides great colors and viewing angles, the stand height is adjustable for better ergonomics, and its price is in a relatively sweet spot of affordability."
Cinkay recommends pairing your new laptop stand with a remote keyboard and mouse, which can help keep your arms in a 90-degree position while you type and help prevent future strain. Logitech’s popular MK550 Wave combo is actually ergonomically-designed and relatively affordable.
Featured in our best ergonomic keyboard roundup, Durgod’s “tenkeyless” (or TKL) keyboard helps prevent you from having to stretch your arm to reach the mouse or angle your hands awkwardly to reach the main portion of the keyboard (the “b” key should be centered on your body for proper placement). There are dozens of tenkeyless options out there, but this model from Durgod offers solid build quality and lots of key switch choices.
This ergonomic mouse keeps your hand in a natural position, helping prevent joint and wrist pain, said Cinkay. This model is wireless and can easily connect to your computer or laptop. It has a tracking ball in place so you don’t have to move the mouse around while scrolling.
Another Logitech Bluetooth-enabled option that features a more traditional mouse-like trackball. Located on the left, you can easily move the trackball with your thumb. Logitech also allows you to create customizable button-trackball combo actions.
This highly-rated, affordable desk accessory is adjustable, meaning you won’t need to lean in to be heard during video conferences and meetings). “Depending on how much you project, you may have to edit a little bit before you submit something,” said Stern about the microphone's secondary functionality: Inputting text by dictation.
While some may feel a change immediately after trying out a new desk accessory, it may take your body a couple weeks to adjust to a new working position. “Listen to your body,” said Cinkay. “If it’s screaming for help, you need to get up and move or consider a different work setup.” Though your workspace has moved from an office to your home, the way you work shouldn’t change.
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