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The best lap desks for gaming to buy in 2023
Gaming lap desks are an excellent solution if you have no dedicated space for your battle station or want to game away from a permanent desk. Not only do they allow you to enjoy marathon gaming sessions from the comfort of your sofa, but they can also let you experience games on a much larger screen than your typical gaming monitor or gaming laptop screen.
Of course, not all gaming lap desks are equal. Some are better suited for laptops, others for keyboards. They also come in various material options and prices to suit every budget. We’ve assembled a list of our picks for the best gaming lap desks you can buy right now! You’re sure to find the right one for yourself in this list.
What to look for when finding the proper lap desk
As with anything else, you’ll have to figure out what you prioritize in a suitable lap desk. Of course, looks and RGB matter, but that’s only part of the equation.
Do you want a complete solution that will almost replace a small desk? Some options include large armrests, drawers, cable management, and more. Some of these lap desks can also attach to a keyboard or come with one integrated straight up.
A healthy posture is essential during long gaming sessions, so you might also want to look into lap desks that can raise your screen to bring your laptop closer to eye level.
You might also want to keep heat in mind. Gaming laptops can get hot, which can be uncomfortable to the touch. You might want your lap desk made of materials that dissipate heat more efficiently, such as metal. An even better solution some of these options offer is active fan cooling, which is arguably one of the most essential features to look out for.
The best lap desks for gaming
Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best lap desks for gaming as new devices launch.
Couchmaster CYBOSS
If you’re looking for the absolute biggest and most comfortable lap desk, the Couchmaster CYBOSS is the best one we could find. It is 39.4 inches wide and can fit plenty of stuff, as you can see in the image above. It even has pockets on the sides and a cup holder!
The actual pad is made of bamboo, making it both light and resistant. Bamboo isn’t the best at dissipating heat, so it helps that there’s a grill under where the laptop goes. The sides are cushioned and made of a soft material.
As you can see, this product is made with gamers in mind and has the looks. We just wish it had some RGB lighting!
Couchmaster CYCON 2 Couch Gaming Lap Desk
The Couchmaster CYCON 2 might be a better bet if you think the CYBOSS is a bit too much. It still features two beefy cushions on either side to provide built-in armrests. While you can use a laptop on it, the CYCON 2 is made to hold a keyboard and gaming mouse. It also costs more than the CYBOSS, but it has its advantages.
Channels keep wires from becoming too messy, plus a six-port USB 3.0 hub makes it just as easy to use wired and wireless accessories. There isn’t a built-in mousepad, but it also means it’s suitable for left-handed gamers. Southpaws can slide the keyboard over and enjoy the same comfort and control.
By the way, the manufacturer also makes the Couchmaster CYWORX, which is pretty much a less gamey version of this lap desk.
Max Smart Laptop Lap Pad
Those with laptops will soon realize their computers will need some help staying cool. A gaming laptop can get toasty, which is terrible for the system, reduces performance, and can become very uncomfortable to the touch. The Max Smart Laptop Lap Pad solves this by adding an integrated fan right below the laptop surface.
It comes with a detachable cushion, which means you can also use it as a regular stand. The mouse pad can also be attached to either side, making it an excellent fit for both lefties and righties. Not to mention the price is fantastic!
Razer Turret Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard & Mouse
The Razer Turret Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard & Mouse is the perfect option for those looking for an all-in-one gaming lap desk solution. Unlike other options on the list, it has a built-in wireless mechanical keyboard and includes a mouse, so you’ll never need to swap peripherals or fuss with cords again. Plus, they come from Razer, one of the most trusted brands in gaming, so you know you’re getting top-notch devices.
Both the keyboard and mouse are tied to a single 2.4GHz USB receiver (or Bluetooth), which will work with both your PC and Xbox One console. There’s even a dedicated Xbox key to bring up the Xbox One dashboard. Extra touches like RGB lighting, a magnetic backing to add resistance to the mouse, and an attractive charging dock make this one of the best lap desks for gaming.
The only issue with this one is that it’s not made to hold a laptop. You’ll need to find a place for it. Alternatively, you can connect your laptop to a TV and game away from a distance.
ROCCAT Sova Mechanical Gaming Lapboard
ROCCAT makes an excellent gaming lap desk with an integrated keyboard that’s much easier on the wallet. The ROCCAT Sova Mechanical Gaming Lapboard features a compact mechanical keyboard and a large mousepad. Still, it does away with any wireless capabilities.
Although running a cable across your living room isn’t the most elegant solution, the ROCCAT Sova offers extra utility with two built-in USB ports, perfect for a mouse and gaming headset. There’s also a breakaway cable. You don’t have to worry about damaging your gear when your dog gets the zoomies in the middle of an intense game.
8AMTECH Lap Desk
Here’s another excellent option for those who want an active fan to cool their laptops. This makes the 8AMTECH Lap Desk one of the best lap desks for gaming.
This may not have the gaming looks, but it might help your gaming experience more than the others. There are plenty of other features that make this a compelling option. You can fold it down for easy transportation, and adjust the surface angle freely. You also get extra space for accessories like a mouse or a mobile device.
FAQs
It depends on the features you want, but some can be as cheap as $50 or less, and work amazingly. Of course, you’ll have to pay extra for added comfort, keyboard integration, included mice, and more. You start getting into unreasonably expensive territory once you go over $150, but some of you might deem those more costly options worthy.
There are size restrictions, of course. That said, even the smallest options on this list should be able to handle 15-inch laptops. You might have a more challenging time fitting a laptop in these if you want to use them with 17-inch or bigger devices.
Additionally, some of these don’t have a spot for your laptops, as they focus more on mouse and keyboard support. These are meant to be used with a larger TV or monitor from a distance.
According to Ergotron, the best position for a monitor is when the top of the screen is directly at eye level. This will keep your back and neck healthier, especially when gaming for long periods.
We usually don’t recommend cooling pads for general users, but things are different when dealing with gamers. No matter your laptop, we can guarantee it will get excessively hot while gaming. We would highly recommend getting a lap desk with a fan. At the very least, pick one made of cooler materials and efficient spacing.
If you genuinely want mobility, you should also get one of the best gaming smartphones. Additionally, consider getting a gaming controller so you can move away from your screen and play more comfortably.