8 Lap Desks to Upgrade Your Work-From-Home Setup

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to be hunched over your kitchen table or, even worse, the coffee table. Grab one of these lap desks and use your laptop in comfort!

One of the biggest perks of working from home is the flexibility to work in places other than at a desk. No one can stop you from working on the couch, a lounge chair in your backyard, or even under the covers in bed. A lap desk makes working in any of these situations much easier and more comfortable, though.

Holding a laptop in your actual lap is only nice for a short amount of time. It doesn’t take long for your legs to start feeling overheated and pinned down. Many people also prefer to work with a mouse and/or mousepad.

A lap desk provides a better surface for your computer and more space for your phone or mouse. Below are a few of the best lap desks available—you’re bound to find the perfect one for you!

Most Versatile: Huanuo Lap Desk

The Huanuo Lap Desk is something you’ll want to use whether you’re working or not. This multifunctional wooden lap desk has cushions on the bottom so it’s more comfortable for your legs. It has enough space for a 17-inch laptop, and also has a tablet holder. The pen holder will also keep pens, pencils, and highlighters handy.

There’s also a space to hold your cell phone so you can glance at notifications quickly, instead of having to pick up your phone. The cushioning also tilts your laptop at an angle, which is better for your neck.

Lightweight and portable, this lap desk is for someone who wants something versatile and small.

Roomiest: Songmics Large Laptop Desk

This Songmics Large Laptop Desk is a tray instead of something you place directly on your legs. This means your legs have more space to move around. Both the tray and legs are adjustable, which allows you to bring your screen to eye level so you won’t have to look down as much.

Because it’s really large, you also have plenty of room for the extras. The moveable pieces on either side are ideal for your phone, mouse, or a notebook. There’s also a handy cup holder for your morning coffee. The ventilated spots on the back will keep your laptop from becoming overheated.

This comfortable, affordable option gives you plenty of room and versatility.

Best for Students: LapGear Designer Lap Desk

The LapGear Designer Lap Desk is small, but that makes it perfect for students who don’t have a ton of room. It holds laptops up to 15.6 inches and has a phone slot to keep your cell nearby. A band around the upper corner can hold loose papers or a small notebook, as well.

The bottom is totally cushioned, so it’s comfortable on your lap no matter where you’re sitting. There’s not much room for a mouse on this one, depending on how large your computer is. Still, it’s great for working or watching videos in bed. The fun designs make it an even better choice for kids and college students.

Best for Travel: MAX SMART Portable Lap Laptop Desk

If you travel for work or work outside often, this super-portable MAX SMART lap desk is for you! It’s incredibly thin, but has a lot going on. There are also eight angle options, so you can adjust it however you want it. The sliding mouse pad is also handy.

It has a handle for easy carrying, and it’s very compact—you can take it anywhere, and it won’t ever feel too bulky or annoying. It also has a gripping surface to prevent things from sliding off, and a heat shield so your computer won’t overheat.

Most Unique: Offi Overlap Tray Table

If you hate the thought of using an ordinary lap desk, we’ve got you covered! The Offi Overlap Tray Table’s wave shape easily sits over your lap without any legs.

The side table also has a little tray for smaller items, and in between, you can store books or notebooks. This one doesn’t have a ton of desk space for a mouse or, well, anything else, but it does look modern and cool, if that’s more important to you.

Best Tray-Style: TaoTronics Laptop Desk

As far as tray-style lap desks go, this one by TaoTronics is pretty great. The legs are adjustable and give you five different heights at the push of a button. You can also tilt the desktop for better viewing, and the laptop clips along the bottom will ensure your laptop won’t slide off.

The legs are retractable and fold underneath the table, making it super-easy to store under your bed. You can also use it as a mini table on a picnic or at the beach.

Best to Avoid Overheating: Nnewvante Laptop Desk

Lap desks with cushions under them might be comfortable, but they’re not always ideal for preventing overheating. A laptop needs to “breathe,” especially if you’re working long hours. If you’re particularly worried about overheating, the Nnewvante Laptop Desk is the one you want.

This desk tray has a hollowed-out design in the shape of a fan that isn’t just for ventilation—it literally houses a small, quiet fan for better heat dissipation. To use it, you simply plug the USB cord into your laptop.

It has lots of other nice features, too, including five angles at which you can elevate your laptop. There’s a storage drawer for small items. The safe locking design keeps the desk stable, and the legs are also foldable and extendable, so it’s easy to store.

Best for Working in the Dark: Sofia + Sam Multitasking Memory Foam Lap Desk

Working from home might sometimes mean you have to catch up on things at night. If you want to keep the lights off, get the Sofia + Sam Multitasking Memory Foam Lap Desk. It includes a small USB-powered lamp that sits right over your computer, so you won’t strain your eyes.

It also has a slide-out mouse pad with a cell phone slot, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to size. The bottom and wrist rest are made of comfortable memory foam. There’s also a holder for a tablet if you prefer to use that instead of your laptop.

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No matter which portable desk you get, it’ll be a huge improvement over cooking your legs with your laptop or hunching over the coffee table!