Still balancing your laptop on a stack of old books? It’s time to upgrade. Having the right laptop stand can make life more comfortable, so you can stop craning your neck while you work. The best stands raise your laptop’s screen (or external monitor!) close to eye level, which is better for maintaining a healthy posture. Some can even fit into a backpack for easy travel or switch configurations from sitting to standing. These are our favorites.
Need more options for your home office? Read our guide to work-from-home gear.
Updated July 2024: We’ve added the FluidStance Lift Laptop Stand and Arlo Skye Lap Desk.
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Peripherals Are Important
Snagging one of the laptop stands below is one of many ways you can improve your posture when sitting at a desk for long periods. You can also connect your laptop to a separate second computer monitor. You’ll be able to multitask more easily with two screens, and you won’t have to strain your neck as much.
Some of these laptop stands are best paired with a separate keyboard and mouse. These peripherals mean you can set your laptop farther away and at various heights, and you won’t need to stretch your arms in awkward ways to type. The right mouse can prevent muscle strain and wrist problems, so check out the picks in our Best Keyboards and Best Gaming Mouse guides. (You don’t need to be a gamer to use a gaming mouse!)
How to Pick
We recommend several different types of laptop stands. To figure out which one is for you, first you’ll have to determine how you want to use it, then you can decide on price and aesthetics.
- Do you need something portable? There are stands that collapse down and fold to easily fit in a bag. Some even double as cases, like Moft’s Carry Sleeve.
- Do you want to raise, lower, or angle your computer? Look for an adjustable stand like our top pick from Branch, with hinged legs and top. Just need one height? Go with something like the Grovemade Walnut Laptop Stand.
- Is this for a laptop or your monitor too? For the latter, you’ll need something bigger with a fixed height, like the Superjare Dual Monitor Stand Riser.
- Will you use a separate keyboard and mouse? If not, you need a stand that’s strong and stable like Branch’s. Some can wobble a bit while typing on them.
- Want to stand sometimes too? Some of the adjustable picks may allow for standing, depending on your height, but there are also sit-stand converters so you don’t need a whole new desk. Our favorite is no longer available, so we’re looking for a new top pick now.