Traditional computer towers are starting to give way almost entirely to laptops, but that doesn’t mean that this portable revolution doesn’t have its own challenges. The amount of hardware that’s packed into these small frames is incredibly complex, and it requires significant power usage. While manufacturers are racing to keep cooling technologies up to pace with increasingly powerful laptops, it doesn’t always work. Gaming laptops and mobile workstations in particular are especially prone to overheating.
A good laptop cooler can make it more comfortable to set your computer in your lap, but it can also provide a modest improvement to hardware performance by minimizing the internal heat of the machine. That’s why we’ve provided you with detailed laptop cooling pad reviews for some of the best models around.
- The 11 Best Laptop Cooling Pads
- Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad
- Thermaltake RGB Steel Mesh Cooling Pad
- TopMate TM-2 C302 Quite Cooling Pad
- Belkin CoolSpot Laptop Cooling Pad
- Havit HV-F2056 Cooling Pad
- Targus Lap Chill Mat
- Tree New Bee Cooling Pad
- Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim
- HAVIT 5 Fans Laptop Cooling Pad
- TeckNet Laptop Cooling Pad
- TopMate TM-3 Gaming Laptop Cooler
- Best Laptop Cooling Pads Buyer’s Guide
- Fan Volume
- USB Ports
- Ergonomic Design
- Speakers
The 11 Best Laptop Cooling Pads
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Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad
The Chill Mat 5 occupies the mid-range of the price point for laptop pads, but its $30 price tag isn’t likely to break most people’s budgets. It also happens to offer great value for that cost. This laptop mat has a stand built right in that you can use to adjust its height and angle, and it’s outfitted with some colorful blue LED lighting in case you want to add some flair to your experience.
But the performance is where this computer cooling pad really shines. Four small fans and one larger one can provide you with an exceptional level of cooling, but you don’t need to leave it running at full power if you don’t need to. The power settings can be adjusted according to four settings with the press of a switch. And even at max power, these fans run surprisingly quiet.
| Compatibility | 12 – 17 inches |
| No. of Fans | 5 |
| Adjustable Height | Yes, 6 settings |
| Weight | 2.52 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 14.96 x 1.38 x 11.81 inches |
Pros
- Dual USB hubs
- All five fans run nearly silent
- Blue LEDs make this a stylish choice for a gaming laptop
- Six adjustable height settings
Cons
Thermaltake RGB Steel Mesh Cooling Pad
While the Chill Mat offers some neat, minimalist RGB options, the Thermaltake takes that gaming aesthetic and runs with it. Its exceedingly industrial mesh design and rainbow colored RGB fringe will appeal to a certain breed of gamer, while the power in this hefty cooler pad will ensure cooling that can keep pace with even the beefiest triple A titles. Thermaltake has applied their vast experience creating heat sinks and tower fans and applied them to this pad.
The workmanlike design is more than just for show. Four sturdy rubber feet will keep your laptop nicely secured wherever you happen to set up camp, and they provide some space for your laptop to breathe. The sensible cable management system is a sign that thoughtful professionals worked on the design. The fans themselves are equally as industrial in design and deliver exceptional cooling that isn’t overly noisy.
| Compatibility | 10 – 19 inches |
| No. of Fans | 1 |
| Adjustable Height | Yes, 3 settings |
| Weight | 0.93 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 18.54 x 1.83 x 13.96 inches |
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Controls are easy to use
- Sturdy enough to last quite a few years
- Ergonomic design intended to be used on the go
Cons
TopMate TM-2 C302 Quite Cooling Pad
If you couldn’t tell by the fans with bright blue LED backlighting and the industrial mesh exterior, the TopMate TM-2 C302 is a cooling pad for laptops that’s catered to the needs of gamers. Luckily, a pad strong enough to suit a serious gamer is competent enough to suit just about anyone, and the extremely low pricing on this notebook cooler doubles its appeal. It’s arguably the best laptop cooling pad for consumers on a budget.
Despite its price, this pad manages to squeeze in both two strong fans and an external USB port for getting better use out of peripherals. It may not offer much in the way of special features beyond the core fundamentals, but it doesn’t need to. This is a pad that understands it basic purpose, and it achieves that admirably without tacking on a bunch of non-essentials that would otherwise drive up the pricing.
| Compatibility | 10 – 16 inches |
| No. of Fans | 2 |
| Adjustable Height | Yes, 2 settings |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 14 x 1 x 10 inches |
Pros
- Comes with an extra USB port
- Designed with ergonomics in mind
- Tested to withstand a lot of blunt force impact
- Ultra-quiet fans ensure a noise free gaming or work environment
Cons
Belkin CoolSpot Laptop Cooling Pad
Belkin may be best known for their routers and modems, but a sensible understanding of engineering can hypothetically benefit a wide variety of products, and Belkin has proved that thesis with their CoolSpot laptop cooling stand. The shining light here are the dual intake vents. Recognizing that more fans can only do so much, Belkin has instead opted for a more natural heat dispensation feature that makes the most of the space given. A similarly back to basics approach has been taken with the ergonomic design of this pad.
The AirFlow Wave Design similarly uses simple physics to create a more streamlined cooling experience. Since Belkin has leaned in towards natural solutions to heating issues, that means that this pad runs super quiet. The single fan is efficient but whisper soft. And the ultra slim design means that it can fit comfortably in any laptop bag.
| Compatibility | 10 – 11 inches |
| No. of Fans | 1 |
| Adjustable Height | No |
| Weight | 1.26 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 11.2 x 1.7 x 11.4 inches |
Pros
- A trimmed down pad that lets the design do most of the work
- Uses a single fan that runs incredibly quietly
- Ergonomic design ensures a more comfortable experience
- Designed for the needs of everyday computer users
Cons
Havit HV-F2056 Cooling Pad
The Havit HV-F2056 takes a different approach than the Belkin CoolPad despite coming in at roughly the same price. Instead of leaning into more natural design principles, it goes in strong with the tech. Blue LED backlighting on the fans provides a nice sense of theatricality to the device, but additional indicators close to the on and off switch prove a more practical purpose of letting you navigate it at night.
Despite being accommodating to larger laptops, the HV-F2056 is both lightweight and compact, so you can simply throw it in your laptop bag and go. The ergonomic design reduces stress on your wrists and back, and three separate 100 mm fans provide powerful cooling potential. They run at 1100 standard RPM with a plus or minus of 220. Shield holders on the bottom allow you to adjust the pad to accommodate two different height settings.
| Compatibility | 15.6 – 17 inches |
| No. of Fans | 3 |
| Adjustable Height | Yes, 2 settings |
| Weight | 1.54 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 15 x 1.2 x 11 inches |
Pros
- Simple plug and play USB interface
- Extra USB port built right in
- Ergonomic shape can be adjusted to your needs
- Perfect for larger gaming and work laptops
Cons
Targus Lap Chill Mat
Where many laptop coolers, particularly those targeted towards gamers, offer somewhat industrial and ostentatious designs, the Targus Lap Chill Mat is significantly more understated. It rocks a smooth and sleek design bereft of lighting and with a mesh surface that’s more utilitarian than it is a fashion statement. It may not come with adjustable settings, but it offers a thoughtful tilt that should remediate your discomfort during longer sessions of work or play. The dark gray design will help it fade into the background when placed beneath most modern laptops.
The entire surface of the Lap Chill Mat is coated in rubber to provide unnecessary sliding, and it additionally offers two legs to further secure its place in your lap or on your desk. An open design facilitates a great intake system, and it allows Targus’ laptop cooler to do a lot more with its two fans.
| Compatibility | up to 17 inches |
| No. of Fans | 2 |
| Adjustable Height | No |
| Weight | 5.6 oz. |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 15.1 x 12 inches |
Pros
- Rubber surface is incredibly slip resistant
- Slim design is aesthetically pleasing but understated
- Modest incline provides great ergonomic support
- Backed by a one year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
Tree New Bee Cooling Pad
Tree New Bee leans into the gaming aesthetics more than just about any other laptop cooling tray available. Its blue LED fans are built around a base that’s all sharp edges and resembles something that falls somewhere between the Transformers logo and a butterfly. This cooler would fit right in with any dedicated gaming setup. And while it’s a conversation piece through and through, it’s also carefully built to get the job done.
Users get a lot of control over the operations of the Tree New Bee, and that’s especially refreshing given its modest price tag. Manual controls allow you to configure the settings of each of the four fans individually, so you can tweak your configuration to match the peculiarities of your individual rig. Two anti-skid arms hold it comfortably in place, and it’s big enough to hold even the largest and chunkiest gaming laptop.
| Compatibility | 15.6 – 17 inches |
| No. of Fans | 4 |
| Adjustable Height | Yes |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 16 x 12 x 1.5 inches |
Pros
- A design that looks like nothing else on the market
- Unprecedented control of fan speeds on an individual level
- Large enough to work as a Macbook Pro cooling pad
- Two USB ports built in
Cons
Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim
The first thing you’ll notice about Cooler Master’s Notepal is how good it looks. It manages to sport an ultra-slim design while still managing to rock a personality all its own, in large part due to the curved edges on each side. On its own, it’s a stand that will blend right into your laptop, but with the superb LED lighting, it will be a perfect complement to a more flamboyant gaming rig.
Vents are built right into the front to keep your hands cool during extended use, but they’re almost unnecessary. The fan in this cooling pad is exceptional, making most of the open mesh top and running at speeds of up to 1500 RPM. This slim 160 mm fan is largely silent despite its great cooling output. Flippable stage pegs mean it can be adjusted to two different heights, although it doesn’t offer the range some pads do.
| Compatibility | up to 17 inches |
| No. of Fans | 1 |
| Adjustable Height | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 15.0 x 10.6 x 1.1 inches |
Pros
- One of the best looking low profile pads around
- Superior performance in spite of its sleek size
- LED lighting is more than just simple circles
- Thoughtful front vent puts the user first
Cons
HAVIT 5 Fans Laptop Cooling Pad
Havit’s five fan interface is a bit more intimidating than the manufacturer’s other entry on our list, but that’s just to signify what a serious piece of machinery it is. The five fans each come with backlighting in an intimidating red vortex design, and the bezel is dramatically layered and sharpened to give it the look of a serious gaming accessory. Luckily, it has the power to back up that promise.
It’s large enough to fit most modern laptops, and that seriously gamer-centric design is backed by a sturdy build that can take a hit without regret. Four 85 mm fans around the perimeter are anchored by a 110 mm monster that can keep the core of your machine safely cooled. Dual USB hubs ensure that gamers can have access to a peripheral keyboard and mouse to really step up their performance.
| Compatibility | 14 – 17 inches |
| No. of Fans | 5 |
| Adjustable Height | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 15.87 x 11.81 x 1.34 inches |
Pros
- Non-slip baffle keeps any size computer securely anchored
- High quality mesh further enhances the five powerful fans
- Red lights stand distinctly apart from the typical blue standard
- Roller switch makes turning the pad off easy
Cons
TeckNet Laptop Cooling Pad
Tecknet is known for making reasonably priced consumer devices for laptops, but they somehow manage to pack in a lot of value without having to cut corners in the process. The two fans in this laptop cooler are sized at 110 mm each, a sensible enough size for almost any modern laptop. The design is stylish without drawing too much attention, but the blue LED lighting can bring some added swagger if that’s what you’re looking for (as well as let you know that the fans are working as intended).
In terms of ergonomics, the design here is simple but effective. While there are no adjustment settings, the mild incline is perfectly tailored for most desktop surfaces, and the metal mesh surface both enhances cooling and creates traction to prevent your laptop from sliding.
| Compatibility | 12 – 16 inches |
| No. of Fans | 2 |
| Adjustable Height | No |
| Weight | 1.76 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 11.02 x 1.77 x 14.17 inches |
Pros
- LED indicator lets you know it’s working with a glance
- Dual fans are large, well positioned, and powerful
- Integrates an additional USB port into its surface
- Portable design perfect for mid-sized laptops
Cons
TopMate TM-3 Gaming Laptop Cooler
A lot of laptop coolers make overtures to court the needs of serious gamers, but the Topmate TM-3 really puts its money where its mouth is. Sure, it offers the blue LED lighting and angular design you’d expect from a gamer-focused model, but it goes a lot further than that. A dedicated control panel and small LED screen built right into the front allows you to adjust the configuration settings of the fans so you can tailor your experience to match your individual tasks.
And at max settings, this cooler really purrs. Four traditional outer fans are centered around a super strong wind fan, but they run much more quietly than you might expect. A built-in two USB hub makes extra space for peripherals or thumb drives, and a hinged flap keeps your laptop securely positioned.
| Compatibility | 12 – 15.6 inches |
| No. of Fans | 5 |
| Adjustable Height | Yes, 5 settings |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 1 x 12 x 14 inches |
Pros
- Console supports incredibly granular fan settings
- Blue LED lights help you diagnose any problems
- Plastic and metal mesh frame is breathable and durable
- Above average number of height settings
Cons
Best Laptop Cooling Pads Buyer’s Guide
Cooling pads are a little more simple than many of the other gadgets we spotlight. They tend to serve the singular purpose of cooling your computer, and that means that there aren’t complex specs to explain. But there are some factors you should consider when shopping around. We’ve outlined the most important ones below.
Fan Volume
More doesn’t always mean better as far as fans are concerned. The Thermaltake may make use of a singular fan for its cooling, but it’s also one of the more powerful options on the market. And while more fans can provide more even cooling across your machine, you shouldn’t make your decision based on the volume of fans alone.
Consider the strength of the fans as measured by RPM, and also keep into consideration that the majority of the heat comes from the center of your machine where the GPU and CPU are located. If a high number of fans is a priority, you may want to look to options like the Tree New Bee that allow you to individually configure each so you can optimize your performance.
USB Ports
Most laptops don’t come fully loaded with outputs in the same way that high-end gaming or professional rigs might. And while you can get a great cooling pad for well under $50, there’s no way to increase the number of ports built into your laptop. Take the time to consider how many USB ports you typically use on your computer, and determine whether you have the space to spare one for a dedicated pad without additional attachments.
This is especially important for gamers. If you game even casually, you’re almost certainly going to want to bring a dedicated mouse with you. And if you want to add in speakers, an external hard drive, or a mechanical keyboard, you’ll quickly start to run out of USB ports. Some of our models offer dual ports on the pad. While extending the amount of supported peripherals isn’t the primary intent of a cooling platform, it’s a perk well worth considering.
Ergonomic Design
Practically every cooling pad on the market today fancies themselves “ergonomic”, but that’s an easy buzzword to throw around without the need for accountability. The fit that’s most comfortable to you is going to be predicated on how you use your computer, where you bring it, and your individual physiology.
We recommend that you take the time to analyze your computer use habits. Where do you typically place your computer in relation to your body, how do you prefer to type, and how often will you be using your computer? The best ergonomics for a computer you keep in your lap will be different from one you keep mounted on your desk. In the latter case, having one ideal incline for your laptop is probably fine enough. But if you use your laptop in a number of different situations, you may want to look for more versatile adjustment settings.
Speakers
When compiling our list, we had to consider first and foremost what constituted a great cooling pad and consider the value in proportion to those qualities. That means that a laptop cooling pad with speakers unfortunately didn’t find its place into our reviews. While there are some available on the market, they’re bound to cost you close to $100 for the privilege.
We ultimately decided that the pricing for what are usually lower quality speakers didn’t really justify the pricing. If you want to add speakers to your portable setup, there are plenty of options available. A pad with additional USB outlets will provide you with the means to hook up more powerful speakers that will outperform anything you’ll find built in to a pad.
Final Thoughts
A good laptop cooling pad may be especially useful for creative professionals and gamers due to the higher power usage of their laptops, but they can be a great accessory for just about anyone. None of these pads are going to outright replace your built-in laptop fans, but they can have a meaningful impact on your comfort and even modestly improve the performance of your computer.
The variety of options on offer here means that you should have little trouble finding one that suits your computing needs and the size of your computer. But you can be comfortable knowing that they’re all high-quality models with their own unique quirks.
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