Featured in this article
Best Laptop StandNative Union Desk Laptop StandRead more$80
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Best Cheap Laptop StandAmazonBasics Ergonomic Laptop StandRead more$26 $21 (19% off)Amazon
Best Wooden Laptop StandOakywood Laptop StandRead more$189
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Best Portable Laptop StandHerman Miller Oripura Laptop StandRead more$55
Herman-Miller
The best laptop stands are the easiest hack for boosting your work environment and well-being. Whether you're working from home, studying at your local coffee shop, or binge-watching Andor for the sixth time, you're unfortunately setting yourself up for back, neck, and wrist strain. As experts on the matter have explained to me, the top of your screen should be just above eye level, and your keyboard just below elbow height—an arrangement you're never going to get with a laptop computer sitting flat on your desk.
Connecting your laptop to an external computer monitor would be the ideal solution, because it offers a taller screen and (usually) an adjustable height. But not everyone has the budget or room for an entire desktop setup—and even if you do, it's nice to have your laptop screen closer to the height of your monitor anyway. A laptop stand is an affordable and adaptable way, especially if you're like me and frequently bounce between different workspaces.
Need more ergonomic gear or accessories for your home office? Read our guides to Best Ergonomic Mice, Best Standing Desks, Best Office Chairs, and Best Home Office Gear.
Updated April 2026: I've added the Native Union Laptop Stand as our new top pick and the Opipura Laptop Stand as the best portable option.
Table of ContentsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron- What to Look for in a Laptop Stand
- Do Laptop Stands Improve Posture?
- Should You Use a Laptop Stand Without an External Keyboard?
- Why Use a Vertical Laptop Stand?
- More Laptop Stands to Consider
- Laptop Stands to Avoid
Best Laptop Stand
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
Native Union
Desk Laptop Stand
$80Amazon
$80Native Union
If a laptop stand is going to be a permanent fixture of your desk, it better look nice. The Native Union Laptop Desk is not only the best functioning laptop stand I've ever tested, it's also the most beautiful. I love the mix of materials, including the gentle fabric where you set your laptop and the matte metal finish in the weighted base. There are silicone grips where needed, but they're more hidden than in your face. Hands-down, it's the classiest laptop stand money can buy. The Sandstone color is my favorite.
Fortunately, it functions just as well as it looks. The structure is extremely rigid, so much so that it requires two hands to adjust it. It can raise your laptop more than 10 inches off the desk, which ensures you can find a comfortable position regardless of the your height or the type of desk or table you're on. The grooves in the base are a nice touch.
Best Cheap Laptop Stand
Photograph: Luke LarsenSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAmazonBasics
Ergonomic Laptop Stand
$26 $21 (19% off)Amazon
Having tested several cheap, popular laptop stands from Amazon, I was surprised to discover that the AmazonBasics model was one of the best. It's a bit heavy and difficult to pry open to its maximum 7 inches of height adjustment. But it felt extremely sturdy, easily handling everything from a MacBook Air to a Razer Blade 16. I was never worried about the laptop slipping, thanks to the durable silicone pads used to keep it in place.
That's perhaps the most important thing about a laptop stand, especially one that only costs $30. Compared to all the junky laptop stands I've tested around that price, the AmazonBasics one feels the most robust. My only real gripe is that it takes some serious muscle to pull this thing into the angle you want it at. Fortunately, once you have it where you want it, it won't be sagging or dropping over time. In fact, you'll find that many laptop stands out there use the same basic build as this model, with only some minor changes.
Best Wooden Laptop Stand
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
Oakywood
Laptop Stand
$189Amazon
$208 $146 (30% off)Oakywood
The Oakywood Laptop Stand feels like pure luxury. Nobody needs to spend nearly $200 on an immaculately crafted, wood laptop stand, but if you really want to elevate your home workstation, this is how you do it. You can tell it's made of real wood, and it feels quite durable and heavy. The Oak model I tested is a beautiful, lighter shade of wood, which I prefer to the Grovemade stand listed below (though this isn't made from a single, curved piece of wood like the Grovemade). I also appreciate how much space there is for hiding accessories underneath, such as a mouse, trackpad, or external SSD.
This isn't an ideal option for people who aren't using a connected monitor, as it takes up a decent amount of space on your desk. It also isn't adjustable, meaning from an ergonomic perspective, you can't dial this in to exactly the correct height for your eye level.
Best Portable Laptop Stand
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
Herman Miller
Oripura Laptop Stand
$55Herman-Miller
$55Design Within Reach
Taking your work on trips or to the coffee shop shouldn't mean you have to sacrifice your neck. The problem is that a lot of portable laptop stands that fold up are really janky. They aren't products I'd feel comfortable setting my expensive laptop on. The Opipura Laptop Stand, which is available to buy at Herman-Miller, is an exception. It has a unique aesthetic that unfolds out and gives you quite a bit of height. If you try to use the keyboard while it's propped up, you'll feel a bit of side-to-side wobble—but it otherwise feels very stable. Despite its size, it can handle laptops up to 16 inches and 6.2 pounds.
The best part, however, is that it folds down completely flat without any moving parts. It sits perfectly in my bag up next to my laptop, and it can be set up in a seconds. It's a big step up from most of the flimsy portable laptop stands out there.
Best Space-Saving Laptop Stand
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
NAMAII
Wooden Laptop Stand
$38Amazon
This one uses a floating design, meaning only the front of your laptop is actually attached to the stand. It's more than just a conversation starter, though it's certainly that. The way this thing just hovers over your desk is undeniably cool. It's surprising how solid the laptop feels when it's slotted in. Depending on your laptop, it can also help with cooling, as nothing obstructs airflow.
It's not adjustable, and the keyboard is mostly inaccessible, so this is only for anyone using an external mouse and keyboard. My biggest frustration is that you can't close the lid of your laptop while it's in the stand. But the height is perfect for me, and let's face it, it's just a fun gizmo to have on your desk.
What to Look for in a Laptop Stand
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWhen shopping for a laptop stand, think about how and where you’ll use it, and how much you’re willing to spend. Here’s what you need to consider:
Do you need portability? If you commute or like to work from a coffee shop, opt for a foldable laptop stand that fits in your bag. Some models even double as cases, like Moft’s Carry Sleeve.
Material preferences? Laptop stands come in a variety of materials—aluminum, steel, plastic, wood, etc. Aluminum models are generally lightweight and excellent for heat dissipation. Steel stands are sturdier but heavier, and plastic tends to be more affordable but also wobblier. If aesthetics matter, some wooden models like Grovemade’s Walnut Stand or Oakywood Laptop Stand add a bit more warmth and polish to your space.
How adjustable? Everyone’s workspace is different, and everybody is different, so most people benefit from an adjustable stand that lets you tweak your setup. If you’re using a sit-stand desk, you’ll want a stand that accommodates both modes. Some stands can even act as sit-stand desk converters, so you don’t have to purchase a new stand-up desk.
Do you use an external keyboard and mouse? If not, go for a sturdier stand. Portable laptop stands tend to be lightweight and wobbly if you’re typing directly on the laptop. Note: The right keyboard and ergonomic mouse can prevent muscle strain.
Extra features? Some stands come with extras like built-in cable management and compartments for storage. Be ready to spend a little more, though.
Do Laptop Stands Improve Posture?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronYes, they can. Working on a laptop atop a desk for long periods can form really poor posture habits. Because of the height of the laptop screen, your neck will always crane down, and you'll find yourself hunching over or slouching to get more comfortable. The goal is to get the height of the laptop screen as close to eye level as possible. While an office chair or standing desk can lift the height of your laptop screen, that'll mess with the angle of your elbows and wrists, which is also an ergonomic faux pas.
Should You Use a Laptop Stand Without an External Keyboard?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProbably not. While you certainly can use the keyboard or touchpad of your laptop in a pinch while it's elevated on a laptop stand, it's not the best ergonomic decision. All the experts I've spoken to have told me that you want to keep your arm at close to a 90 degree angle as possible, allowing you to use your mouse and keyboard in a more natural position. So, yes, if you're using a laptop stand, you'll also want to get an external mouse and keyboard.
Why Use a Vertical Laptop Stand?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronBy no means are vertical laptop stands required. However, they are a nice way of saving space on your desk if you have a nice monitor and don't plan to use the laptop screen. Because you can now connect your laptop to a monitor with the screen closed, it's a handy way to store your laptop vertically and free up space. A standard horizontal laptop stand is for when you want to use your laptop display in a dual-screen setup, paired with an external monitor. Vertical laptop stands tend to be very simple little products, so just make sure it fits your laptop and looks nice on your desk—something like the Coreminded Vertical Laptop Stand I mentioned above.
More Laptop Stands to Consider
We've tested well over 25 different laptop stands at this point, and while we stand by the recommendations above, there are a few unique use cases that the following laptop stands do a great job of addressing.
Courtesy of BranchBranch Adjustable Laptop Stand for $65: This used to be our top pick. It's one of the most well-rounded options out there. Although it bares a lot of resemblance to the AmazonBasics model, the addition of wood certainly gives this a nicer look. Ultimately, I prefer the Native Union model from my recent testing, but the Branch stand remains a beautiful option.
Rain Design mBar Pro+ for $58: Despite its thin aluminum frame, this simple Rain Design stand is solid. Don’t worry about it buckling while you type away in your living room or office or at the airport. The fixed height raises your laptop 5.5 inches, and it folds up to just 9.5 x 6 inches—small enough to go into any bag that fits your tablet or laptop. I also appreciate that it comes with a svelte carrying sleeve for easy packing. Bonus: It weighs less than a pound. —Boutayna Chokrane
Nnewvante Laptop Desk for $61: I work from home, and some days I just can’t leave my bed in the morning or make it off the couch after lunch. The Nnewvante, which is also in our Home Office Gear guide, is a great stand for those lazier days. You can also potentially put it on your desk for a low-maintenance sit-stand desk converter. —Boutayna Chokrane
Photograph: Luke LarsenCoreminded Vertical Laptop Stand for $35: Storing your laptop vertically is a great space-saving solution, a newer option made possible by single-cable USB-C connections, which frees up and cleans up your desk. There are tons of options out there, but I enjoyed using the Coreminded Adjustable Vertical Laptop Stand. It's made from solid oak (there's a darker walnut, too), while the interior is lined with felt to prevent scratching.
Grovemade Walnut Laptop Stand for $200: Branch's stand is beautiful, but if you want something even more luxe and made from real wood, go with Grovemade’s Walnut Laptop Stand. It’s made of solid walnut, hand-sanded, and finished with vegetable-based oil. You just have to shell out for it. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu recommends it in his Home Office Gear guide, saying it's best suited for a desk or table to make room for a separate keyboard and mouse (though you can use it on a couch, too). We also like Grovemade's Walnut Laptop Riser ($200) and the Desk Shelf ($180 for medium). All the products come in other wood options, too.
-SOURCE-Medea-Giordano.jpg)
Photograph: Medea GiordanoLogitech Casa Pop-Up Desk for $180: Logitech has mastered the office on the go. Its bestseller, the Casa Pop-Up Desk (9/10, WIRED Recommends), is about the size of a small textbook when closed, so it should be able to fit in a laptop backpack or tote bag. Open it up and access a full setup: a Bluetooth keyboard, trackpad, a USB-C charger, and a stand for your laptop. The accessories are pretty standard but function well for working from a coffee shop or even from home if you don't want to spring for an entire desk setup. I tested the pink, which is very cutesy. —Boutayna Chokrane
FluidStance Lift Laptop Stand for $79: FluidStance’s Lift Stand is a magnetic whiteboard that doubles as a surface for jotting notes and to-dos. The steel build won’t budge or buckle, and built-in notches help manage cables. It’s not foldable, so I would leave this at home. Bonus: The Lift is made in the US from mostly recycled steel. —Boutayna Chokrane
Laptop Stands to Avoid
Amazon is filled with laptop stands, many of which come from companies you may not have heard of. While some of these are higher quality, we've come across a few with serious problems.
Tonmom Laptop Stand: When something costs under $10, you can't have high expectations. I liked the idea of an extremely portable laptop stand—something you could take on a plane or to a coffee shop. And this one had tons of good reviews on Amazon. While the Tonmom Laptop Stand does fold down to something you could toss in a backpack (and comes with a nice velvet bag), it feels very wobbly. It has so many free-floating parts that I never felt like my laptop was safe. It could easily slide out if something bumped it while the laptop is secured.
Gogoonike Laptop Stand: I tried this one as an even cheaper alternative to the Amazon Basics model, but it fails on many levels. I like that it's not as tight as the Amazon Basics stand, meaning it's easier to adjust while still feeling firm. But that's where my compliments end. My unit came with nicks and faded paint all along the edge of the metal base. My guess is that this wear and tear will only get worse over time. The most egregious failure was that my unit wouldn't sit completely flat on the table, as it uses cheap pads on the bottom rather than proper silicone feet. A laptop stand that doesn't sit flat on a table is a big problem.
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Luke Larsen is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED, covering laptops, PCs, Macs, monitors, and the wider PC peripheral ecosystem. He’s been reporting on tech for over a decade, previously at Digital Trends as the senior editor in computing, where he spent seven years leading the publication’s daily coverage. ... Read MoreProduct Writer & ReviewerTopicsShoppingAccessories and Peripheralsbuying guideslaptopsComputershome officeaccessoriesThe Best Kindles to Take Your Library AnywhereHere’s how Amazon’s ebook readers stack up—and which one might be right for you. Nena Farrell The Right Mattress Can Erase Your Back PainIf you're struggling with chronic back or shoulder pain, these mattresses could change your life Nena Farrell Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office ChairsSitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.Julian ChokkattuLooking for a Massive Screen? Here Are My Favorite Large TVs at Every PriceTVs are bigger and better than ever. These are my favorite screens that come in extra-large sizes, from affordable to ostentatious.Ryan WaniataThe Best E-Readers, As Tested by ReadersThese WIRED-tested ebook readers let you take your library anywhere. Nena Farrell The Best Portable Chargers for All Your DevicesKeep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.Simon HillThe Best Pillows for Every Style of SleeperWe’ve spent over a year testing the best pillows to support your noggin, whether you snooze on your side, on your back, or in a tangle of blankets. Nena Farrell Which Sonos Speakers Should You Buy?From smart speakert so soundbars, Sonos makes the best streaming speakers you can buy. These are my personal favorites.Ryan WaniataThese Premium Soundbars and Wireless Speakers Compete With Fancy Wired SetupsSoundbars just keep getting better, but some rise above the rest. These are the best high-end soundbars and wireless A/V speakers I’ve tried.Ryan WaniataThe 4 Best Smart Beds You Can Buy Right NowThese tech-packed beds can adjust firmness, track your sleep, and regulate temperature automatically. Based on my testing, here’s what's worth the investment.Julia ForbesThe Best Barefoot Shoes for Walking or RunningOur favorite zero-drop, minimalist footwear will let you feel the ground beneath your feet.Scott GilbertsonThe Best 360 Cameras Let You Look Behind Your Own BackIt’s a small world after all, and these cameras can capture all of it at once, giving you a 360-degree view.Scott Gilbertson
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