Dimension and weight measurements are taken using the tried and tested combination of measuring tape and scales, while we use touch-testing to analyse how well stands regulate heat when propping up a laptop. Collin is an experienced individual who has an abundance of knowledge when it comes to all things professional hardware.

We assess the build quality of each stand by pushing it to its physical limits without actively seeking to break it and test how stable it is on a hard, flat surface. Yogibo's lap desk has a squishy pillow bottom that's comfortable against your legs—not surprising from a company known for its pillows and bean bags—and a bamboo top. He has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more. Though slim and light, its carbon fiber frame holds laptops weighing up to an impressive 8kg, while the rubber feet prevent the stand from slipping on desk surfaces.

However, if your company has implemented a hybrid work policy and you find yourself working at home some days and at the office on others, then you’ll likely want a portable laptop stand that can fold up and fit easily in a laptop bag or backpack.

With a laptop stand, you can improve your work without breaking the bank and make the device you already own much more pleasant to use. You can push it down or stand it up to 22 inches high, so you can adjust it depending on your setup. If you're using a laptop, it angles it into a slightly nicer typing position—but this stand is more suitable if you regularly draw or work on an iPad (or another tablet). Although relatively limited compared to other options on this list, the Oripura laptop stand sets itself apart by only using recyclable materials in its construction.And if your laptop is still too hot to handle you can opt for a powered laptop stand with built-in cooling fans.

The same holds true for students who might enjoy working in the library in addition to their dorm room. Made from a single sheet of aluminium, this stand “conforms to all economic guidelines” and has been designed to function with all sizes of Apple MacBook, which effectively means it will work with any size of non-Apple laptop too. It has an inclination of 18 degrees to provide the optimal viewing angle of your laptop’s display, while the elevation of the keyboard provides a comfortable typing position.

The stand itself comes fully assembled, but its design means you won’t be easily able to bring it with you. It also features a removable mouse board that can double up as a makeshift beverage holder perfect for a cuppa while you’re working. Having the right laptop stand can make life more comfortable, so you can stop craning your neck while you work.

In addition to its cooling capabilities, the GXT 1125 can be adjusted to offer five viewing angles with a maximum elevation of 19cm. Connection cables can be threaded neatly through an oval cut out at the back of the easel if you’re hooked up to a power source, while the lightweight frame can be easily transported if you’re relying on battery power and need a change of scenery. This laptop stand comes unassembled and you need to put it together using the four included Allen head screws. Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech. We also test out laptop stands in conjunction with desktop monitors and this way we’re able to confirm they won’t disrupt your view of a second screen should you be using one.The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and new industries. When you're done working, you can ditch the computer and use the lap desk for drawing or writing comfortably. Its extendable legs have articulated, auto-locking joints that rotate 360 degrees and at its full height, it elevates your laptop by 48cm. All kits include an extremely nice wrist rest (the best I've tried) that doubles as a leg cushion if you attach it to the bottom of the mat and work from the couch. The Trust GXT 1125 does exactly that by incorporating five USB-powered fans into its top plate, all of which are illuminated by blue LEDs when active.