Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Fans |
|---|---|---|
| havit HV-F2056 | Best budget slim pad | 3 fans |
| Kootek 5-fan stand | Adjustable height | 5 fans |
| llano V12 | Gaming laptops | Sealed 5.5" turbofan |
| Targus Lap Chill Mat | Using a laptop on the couch | 2 fans |
Do laptop cooling pads work?
Yes, within limits. Most pads lower temperatures by a few degrees by feeding cooler air to the bottom intakes and raising the laptop off soft or flat surfaces. Sealed 'pressure chamber' coolers like the llano V12 push air directly into the intakes and help the most on gaming laptops. If your laptop is overheating badly, clean its fans first.
The best laptop cooling pads
Best for: Best budget slim pad
havit HV-F2056
Amazon's long-running best seller: a slim, USB-powered metal mesh pad with three quiet fans and two height settings, for 15.6- to 17-inch laptops.
- Huge review base
- Slim and light
- Quiet
- Modest cooling gains
- Only two angles
Best for: Adjustable height
Kootek 5-Fan Laptop Cooling Pad
Five fans with switchable layouts, multiple height settings and two extra USB ports, for 12- to 17-inch laptops.
- Several height positions
- Extra USB ports
- Covers the whole base
- Blue LEDs aren't for everyone
- Bulkier to pack
Best for: Best for gaming laptops
llano V12 Gaming Laptop Cooler
A 5.5-inch turbofan with an airtight pressure chamber that seals against the laptop and forces air into the intakes. Adjustable speed and a 3-port USB hub, for 15.6- to 19-inch laptops.
- Strongest cooling of our picks
- Adjustable speed
- USB hub built in
- Much more expensive
- Louder at full speed
Best for: Laptop on your lap
Targus 17" Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat
A soft neoprene-wrapped pad with two fans that protects your legs from heat and gives the laptop a flat, ventilated base on sofas and beds.
- Comfortable on your lap
- Trusted brand
- Fits up to 17-inch
- Not adjustable
- USB-A connection only
Get more from your setup
- Short on USB-A ports for the pad? A USB-C hub solves it.
- Add a second screen with a portable monitor and type on a mechanical keyboard while the laptop sits raised.
- Charge laptop and phone from one plug with a 100W GaN charger.
FAQ
Are laptop cooling pads worth it?
For gaming laptops and anyone working on soft surfaces, yes. For a thin laptop on a desk, gains are smaller.
Do cooling pads work for MacBooks?
They help a little, mainly by raising the laptop. MacBook Airs have no fan, so expect modest gains.
Can a cooling pad damage my laptop?
No. It's powered by USB and only blows air. Keep it clean to avoid pushing dust into the laptop.
What is the best cooling pad for gaming laptops?
A sealed turbofan design like the llano V12 gives the biggest temperature drop.