Whether your job has switched to a totally remote workforce, or you’re simply tired of the ache-inducing office chair and desk in your home office, adding a mini lap desk to your home is never a bad idea.
Sure, you can splurge on the perfect designer desk, or that incredible roller-chair with the unbeatable lumbar support, but what about those days where all you feel like doing is logging in from your comfortable couch (or even in bed)?
Designing a home office is one way to create a work-friendly environment, but it requires a hefty investment. However, a mini lap desk does not, and these devices have many benefits:
Budget-Friendly – Compared to a full-sized alternative, separate desk chair and all the accessories to go with, a mini lap desk is a bargain buy. They range from around $20 to $50. Toward the lower end of the price bracket, you’ll get a pretty basic setup, but spend a bit more and you could have an integrated lamp, fan and phone slot.
Convenient – Other than fold-out legs or a removable cushion on certain models, mini lap desks are a truly convenient piece of equipment. Bring them out from their storage space, place them on your lap and you’re good to go.
Ergonomic – As with all furniture, correct ergonomics are important. By adhering to this user-friendly design style, your body stays comfortable and supported.
Versatile – TV tray, side table, art station and standing desk are just a few of the alternative uses for a mini lap desk. You’ll need to choose a specific design based on what you want to use it for, but most mini lap desks are capable of being more than just a laptop rest.
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Are Lap Desks Stable?
While many of us are already used to nestling our laptops right on our laps, the idea of adding a lap desk to the equation seems like a no-brainer. But are these products safe? Considering the sleekness of many of the best laptops, it seems easy to imagine them sliding right off the desk and onto the ground.
Keep in mind that most lap desk manufacturers have already considered this issue. A number of today’s leading lap desks feature textured, anti-slip surfaces, along with anti-skid feet to ensure the desk stays in one place.
In many cases, lap desks are also built to protect you. Many models feature comfortable padding for relieving your legs of the weight that comes with a laptop balanced atop a lap-level desk. And those height-adjustable legs aren’t just for achieving the perfect viewing angle. Ergonomic designs are also great for keeping the heat emitted by your devices away from your body.
What Are the Best Lap Desks?
Mini lap desks are great for days when you just want to work on the couch, and when those days come, you’ll be so glad you have one. We have searched online for the best mini lap desks to make it easier for you to work from anywhere in the house — including your bed. You can thank us later.
1. LapGear Home Office Lap Desk
BEST OVERALL
With its large work surface, mouse pad and innovative air-flow design, the LapHear Home Office Lap Desk is a great choice for a mini lap desk. It features a slot for propping up a smartphone and is compatible with laptops of up to 15 inches as well as most tablets. Additionally, the integrated dual-cushion bolster conforms to the shape of your lap and is designed to keep you cool while you work.
2. Sofia + Sam Multi-Tasking Memory Foam Lap Desk
RUNNER UP
Built for multitasking, the Sofia + Sam Multi-Tasking Lap Desk has thought of all the main aspects of a comfortable work-from-home day. Laptops from 13 to 15 inches fit well and make the best use of the mouse pad and memory foam wrist cushion. Additionally, the smartphone slot allows you to see any calls or texts coming in during the workday.
3. Mind Reader Laptop Desk
MOST MOBILE
While this price-friendly offering from the folks at Mind Reader may not hold the biggest and heaviest laptops in the world, most 15.6-inch models will fit just fine. The lap desk offers eight different angle options to choose from and a cushioned base for keeping your legs comfortable while typing away. Designed with portability in mind, there’s even a carrying handle for quick grab-and-go applications.
4. SAIJI Adjustable Laptop Stand
BEST FOR WORKING IN BED
This multi-angle, multi-height SAIJI laptop stand is tailor-made for bringing all the office essentials to the comfort of your mattress. Adjustable from 10.6 to 15.4 inches, the stand can hold a laptop, tablet, and all your most valuable tabletop accessories. There’s even a built-in tablet groove for keeping your iPad upright, and a removable book stand. Available in black or gray, you can also use this SAIJI stand as a secondary height platform on a regular desk.
5. HUANUO Lap Desk
LARGEST WORK SURFACE
Generous surface zones for your laptop and mouse make the HUANUO Lap Desk an enjoyable station to work from. Laptops up to 17 inches fit comfortably, and the 21.5-inch-long wrist cushion ensures your hands are supported while typing. The cushion also doubles as a stopper for holding your device in place. For the best user experience, dual resting pads are integrated beneath the work surface. There’s also a smartphone slot and a pen holder.
6. Honey-Can-Do Portable Lap Desk
BEST FOR STUDENTS
Stylish, green and incredibly smooth, the main surface of the Honey-Can-Do Portable Lap Desk features a removable pad and an integrated carry handle. Great for students and small spaces, this mini lap desk measures 16 by 23.5 inches and can be stored easily on its side between two pieces of furniture. Plus, the comfort cushion has a sewn-in cable tidy to keep your charger close and controlled.
7. LapGear My Desk Lap Desk
BEST VALUE
In the market for a no-frills, simple-yet-effective laptop desk? If so, this is the one for you. Dual-booster pillows provide comfort, while the two built-in trays offer organized storage. Large enough to accommodate any laptop up to 15 inches, the surface also has an integrated air-flow system for ventilation. While this doesn’t have all the features more expensive models do, it does the job adequately.
8. HUANUO Portable Adjustable Lap Desk
MOST ADJUSTABLE
Eight preset viewing angles make this lap desk a must-have. Great for hands-free use, simply place your laptop or tablet on the non-slip stand and manually adjust it to the ideal position. Two integrated soft bolsters offer a comfortable cushion, whether you’re working in bed, on the sofa or even on the floor. Plus, the smart space-saving design makes it easy to fold and store this lap desk when it’s not in use.
9. LapGear Home Office Pro Lap Desk
MOST PROFESSIONAL
As portable as it is versatile, the LapGear Home Office Pro Lap Desk is a top-quality workstation for your WFH office. It’s best suited for devices up to 15.6 inches and includes ergonomic wrist support as well as a precision-tracking mouse pad. To avoid missing any important calls or your cell phone finding its way down the side of the sofa, a built-in media slot offers secure storage. Plus, the sleek airflow design helps channel unwanted heat away from your laptop.
10. GPCT Adjustable Laptop Table
LED DESK LAMP
Highly functional, even in the dark, the GPCT Adjustable Laptop Table has a built-in triple LED desk lamp to help you type at night. It also has a built-in cooling fan to protect your laptop from overheating. As an added bonus, there is a storage compartment located underneath the generously sized mouse pad.
11. Nnewvante Adjustable Bamboo Laptop Desk
BEST COOLING OPTION
This elegant Nnewvant Adjustable Bamboo Laptop Desk is both handmade and hand-polished for a quality finish. Its large flat surface, tilting abilities and storage drawer make it great as a TV tray, art station and standing desk, too. Plus, the five adjustable height settings and built-in, quiet desk fan make it easier to keep your devices on for longer without overheating.
12. Sofia + Sam All-Purpose Lap Desk
MOST COMFORTABLE
Comfortably use your laptop anywhere with this Sofia + Sam All-Purpose Lap Desk. Featuring an ergonomic wrist support and memory foam bolster, it’s designed to distribute weight evenly. The large, smooth surface is suited for laptops up to 17 inches and works well as a drawing station, too.
13. MoKo Tablet Pillow Stand
BEST FOR TABLETS
Upholstered in colored cotton linen, the MoKo Tablet Pillow Stand boasts a unique design. The internal sponge is quite strong, so it holds a solid shape. This is ideal for supporting your tablet at a 60 degree viewing angle. Plus, the built-in ridge ensures the tablet won’t slip, even on the soft surface. Because this lap desk is only really useful for tablets, it’s best for graphic designers and others who don’t require a full laptop to work.
14. AboveTEK Portable Lap Desk
MOST COMPACT
The AboveTEK Portable Lap Desk is one of the most compact desks available. A retractable mouse tray is integrated into the side of the desk to help it keep its minimal profile. The top surface of the lap desk is covered by anti-slip material, and it is the ideal size for laptops up to 15.6 inches. Although very thin, this lap desk is a quality product made from highly durable materials, which also act as a heat shield to protect your legs and prevent your laptop from overheating.
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