The 6 best lap desks of 2025, with advice from an orthopedic expert

Business Insider

07-05-2025

When you're typing away in a spreadsheet or meeting with your boss, the best lap desks keep your laptop stable and secure — even when you're lounging in bed or on your couch. They also don't trap heat as your laptop runs, so you won't have to worry about your computer overheating. Lap desks are the must-have work from home accessory so you're comfortable and productive at the same time.
To help find the best lap desks, we spoke to two experts: orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo, and Kristine Thebado, senior director, DMM (divisional merchandising manager) for Staples. Both Dr. Sforzo and Thebado recommend considering your needs including comfort, a specific incline height, and space to accommodate various devices.
Our top pick, the LapGear Designer Lap Desk, is comfortable, stylish, and has a phone holder and device ledge. It scores bonus points for its affordability too. For a foldable option that goes flat when not in use, we like the Saiji XL Adjustable Laptop Table for its adjustability and easy storage.
Our top picks for lap desks
Best overall: LapGear Designer Lap Desk - See at Amazon
Best overall
Lapgear Lap Desk
With a phone holder, a device ledge, and a strap for small objects or notes, the LapGear Designer Lap Desk checks all the boxes for a great lap desk at an affordable price.
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The LapGear Designer Lap Desk works for most people's basic needs, and it's available at an affordable price point. The desk includes a phone holder, a device ledge, and a strap for small objects or notes. This is just enough to organize all your essentials without letting your workspace get overcrowded.
The lap desk measures 17.75 x 13.75 inches, and it's designed to fit laptops up to 15.6 inches. The bottom cushion is available in various patterns and designs. The cushion is made of conforming microbeads, providing a comfortable feel for your lap. It also has a carrying handle so you can easily bring it with you on the go.
Thebado calls this lap desk one of her all-time favorites. "It offers everything a good lap desk should have with a slot for my cell phone, a stopper in the front to keep my laptop in place, and a little elastic band to keep other items secured. There is nothing worse than a loose pen staining the couch," she says.
If you're looking for something simple and functional with just the right amount of features, the LapGear Designer Lap Desk is an ideal pick.
Best oversized
Similar to our top pick in features, the Wishacc Oversized Lap Desk is a large lap desk at a value price. Measuring 24 × 13.8 inches, the wider work surface can accommodate laptops up to 19 inches while still leaving room for a mouse.
A device ledge keeps the computer from sliding off, and the desk also has a small item velcro strap and a phone holder. The surface is made of bamboo wood, and the cushioned bottom has adjustable bolster pillows, which gives the desk some versatility.
You will have settle with only two color and design options. However, if you're looking for something functional and don't necessarily need it to match your decor or come in your favorite color, this lap desk will do the job.
Best for laptop and mouse use
If you plan on using your lap desk solely for laptop use and particularly like to use a mouse with your laptop, check out the LapGear Home Office Lap Desk with Device Ledge.
The lap desk features a device ledge, a mouse pad, and a phone holder. It also has dual bolster microbead cushions, which is ideal for reducing heat on your lap. Dr. Sforzo cautioned that lap desks can get uncomfortable if you use them for extended periods due to the heat that can accumulate. The dual bolster, however, can help combat that problem. It may also add some stability that lap desks sometimes lack.
The desk is 21.1 x 12 inches and is designed to fit 15.6 inch laptops. It also comes with a carrying handle and is available in multiple different designs to suit your preference.
Best for bed
The HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk adjusts to eight different angles, which is ideal if you like to work on an angle. You can also make the desk completely flat. If you'll be shifting positions in bed or moving your lap desk to different locations, this versatile desk can adjust for various different needs. The the built-in carrying handle lets you take your desk from one place to the next.
Like the LapGear Home Office Lap Desk, it has dual bolsters that may add stability and increase airflow to your lap. It measures 14.8 x 11 inches and can accommodate laptops with screens up to 15.6 inches. Aside from being adjustable, it doesn't have too many extra features on the surface, but it does include a device ledge. It's also available in two color options.
Thebado recommends considering where and how you'll use your lap desk before purchasing. "You want to make sure you have the appropriate amount of height from your lap to your desk that is best for your needs and comfort levels," she says. With the HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk, you'll be able to use the desk in a variety of settings and ways due to the ability to adjust the work surface.
Best with storage
When using a lap desk, it's always a plus to have extra storage space to safely stow your work from home essentials. Arlo Skye's The Lap Desk is sleek, functional, and just what you need if your desk is more often on your bed or sofa than it is in your home office.
The surface of the lap desk includes a phone and tablet mount, and the white oak work surface can be flat or angled. Unfortunately, the desk is only available in one color option. The desk includes a built-in storage tray that is large enough to store tablets and laptops up to 15 inches inside, which helps keep all your stuff in one place. A cutout leading to the storage area also helps with cord management.
There is a microbead cushion under the 19 x 13.5 inch lap desk. The notch you use to reveal the storage area can also be used as a carrying handle, making the desk easily portable.
Best foldable
With its compact design, a foldable lap desk is perfect for storing away when not in use and can easily slide into narrow crevices like between your bed or sofa and an end table. The Saiji XL Adjustable Laptop Table has foldable legs that can be adjusted to five different heights, meaning that this lap desk doesn't sit directly on your lap. It can also be cooling and good for people who dont want to have the laptop sitting directly on their lap.
The Saiji lap desk has an extra large 23.6 × 17.7 inch surface that can be angled to four positions for maximum comfort while typing or reading. It also has a tablet stand, a slot for pens and pencils, and a small storage tray. It comes in three neutral colors: black, gray, and white.
What to look for in a lap desk
When searching for a lap desk, it's most important to first think about what features are most important to you. Here are some features to keep in mind:
Phone mounts: If you like to have your phone nearby or need multiple screens to work, a phone mount is ideal. If your phone only distracts you, a mount may not be necessary.
Device ledges: One of the most important features of a lap desk, a device ledge keeps your computer from falling off.
Storage space: To help keep your work area organized, storage space can be very helpful.
Leg cushions: Almost all lap desks have leg cushions. Look for ones with dual bolsters that will provide some airflow.
Adjustability: An adjustable lap desk can provide more flexibility in where you work, and it could improve your posture while working.
Lap desk FAQs
Are lap desks good for you?
Dr. Sforzo explained that a lap desk can help elevate your work surface, which can improve your posture. However, he cautioned against solely relying on a lap desk because it's not a proper ergonomic setup. "If you spend a lot of time working at a desk, investing in a comfortable chair and a desk that is the appropriate height for you is important. Additionally, taking breaks to stretch and move around can help prevent discomfort and injury," he explained.
If you're going to spend any amount of time working from your bed, couch, or bean bag chair, though, a quality lap desk can certainly elevate your experience.
Why use a lap desk?
If you want to work from the couch or bed, a lap desk can make things easier and more comfortable. According to Thebado, "When people come to Staples looking for a lap desk the big thing they are looking for is an ergonomic solution, simply put, they want to be comfortable when working from the couch, or even their bed."
"A lap desk also aids in avoiding direct contact with your body," Thebado noted, as laptops are prone to overheating when on soft surfaces, and the temperatures can be uncomfortable.