Best Laptop Stands (2026): After Testing 25+ Models, These 5 Stand Out

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
When 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?

Yes, 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?

Probably 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?

By 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.

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.

Branch 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
Coreminded 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.

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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