Even after seeing major improvements to cooling systems over the past few years, the best gaming laptops still tend to get toasty and often run hotter than your average run-of-the-mill laptops, thanks to more powerful CPUs, GPUs, and other components. Rather than tinkering around in your pricey device, an easy and affordable way to keep temperatures down and your laptop running smoothly is a laptop cooling pad, like our top pick, the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB.
TL;DR – These are the Best Laptop Cooling Pads:
- Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB
- Klim Ultimate
- TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler
- Targus Lap Chill Mat
- Havit HV-F2056
- Klim Cool+
- TopMate C12 Laptop Cooling Pad
- Miggoing Laptop Table
- Cooler Master NotePal X3
Laptop cooling pads come in various shapes and sizes, with most offering ventilated trays that sit directly under the laptop drawing out heat with their included fans. But whether you’re after portable cooling, an option ready to lower the heat on some hulking laptops, or something that can also act as an excellent laptop stand, we’ve found a laptop cooling pad to suit your needs – and click here to see them in the UK.
The Best Laptop Cooling Pads
1. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB
Best Laptop Cooling Pad
Given their compact, portable nature, laptops continue to be plagued by cooling issues, and the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB is the perfect remedy. This laptop cooling pad will push hot air away from your device, thanks to a massive 200mm fan set behind a sturdy steel mesh surface. Unlike the fans in most laptops, this one keeps relatively quiet while hitting up to 800RPM and pushing up to 64 CFM of airflow. Fan speed is even adjustable, as a handy knob is located directly on the cooling pad. So, you can go for max cooling or silence.
Ergonomics weren’t forgotten with three different height levels to choose from, meaning this cooling pad is performing double duty by acting as a laptop stand. You can go for a 3°, 9°, or 13° angle, ensuring you find the perfect spot for viewing and typing. When the pad and laptop are angled up, there’s extra airflow underneath for more cooling potential. Just be prepared for the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB to be a little clunky, weighing 3.35 pounds and measuring 18.54 x 13.96 x 1.83 inches, but it's ready to hold equally chunky devices, including up to 19-inch laptops.
With RGB in the name, Thermaltake doesn’t forget the lighting flair. Its edge is lined with colorful RGBs offering various lighting modes, from static and pulsing to blinking and wave. Shifting between the different modes is made simple with a button on the control panel, while another button lets you choose your preferred colors.
2. Klim Ultimate
Best Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad
If you just scored an awesome gaming laptop deal, you're going to need a cooling pad, like the Klim Ultimate, to keep its internals in tip-top shape. Set behind a metal grid panel, it comes ready for all your gaming needs with a big 200mm fan that can run at a quiet 750RPM while still providing plenty of airflow. Fan speed can always be turned down depending on your needs using a handy control panel, but there might not be a point since it runs silently at full speed.
On top of being a practical heat dissipation solution, the Klim Ultimate will really amp up your portable gaming setup. You can comfortably rest your laptops up to 17 inches, but your 19-inch devices or even consoles will fit, while there are four different inclination levels for easier viewing. It doesn’t stop there, as no gaming accessory is complete without RGB lighting, and this cooling pad’s flashy RGB light strip wraps around the entire circumference of the device, offering seven different colors and five lighting effects.
3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler
Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad
Need tons of airflow? Then a whole bunch of fans is the way to go, and the TopMate C5 laptop cooler packs in five—a 140mm fan at the center and four 70mm fans surrounding it. With all those fans running simultaneously alongside a metal mesh surface, cool air will push against the laptop base, keeping your thermals in check. You aren’t limited to just one speed either, as a tiny LCD control panel lets you run several cooling modes and displays wind speed.
Aside from the insane cooling power of the TopMate C5, you also get a few extras starting with five height adjustments for more ergonomic positioning. Laptops up to 15.6 inches should fit perfectly on the stand, though you can always throw a gaming console on it to prevent overheating. And adding to its convenience are two USB 2.0 ports, one to plug into your laptop for power and the other for your computer’s peripherals.
4. Targus Lap Chill Mat
Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Your Lap
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it applies perfectly to the Targus Lap Chill Mat, which has been keeping our laptops and laps cool for over a decade. This straightforward cooler rests comfortably on your lap for hours thanks to the pad's lightweight, and the neoprene material on its bottom acts as cushioning. If you're worried about your laptop sliding all around as you’re thighs aren’t the flattest surface, a rubberized grip and little notches on the stand's surface ensure it stays in place.
As for heat dissipation, a mesh surface and hollow chamber in the middle of the mat allow fresh air to enter from beneath the laptop, while hot air can easily escape. Furthering airflow is a pair of built-in fans ready to pump fresh air near the back edge of the laptop where the CPU and GPU often sit—thus the hottest and most important parts of the machine. And the handy addition of a four-port USB hub makes plugging in extra peripherals a breeze, while velcro straps keep those cables organized.
5. Havit HV-F2056
Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad
If you're looking to keep your gaming laptop cool on the cheap, the Havit HV-2056 is an excellent option. This cooling pad may only have three 120mm fans to keep your device cool, but they're arranged in a configuration that will efficiently channel cool air to the most sensitive parts of your laptop. Plus, the fans have gorgeous blue LEDs – unfortunately RGB is saved for more expensive laptop coolers.
The Havit HV-F2056 also features two USB passthrough ports, so you don't have to lose out on connectivity just to keep your laptop cool. Combine that with the low $39 price tag (it's often on sale for less) and its quiet operation and there's not a lot to hate here.
6. Klim Cool+
Best Portable Laptop Cooler
Cooling pads are great, but you often lose the on-the-go portability of your laptop when you use them. The Klim Cool+ is a nifty, compact external air vacuum that remedies this issue while still boosting the cooling capabilities of your machine. It attaches using suction cup sleeves to the exhaust port of your laptop, pulling even more air through, though it only works with laptops toting side or back air exhaust vents and should only be used on a flat surface. There are also some other size restrictions to make note of before purchasing.
The Klim Cool+ has different operating modes that let it run silently for light cooling or kick it into high gear when pushing your laptop to the extreme. In total, it delivers 4,500 RPM to drop your laptop’s temperature quickly, which you can see on the digital temperature display. The device's durable metal structure even acts as a heatsink taking the heat away from your laptop's precious internals.
7. TopMate C12 Laptop Cooling Pad
Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad
The TopMate C12 Laptop Cooling Pad is the perfect way to jazz up your laptop setup, as it has an RGB light strip wrapping around the entire pad. You can cycle through various lighting effects, from colorful rainbow flows to a steady monochrome glow. A small button on the control panel towards the bottom of the pad makes it easy to flip through and find your favorite style.
Using that same panel, you can control heat dissipation, as it lets you adjust the speed of the six fans on board—three small and three large. Those fans effectively and quietly push cool air through the pad's metal mesh surface at up to 2,400RPM on the small and 1,400RPM on the large fans. The TopMate C12 is also height adjustable for better ergonomics and ready to hold laptops up to 17.3 inches, so it’ll work for a clunky gaming laptop. There are even two USB-A ports to power other peripherals and a bonus cell phone holder that you can tuck away when not in use.
8. Miggoing Laptop Table
Best Laptop Cooling Stand
Most cooling pads do a great job if you aim to use your laptop on your lap or low on a desk. However, sometimes you’re after something that can raise your device a bit higher while cooling, and that's where the Miggoing Laptop Table comes in. This stand consists of several segments, allowing you to keep it low or raise it to 18.9 inches high, making perfect for use on couches, in bed, or on top of your current desk, effectively turning it into a standing desk.
As for cooling, the Miggoing Laptop Table offers dual USB-powered fans and small ventilation slots to help keep air blowing past your computer, preventing overheating. All that is in a large, sturdy aluminum tray with stoppers ready to hold your devices up to 33 pounds. Another nifty extra is a mouse plate, eliminating the worry of finding a surface to place your mouse.
9. Cooler Master NotePal X3
Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Larger Laptops
If you’re searching for a high-quality laptop cooler that looks as good as it performs, then the Cooler Master NotePal X3 shouldn’t be overlooked. With its large 200mm fan, its perfect for gaming laptops that are prone to heating up. While this laptop pad is on the large side, it can support up to 17-inch laptops.
All of the controls are on the side, including a USB out and USB in port, fan speed dial, fan, and LED switches. The stunning blue LED is an added touch that gamers will love, while the front vent pumps out a small breeze to keep your hands cool. There are two height adjustments, too, for additional versatility.
Where to Get the Best Cooling Pad in the UK
How to Pick the Best Laptop Cooling Pad
Picking the best laptop cooling pad can make a world of difference in keeping your laptop running smoothly and preventing overheating issues. There are different types and styles to choose from, but first and foremost, consider the size and compatibility of the cooling pad with your laptop.
The last thing you want is a cooling pad that’s too small for your laptop. Most cooling pads provide specifications on the laptop sizes they support, so double-checking these details is a good starting point.
Something else to consider is the cooling mechanism. Some cooling pads rely solely on fans, while others incorporate additional features like ventilation slots or a mesh surface for enhanced airflow. Ideally, you'll want a cooling pad that offers effective cooling without producing excessive noise, so you don’t get disturbed while working (or gaming).
If you're someone who frequently travels or works on the go, opting for a lightweight and compact cooling pad might be more convenient. On the other hand, if you use your laptop primarily at a desk, a larger, more robust cooling pad with additional features like height adjustment or built-in USB ports could be beneficial.
FAQs
Do Laptop Cooling Pads Really Work?
Cooling pads can prevent your laptop from overheating, prolonging its lifespan. If you use your laptop for long periods of a time, a laptop cooling pad can be a great investment.
What Can I Put Under My Laptop To Keep It Cool?
A laptop cooling pad is the best investment you can make to keep your laptop cool. Many laptop cooling pads are available for close to $30 if you’re happy to forego RGB lighting or additional features.
How Do I Know if My Laptop Needs a Cooling Pad?
If your laptop feels hot while you’re using it, you probably need a laptop cooling pad. There are apps you can download to monitor the temperature of your laptop, alerting you when high levels are reached.
