Not everyone has room for a full office setup. And if you have a proper desk, you might still want to be able to change up your working environment. Lap desks are handy for this purpose, allowing you to move around wherever and whenever you wish.
Below, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best lap desks for students. We’ve even included a guide to help you pick the best desk for your needs. Let’s begin!
What Is a Lap Desk?
A lap desk is a versatile surface that can be used for working, studying, writing, eating, and even crafting.
Lap desks may or may not have a padded cushion for long-term comfort, ergonomic angles to prevent wrist strain, and built-in handles for improved portability. They may also have built-in LED lights, storage pockets for phones and tablets, and textured ledges to prevent slipping and sliding.
So what’s the best lap desk for 2024? We’re glad you asked!
Best Lap Desks for Students in 2024
1. LapGear Clipboard Lap Desk – Best Dual-Purpose Portable Laptop Desk
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12.9” x 17.9” x 2.6” for up to 15.6” laptops
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Materials: Plastic, fabric, microbeads
- Colors or Styles: Black
- Additional Features:
- Dual microbead bolster cushions with a central channel for airflow
- Mounted clip for holding papers, files, and more
- Small device ledge to prevent laptops from sliding
- Multifunctional slot to hold pens, phones, tablets, and other slim items
- Built-in carry handle
- 12-month warranty
Pros
- Clipboard clip makes this lap desk multi-purpose
- Design prevents laptops and books from sliding off
- Large multi-functional slot
- Bolster cushions are comfortable
- LapGear offers well-known and reviewed products (with media mentions)
Cons
- The clipboard clip can get in the way of left-handed users
2. Wishacc Oversized Portable Bamboo Lap Desk – Best Large Student Lap Desk
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: For up to 17” laptops
- 15.3” x 11.4” (17” laptops have no room for a mouse)
- 21.1” x 12.9”
- 24.0” x 13.8”
- Weight:
- 2.82 lbs
- 4.19 lbs
- 4.64 lbs
- Materials: Bamboo, fabric, MDF material
- Colors or Styles: Natural bamboo and light chocolate brown cushion cover\
- Additional Features:
- Slot for phones, tablets, pens, etc.
- Long device ledge to prevent laptops from sliding off
- Elastic strap for papers, mail, etc.
- Easy handles for portability
- Hide-away bolster cushion for angled viewing
Pros
- Comes in three sizes
- Easy to carry around
- Ledge prevents sliding
- Elastic band can help keep things in place
Cons
- Layered bamboo surface may experience delamination from extreme heat exposure
- On the heavier side
3. LapGear Designer Lap Desk – Best Laptop Lap Desk with Fun Designs
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13.75” x 17.75” x 2.75” (for laptops up to 15.6”)
- Weight: 2.16 lbs
- Materials: MDF wood, fabric, foam
- Colors or Styles: Aqua trellis, blue blossoms, buffalo check, gold quatrefoil, gray argyle, gray damask, medallion, tropical palms
- Additional Features:
- Built-in carry handle
- Small built-in ledge to prevent sliding
- 6.25” x 0.75” device slot
- Lap-conforming cushion
- Elastic band strap on one corner to keep things in place
- 12-month warranty
Pros
- Many fun designs and colorways are available
- Easily portable and relatively lightweight
- Device slot to help hold your phone or other small items
- Smooth surface for comfortable use
- LapGear offers well-known and reviewed products with media mentions
Cons
- Device ledge on the smaller side (may not always prevent sliding)
4. Honey-Can-Do Portable Laptop Lap Desk – Ergonomic Portable Lap Desk for Laptop
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23.23” x 15.75” x 2.52” for up to 15” laptops (with room for a mouse)
- Weight: 3.17 lbs
- Materials: MDF wood, foam, fabric
- Colors or Styles: Black, blue, hot pink, indigo blue, mint, white
- Additional Features:
- Sturdy integrated handle
- Side sleeve for cross
- Detachable foam cushion attached with hook-and-loop tape
Pros
- Affordable
- Unique shape is ergonomic and comfortable
- Foam cushion is removable
Cons
- No device ledge, so laptops and other items may slide off
- Foam cushion attachment point may look and feel cheap
5. Huanuo Adjustable Lap Desk – Adjustable Lap Desk for Laptops and Reading
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11” x 14.8” designed for laptops up to 15.6”
- Weight: 1.04 lbs
- Materials: Plastic, foam
- Colors or Styles: Blue, gray, standard (black)
- Additional Features:
- Multi-angle tilt adjustment with eight angle settings
- Rubber-edged, fold-out lip prevents item from sliding.
- Folds flat to create a flat writing surface
- Two foam bolsters for comfortable use
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Multi-angle adjustments can help improve ergonomics
- Integrated fold-out lip has a rubber edge and helps prevent sliding
- Cushions are relatively comfortable
- Sturdy
Cons
- No room for a mouse
- Some reviews state that it feels cheaply made
6. Fun Express EZDesk Magnetic Dry Erase Lap Desk – A Handy Dual-Purpose Portable Desk
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 14.17” x 19.68” for up to 17” laptops
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Materials: Plastic, magnetic whiteboard, fabric, foam
- Colors or Styles: Whiteboard with black cushion
- Additional Features:
- Snap-on adjustable dock for smartphones and tablets
- Comes with two magnetic dry-erase markers with eraser caps
- Comes with two magnetic buttons
- Graphing rule overlay on one half
- Comfortable bottom cushion
Pros
- Comfortable cushion
- Dual-purpose surface is great for studying
Markers already included
- Snap-on device holder
Cons
- No ledge to prevent items from sliding
- Will likely require a mouse pad for comfortable mouse use
7. LapGear Bamboo Pro Lap Board – A Comfy Lap Desk with Wrist Support
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 15” x 22”
- for laptops up to 17” (with no mouse)
- or laptops up to 15” (with a mouse)
- Weight: 5.07 lbs
- Materials: Triple-layered natural bamboo with natural stain
- Colors or Styles: Natural bamboo and black
- Additional Features:
- 18 ventilation holes
- 8.25” x 6.5” mouse pads on the left and right sides
- Multiple slots for tablets, phones, pens, and more
- 12-month warranty
Pros
- Ventilation holes allow for heat dissipation
- Left-handed and right-handed friendly
- Integrated wrist rest
- Plenty of slots for devices and small items
Cons
- Not a consistent surface. Can be hard to write on
- No cushion, just a literal board
- On the heavier side
8. Sofia + Sam Multi-Tasking Lap Desk with Cushion – A Student Lap Desk with Built-in Mouse Pad
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18.9” x 14.6” x 4.1”
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Materials: MDF wood, plastic, memory foam
- Colors or Styles: Black
- Additional Features:
- Slide-out mouse areas with built-in mouse pad on left and right sides
- Phone slot on the mousepad area
- Long device slot for phones and tablets on the surface area
- Integrated wrist rest also acts as a device ledge to prevent sliding
- USB light (requires 4 x AA batteries)
Pros
- Ergonomic
- Left-handed friendly
- Built-in USB light
- Integrated wrist rest
- Device slot
Cons
- Light requires 4 x AA batteries
- Wrist rest may get in the way
9. LapGear Sidekick Lap Desk – A Lap Desk with Phone Holder
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11” x 17”
- Weight: 1.23 lbs
- Materials: MDF, fabric, polystyrene
- Colors or Styles: Black, grey
- Additional Features:
- Built-in non-slip silicon strip to prevent slippage
- Device ledge also helps stop slippage
- 6.5” phone slot holds most smartphones horizontally
- Built-in carry handle
- 12-month warranty
Pros
- Small and incredibly lightweight
- Comfortable microbead cushion
- Device ledge doesn’t get in the way of working
Cons
- Device slot (on the side) could be better designed
10. Huanuo Laptop Desk – An Ergonomic Lap Desk with Storage
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12.8” x 17” x 3.5”
- for laptops up to 15.6” with no mouse
- for laptops up to 14” with a mouse
- Weight: 2.97 lbs
- Materials: MDF wood, foam and fabric, plastic
- Colors or Styles: Black, dark brown wood grain, light brown wood grain, marbling
- Additional Features:
- Built-in cushioned wrist pad that acts as a device ledge
- Built-in storage pockets
- Device slot
Pros
- Relatively lightweight
- Wrist pad allows laptops and items to stay put
- Has a device slot
Cons
- No carry handle
- Wrist rest may get in the way
7 Benefits of Using a Lap Desk
Not sold on the idea of a lap desk just yet? There are plenty of reasons to pick up a lap desk – even if you already have a desk study set up or another space to work from.
1. Improved Ergonomics
Using a laptop on your lap becomes uncomfortable after a while. Lap desks can significantly improve ergonomics and reduce potential aches and pains.
2. Heat Distribution and Dissipation
Laptops can get hot. Not only can a well-designed lap desk help dissipate and distribute this heat, it can also prevent your laptop from overheating.
3. Heat Protection
According to the National Library of Medicine, direct lap use is not recommended. That’s why so many students prefer a lap desk.
4. Convenience and Stability
Let’s face it: Working on the couch or in your bed without a sturdy surface is uncomfortable and inconvenient. A lap desk can help with this problem.
5. Boosted Productivity
A sturdy working surface can boost your productivity. After all, it’s much easier to study when you aren’t struggling for a surface to type on.
6. Versatility
The best lap desk for a college student is versatile and allows you to use it with a laptop, tablet, book, and notebook. They can even be a dining surface for those couch dinners.
7. Portability
Lap desks are also portable. You might have purchased a lap desk for classroom use but may want to bring them straight home to use on your sofa.
How to Choose a Lap Desk for Students
Laptop desks for laps are quite handy indeed. However, with so many options out there, it can be challenging to choose the right one to suit your specific needs. When choosing the best lap desk for writing or the best lap desk for laptop use, it’s important to consider a few factors, such as the ones below:
- Size and Portability – Lap desks come in many sizes and weights. Choose one that can accommodate your activities and offer portability for your needs.
- Stability – If you don’t want to worry about a lack of stability, choose a desk with sturdy supports and without adjustable angles.
- Surface – Some surfaces are better for writing than others. If you need to write a lot, you may want to select a lap desk that features a smooth, consistent surface.
- Durability – Considering you’ll be moving your lap desk around, a robust and rugged option can help ensure you don’t waste your money.
- Adjustability – Some lap desks offer adjustability, allowing users to change laptop angles for easier viewing. This can be especially useful for preventing neck and upper back pain.
- Heat Dissipation – If your laptop tends to run hot, you may want to find a laptop desk offering features that help dissipate heat instead of trapping it.
- Additional Features – Most lap desks are multi-functional. However, you may want to look at bonus features like device slots, ledges, pockets, and mouse pads.
Why Trust Us?
At The GradCafe, our primary aim is to enable our readers to get the most out of their education. Whether that’s by providing helpful guides, product reviews, and recommendations, or otherwise, we always strive to provide accurate and valuable information to the best of our ability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Lap Desk Replace a Computer Desk?
If you don’t have the space for a computer desk or similar working surface, a lap desk certainly can do the job. However, when it comes to prolonged use, lap desks are unlikely to be as comfortable as normal desks.
2. Are Lap Desks Good for You?
Lap desks aren’t as good as an ergonomic desk setup – but they’re definitely much better than using your laptop directly on your lap. Lap desks can help prevent pain and other issues associated with using your laptop directly on your lap.
3. Do Lap Desks Prevent Overheating?
It depends on the lap desk. Most lap desks have a flat surface, so if your laptop has rubber feet (or anything else to create airflow underneath), you’ll reduce your laptop’s chances of overheating. However, to truly prevent overheating, you may want to use a laptop cooler.
Conclusion
We evaluated the best lap desks for students. Our recommendations included those with additional features (such as wrist support or storage). We also considered the cost. Those with the best overall value ranked at the top of our list of lap desks for students. Please consider each option based on your needs. After all, the best lap desks for students help boost productivity, make studying much easier, and offer a sturdy surface for writing and reading.
Whether you need the best laptop desk for bed use or a versatile option that’s highly portable, we hope that our recommendations above helped!
Looking to give your professor a token of appreciation? Consider these gifts for professors!
Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications. When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.
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