Sure, the best gaming laptops don’t get as toasty as they used to but still tend to run hotter than your average laptop. So, rather than opening up your device and tinkering with its cooling system, a laptop cooling pad, like our top pick, the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB, is the easiest solution to prevent overheating.
TL;DR – These are the Best Laptop Cooling Pads:
- Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB - Best overall
- Klim Ultimate - Best gaming
- TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler - Best high airflow
- Targus Lap Chill Mat - Best for lap
- Havit HV-F2056 - Best budget
- Klim Cool+ - Best portable
- TopMate C12 Laptop Cooling Pad - Best RGB
- Miggoing Laptop Table - Best table
- Cooler Master NotePal X3 - Best for larger laptops
Beyond being a simple fix to heating problems, many of the best laptop cooling pads are relatively inexpensive and come in various shapes and sizes. Most feature some type of study mesh and fan(s) for high airflow, while others are ultra-compact to take on the go or act as a laptop stand. No matter what you’re after, one of our nine picks is the perfect fit for your cooling needs - and click here to see them in the UK.
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
Scored a killer gaming laptop deal? Well, the Klim Ultimate is a laptop cooling pad up to the task of keeping a power-hungry, hot-running gaming laptop cool, preventing drops in FPS and slower performance in the best PC games. Featuring a sturdy metal grid panel, the Klim Ultimate allows for far more heat dissipation than just plopping a laptop on a gaming desk. But what really prevents overheating is the 200mm fan set behind that high airflow panel for almost instantaneous cooling. With speeds up to 750RPM, things can get quite breezy – all while remaining whisper quiet at only 23dB, so fan noise shouldn’t be much of a distraction. Temperatures were even reported to drop between 41°F and 68°F, according to Klim.
Now, gaming laptops are often on the clunkier side. Luckily, the Klim Ultimate is well-built and ready to hold bulky laptops between 11 and 17.3 inches, covering the majority of gaming laptops out there. Even with its reliable design, the cooling pad remains relatively compact, weighing just over two pounds and measuring 16.73 x 12.4 x 1.69 inches. If ergonomics are a concern, beyond laying flat, multiple inclination levels are on board with a stopper that pops out to prevent the laptop from sliding. So, posture doesn’t need to be sacrificed when preventing overheating.
Given the Kilm Ultimate is designed for gaming laptops, it’s rocking some RGB lighting around the entire rim. Five lighting effects and seven colors are available, allowing customizations to perfectly match any setup. Adjusting lighting settings is made simple using a control panel on the rear of the pad, so there’s no need to rely on any software. However, you can’t adjust the brightness of the lights. As an added convenience, the control panel is also used to change fan speed, as the fan won’t always need to run at 750RPM.
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.