Hunching over a laptop for hours destroys your posture. Your neck cranes forward, shoulders round, and back aches—all because laptop screens sit too low.
Hunching over a laptop for hours destroys your posture. Your neck cranes forward, shoulders round, and back aches—all because laptop screens sit too low. It's a design flaw baked into every portable computer.
A laptop stand fixes this instantly. Raising your screen to eye level transforms your posture and reduces strain. Many stands also improve cooling, keeping your laptop running faster and quieter.
Let's find the stand that fits your workspace and workflow.
Why You Need a Laptop Stand
The Ergonomic Problem
When your screen is too low:
- Neck flexion: Head tilts forward, straining muscles
- Rounded shoulders: Upper back curves unnaturally
- Eye strain: Looking down causes fatigue faster
- Reduced breathing: Compressed posture limits lung capacity
The Ideal Setup
- Screen top at or slightly below eye level
- Screen distance about arm's length away
- External keyboard at elbow height
- External mouse beside keyboard
A laptop stand handles the screen position. You'll need an external keyboard and mouse to complete the ergonomic setup.
A laptop stand without an external keyboard just moves the problem. Your wrists will suffer instead of your neck. Invest in both.
Types of Laptop Stands
Fixed Height Stands
Simple, stable platforms at a set height.
- Pros: Affordable, sturdy, minimal setup
- Cons: No adjustment, may not fit all users
- Best for: Dedicated desk setups
Adjustable Stands
Variable height and angle for customization.
- Pros: Fits any user, multiple positions
- Cons: More expensive, can be less stable
- Best for: Shared workspaces, varied tasks
Portable/Folding Stands
Collapse for travel and storage.
- Pros: Lightweight, packable, versatile
- Cons: Less stable, smaller size limits
- Best for: Mobile workers, hot-desking
Vertical Stands
Hold laptop closed in clamshell mode.
- Pros: Saves desk space, clean look
- Cons: Requires external monitor
- Best for: Docked setups with external displays
| Type | Stability | Portability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Height | High | Low | $20-50 |
| Adjustable | Medium-High | Low | $30-100 |
| Portable | Medium | High | $20-60 |
| Vertical | High | Low | $20-40 |
Top Laptop Stands for 2026
Best Overall: Rain Design mStand
The mStand has been the gold standard for years, and for good reason.
- Material: Single piece aluminum
- Height: Fixed 6 inches
- Compatibility: Up to 17" laptops
- Price: ~$50
The aluminum construction matches MacBooks perfectly and acts as a heat sink for passive cooling.
Best Adjustable: Twelve South HiRise Pro
Premium adjustability with a leather-wrapped design.
- Material: Aluminum with leather
- Height: Adjustable 2-6 inches
- Compatibility: Up to 17" laptops
- Price: ~$90
The front storage ledge holds phones or accessories. Height adjusts smoothly without tools.
Best Value: Amazon Basics Laptop Stand
Solid performance at a budget price.
- Material: Aluminum
- Height: Fixed 5.5 inches
- Compatibility: Up to 15" laptops
- Price: ~$25
It's not fancy, but it does the job reliably.
Best Portable: Roost Laptop Stand
The original ultralight travel stand.
- Material: Carbon fiber composite
- Height: Adjustable 6-12 inches
- Weight: 6 oz
- Price: ~$75
Folds to the size of a ruler and fits in any bag. Perfect for digital nomads.
Best Budget Portable: MOFT Laptop Stand
Adhesive stand that attaches to your laptop.
- Material: PU leather and fiberglass
- Height: Two positions (5° and 25°)
- Weight: 3 oz
- Price: ~$25
Sticks to your laptop and folds flat when not in use. Minimal but effective.
Best for Cooling: Nulaxy C3
Elevated design with maximum airflow.
- Material: Aluminum
- Height: Fixed 6 inches
- Compatibility: Up to 17" laptops
- Price: ~$40
The open design allows unrestricted airflow to laptop vents.
Laptop Stand Comparison
| Stand | Type | Height | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain Design mStand | Fixed | 6" | 2.9 lbs | $50 |
| Twelve South HiRise | Adjustable | 2-6" | 2.5 lbs | $90 |
| Amazon Basics | Fixed | 5.5" | 1.5 lbs | $25 |
| Roost | Portable | 6-12" | 6 oz | $75 |
| MOFT | Adhesive | 2 positions | 3 oz | $25 |
| Nulaxy C3 | Fixed | 6" | 1.8 lbs | $40 |
Choosing the Right Height
Finding Your Ideal Height
The top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level. To find your ideal stand height:
- Sit in your normal working position
- Look straight ahead
- Measure from desk to eye level
- Subtract your laptop's screen height
- That's your ideal stand height
Height Guidelines by User Height
| User Height | Approximate Stand Height |
|---|---|
| 5'0" - 5'4" | 4-5 inches |
| 5'5" - 5'9" | 5-6 inches |
| 5'10" - 6'2" | 6-8 inches |
| 6'3"+ | 8+ inches |
Adjustable stands accommodate different users and sitting positions.
Cooling Benefits
How Stands Improve Cooling
Laptops pull air from underneath. When flat on a desk:
- Vents are partially blocked
- Heat builds up underneath
- Fans work harder and louder
- Performance may throttle
Elevated stands allow:
- Unrestricted airflow
- Natural heat dissipation
- Quieter fan operation
- Sustained performance
Active vs Passive Cooling
Passive cooling (most stands): Elevation alone improves airflow. No fans, no noise, no power needed.
Active cooling (cooling pads): Built-in fans force air circulation. More effective but adds noise and requires power.
For most users, passive cooling from a good stand is sufficient.
Completing Your Ergonomic Setup
Essential Accessories
A laptop stand alone isn't enough. You'll also need:
- External keyboard: Keeps hands at proper height
- External mouse: Better ergonomics than trackpad
- Monitor (optional): Even better than elevated laptop screen
Recommended Pairings
- Mechanical keyboard: Comfortable typing for long sessions
- Ergonomic mouse: Reduces wrist strain
- Monitor: Larger screen at perfect height
Cable Management
Elevated laptops mean visible cables. Consider:
- USB-C hub: Single cable to laptop
- Cable clips: Route cables along stand
- Wireless peripherals: Eliminate cables entirely
For more tips, see our cable management guide.
Got Questions About Laptop Stands? Let's Clear Things Up.
Will a laptop stand damage my laptop?
No. Quality stands support laptops safely. Aluminum stands can even help cooling. Avoid stands with sharp edges or unstable designs. Adhesive stands (like MOFT) use laptop-safe adhesive that removes cleanly.
Do I really need an external keyboard with a stand?
Yes, for proper ergonomics. Using the laptop keyboard with an elevated screen forces awkward arm positions. The whole point of raising the screen is negated if your arms are reaching up to type.
Are cooling pads better than stands?
Not necessarily. Stands provide passive cooling through elevation, which is sufficient for most laptops. Cooling pads add active fans but also noise and bulk. Unless your laptop runs extremely hot, a stand is usually better.
Can I use a laptop stand with a closed laptop?
Only vertical stands are designed for this. Regular stands require the laptop open for stability and cooling. For clamshell mode, use a vertical stand with an external monitor.
How do I choose between fixed and adjustable stands?
Fixed stands are simpler and often more stable. Choose adjustable if multiple people use the workspace, you switch between sitting and standing, or you're unsure of your ideal height.
A laptop stand is one of the simplest upgrades for better posture and comfort. Start with the Amazon Basics stand for budget-friendly improvement, or invest in the Rain Design mStand for premium quality. For a complete ergonomic setup, explore our guides on monitors and mechanical keyboards.
Discussion
Sign up or sign in to join the conversation.