Always in balance a laptop on a pile of old books? It’s time to upgrade. Having the right laptop stand can make life more comfortable, so you can stop craning your neck while you work. The best stands elevate your laptop screen (or external monitor!) close to eye level, which is best for maintaining healthy posture. Some can even fit into a backpack for easy travel or transition from sitting to standing. These are our favorites.
Need more options for your home office? Read our guide to home work equipment.
Updated April 2024: Our favorite ObVus Solutions booth has been discontinued. We have moved the Branch stand to the front row. We’ve also added Logitech’s Casa pop-up desk as a choice, along with a few more additions for honorable mentions.
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Devices are important
Hanging one of the laptop stands below is one of the many ways to improve your posture when sitting at a desk for long periods of time. You can also connect your laptop to another second computer screen. You’ll be able to multitask more easily with two screens and you won’t have to strain your neck as much.
Some of these laptop stands are best paired with a separate keyboard and mouse. These peripherals mean you can place your laptop further away and at different heights, and you won’t need to stretch your arms to type. The right mouse can prevent muscle tension and wrist issues, so check out the picks in our Best keyboards And Best gaming mouse guides. (You don’t have to be a gamer to use a gaming mouse!)
How to choose
We recommend several different types of laptop stands. To know which one is right for you, you’ll first need to determine how you want to use it, then decide on price and aesthetics.
- Do you need something portable? There are stands that collapse and fold to easily fit in a bag. Some even double as cases, like the Carry Sleeve from Moft.
- Do you want to raise, lower or tilt your computer? Look for an adjustable stand like our top pick from Branch, with articulating legs and top. Just need height? Go for something like the Grovemade Walnut Laptop Stand.
- Is this for a laptop or your monitor too? For the latter, you’ll need something taller with a fixed height, like the Superjare Dual Monitor Stand Riser.
- Will you use a separate keyboard and mouse? Otherwise, you need a strong, stable stand like Branch’s. Some may wobble a bit when tapping on it.
- I want to stand sometimes too? Some of the adjustable choices may allow for standing, depending on your height, but there are also sit-to-stand converters, so you don’t need a whole new desk. Our favorite is no longer available, so we’re now looking for a new top pick.
