Overheating makes computers dysfunctional and may cause internal damage, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. These devices weren’t meant to operate under very high temperatures. If your computer performs regular heavy-duty tasks, it is prone to overheating. The laptop’s fans often cannot eradicate the excess heat in such instances. Fortunately, you can solve this issue by using a laptop cooling pad.
The cooling pads have a track record of effectively cooling laptops, enabling them to function for more hours at safer temperatures. The ideal cooling pads have adjustable height settings and multiple in-built fans. They are also light in weight and less noisy. Let’s take a look at some of the best laptop coolers you can buy today.
- Best Overall: Thermaltake Pad CL-N002-PL12BL-A
- Best for Gamers: TopMate C5 Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad
- Best Appearance: Thermaltake Cooling Pad CL‐N014‐PL20SW‐A
- Best for Quiet: Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad
- Best for Portability: Havit HV-F2056
- Best Design: IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooling Pad
- Best for MacBooks: Targus Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat
- Best Budget Option: TopMate C302
Best Overall: Thermaltake Pad CL-N002-PL12BL-A
- Dual 120mm temperature-regulated fans
- Temperature sensor
- Multi-function display panel
The Thermaltake Pad CL-N002-PL12BL-A is our selection as the best overall option. It comprises two large fans reaching a maximum speed of 1300 RPM to provide sufficient airflow to every part of the laptop’s base. This device comes with a sensor for tracking your computer’s temperature level. When your laptop becomes hot, the sensor will activate and control the fans to start the cooling process.
This cooling pad also has a turbo mode, suitable for laptops that have worked for a considerable amount of time. Although these fans are effective, most customers have complained they’re loud. Therefore, the Thermaltake CL-N002-PL12BL-A Cooling Pad isn’t suitable for a quiet environment. However, you can adjust it to suit your comfort.
It has feet for raising your laptop to a suitable ergonomic level. The cooling pad also comes with two USB Type-A ports, one for powering the cooling pad and an extra one for any other task in your workstation. This device is perfect for laptops that don’t exceed 17 inches. Its control panel also makes navigation easier for users.
Check out the Thermaltake Pad CL-N002-PL12BL-A on Amazon.
Best for Gamers: TopMate C5 Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad
- Five high speed fans.
- Ergonomic design for adjustable tilting.
- Switch control with screen display.
- Blue LEDs that illuminate when working.
The TopMate C5 Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad was designed especially for gaming. It comprises two large and four small fans. The small fans run at an impressive speed of 2400 RPM, while the big ones run at 1250 RPM. Despite having five fans, this laptop cooler runs at low noise. Despite its relatively average speed, this pad can sufficiently cool many laptops.
Most gaming enthusiasts are always very keen on the design and looks of their gadgets. This laptop cooler doesn’t disappoint because it has a classic and stylish touch. The TopMate C5 Laptop Cooling Pad has running light bars on both sides. It also has adjustable lighting effects across five levels.
Furthermore, the TopMate C5 Laptop Cooling Pad has an in-built phone stand that helps keep it closer to the user during gaming. Its stand also makes it easy for gamers to charge their phones because this cooling pad has two USB ports for charging or connecting additional accessories.
Check out the TopMate C5 Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad on Amazon.
Best Appearance: Thermaltake Cooling Pad CL‐N014‐PL20SW‐A
- Built‐in control panel
- Steel mesh surface
- 200-millimeter silent fan integrated for optimal airflow
The looks of this Thermaltake Cooling Pad will likely make you pick it without considering the specs. This device has appealing strips of RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) lighting, which are suitable for creating the perfect gaming ambiance. Apart from the RGB lighting mode, it has four additional lighting modes: Full Lighted, Wave, Blink, and Pulse. You can turn the LED lights on or off at any time.
This cooling device has one large 200mm fan that runs at a top speed of 800 RPM. However, it’s slightly inefficient in maintaining a steady airflow at the laptop’s base because it only offers a large gust of cool air per rotation. Therefore, it might not be suitable for laptops subjected to a constant heavy-duty workload.
The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB Cooling Pad is well-suited for 19-inch laptops. This cooling device offers various viewing and typing angles for increased comfort. It has been designed with three adjustable heights of 3, 9, and 13 degrees.
Check out the Thermaltake Cooling Pad CL‐N014‐PL20SW‐A on Amazon.
Best for Quiet: Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad
- 5 super quiet fans
- Dual USB hub
- Ergonomic stand with 6 adjustable height settings
Most people always complain about the noise produced by cooling pads. The number and size of the fans always determine the noise level it generates. The Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad solves this problem with its five individual fans. These fans can run to a top speed of 2000 RPM yet are quieter than average coolers. That makes them suitable for quiet environments.
Additionally, this device allows users to customize airflow by picking different combinations of fans to work per time. To start using this cooling pad, you only need to plug it into your laptop and adjust the fans to boost airflow in your target area. Although airflow customization in this device is stellar, most users complain that adjusting the fans to their liking is quite challenging.
Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad can effectively cool a 17-inch laptop. The users can adjust it in six angles to find the perfect fit. The downside of this device is its unstable polycarbonate stand. Therefore, you must be extra careful when using it.
Check out the Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad on Amazon.
Best for Portability: Havit HV-F2056
- Doubles as an ergonomic stand (2 height settings)
- 3 ultra-quiet fans
- Extra USB port (built-in dual-USB hub)
Carrying your laptop alone is an overwhelming hassle, especially if you have portable tasks. So, the last thing you want is a bulkier cooling pad. If you are searching for a portable cooling pad, consider buying the Havit HV-F2056 Laptop Cooling Pad. This device is slim and light, as it only weighs 1.5 pounds. It also has a sleek design with three in-built 110mm fans running at a speed of 1300 RPM.
The USB ports of this device also act as a makeshift USB hub. The two USB ports at the back of the Havit HV-F2056 Laptop Cooler control the fan and the lights. This allows users to power on both features simultaneously. The laptop cooler also has two adjustable degrees for supporting and fitting larger laptops.
The downside of this device is its short USB power cable. You might have to purchase a longer power cable if the shorter one isn’t serving you effectively. Besides its limitations, this cooling pad is your perfect travel companion.
Check out the Havit HV-F2056 on Amazon.
Best Design: IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooling Pad
- Rubber ring for enhanced cooling
- Seven-color lighting
- High-speed gear has good cooling effect
The IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooling Pad has two blowers that propel air from the bottom to the top. However, if your cooling vents aren’t situated at the bottom of the laptop, its 4500 RPM won’t help in cooling it. Unlike other pads, the IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooler has a depression in the middle to allow for the free flow of air. This laptop cooler also comprises of four light modes with seven colors.
Its filters are also washable to prevent dust accumulation, which is likely to prevent airflow. Unfortunately, this laptop cooler isn’t portable as it is very bulky. Despite not being easily transportable, you can adjust its height setting. Its front clips will also hold the laptop in position to prevent it from falling.
The GT 300’s clips won’t affect your typing, although they lie flat on the keyboard deck. Therefore, you can comfortably work with this laptop cooler for hours. Furthermore, the IETS GT300 Double Blower Pad can support 17.3-inch laptops.
Check out the IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooling Pad on Amazon.
Best for MacBooks: Targus Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat
- Includes a USB hub
- Dual fans
- Adjustable height (4 levels)
- Velcro straps
Most MacBook users normally prefer a simple, clean aesthetic for their accessories and gadgets. Therefore, the Targus Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat is ideal for Apple laptops. This laptop cooler complements the MacBook style perfectly. It is an all-mesh pad with an appealing design, and it is also light in weight.
This device has a dual fan design that runs at a top speed of up to 6400 RPM. It is powered by a USB-A plug located at its side. Since the newer MacBook versions don’t use the standard connector, you can still use the USB-C hub to power the Targus 17-inch Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat. The Chill Mat comprises four USB ports, which is advantageous for its users.
Unfortunately, this laptop cooler isn’t portable because it cannot fold into a flat pad. However, it is adjustable to four levels, allowing it to be used as a laptop stand with sufficient room for an external mouse and keyboard. Chill Mat also comfortably supports 17-inch laptops. Hence, the 16-inch MacBook laptop will fit perfectly.
Check out the Targus Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: TopMate C302
- 4.93-inch quiet fans
- The cooling pad weighs only 1.09 pounds
- Upgraded motor speed of 1300RPM
- 2 adjustable height settings
Laptop cooling pads can cost more than $100, yet finding a high-quality option at a reasonable price is quite a challenge. However, the TopMate C302 Cooling Pad is a budget-friendly option that will save money and satisfy your cooling needs.
This device costs roughly $20 less than other options of its class. It has two fans rotating at a speed of up to 1300 RPM. At the end of the USB plug, it has an extra USB port.
The impressive specs of this cooling pad make it versatile. Although it is designed to cool laptops, some people also use it for cooling routers. Whether the TopMate C302 Cooling Pad performs incredibly in cooling routers or laptops, it also comes with a compartment for storing your USB cable. So, you won’t lose or break your cable.
The TopMate C302 Laptop Cooling Pad is perfect for 15.6-inch laptops. Its only downside is its long foot placement. The feet are long, and they surpass the keyboard deck, which can make typing very uncomfortable.
Check out the TopMate C302 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Laptop Cooling Pad: Step by Step
Every laptop user requires a laptop cooler. Laptops and computers tend to overheat, especially during gaming, the summer season, or after continuous usage for many hours. Overheating will likely damage the laptop’s internals, such as the graphics card, processor or CPU, motherboard, and hard disk. Fortunately, you can prevent this issue with a laptop cooler.
Laptop coolers have one or multiple fans for blowing air to the bottom of the laptops where the vital parts are situated. This device can keep the laptops operating for many hours at safe temperatures.
Currently, many companies are manufacturing laptop coolers. That is why you must be cautious when picking this device. Here are the factors to consider when picking the best laptop cooling pad.
Design and Size
Ensure the cooling pad has sufficient space to accommodate your laptop. The device shouldn’t be either big or small. In your search, ensure your laptop can comfortably fit in this cooling device, or it won’t deliver the optimal performance you need. Additionally, make sure that its build quality is good enough to hold the weight of your laptop.
Number and Size of Fans
The number of fans in a cooling pad should guide your choices, too. Laptop coolers with a big fan always provide uniform cooling to an expansive area in the laptop. They also have a lower RPM (Revolution Per Minute), making them less noisy. The ones with two or four smaller fans only cool targeted areas in the laptop and are very noisy.
Body Material
Usually, the cooling pads are made of plastic material, but the best ones have a metal surface, mostly aluminum. Aluminum is a good heat conductor that also assists in reducing the laptop’s temperature efficiently and faster. Therefore, opt for a laptop cooler with an aluminum surface due to its enhanced durability.
Fan Control Option
The best cooling pads allow users to control the speed of the fans. While using your laptop, the temperature will continue to rise steadily. Therefore, there is a need for the fans to also increase their speed in order to curb the rising temperature. A fan control option will enable you to adjust the fan speed to suit your needs. Moreover, you can reduce the speed to curb the laptop cooler’s noises.
USB Hubs/Output Ports
Many laptops have limited USB ports. If you’re using a laptop cooler, one of the ports will be dedicated to it. The best cooling pads have additional output USB ports that allow users to connect to other USB devices.
Brand
The brand is a significant factor as it determines how well the cooling pad will serve you. Investing in an unbranded laptop cooler is a big risk.
Such devices are cheap but never provide optimal performance, and their components wear out quickly. Buying the costlier branded cooler is a good investment, as it guarantees maximum cooling. Its high-quality components are also durable.
What to Know Before Buying a Laptop Cooling Pad
Laptop coolers play a critical role in maximizing your laptop’s potential. However, don’t assume that any cooling pad is suitable for your laptop. A wrong purchase will hinder your enjoyment of the benefits of this device. Here are vital things you must know before purchasing a cooling pad.
- Cost — The best laptop cooling pads are costlier than others. So, you might be tempted to go for a cheaper version, but they won’t serve you effectively. Remember, saving on a cooling pad will force you to spend more on laptop repairs because it won’t stop overheating. Therefore, be willing to pay more for quality laptop coolers.
- Location — Where you intend to use this device should guide your choices. If you want to cool the laptop in a quiet environment, use cooling pads with a bigger fan since their RPMs are very low, and they aren’t noisy.
- Reviews — Don’t ignore the reviews shared about the laptop coolers. They always contain first-hand information from people who’ve used them. Don’t risk buying cooling pads with many negative reviews. That is proof they are unreliable and ineffective.
Using Laptop Cooling Pads: What It’s Like
Purchasing a cooling pad is the best investment because it protects your laptop from internal damage, system failure, and general unreliability caused by overheating. Using a laptop cooler allows you to explore your laptop’s potential without worrying.
No matter the hours you work on your laptop, the cooling pad will keep it at safer temperatures. Therefore, you will do more work and gaming and still elongate the lifespan of your laptop. In a nutshell, the cooling pad is a must-have for every laptop owner.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Shamils/Shutterstock.com.
