One of the best things about laptops is that you can use them from wherever you like. Whether you’re relaxing on the sofa with a video game, casting a movie to your smart TV, or working from the comfort of your bed (thanks to remote working!), the convenience of laptops can’t be overstated. However, many of us can run into issues when using laptops for prolonged periods. These can include wrist and neck strain, headaches, and even just the nuisance of not having everything we need for work close by. Fortunately, you can solve many of these problems with a reliable laptop desk. Come with us as we explore the best laptop desks for bed use, so you can work and play in supreme comfort.
After looking at a huge selection of choices, we’ve narrowed the best options down to the following:
- Best Overall: LAPGEAR Designer Lap Desk
- Best Adjustable: HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk
- Best Value for Money: Nnewvante Bamboo Adjustable Foldable Desk
- Best Large Desk: Cooper Desk PRO Adjustable Laptop Table
- Best for Comfort: Sofia + Sam Compact Lap Desk
Best Overall: LAPGEAR Designer Lap Desk
- Suitable for 15-inch laptops and under
- Integrated phone slot
- Elastic holder for pens and papers
- Built-in handle for transportation
The Designer Lap Desk from LAPGEAR has pretty much everything you could want from a lap desk. The integrated phone slot is suitable for most models, so rest assured that your iPhone will fit comfortably. As well as the slot, you’re getting a handy elastic band in the corner. This addition is great for holding loose papers and pens in place. The overall size is just under 18 inches wide. Therefore, you can easily fit a 17-inch laptop (or a 13-inch laptop along with a mouse) on the surface. The ledge at the front prevents your laptop from sliding all over the place and is as inconspicuous as it is useful.
Concerning ergonomics, this is a really comfortable desk, thanks to the weighted microbead cushion underneath. If you want to move from bed to sofa (and maybe even to a desk), you can do that with ease due to the carrying handle at the top.
All in all, if you’re looking for a lap desk that’s comfortable, practical, and has lots of cool designs to choose from, this affordable option from LAPGEAR is hard to beat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great size for most laptops | Not much airflow |
| Integrated phone slot and elastic for holding papers, etc | |
| There are loads of designs to choose from |
Check out the LAPGEAR Designer Lap Desk on Amazon.
Best Adjustable: HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk
- 8 adjustable heights
- Hidden compartment for storing accessories
- Built-in handle
- Suitable for smaller laptops
Adjustability is the name of the game with this wonderful lap desk from Huanuo. It may not look as stylish as LAPGEAR’s offerings, but it makes up for this with its functionality. You can open the top of the desk and adjust it at eight different angles. Alternatively, you can leave it completely flat. This is amazing for most people, but particularly for those of us who have additional needs due to issues like repetitive strain or carpal tunnel. In addition to the adjustable top, you get an almost hidden compartment underneath. You can use this for storing writing supplies, chargers, and any odds and ends you need at hand.
Just as with the LAPGEAR desk, there’s a convenient handle built-in, making work on-the-go a breeze. You do get some more airflow with the Huanuo, however, because of the dual bolsters. Further, it’s a particularly lightweight desk. While this lap desk is on the smaller end, it’s a wonderful choice for those who need a truly adjustable desk and often work from varying heights.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great airflow and stability | Lacks phone slot and elastic |
| There are lots of adjustable height options | Not many design options, and made of plastic |
| Hidden compartment for storing accessories | Relatively small desk |
| Lightweight and portable |
Check out the HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk on Amazon.
Best Value for Money: Nnewvante Bamboo Adjustable Foldable Desk
- High-quality natural bamboo finish
- Sturdy and large enough for 17-inch laptops
- Side panel and drawer included
- 5 adjustable heights
Natural materials and versatility are combined in this subtly attractive lap desk from Nnewvante. While the price point is higher than some of the other desks reviewed here, this product delivers great value for money all the same. This is partly due to the quality of the build and natural bamboo material, but also thanks to the stylish design and flexibility of use. The desk comes with five adjustable height options and a removable side panel. This addition is great for holding your phone or paperwork securely, and it even comes with a cute little drawer for storing your essentials. But once removed, the desk doubles as a standing desk or even a breakfast tray for those cozy moments in bed.
While the high-quality design provides a lot of durability and space for a big laptop, this desk is considerably heavier than some alternatives. Adjusting the height also requires loosening and tightening some bolts, so this may not be the most convenient option. However, if you appreciate excellent craftsmanship and sustainable materials, the bamboo desk from Nnewvante may just be the one you need.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Side panel and drawer included | Fairly heavy |
| Smooth, high-quality bamboo surface for larger laptops | Adjusting the height requires working with bolts |
| Can be used as a standing desk or breakfast tray |
Check out the Nnewvante Bamboo Adjustable Foldable Desk on Amazon.
Best Large Desk: Cooper Desk PRO Adjustable Laptop Table
- Large width suitable for the biggest laptops
- Aluminum alloy and leather finish
- Accessory drawer and stopper included
- Doubles as standing desk and breakfast tray
Sometimes, bigger is better, as is the case with the PRO laptop desk from Cooper. The aluminum alloy material with a leather finish adds a modern feel to the desk. The size is pretty substantial as well, with a width of almost 24 inches. This is sure to be enough to fit any size laptop, as well as a mouse. The desk does come with legs, but you can fold these up and down as you desire. This way, you can use it as a comfortable bed desk as well as a breakfast tray or standing art desk. The Cooper is adjustable and also comes with a removable stopper. This ensures that all your devices will stay snug and secure, no matter the height you’re working at.
A slide-out tray is included too, which is great for keeping your accessories close at hand and freeing up even more of that huge workspace. When you’re finished using the desk for the day, the whole thing folds up easily. You can then store it discreetly under a sofa, in a cabinet, or in a drawer.
Overall, when it comes to large laptop desks, it’s hard to ignore this product from Cooper. If you’ve got a laptop that’s larger than 16 inches, this is a fantastic option for working from bed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge workspace suitable for large laptops | Desk feet are not as sturdy as some other products |
| Accessories drawer included, and removable stopper | The inside of the drawer is plastic |
| Can be folded and stored away when not in use |
Check out the Cooper PRO Adjustable Laptop Table on Amazon.
Best for Comfort: Sofia + Sam Compact Lap Desk
- Memory foam cushion offers premium comfort
- Lightweight and ideal for 15-inch laptops
- Built-in handle
- Minimalist design
Of course, comfort is a priority when using a laptop desk in bed, so this memory foam option from Sofia + Sam may be the desk of your dreams. Portability hasn’t been forgotten about either. This small desk with a built-in handle is easy to transport to wherever you need that padded comfort. With a width of 17 inches, any laptop that’s 15 inches or under will fit nicely. The desk is rather minimalist, but the high-quality, thick memory foam underneath will cushion your legs for a long time.
This memory foam desk doesn’t come with adjustable heights. But overall, it’s an extremely stable desk that’s great for those who don’t need the functionality of a large desk and want to stay as cozy as possible when using their laptop in bed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very comfortable memory foam cushion | Lack of additional features |
| Lightweight desk for laptops 15 inches and under | The glossy finish may not suit everyone’s taste |
| Built-in handle for portability |
Check out the Sofia + Sam Compact Lap Desk on Amazon.
Number 1 Laptop Desk to Avoid at All Costs
We’ve covered a lot of excellent choices for laptop desks here, but not all of them are created equal. In fact, some can hardly be recommended at all and should be avoided. After all, you don’t want to spend your hard-earned cash on a product that isn’t fit for purpose. One particular laptop desk that doesn’t cut the mustard is the folding lap desk from Mavo Craft. While it’s a good desk on paper, with the extra storage and foldable nature, it doesn’t really hold up in reality. The legs are a little too foldable, which can lead to some precarious situations. One little movement sideways, and whatever was on the desk now isn’t. The desk can’t seem to support much weight either. Many users report it’s not very sturdy, and this can also make the desk collapse.
Since the benefit of a desk is to support your laptop and work supplies with ease and not fold under itself unexpectedly, we have to say that this desk is definitely one to give a miss.
Choosing the Best Laptop Desks for Bed: What to Know
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There are so many things to consider when trying to decide on a new laptop desk. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of important features below.
Size
One of the biggest factors to think about when considering a laptop desk is the size. After all, you won’t get much use out of a desk if your laptop won’t actually fit on it! Luckily, all the desks described here will fit a 15-inch or 13-inch laptop. But if your laptop is 17 inches or larger, it’s smart to go with one of the larger models. Good choices are the LAPGEAR or Cooper desks.
| LAPGEAR | HUANUO | Nnewvante | Cooper | Sofia + Sam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.75 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep | 11 inches wide, 14.9 inches deep | 23.63 inches wide, 15.75 inches deep | 23.62 inches wide, 17.72 inches deep | 17 inches wide, 12.5 inches deep |
Functionality
Everyone has a different system for work or play, as well as their favorite accessories they just can’t do without. Many desks come with a handy pullout drawer to keep bits and bobs nearby, like the Nnewvante and Cooper Desks. Some even have a hidden compartment for extra storage, such as the desk from HUANUO. The elastic band of the LAPGEAR is great for keeping documents secure, and the phone slot is useful if your smartphone is essential. Keeping your phone well away from your workspace may be a necessity for others, though. Really consider your personal needs to help decide what extras you can and can’t do without.
Price
The cost of a laptop desk is by no means insignificant, especially if you’re going for a higher-quality model. Even those of us who aren’t as budget-conscious will want to get the best deal. We can’t fault the Sofia + Sam or HUANUO desks for their affordability. But they are relatively basic models compared to the others on offer. The relatively low price point of the LAPGEAR is one of the many reasons that it’s our standout model. It can be a smart idea to invest in a slightly pricier model, however. These will stand the test of time a lot better than a budget option. If design quality is a priority for you, the Nnewvante bamboo desk is a wonderful example of natural craftsmanship done right.
Portability
While the main reason for getting a laptop desk is so that you can work comfortably from your bed or sofa, having a portable desk is great if you often move from one location to another. This will help you get the most bang for your buck. You can keep using your trusty desk wherever you are. The two biggest factors that determine how portable a desk is are its size and weight. As you could expect, generally, a larger desk is heavier than a smaller model. But for comparison’s sake, we’ve included the sizes and weights of these desks in the table below.
| Dimension | LAPGEAR | HUANUO | Nnewvante | Cooper | Sofia + Sam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 17.75 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep | 11 inches wide, 14.9 inches deep | 23.63 inches wide, 15.75 inches deep | 23.62 inches wide, 17.72 inches deep | 17 inches wide, 12.5 inches deep |
| Weight | 2.33 pounds | 1.04 pounds | 6.95 pounds | 7.7 pounds | 2.5 pounds |
Using a Laptop Desk for Bed: What It’s Like
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If you’ve never used a laptop desk before, it may take a little getting used to. Having a designated surface to prop your laptop on is a bit different from simply relying on your legs! One of the first things you may notice is that your laptop has a lot more ventilation than usual. You probably won’t hear the fan going off as much (or feel as much heat bearing down on your thighs).
In addition to this, you’ll find that you have a much larger space to work with. This is great for keeping important documents nearby, writing supplies, and even your phone if your desk has an integrated slot for it. If your desk has a drawer attached, then you won’t need to bend awkwardly to reach over to your bedside drawer either. This can only be an advantage.
Depending on the model, however, using a laptop desk may be more slippery than placing your computer directly on your lap. Be sure to pick a model that comes with a support ledge and a sturdy surface if this is a concern. But all in all, the benefits of using a laptop desk far outweigh the cons. If you predominantly use your laptop from your bed or sofa, then investing in a desk will pay for itself and then some.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©David MG/Shutterstock.com.
