The Best Laptop Cooling Pads: These Coolers Actually Work

High-performance gaming laptops pack a punch, but that power generates significant heat. Untamed heat leads to performance throttling as your system tries to prevent overheating, impacting your gaming experience. A laptop cooling pad offers a simple solution to maintain peak performance by effectively managing these temperatures.

TL;DR – Top Laptop Cooling Pads:

Our Top Pick: IETSGT300 (See it on Amazon!)

Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB (See it on Amazon & Walmart!)

TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler (See it on Amazon!)

Targus Lap Chill Mat (See it on Amazon, Walmart & Target!)

Havit HV-F2056 (See it on Amazon!)

Klim Tempest (See it on Amazon!)

Klim Ultimate (See it on Amazon!)

Miggoing Laptop Table (See it on Amazon!)

Cooler Master NotePal X3 (See it on Amazon!)

Laptop cooling solutions are diverse, ranging from large, RGB-enhanced pads to compact, attachable blowers. While many are affordable, premium models often justify their cost with features like temperature sensors and multiple fans. Our nine picks cater to various needs and preferences, with UK retailer information included.

Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Kegan Mooney, and Georgie Peru

1. IETS GT300: Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad

Powerful cooling via dual high-speed blowers and dust-filtered intake vents. (See it on Amazon!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 2 x 4,500 RPM blowers; Size: 15.75" x 13.7" x 1.97"

Pros: Dual blower fans, dust filters, customizable RGB, wide compatibility. Cons: Large and bulky, limited RGB customization.

This effective cooler, while bulky, boasts a well-designed rubber gasket for optimal cooling. Its high-speed blowers (4,500 RPM) and dust filters make it a reliable choice. It offers adjustable angles and RGB lighting, though USB power adapter is sold separately.

2. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB: Best Laptop Cooling Pad Runner Up

A powerful solution featuring a large 200mm fan for intense cooling during long gaming sessions. (See it on Amazon & Walmart!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 1 x 200mm; Size: 18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83”

Pros: Powerful airflow, adjustable height. Cons: A little clunky.

This cooler utilizes a massive 200mm fan for significant airflow, offering adjustable fan speed and three height settings for ergonomic comfort. While bulky, it supports large laptops up to 19 inches and includes customizable RGB lighting.

3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler: Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad

Five fans (one 140mm and four 70mm) deliver exceptional airflow for intense gaming. (See it on Amazon!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 5; Size: 14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"

Pros: Numerous fans, two USB ports. Cons: Not suitable for larger laptops.

This cooler's five fans provide maximum cooling, complemented by an LCD control panel for adjustable modes and speed display. It features five height adjustments and two USB 2.0 ports for added convenience, but is best suited for laptops up to 15.6 inches.

4. Targus Lap Chill Mat: Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Your Lap

A simple yet effective cooling solution for comfortable lap use. (See it on Amazon, Walmart & Target!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 2; Size: 15" x 11.75" x 1"

Pros: Simple but effective, rubberized grip. Cons: No height adjustment.

This lightweight cooler provides comfortable lap use with its neoprene cushioning and rubberized grip. Its mesh surface and internal chamber enhance airflow, aided by two built-in fans. A four-port USB hub and velcro straps add extra functionality.

5. Havit HV-F2056: Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad

An affordable option with three 120mm fans and dual USB passthrough ports. (See it on Amazon!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 3 x 120mm; Size: 14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"

Pros: Affordable, USB passthrough ports. Cons: Limited to three fans.

This budget-friendly cooler features three 120mm fans for efficient cooling and includes blue LEDs. The dual USB passthrough ports maintain connectivity, making it a value-driven choice.

6. Klim Tempest: Best Portable Laptop Cooler

A portable, high-RPM fan that attaches directly to your laptop's side vent. (See it on Amazon!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 1; Size: 3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"

Pros: Extremely portable, high RPM. Cons: Compatibility limited to laptops with side vents.

This highly portable cooler clamps onto your laptop's side vent, utilizing a powerful 4,000 RPM fan. A built-in temperature sensor allows for manual or automatic operation based on temperature settings. However, compatibility is limited to laptops with suitable side vents.

7. Klim Ultimate: Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

A stylish cooling pad with vibrant RGB lighting and adjustable fan speed. (See it on Amazon!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 1 x 200mm; Size: 16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"

Pros: Extensive RGB customization, adjustable fan speed. Cons: RGB brightness not adjustable.

This cooler features a 200mm fan for efficient cooling, supporting laptops from 11 to 17.3 inches. It offers extensive RGB lighting customization with five effects and seven colors, along with adjustable fan speed. However, RGB brightness is not adjustable.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table: Best Laptop Cooling Stand

A versatile stand that doubles as a cooling pad, perfect for couches or beds. (See it on Amazon!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 2; Size: 16.5" x 10" x 18.9"

Pros: Versatile, sturdy. Cons: Adjustment can be awkward.

This versatile stand offers adjustable height, ideal for use on couches or beds. It includes dual USB-powered fans and ventilation slots for cooling, supporting devices up to 33 pounds. A built-in mouse plate adds extra convenience.

9. Cooler Master NotePal X3: Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Larger Laptops

A large cooling pad with a 200mm blue LED fan, suitable for laptops up to 17 inches. (See it on Amazon!)

Product Specifications: Fans: 1 x 200mm; Size: 15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8”

Pros: Front vent, stylish design. Cons: Quite large.

This stylish cooler features a large 200mm fan with blue LED lighting, supporting laptops up to 17 inches. It offers side-mounted controls, including USB ports and fan speed adjustment, along with two height settings. A front vent provides additional cooling for your hands.

UK Retailers:

Thermaltake Massive 20 (See it on Amazon!)

Klim Ultimate (See it on Amazon!)

TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler (See it on Amazon!)

Targus Lap Chill Mat (See it on Amazon!)

Klim Wind (See it on Amazon!)

Klim Cool+ (See it on Amazon!)

Selection Methodology: Our selection process combines hands-on testing, expert reviews, and extensive user feedback to ensure we recommend only the most effective and reliable laptop cooling pads.

FAQs:

Do laptop cooling pads really work? Yes, they can prevent overheating and extend your laptop's lifespan, particularly for extended use. However, effectiveness varies depending on the pad's design and fan power.

Do laptop cooling pads improve performance? They can, especially if your laptop experiences thermal throttling. Monitor your CPU and GPU performance using system monitoring software or 3DMark to determine if a cooling pad could benefit you.

How well do laptop cooling pads work? Effectiveness depends on the pad and your laptop. High-quality pads can lower temperatures by 5° to 10° Celsius or more.