Even the best laptop isn’t designed in an ergonomic manner, but you can overcome that problem by using a laptop stand. As simple as it sounds, instead of placing your laptop on your desk, you put it on your laptop stand and adjust the height of your laptop so you can look straight ahead at the screen instead of bending your neck or hunching your shoulders. Some laptop stands are set in one place, while others are adjustable. They can raise your laptop from 4.7 to 20 inches off your desk. In addition to allowing you to work in an ergonomic manner, they can also give you additional real estate on your desk, which can be especially helpful if you have a small workspace. And, because your laptop is no longer sitting on a hard surface, it will get better airflow, which could keep it from overheating. Also: The 5 best laptop cooling pads So, what’s the best laptop stand for students? Read on for ZDNET’s top five. Also: Best laptop
Package dimensions: 12.71 x 12.01 x 2.72 inchesPlatform dimensions: 11 x 9.5 inchesBase dimensions: 7.5 x 10.5 inchesWeight: 4.38lbsCompatible with laptops sized: 10 to 17 inches
The UPRYZE Ergonomic Laptop Stand is easily adjustable and can be used whether you’re sitting or standing. It can reach a height of 20 inches. When placed on top of a desk with a standard height of 30 inches, this laptop stand has a total height of over four feet. That makes it perfect when you have to stand to deliver an in-person presentation. If you like to alternate between sitting and standing while you work, but you don’t want to buy a standing desk, this laptop stand has you covered. You can also close it to a flat position to carry it in your bag along with your laptop. But, while it’s easy to adjust the stand to your perfect vantage point, it is sturdy and can support the weight of multiple laptops.
Package dimensions: 19.02 x 19.02 x 5 inchesPlatform dimensions: 14 x 11.8 inchesPole height: 17.7 inchesWeight: 11.75lbsWeight capacity: 22lbsCompatible with laptops sized: Up to 17 inches in screen size
If you want to set up your laptop in a more permanent spot on your desk, the Mount-It! Laptop Desk Mount may be the way to go. Using either the C-clamp or grommet, you attach the laptop stand to your desk. The pole reaches a height of 17.7 inches and your laptop can be adjusted up or down the pole, allowing you to place it at the best spot for your eye level. On a standard desk with a height of 30 inches, your laptop screen can come close to a height of four feet. The stand’s arm can swivel 360 degrees, making it easy for you to share your screen with someone else. The pole has an integrated cable management design, which can help you keep your space clean and the cables organized. Since the only part of the stand touching your desk is the C-clamp, you’ll have additional surface space on your desk. Also: The 10 best Windows laptops
Dimensions: 10.63 x 10.63 x 10.63 inchesHeight: 4.7 to 6.69 inchesWeight: 1.39 lbsWeight capacity: 44 lbsCompatible with laptops sized: 10 to 15.6 inches
Made with a solid plastic body, the Besign Adjustable Laptop Stand is designed with a triangular structure to provide maximum stability and can support laptops weighing up to 44 lbs. It has eight preset angles, with its height adjusting from 4.7 inches to 6.69 inches. With rubber pads on the top and bottom of the platform, your laptop will be secured in place without worrying about it getting any scratches. Weighing only 1.39 lbs, it’s easy to carry it in your laptop bag to use when on the go. The Besign Adjustable Laptop Stand comes with a fold-out stand to prop up your mobile device.
Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.9 x 5 inchesHeight: 6 inchesWeight: 2.15 lbsCompatible with laptops sized: 10 to 15.6 inches
Made of thickened aluminum alloy, the Soundance Laptop Stand is the most sturdy stand on the list. It raises your laptop six inches off your desk; however, the height and angle cannot be adjusted. It can be disassembled into three parts so you can pack it up and carry it with your laptop in your bag.
Platform dimensions: 15.04 x11.14 x 0.4 inchesHeight: 17.7 to 47.2 inchesWeight: 5.9 lbsWeight capacity: 15 lbs
Designed to be used independent of a desk, the Holdoor Projector Stand Laptop Tripod Stand is a versatile tool that can be used for laptops, projectors and other electronic equipment. It’s great when you need to give a presentation or simply set up a workstation in a small space. The platform can rotate 180 degrees. It comes with a gooseneck and phone holder so you can attach your mobile device to the side of the platform. It also comes with its own carrying case, making it extremely portable. You may want to alternate between sitting and standing at your desk. If that’s the case, you’ll need a laptop stand that can adjust to a height that will keep your laptop at eye level when you’re standing. You may just want to raise your laptop off your desk or have a more permanent solution. This may entail freeing space underneath your laptop without needing to make further adjustments. Or you may need a laptop stand that’s versatile enough for in-person presentations. Once you determine how you’ll be using your laptop stand, you’ll be able to make the best selection to suit your needs. I also looked for laptop stands that would match the varying ways you might want to use them, knowing that some people don’t touch them once they’re set up, while other people take them with them when they’re traveling and still others need them for presentations. They can also free up space on your desk, which is particularly helpful if you have a small workspace. Additionally, depending on which laptop stand you choose, you may be able to adjust it to a standing height without having to buy an adjustable desk.
