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Feb 28, 2024

The 6 Best Lap Desks in 2023

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Commonly used in bed or on the couch, particularly by those who work from home, a lap desk is a work surface that

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Commonly used in bed or on the couch, particularly by those who work from home, a lap desk is a work surface that you can use directly on your lap. If you're looking to move away from your desk and to find a comfier space to work, whether it's to the recliner or outside, a lap desk can give you that versatility.

To help find the best lap desks, I spoke to two experts: orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo, and Kristine Thebado, Senior Director, DMM (divisional merchandising manager) for Staples U.S. Retail. Both Dr. Sforzo and Thebado recommend considering your needs before purchasing a lap desk. Some common needs include comfort, a specific incline height, and space to accommodate various devices.

Many people also choose to purchase a lap desk after finding that they get very hot using their laptop directly on their lap. Lap desks are a great tool to keep your laptop from overheating, help them function properly, and save the battery, Thebado said. "A lap desk also aids in avoiding direct contact with your body.

Best overall: LapGear Designer Lap Desk - See at AmazonWith a phone holder, a device ledge, and a strap for small objects or notes, the LapGear Designer Lap Desk checks all the boxes for a great lap desk at an affordable price.

Best value: Wishacc Oversized Lap Desk - See at AmazonThe Wishacc Oversized Lap Desk is big enough for 17-inch laptops, which is bigger than any other lap desk on our list.

Best for laptop and mouse use: LapGear Home Office Lap Desk with Device Ledge - See at AmazonWith a built-in mouse pad and dual bolsters, the LapGear Home Office Lap Desk with Device Ledge will keep your workspace functional and comfortable.

Best for bed: HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk - See at AmazonA versatile option, the HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk can adjust to eight different angles, including flat.

Best with storage: Pottery Barn Teen Super Storage Lap Desk - See at Pottery Barn TeenThere's plenty of room to store your supplies in the three storage compartments underneath the wood work surface of the Pottery Barn Teen Super Storage Lap Desk.

Best splurge: Arlo Skye The Lap Desk - See at Arlo SkyeA sleek option that even includes cord management, Arlo Skye's The Lap Desk is a good pick for those who use a lap desk more than a traditional desk.

Pros: Includes a phone holder, device ledge, and small item strap; inexpensive

Cons: No airflow in cushion

The LapGear Designer Lap Desk works for most people's basic needs, and it's available at an affordable price point. The desk includes a phone holder, a device ledge, and a strap for small objects or notes. This is just enough to organize all your essentials without letting your workspace get overcrowded.

The lap desk measures 17.75 x 13.75 inches, and it's designed to fit laptops up to 15.6 inches. The bottom cushion is available in various patterns and designs. The cushion is made of conforming microbeads, providing a comfortable feel for your lap. It also has a carrying handle so you can easily bring it with you on the go.

Thebado calls this lap desk one of her all-time favorites. "It offers everything a good lap desk should have with a slot for my cell phone, a stopper in the front to keep my laptop in place, and a little elastic band to keep other items secured. There is nothing worse than a loose pen staining the couch." she says.

If you're looking for something simple and functional with just the right amount of features, the LapGear Designer Lap Desk is an ideal pick.

Pros: Large workspace with room for a mouse, device ledge, phone holder

Cons: Only one color option

Similar to our top pick in features, the Wishacc Oversized Lap Desk gives you a large lap desk at a value price. The desk measures 21.1 x 12.9 inches; the wider work surface can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches while still leaving room for a mouse.

A device ledge keeps the computer from sliding off, and the desk also has a small item velcro strap and a phone holder. The surface is made of bamboo wood, and the cushioned bottom has adjustable bolster pillows, which gives the desk some versatility.

Being a value pick, you'll have to settle with only one color and design option. However, if you're looking for something functional and don't necessarily need it to match your decor or come in your favorite color, this lap desk will do the job.

Pros: Built-in mouse pad, includes device ledge and phone holder, dual bolsters

Cons: Mouse pad is slippery, according to reviewers

Many people who are shopping for a lap desk intend to use it with a laptop, but not all laptop desks are designed specifically with laptop users in mind. If you plan on using your lap desk solely for laptop use, particularly if you like to use a mouse with your laptop, check out the LapGear Home Office Lap Desk with Device Ledge.

The lap desk features a device ledge, a mouse pad, and a phone holder. It also has dual bolster microbead cushions, which is ideal for reducing heat on your lap. Dr. Sforzo cautioned that lap desks can get uncomfortable if you use them for extended periods due to the heat that can accumulate. The dual bolster, however, can help combat that problem. It may also add some stability that lap desks sometimes lack.

The desk is 21.1 x 12 inches and is designed to fit 15.6 inch laptops. It also comes with a carrying handle and is available in multiple different designs to suit your preference.

Pros: Adjusts to different angles, dual bolsters

Cons: Smaller than some of the other options, few extra features

Ideal if you need an angled workspace, the HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk adjusts to eight different angles. You can also make the desk completely flat. If you'll be shifting positions in bed or moving your lap desk to different locations, this versatile desk can adjust for various different needs. Use the built-in carrying handle as you take your desk from one place to the next.

Like the LapGear Home Office Lap Desk, it has dual bolsters that may add stability and increase airflow to your lap. It measures 14.8 x 11 inches and can accommodate laptops with screens up to 15.6 inches. Aside from being adjustable, it doesn't have too many extra features on the surface, but it does include a device ledge. It's also available in two color options.

Thebado recommends considering where and how you'll use your lap desk before purchasing. "You want to make sure you have the appropriate amount of height from your lap to your desk that is best for your needs and comfort levels," she says. With the HUANUO Adjustable Lap Desk, you'll be able to use the desk in a variety of settings and ways due to the ability to adjust the work surface.

Pros: Large storage space, many design options

Cons: No airflow in cushion

Not just for teens, the Pottery Barn Teen Super Storage Lap Desk can help you organize all of your school supplies or office items. Perhaps the most exciting feature: it's available in various designs including Harry Potter, MLB, and NFL themes.

The storage inside the desk is divided into three compartments. The small compartment is 5.5 inches wide by 3.75 inches deep, the medium compartment is 5.75 inches wide by 5.5 inches deep, and the large compartment is 10 inches wide by 10 inches deep. The overall dimensions of the desk are 17 x 13 inches.

You'll find a device ledge on the wooden work surface which slides off to reveal the storage. The desk has a plush cushion under the storage compartment, and it also has a carrying handle for convenient transportation.

Pros: Can angle work surface, built-in storage, cord management

Cons: Pricey, only one design option

As someone who works from home, I know how important a good lap desk can be, so I understand why you might want to splurge on your purchase. Arlo Skye's The Lap Desk is sleek, functional, and just what you need if your desk is more often on your bed or sofa than it is in your home office.

The surface of the lap desk includes a phone and tablet mount, and the white oak work surface can be flat or angled. Unfortunately, the desk is only available in one color option. The desk includes a built-in storage tray that is large enough to store tablets and laptops up to 15 inches inside. A cutout leading to the storage area also helps with cord management.

There is a microbead cushion under the 19 x 13.5 inch lap desk. The notch you use to reveal the storage area can also be used as a carrying handle, making the desk easily portable.

When searching for a lap desk, it's most important to first think about what features are most important to you. Here are some features to keep in mind:

Dr. Sforzo explained that a lap desk can help elevate your work surface, which can improve your posture. However, he cautioned against solely relying on a lap desk because it's not a proper ergonomic setup. "If you spend a lot of time working at a desk, investing in a comfortable chair and a desk that is the appropriate height for you is important. Additionally, taking breaks to stretch and move around can help prevent discomfort and injury," he explained.

If you're going to spend any amount of time working from your bed, couch, or bean bag chair, though, a quality lap desk can certainly elevate your experience.

If you want to work from the couch or bed, a lap desk can make things easier and more comfortable. According to Thebado, "When people come to Staples looking for a lap desk the big thing they are looking for is an ergonomic solution, simply put, they want to be comfortable when working from the couch, or even their bed."

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