The best lap desks for 2025

The right lap desk can make working from home mean working from the couch, which can be nice when you’re feeling the crunch but don’t want to be feeling a hunch. While typing away from the sofa, bed, or recliner sounds like the ultimate comfort, it can also mean sweaty legs from an overheated laptop, achy wrists, and an increasingly funky posture. That’s where the best lap desks come in—offering a perfect balance of comfort, stability, and ergonomics for wherever you choose to work. While the terms “laptop desks” and “lap desks” are sometimes used interchangeably, laptop desks are any desk that can be used for a laptop, while lap desks are more commonly portable desks or padded surfaces that are meant to be used directly on your lap. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best lap desks on the market—like our best overall, the LAPGEAR—to ensure you can stay as cozy as you are productive.

• Best overall: LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk 
• Best splurge: Arlo Skye The Stowaway Lap Desk
• Best design: Offi Laptop Tray
• Best eco-friendly: Latitude Run Alleyah Rayon from Bamboo Laptop Tray
• Best budget: Honey-Can-Do TBL-02869 Portable Laptop Lap Desk

How we picked the best lap desks

Our list includes options for every preference—whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly choice, a budget-friendly pick, or a sleek, design-forward model. Within those preferences, we looked at materials used, durability, quality, and overall comfort. We gathered suggestions from colleagues who use lap desks, analyzed customer feedback from Reddit, Amazon, and Wayfair, and cross-referenced it all with other recommendations to ensure real-world satisfaction. If a lap desk comes with a higher price tag, it must justify the cost with tangible benefits that enhance user experience.

The best lap desks: Reviews & Recommendations

The proper remote work gear can make all the difference in your productivity. ​​To offer you the most optimized choices to help your efficiency, we evaluated key factors such as design, ergonomics, value for money, and portability to curate a well-rounded selection that caters to diverse needs. While a lap desk won’t offer you the same space as a dedicated workstation, so you can’t take advantage of a desk lamp, etc., the flexibility has its own value.

Best overall: LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk 

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Pros

• Highly rated
• Spacious (fits most laptops up to 15.6″)
• Built-in workspace features
• Laptop overheating protection
• Lightweight and easily portable with handle

Cons

• Phone holder could be larger
• Some phones don’t fit horizontally (such as Samsung Galaxy S10e)
• Not ideal for left-handed customers

Why it made the cut: A perfect balance of comfort, functionality, price point, and thoughtful design features—including a built-in mousepad, wrist rest, and phone holder—make this an ergonomic and versatile choice for any workspace.

Specs

• Material: ‎Foam or Similar Soft Material
• Dimensions: 2.6″D x 21.1″W x 2.6″H
• Weight: 2.8 lbs.

The LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk earned the top spot because it delivers the perfect combination of comfort, functionality, and value. With a spacious work surface, built-in mousepad, cushioned wrist rest, multiple color options, and a convenient phone holder, it meets the needs of a wide range of users, from remote workers to casual loungers and gamers.

Its dual-bolster cushion base provides both stability and airflow, making it comfortable for extended use without grilling your legs or overheating your laptop. It is thoughtfully designed and affordable—and, at less than 3 pounds, easily portable with a handle—making this model stand out as the most well-rounded option. Ratings reflect these findings. With almost 60,000 positive Amazon reviews. In short, the LAPGEAR offers premium features without the premium price tag.

Note that the mousepad has no barrier bar, so you must be mindful when using a mouse that it doesn’t slide off. Some customers also found issues with the size of the phone holder; phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S10e did not fit horizontally, for example. It also seems to be unsuitable for left-handed customers. 

Best splurge: Arlo Skye The Stowaway Lap Desk

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Pros

• Made from premium white oak
• Integrated phone dock for hands-free video calls or entertainment
• High-quality craftsmanship and materials
• Lap desk with storage compartment
• Microbead cushion contours to lap

Cons

• Not suitable for laptops larger than 14”
• Limited color options

Why it made the cut: With a sleek, premium design, high-quality materials, built-in storage, and a free year limited warranty, this is a luxurious yet functional workspace that justifies its higher price tag.

Specs

• Material: Premium white oak melamine veneered 
• Dimensions: 19″ L x 13.5″ W x 3″ H
• Weight: 4 lbs.

The Arlo Skye Stowaway Lap Desk is the epitome of luxury and functionality. It is designed for those who want a sleek, high-end, and refined work-from-home experience that reflects their style as much as their practical needs. Crafted with a premium white oak melamine veneer surface, this lap desk exudes sophistication while providing ample space for laptops up to 14 inches.

Its standout feature is the built-in storage tray, perfect for storing essentials like notebooks, chargers, or accessories. The integrated phone and tablet dock enhances usability, allowing for hands-free use and multitasking during work or entertainment. The microbead cushion base ensures both comfort and stability and contours to the lap so it won’t slip and slide. It only comes in one cushion color (navy), however, and is probably not the best lap desk for laptops larger than 14 inches. 

Best design: Offi Laptop Tray

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Pros

• Made from high-quality birch
• Modern design, sleek
• Built-in side tray table
• Comes in three natural colorways

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavier than others on the list
• No handles for carrying

Why it made the cut: With a sleek, modern aesthetic, high-quality molded birchwood construction, and a seamless blend of form and function, this lap desk is a stylish and practical choice for design-conscious customers.

Specs

• Material: Birchwood
• Dimensions: 8” H X 30” L X 15” D
• Weight: 10 lbs.

The Offi Laptop Tray was chosen as the Best Design for its sleek, modern aesthetic and premium craftsmanship. Made from high-quality birch, it seamlessly blends style and function, making it an elegant addition to any workspace. 

The smooth, curved design provides a comfortable and ergonomic surface, while its minimalist construction ensures durability without unnecessary bulk. However, its premium materials come at a higher price, making it one of the more expensive options on the list. 

Additionally, its solid wood construction makes it heavier than other lap desks at 10 pounds, and the lack of built-in handles can make carrying it less convenient. Despite these drawbacks, its sophisticated look and sturdy build make it the perfect choice for those who prioritize form and function in their workspace.

Best eco-friendly: Latitude Run Alleyah Rayon from Bamboo Laptop Tray

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Pros

• Sustainable bamboo material
• Beautiful design doubles as a ventilation hole
• Adjustable legs for precision height
• Five slots tray tilting angles
• Cup groove

Cons

• No mousepad or wristrest
• Bamboo may not be as durable as other materials

Why it made the cut: Made from sustainably sourced bamboo with a durable yet lightweight design and natural aesthetic, this option offers an eco-friendly alternative without compromising functionality.

Specs

• Material: Bamboo
• Dimensions: 22.83” H X 14.96” L X 2.17” D
• Weight: 6.61 lbs.

Latitude Run Alleyah Rayon from Bamboo Laptop Tray is made from sustainably sourced bamboo construction, offering an environmentally conscious alternative without sacrificing durability or functionality.

The natural bamboo material gives it a stylish, minimalist look while remaining lightweight and sturdy enough for everyday use. Its spacious surface accommodates various laptop sizes, and the built-in ventilation design not only helps with cooling, but it’s adorable! The built-in cup groove is great for doubling as a breakfast tray, and we love that the legs are adjustable for precision height with five slot tray tilting angles for optimal comfort. 

However, its bamboo design, while eco-friendly, may not be as durable as metal or hardwood options over time. Additionally, it lacks extra features like a built-in mousepad or wrist rest, which some users may prefer. 

Best budget: Honey-Can-Do TBL-02869 Portable Laptop Lap Desk

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Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Removable cushion provides comfort
• Carry handle
• Side sleeve for cords

Cons

• Edges are sharp
• No added storage areas for accessories
• Slick surface, slides easily

Why it made the cut: At just around $20, this model made the cut for its affordability, lightweight design, and cushioned comfort, providing a practical and budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

Specs

• Material: Engineered wood
• Dimensions: 23.23″D x 15.75″W x 2.52″H
• Weight: 3.17 lbs.

This portable laptop desk​ was chosen for its affordability, lightweight design, and simple functionality. Despite its lower price point, it offers a spacious work surface that fits most laptops, along with a cushioned bottom for added comfort during extended use.

Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to carry and store, making it a great option for students, travelers, casual users, or anyone needing a no-frills workspace on the go. 

However, the budget-friendly design means it lacks premium features like a built-in mousepad, wrist rest, or storage compartments. Additionally, its materials may not be as durable as higher-end models, and some users found the edges to be sharp. Still, this model provides the best value for those seeking an inexpensive yet functional lap desk.

Things to consider when buying a lap desk

Size

Make sure the lap desk you choose fits your laptop size (13 inches, 15 inches, and so on) and has enough space for a mouse or extra accessories if needed. You may also want to ensure that the size you choose is either small enough to store easily or is a foldable laptop table​ that can be closed and put away when not in use.

Comfort

Look for ergonomic features like wristrests, adjustable angles, and cushioned bottoms to support long hours of use. Taller customers may need an adjustable lap desk for ​additional height options to ensure their posture remains upright and won’t cause strain.

Features

Do you work with a mouse or need a lap desk with storage​ to create a makeshift mini-desk? Built-in mousepads, storage compartments, phone slots, and other features can enhance your work experience and keep all your work essentials in one place.

Materials

The best lap desks come in a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, metal, and soft fabrics. The right material for you depends on your intended use, lifestyle, and ethics. For example, if sustainability is important to you, you may want this eco-friendly bamboo option over a plastic lap desk. 

Use

Looking for a laptop desk for bed? Do you need more of a laptop computer table with all the bells and whistles? ​Whether for work, gaming, or casual browsing, pick a model that aligns with your needs for maximum efficiency. 

Price/Value

Higher-end models should justify their cost with premium materials (like Arlo Skye’s premium white oak model) and thoughtful design. At the same time, budget options should still offer solid durability and ease of use.

FAQs

Final thoughts on selecting the best lap desks

• Best overall: LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk 
• Best splurge: Arlo Skye The Stowaway Lap Desk
• Best design: Offi Laptop Tray
• Best eco-friendly: Latitude Run Alleyah Rayon from Bamboo Laptop Tray
• Best budget: Honey-Can-Do TBL-02869 Portable Laptop Lap Desk

The best lap desks can transform your work-from-home (*cough* Instagram scrolling *cough*) experience, offering better ergonomics, comfort, and convenience. While there are plenty of excellent options to suit different needs and budgets, the LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk stands out as the best overall pick.

With its thoughtful design, built-in mousepad, wrist rest, and phone holder, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort, functionality, and value. No matter your priorities—whether it’s portability, premium materials, sustainability, or extra storage—there’s a lap desk on this list to elevate your work from couch experience.

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