The Best Lap Desks
Working from bed is probably one of the best things about working from home. Think about it: you can stay in your pajamas all day and get nice and cozy while you take calls and respond to emails. Sounds pretty good, right? That being said, it's important that you have a surface to work on so that you're not straining your neck and upper back while you type. Enter the lap desk, a.k.a. a work-from-home employee's best friend. A lap desk provides a sturdy surface (and some much-needed height) so that you can get your work done from your bed, the couch, or anywhere else in your home. This type of desk also usually has handy, ergonomic features like a cupholder, storage pockets, and even a cushion that conforms to your lap. What are you waiting for? If you are working from home, you need one of the desks on this list.
LapGear Designer Lap Desk
Oh-so-cozy and comfy
As ergonomic and cushy as they come, the LapGear Designer is exceptionally well-constructed, with a perfectly even surface and soft cushion filling that conforms nicely to your lap. Say goodbye to painful back-hunching and wrist-chafing when you invest in this desk. It boasts a spacious, well-ventilated surface and a slot for your phone and other small devices. Plus, this desk is attractively designed with several vibrant pattern options for the cushion.
Pros:
- Holds all cell phones
- Fits up to 15.6-inch laptops
- You get great laptop ventilation
- The cushion filling conforms to your lap
- Available in several cute patterns
Cons:
- While the cell phone holder is certainly functional, it also takes up just a little too much space on the desk
LapGear Home Office Lap Desk
Bring your office home with you
Working from home just got way more exciting. The LapGear Home Office lap desk is one of our favorites thanks to its innovative features and super-comfy, streamlined design. Able to hold most laptops (along with most tablets), this desk boasts a spacious surface with an integrated mouse pad and phone slot, along with a dual-bolster cushion that perfectly contours to your lap so that your wrists and back don’t ache. Simple, classic, and optimally functional — that’s this LapGear desk in a nutshell.
Pros:
- The work surface includes an integrated 5″ x 9″ mouse pad
- A smooth, flat surface allows for proper laptop ventilation (so no overheating)
- Holds all cell phones in a vertical slot
- Comes in several colors
Cons:
- It’s not the best fit if you want to use it on the right side of the couch (as it will bump up against the armrest), so you have to use it either in the middle of the couch or on the left side
Huanuo Laptop Desk
Comfort and stability, for the win
With a roomy work surface and sturdy anti-slip strip, Huanuo’s laptop desk reigns supreme when it comes to workspace protection. Your computer stays completely secure while you type away, and the cushioning system feels comfortable and lightweight on your lap, but not at all flimsy. This desk also has a really sophisticated look to it, with its gleaming brown grain platform and cushy gray foam pad.
Pros:
- Comfy, soft cushion pillow securely conforms to your lap
- Protective anti-slip design, complete with an anti-slip strip and storage pocket
- Comes with a tablet holder, pen holder, and phone holder
- More elegant-looking than most
Cons:
- The surface isn’t totally water-resistant
Rossie Home Media Bed Tray
Large and in charge
Boasting a classic, clean design, the Rossie Home Media Bed Tray is constructed from naturally renewable bamboo materials, making it a great pick for eco-conscious shoppers. It also fits bigger-than-normal laptops, and the contoured front tray lip can be lowered so that you can access the surface easier. You can opt to use the legs or fold them back up into the desk, depending on your preference, and the built-in device ledges on either side provide ample storage possibilities. Plus, this desk is available in four cool shades: Calming Gray, Natural Bamboo, Espresso Bamboo, and Soft White.
Pros:
- Fits bigger laptops than most (up to 17.3-inch laptops and tablets)
- Made from eco-friendly, naturally renewable bamboo
- Holds cell phones of virtually any size
- Has folding legs
- Comes in multiple colors
Cons:
- This desk is a little more spacious than most, so it may not be the exact right size for everyone
Mavo Craft Folding Lap Desk
There's room for all
Equal parts lap desk, breakfast-in-bed table, and serving tray, this cleverly-designed beauty has a hidden secret. Aside from being supremely versatile, it also features a storage compartment underneath the desktop surface. Lift the top up and you’ll find space to store all sorts of things. Whether you decide to stash your pens and Sticky Notes or those delicious snacks you’re protecting, there’s room for it all. To top it off, the desk’s components all collapse to fold flat, making this lap desk one of the most portable ones on the market.
Pros:
- Collapsible design makes it an attractive buy for travelers looking for a portable desk
- Excellent for kids during homework time when they just don’t feel like sitting at a desk
Cons:
- Not the most durable
Saiji Laptop Bed Tray
Life is change
Adjusting this laptop bed tray from Saiji is a total breeze. You can easily customize this desk to your desired posture and feel as comfortable as possible as you work. That’s because there are two auto-lock buttons on each side that easily enable quick changes in height, along with two clamps for adjusting the surface angle. Plus, this desk has legs with five different height settings, so you really get a customized fit. Lightweight and highly portable yet sturdy, this lap desk also has a very spacious work surface with plenty of traction, which helps to prevent things from sliding off.
Pros:
- Auto-lock buttons and clamps allow for the most customized angle possible
- Legs can be set to five different heights
- Made from durable, high-density PVC leather
- The texture allows for strong anti-slip traction
- Contains a storage drawer
- Folds flat into a compact form
Cons:
- On the pricey end of the spectrum
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a lap desk?
If you’re working from home and you don’t have a desk (or you simply prefer working from the couch or your bed), then a lap desk is crucial. These handy desks can be employed in a snap and can genuinely help reduce back and neck pain, providing a comfier day-to-day working experience.
What features should I look for in a lap desk?
Above all, your lap desk should be super-comfortable and functional, not just a trendy piece of décor. Look for a desk that has soft cushioning for your lap, a well-made surface that’s big enough to house your laptop (and then some), and various height levels and adjustable angles, so you get a truly customized fit. It also doesn’t hurt if the materials are eco-friendly and lightweight. Also, storage areas, cupholders, and adjustable legs are definitely icing on the cake.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.