The Best Laptop Risers
If you're used to spending long working hours in front of your laptop, at some point you've likely experienced the inevitable back pain associated with poor posture. As for any prolonged activity, it's important to consider our posture. By doing so, we can avoid the discomfort that can eventually result in chronic pain or injury. Laptop risers provide an optimized solution to the poor posture that can naturally result from using a laptop on a flat desk surface. By elevating the screen and inclining your device's interfaces, you can improve your posture and do away with that crick in your neck at the end of the day. As we searched for the best laptop risers we could find, we had three questions in mind: Has this riser been carefully engineered to encourage ideal posture? Is it adjustable to suit a range of desk spaces? Is it compact and portable making it easy to carry on the go? We love the sturdy and dependable build quality of the Soundance riser, which is sure to hold your device securely in place. Better yet, this riser can be dismantled into a relatively compact form. Still, its fixed frame means it can't be adjusted to account for differing workspaces. For a truly adaptable travel companion, check out the foldable and adjustable stand from Suturun. Read on below to find the best laptop risers we've had our eyes on, just for you.
Soundance Aluminium Computer Riser
Optimized dimensions
Elevate your workflow with this ergonomic and dependable office addition. A sturdy aluminum frame geometry ensures your device is safely suspended at the optimized working angle. This spacious base will effortlessly support laptops from 10 to 15.6 inches in size on its anti-slip pads. Indeed, this is a versatile option for all but the largest models. The dual-arm support facilitates uncompromised airflow to your computer’s fans, so you can ensure optimum performance when pushing your hardware to the limit.
Pros:
- Openings on each of the rear vertical supports are designed for cable management.
- This frame can be quickly dismantled for convenient transport and storage.
- A subtle angle of incline offers a comfortable placement for your wrists when navigating both keyboard and trackpad.
Cons:
- This stand might not provide enough additional height when used on some desks.
Nulaxy C3 Laptop Stand
Durable balance
If your laptop is brimming with high-end graphics hardware or it’s just a clunky older model, you might be looking for an option that can sturdily support a heftier weight. This rugged riser from Nulaxy uses a durable aluminum alloy to provide a lightweight riser solution for laptops of up to 22 pounds, so you’re sure to be covered for all but the most antiquated devices. Better yet, its sleek and stylish design comes at a budget-friendly price.
Pros:
- Clever installation geometry will see you assembling or dismantling this stand in just one easy step.
- A 7-inch vertical clearance means that this stand can be used comfortably with a keyboard placed underneath, making it well-suited to smaller-sized desks.
- The open-back design offers maximal heat dissipation to your device.
Cons:
- Despite an easy setup time, the large components mean that this option isn’t very compact when disassembled.
Suturun Portable Laptop Stand
While some of us spend our working hours at a familiar desk, many jobs require us to be flexible with our workspaces. Whether or not you consider yourself a digital nomad, you might still enjoy harnessing the portable affordances a laptop brings. If mobility is your priority, this folding riser is the ideal travel companion. This 9.4- by 10.4-inch base packs down flat for easy storage in a laptop case, so you can set up a comfortable working session wherever you roam.
Pros:
- Freely adjustable arms allow you to angle this stand to your choosing, with continuous positioning from 0° to 90°.
- It’s compatible with laptops from 10 to 15.6 inches in size, so most models will fit nicely.
- The scratch- and rust-resistant outer coat gives this stand strong durability against the inevitable knocks of daily use.
Cons:
- The tradeoff for increased adjustability is a compromise on maximum load for this stand, which can only support laptops up to 13 pounds.
Leeboom Foldable Portable Notebook Holder
Travel light
Backpacks can easily become overloaded when you need to carry additional hardware with you to assemble your portable workspace. If you crave the ergonomic benefits of a laptop riser without bulky dimensions and weight, this discreet foldable stand is a winner. Weighing in at a delicate 0.6 pounds, you’ll barely notice its additional mass on your commute. Adjustable legs at the rear facilitate elevation angles ranging from 15° to 45°, so you can adjust your position easily when faced with an unfamiliar desk.
Pros:
- Despite slim proportions, the smart geometry of this design means it can support devices up to a staggering 88 pounds.
- A handy drawstring bag is included with this stand, so you can store it neatly away once fully folded.
- Anti-slip pads on the rear will hold your device secure, and save your desktop from scratches and perforation.
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a riser that elevates your entire laptop above desk level, this angled option isn’t for you.
Huano Laptop Shelf
A straightforward solution
Office ergonomic design can seem pretty complex, but we just need a basic and dependable solution that won’t break the bank. This plain and simple laptop shelf from Huano elevates devices four inches from your desktop to align screens comfortably with eye level. Better yet, the sturdy metal frame can comfortably support up to 44 pounds in weight, so it can also double as a desktop shelf for monitors, printers, and other bulky hardware.
Pros:
- We appreciate the airflow on the mounting platform. They do a fantastic job of increasing airflow to help keep your device running smoothly.
- These units are stackable, and they can be combined to provide a nifty modular desk shelving solution.
- Four inches of vertical clearance gives plenty of space to comfortably operate a keyboard from beneath.
Cons:
- This shelf can’t be angled, so it isn’t as comfortable as some other options if you plan to use your laptop’s inbuilt keyboard and trackpad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the optimal screen height for my laptop?
When placed flat on a desktop our laptops can encourage us to hunch over unnaturally, putting strain on our upper back. Ideal posture can be encouraged by elevating your device so that the top of the screen is at eye level.
What other uses are there for a laptop riser?
If you’re not already convinced by the benefits a laptop riser can bring to your posture, you’ll be amazed by the versatility and adaptability of these gadgets. Designs with a shelf form can be used with equal effectiveness in elevating devices like tablets, smartphones, keyboards, graphics pads, and MIDI interfaces, easing manual operation and reducing strain during longer sessions. They’re not just for the digital domain either, we found that library dwellers and researchers could benefit from using these stands to raise open books during long reading sessions.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
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.