At over 40cm wide, it’s big enough to accommodate 13 and 14in laptops with ease, while its non-skid feet ensure it won’t move around on your desk once in place. Laptop stands don’t have to be ugly, as Rain Design’s minimalist mStand360 proves. Made from a single sheet of aluminium, this stand “conforms to all economic guidelines” and has been designed to function with all sizes of Apple MacBook, which effectively means it will work with any size of non-Apple laptop too. The platform has an elevation of 15cm (5.9in) and a slight tilt that improves air circulation around your laptop’s base. Best of all, the m360 can swivel through (you guessed it) 360 degrees, which comes in incredibly handy whenever you need to show your colleagues what’s on your screen. For starters, find out the weight of your laptop as this will give you a better idea of which types of stands you can use. While lighter laptops and ultrabooks will pair well with portable laptop stands, bigger business laptops or even mobile workstations are best used with a heavier and more durable laptop stand. The ParcSlope is a space-efficient laptop stand specifically designed for use with MacBooks and iPads and, after using it, we never want to work with our laptop flat on the desk again. Every aspect of its minimalist design serves a practical function. It tilts your keyboard at an 18-degree angle, which is ideal for typing, and although the 7cm elevation may not seem like much, it provides a very comfortable viewing angle and improves airflow to the base of your device. It’s also low enough to ensure you can still see an external monitor positioned behind it, which is a bonus.

Just as laptops come in various sizes and form factors, so do laptop stands. Some are designed to be stationary and are meant for more permanent setups at your home or office, while others can be folded up and taken with you so you can work comfortably from anywhere. Moft is known for its origami-based designs, which you can tell by looking at this folding desk mat. It's a convenient work companion—at just shy of 20 inches long and magnetic, it can balance your laptop with room to snap on your phone to the wireless charger and keep a to-do list in view with its memo holders. Although relatively limited compared to other options on this list, the Oripura laptop stand sets itself apart by only using recyclable materials in its construction. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your working accessories, the focus on sustainability could make this your ideal laptop stand. I've been using this Superjare laptop stand on and off for a few years, and even after testing all the others for this guide, it's still one of my favorites. It's made of particleboard, but it's strong enough to hold my monitor and laptop. It's a nice break from industrial-looking metal stands. It's also really affordable! Key specs – Weight: Not specified; Size: 16 x 29 x 28cm; Adjustable? No; Materials: 100% recyclable materials (not specified)Laptop stands let your machine breathe more easily, making it less likely to suffer from thermal throttling. A lot of stands use conductive materials that draw heat away from the laptop, which will make it more efficient too. And if your laptop is still too hot to handle you can opt for a powered laptop stand with built-in cooling fans. If cooling capabilities are high on your priority list, you will want to take a look at our rundown of the best laptop cooling pads. How much should I spend on a laptop stand? Though slim and light, its carbon fiber frame holds laptops weighing up to an impressive 8kg, while the rubber feet prevent the stand from slipping on desk surfaces. With seven levels of elevation to choose from, there’s no need to hunch ever again. The stand offers a choice of five tilt positions to ensure you maintain good posture by having your laptop’s screen at eye level and it’s a breeze to switch between the various viewing angles. When not in use, the stand collapses down to roughly the size of an A4 piece of paper, making it particularly easy to transport in a bag or store away. But what really sets this laptop stand apart are two USB-powered fans located within the tray, which provide your laptop with a continuous stream of air, helping keep it cool. It also features a removable mouse board that can double up as a makeshift beverage holder perfect for a cuppa while you’re working.

It may not be the most eye-catching entry on the list but if you’re after the most cost-effective way of improving your viewing angle while working on your laptop, this is it. Purchasing the best laptop stand available is the simplest way to ensure better posture while you’re sat staring at a screen all day long.Key specs – Weight: 500g; Size: 17 x 28 x 26cm; Adjustable? Yes, height/angle; Materials: High-impact polystyrene We assess the build quality of each stand by pushing it to its physical limits without actively seeking to break it and test how stable it is on a hard, flat surface. If the stand can be adjusted, we’ll put it through its paces at every available viewing angle and position, using various sizes of laptops to ensure that a stand is suitable for the range of laptops it’s stated to be compatible with.