Best Lap Desk

Last Updated: Apr 6, 2023 @ 2:24 pm.

Best Lap Desk for Laptop: LapGear Home Office Lap Desk

When it came to the best lap desk for laptops, we looked for several key features: lightweight, comfortable cushions and a channel for air circulation (some laptops can get rather hot!).

We tried out several brands that were favorites among our parent readers before deciding LapGear’s Home Office Lap Desk is the best bet. It’s excellent for use on a couch or semi-reclined chair—plus the integrated mouse pad lets you use a real mouse (instead of your laptop’s track pad—that is more preferable for longer term use, in our opinion).

Here’s more on why this is a best bet:

What We Liked

• Lightweight! At 2.2 lbs., we thought this lap desk struck the right balance between sturdiness and light weight.

• Very comfortable.

• Two different size cushions—the larger one is for your knees; the thinner version is for your thighs. This provides the desk’s slight incline.

• Carry handle.

• Ledge to keep books or laptop from slipping.

• Channel (between cushions) allows for air circulation.

• Phone slot.

• Works for laptops up to 15.6.”

• Integrated mouse pad.

What Needs Work

• Phone holder slot could be somewhat deeper to better hold today’s bigger phones.

• No wrist cushion. Cushioning is helpful for gamers . . . if you want a lap desk with this feature, we’d recommend the next pick in this article!

Best Lap Desk for Bed: HUANUO Lap Laptop Desk

The anti-slip padded wrist cushion made this lap desk one of our favorites—we thought it worked very well in bed. Gamers also like the additional ergonomic boost of the wrist pad.

Yes, it is a bit pricey, but we found it very comfortable. Although this desk is pitched for lap tops, we thought it would work well for writing and drawing as well.

What We Liked

• Side storage pockets.

• Works up to 15.6″ laptops—but only up to 14″ if you want room for a mouse.

• Lightweight at 2.86 lbs.

• Solid wedge support is comfortable.

• Carry handle.

• Great for typing or drawing!

• Ergonomic wrist cushion.

What Needs Work

• Not everyone likes the ergonomic wrist cushion. Some folks think it is uncomfortable.

• No integrated mouse pad.

• Slippery surface.

• Pricey.

Best Budget-Friendly: Mind Reader LTADJUST-BLK Adjustable Portable 8 Position Lap Top Desk

Yes, this is our pick for budget-friendly lap desk, but that doesn’t mean you sacrifice adjustability—in fact, you can adjust the angle of your laptop in 8 positions. That’s more than other lap desks that cost twice as much!

We loved this lap desk’s simple, comfy design . . . at a price that is easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Works with laptops up to 15.6″ (but no room for a mouse).

• Comfy cushions have bean bag like filling.

• 8 angles of adjustment.

• Pop-up lip keeps items from slipping.

What Needs Work

• Mostly plastic.

• Not as sturdy as others. We think it worked fine, but some folks think it could be better in this regard.

• Smaller than other lap desks. We think that could be a plus or minus, depending on your point of view!

Best Lap Desk For Kids: Sofia + Sam Multi Tasking Laptop Bed Tray

Lap desks come in two basic varieties: those with cushions and those without. The latter are wood tables with legs. After surveying our readers and testing out both types with kiddos, we think the wood table lap desks are better for kids.

Why?

Well, kids laps can range widely from child to child—most lap desks with cushions are sized more for adults (or teens) than kids.

Wood table lap desks avoid that problem—a child’s legs just slide under the table.

For the best lap desk for kids, we think Sofia + Sam’s Multi Tasking Laptop Bed Tray is the best bet for most children. Here’s why:

What We Liked

• Storage drawer for supplies.

• Easy to use.

• Adjustable table top. Yes, you change the angle, which is most helpful.

• Stopper keeps books or computers from slipping.

• Separate mouse pad area.

• Two slots: one for tablets and another for phones.

What Needs Work

• Legs don’t lock open. That means it can collapse if your child isn’t careful. In real world testing, we didn’t think this was a big drawback . . . but something to be aware of!

• Works better for beds than couches. But then again, most kids are using it on a bed or floor, not a couch in our experience!

• Pricey.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!