Laptop gaming on the couch is comfortable and all, but it's not good for your back or wrists. The same goes for trying to put in a few extra hours of work while sitting up in bed. Working, gaming, reading, and writing away from your workstation is easier on your body when you use a lap desk. Whatever your needs, we have a lap desk that will fit the bill and your budget.
Mind Reader adjustable desk
Budget pick
The Mind Reader lap desk is a budget-priced offering with a few expensive-feeling surprises. The desk adjusts to eight positions for optimal viewing, is large enough to support a laptop up to 15.6 inches, and folds down flat for storage and travel.
Pros:
- Great low price
- Eight viewing angles
- Folds flat for travel
Cons:
- Won't support laptops over 15.6 inches
This lap desk is made for comfort. The cushions that sit on your lap distribute weight evenly, conforming to any shape to keep laps happy. And the adjustable work surface inclines so your keyboard and screen are at the perfect angle. There's also a carry handle and a small clip that holds laptops, tablets, or books in place. This whole setup feels a little bulky, but it's well-made, and the oversized design is just right for those with larger laptops.
Avantree adjustable lap desk
Go from sitting to standing
This clever desk does it all! The large surface can support a 17-inch laptop plus pens, pencils, a mouse, and other necessities.
Pros:
- Large surface area
- Adjustable height
- Swivels to both sides
Cons:
- Complicated to adjust
This smartly-built desk can be adapted for a multitude of activities and works with all age groups thanks to its height-adjustable height frame. The legs can be raised to work on a flat surface or retracted to work on a couch. Auto-lock buttons hold the desk firmly in place and can be released and readjusted as needed. The unique swivel tabletop can also be adjusted, so you can create the right angle to use as an ergonomically-friendly standing desk.
Please note there's a bit of a learning curve when it comes to engaging the height-adjustable feature, so younger kids may need some assistance at first. This lap desk from Avantree comes in two colors and is perfect for everyone in the family.
Honey-Can-Do portable desk
Simplicity and convenience
The lap desk from Honey-Can-Do has a smooth surface on top that's suitable for holding your laptop, tablet, or even for writing letters. Unlike other plastic lap desks, it does not absorb heat, so you can work as long as you like.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Built-in cord protector
- Multiple color choices
Cons:
- Does not support optical mouse
This lap desk will comfortably fit a 13-inch laptop with enough room to spare for a mouse or small writing tablet. The built-in handle and flat style (sans removable cushion) are fantastic for travel. But when comfort is key, attach the removable foam pad to the underside to give your legs a bit of cushioning. There's also a cord protector at the back of the cushion to help prevent cord tangles and keep your AC cord out of the way.
Please note that the reflective surface on the Honey-Can-Do has some issues with optical mice. They simply don't track well. If you can live with that, this model comes in several color choices and is worth every penny.
Nnewvante lap desk
Stylish and sturdy
This all-wood model works as a laptop desk, dinner tray, makeshift easel, kids creativity center, reading table, writing table, and has hundreds of other uses.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly materials
- All-wood construction
- Versatile
Cons:
- It's heavy
This wooden wonder is height and width adjustable, comes with a removable baffle (added to prevent books, laptops, and writing utensils from sliding off), tilts to any angle needed, and has a storage drawer. (The top is a little slippery, so you may have trouble writing when not using the baffle.) This portable lap desk can fit a 15-inch laptop and a writing tablet or mouse, and because it's wooden, it absorbs heat naturally so your lap and laptop never get hot.
ECR4Kids The Surf portable lap desk
Unique anywhere design
The ECR4Kids is a mobile desk for those six and up. It is lightweight enough for kids to carry from place to place, and units can be stacked together to save space. Using this desk, kids can construct work or play space in any room of the house or even outside.
Pros:
- Easy for kids to use and carry
- Lightweight and portable
- Stackable
Cons:
- Will not stand alone
This go-anywhere desk has plenty of room for creative activities and studies. The design is both a seat and a desk. Kids must sit on the chair for the attached desk to remain upright. This design is both a genius and problematic because this desk doesn't stay in place unless the child remains seated on the base. All in all, this is a stackable, durable, and spacious workspace for kids that your family will love.
Sofia + Sam oversized lap desk
It's lit
This portable workspace from Sofia + Sam is backed with furniture-grade memory foam, so it always sits evenly and comfortably on your thighs and never feels tippy or unstable. And there's enough real estate to accommodate a 20-inch laptop and still have room to spare for a mouse.
Pros:
- Lined with memory foam
- Large enough for big laptops
- Lamp included
Cons:
- It's heavy
This lap desk is a tough and stable selection you'll be happy to work on anywhere. It has a wide desktop and cushy foam that offers all the comforts of a proper workspace. There's even a detachable USB light that sits in the upper right-hand corner and it's powered by replaceable batteries or the USB port in your laptop. The lamp gives off just the right amount of light for crafting, tackling paperwork, reading, or pecking away on your keyboard. If that isn't enough, this lap desk also includes memory foam wrist support and a handle for portability. The only downside is that it's a bit heavy, but that helps it feel more stable overall.
The versatile workspace
You can work or create from anywhere with the best lap desk. It's just a matter of choosing the one that best works for you. We appreciate the Mind Reader for its comfortable design and reasonable price tag. This one is well-made and versatile for many situations.
If you're looking for a lap desk for kids, something simpler is probably in order. The ECR4Kids The Surf portable lap desk is lightweight and easy for even small children to use. You'll want to think about where you use your laptop and how you use it before you decide which lap desk to choose.
Why trust us?
At TheRadar, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
