Heat and computers do not play well together. Laptop cooling pads were developed to combat complications brought about via high temperatures. As your computer works harder, it gets hotter. The more overheating, the sooner you will be searching for a new, replacement computer.
Sometimes your laptop can get so hot that working with the computer on your lap becomes uncomfortable or even dangerous. A laptop cooling pad promotes good airflow around and through your laptop.
Ideally, the best laptop cooling pads have multiple, built-in fans, are lightweight, do not generate much sound, and have adjustable height settings. Not only do these pads cool your computer, they boost the ergonomics of your computer to boost efficiency and comfort.
Some laptops such as those used for gaming or other high-end computing require extra fans or higher fan speeds to sufficiently cool the inside of your computer. In spite of the different components of a cooling pad, you will be glad to know that a pad is relatively inexpensive. On average, it costs about $20 to $30 to cool your computer to avoid overheating and shut downs.
As you can see, airflow is vital to the proper operation of your laptop. Computers are a considerable investment; protect it by using a laptop cooling pad to maintain a safe temperature. If you need more options to keep your laptop safe and secure, be sure to check out our roundup of the best laptop cases and sleeves. Otherwise, read through our assessment to find a laptop cooling pad that best fits your laptop and your requirements.
Thermaltake’s Massive TM cooling pad gets the job done when it comes to lowering your laptop’s temperature. The pad is equipped with two large fans to provide a substantial airflow to engulf the laptop’s base.
Best Overall
Thermaltake Massive TM Laptop Cooling Pad
Two large fans
Temperature sensor to control fans
Two USB ports
Fans are loud
Not for laptops larger than 17 inches
Specifically, fan speed reaches a maximum of 1300 RPM. Thermaltake’s inclusion of a temperature sensor helps you identify how hot your laptop is running. When your laptop starts warming up and becomes hot, Massive TM’s temperature sensor will trigger and control the two fans.
If you have spent a considerable amount of time on your laptop, causing it to work over time, the turbo mode is available to support your computer during heavy-duty work. Even with the effectiveness of the fans, customers have complained of the fans being too loud. As such, the Massive TM cooling pad may not be suitable for quiet environments.
Depending on where you are using your laptop, you may need to adjust the cooling pad for comfortability. Fortunately, Thermaltake incorporated feet on the back of the cooling pad to raise your laptop to a more ergonomic level. Also included are two USB Type-A ports. One port will need to be occupied to power the cooling pad. However, you can use the additional USB port for whatever else you need to connect to your workstation.
Thermaltake’s Massive TM is not meant for laptops larger than 17 inches. While larger laptops can technically fit on the cooling pad, they will hang off the sides of the pad. Ideally, you can use the Massive TM with laptops around 15 inches or smaller. Users reported being fond of the control panel to navigate the pad.
Number of Fans: 2 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 1300 RPM | Adjustable: Yes
“You’re paying for the added perks of the screen, controls, and temperature sensors, but none of those translate into improved performance.” — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
Surprisingly, cooling pads for laptops can cost upwards of $100, but it is possible to get a quality pad for much less. The TopMate C302 Laptop Cooler will likely suit your bank account and your cooling pad needs for those who are a bit more budget-conscious.
Best Budget
TopMate C302 Laptop Cooling Pad
Budget-friendly
In-device storage for USB cable
Extra USB port
Feet to hold laptop are too long
USB port is not well designed
Suits only smaller laptops
TopMate’s cooling pad rivals Thermaltake’s Massive TM cooling pad for roughly $20 cheaper. For example, the C302 has two fans that run up to 1300 RPM to keep your laptop cool. And the laptop cooling pad has an extra USB port attached to the end of the USB plug.
In addition to not having to sacrifice a USB port to power the device, the extra USB port is in the same place, so it does not interrupt your workflow. The USB plug is not visually appealing but still functions as required.
Due to the impressive specs, TopMate’s C302 Laptop Cooler is extremely versatile. In particular, many people use the cooling pad to cool their routers, although the pad is designed for laptops. Whether the pad is used for your laptop or your router, it comes with a convenient carrying compartment for your USB cable. So while you are in transit, you do not have to worry about breaking or losing the cable.
Again, like Thermaltake’s Massive TM, the C302 is best suited for smaller computers as it is compatible with laptops up to 15.6 inches. However, if you have a laptop that fits, you may be disappointed with the cooling pad’s feet placement. TopMate designed the feet to sit at the top of the laptop pad to prevent the laptop from sliding when at an angle. Unfortunately, the feet, which are a little too long, tend to poke out higher than the keyboard deck. Consequently, typing can be uncomfortable.
Number of Fans: 2 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 15.6 inches | Fan Speed: 1300 RPM | Adjustable: Yes
“This lightweight and affordable pad delivered solid cooling power that helped cut down on both the internal and external temperature of the laptop while under significant stress.” — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
A common grievance against cooling pads is the noise produced by the fans working to cool your laptop. The size of fans or number of fans a cooling pad has will typically dictate how much noise a pad will make. With five individual fans for cooling your laptop, Kootek’s Laptop Cooling Pad significantly reduces noise production as the fans are quieter than average, larger fans.
Best for Quietness
Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad
Five quiet, adjustable, high-powered fans
Multiple angle adjustments
Large enough for 17-inch laptop
Difficult to adjust temperatures
Flimsy, unreliable legs
The five fans can churn out a topmost RPM of 2000. In addition, you can customize your airflow as users can select different combinations of fans to work. All you have to do is plug Kootek’s pad into your laptop to adjust the five fans to increase airflow to your laptop as need be.
Customization of airflow is stellar, but customers have reported the fans do not always adjust as desired. Nevertheless, you can use your Kootek cooling pad in even the quietest area of a library or next to your napping spouse.
Larger laptop users, rejoice! The cooling pad is large enough to fit a 17-inch laptop. Once your computer is placed on the cooling pad, you can adjust it for maximum productivity. In particular, you can adjust Kootek’s cooling pad to up to six different angles for a more ergonomic fit.
Unfortunately, even with a noteworthy number of positions, the polycarbonate legs are not that stable. The legs are set into slots in the base leg, and the base is very narrow where those slots are located. Therefore, Kootek’s cooling pad will not take abuse very well, but you should be in good shape if you are careful.
Number of Fans: 5 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 2000 RPM | Adjustable: Yes
“It works and it provides finer-grain height adjustment levels, but it feels like a clunky solution for a tech accessory.” — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
If money is no object, Thermaltake’s large, fancy Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler may suit your needs, and your wants, for a price tag of $60. The cooling pad’s looks may win you over without considering the specs.
Best Splurge
Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB Single Fan Laptop Cooling Pad
LED lighting
Can accommodate laptops up to 19 inches
Three adjustable height settings
Unremarkable airflow
Requires two USB ports to power lights and fan
A strip of red, blue, and green (“RGB”) LED lighting surrounds the Massive 20 RGB cooler, which increases its appeal to gamers and those who are entertained by flashy lights. Besides the RGB mode, four other lighting modes are available: Wave, Pulse, Blink, and Full Lighted. If you get tired of the LED lights, you have the power to turn them off and on again.
Thermaltake’s Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler has a single, large, 200mm fan with a variable speed of up to 800 RPM. Nonetheless, the one sizable fan makes airflow around this pad fairly inefficient as a single fan provides just one large gust of air.
On the other hand, several smaller fans would be able to blow air more directly where needed. Nevertheless, at least having the capability to tinker with the lighting and the fan, you can make this cooling pad yours. Now, if you want both the fan and the lights in operation simultaneously, you will have to forfeit the Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler’s two available USB ports for the privilege.
Unlike any other laptop on this list and most laptops on the market, Thermaltake’s pad is compatible with laptops up to 19 inches in length. Larger laptops can often be challenging to arrange with a cooling pad. The Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler was ergonomically designed to provide the best viewing and typing angles for added comfort. For instance, Thermaltake designed the pad with three adjustable height degrees of 3, 9 and 13.
Number of Fans: 1 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 19 inches | Fan Speed: Max 800 RPM | Adjustable: Yes
Your laptop alone is probably enough of a hassle when you are on the go, so you do not need a bulky cooling pad to lug around too. If you are looking for a lightweight laptop cooling pad that you can easily carry, look no further than HAVIT’s slim, portable, lightweight HV-F2056.
Best for Portability
havit HV-F2056 Laptop Cooler
Exceptionally portable
Can fit a 17-inch laptop
Quiet fans
No separate light controller
Only two height positions
Short power cord
Though the cooling pad is large enough to accommodate a 17-inch laptop, it weighs a mere 1.5 pounds. Within HV-F2056’s sleek design, HAVIT inserted three 110mm fans that can produce up to 1300 RPM. You will not even notice the 65 CFM of airflow stemming from the fans.
The cooling pad’s USB ports serve as a makeshift USB hub. For example, the HV-F2056’s two USB ports are located on the back of the pad next to the power switch. The switch on the back of the HV-F2056 controls both the lights and the fan, so if either the lights or the fan is on, they are both on at the same time. In situations where the lights may be distracting, the hub set-up is not ideal.
HAVIT’s addition of just two adjustable height degrees is another flaw in determining comfortability ranges across laptop and cooling pad users. It would have been more fitting to offer more settings, especially since the HV-F2056 can support bigger laptops.
HV-F2056’s USB power cord may present an inconvenience as the cord is fairly short. Difficulties with the short USB power cord will arise if you have a larger laptop or USB ports are positioned closer to the front of the laptop. If you fall into either category, you may need a different power cable. Aside from that, this cooling pad is a model traveling companion.
Number of Fans: 3 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 1300 RPM | Adjustable: Yes
The seven colors of light and four light modes of IETS’ GT300 laptop cooling pad were not the primary reason the pad made the list. The GT300 is one of our favorites on this list, but it is not our top pick for a sole reason. The cooling pad is not suited for all laptops, such as MacBooks.
Best Design
IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooling Pad
Rubber seal ring
Washable air filters
Seven adjustable heights
Efficiency contingent upon vent location
Awkward in size
IETS designed the pad’s two blowers to blow air up from the bottom. If your laptop’s cooling vents are not located on the bottom of the computer, even blowers with a maximum RPM of 4500 will not be very helpful. Moreover, GT300 is unable to support laptops larger than 17.3 inches. For compatible laptops, the combination of the blowers and rubber seal ring provides enhanced cooling.
Unlike most other cooling pads, the GT300 has a depression in the middle of the pad where the air can flow freely. To keep cool air flowing and avoid dust collection, the cooling pad is issued with washable dust filters. The involvement of these filters is critical as dust can create a lack of airflow. IETS’s insertion of these filters was genius but does not come without hassle, being that the cooling pad is bulky and not easily transportable.
Although the GT300 is not the most transportable pad, you can alter the height setting wherever you set up shop. The cooling pad boasts seven grades. The pad’s front clips, which are adjustable, keep the laptop from sliding.
On account of GT300’s clips that lie flush with the keyboard deck, they will not get in your way when typing. No matter your desired height setting, rest assured your laptop will be secure with the pad’s adjustable buckle to hold the computer and to accompany the cooling pad.
Number of Fans: 2 (blowers, not fans) | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17.3 inches | Fan Speed: Max 4500 RPM | Adjustable: Yes
MacBook owners usually prefer a clean, simple aesthetic for their gadgets and corresponding accessories. So we figured those with an Apple laptop might want a cooling pad to match their computer’s style. Luckily, the Targus Portable Lightweight Chill Mat does just that.
Best for MacBook
Targus 17 in Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat
Ergonomic design
Dual fans
Built-in cable with compartment
No extra USB ports
Not portable
This cooling pad is a lightweight, all-mesh cooling pad with an ergonomic design to improve comfortability. Furthermore, considering that MacBooks reach only 16 inches in size, the pad is well-suited for those computers seeing that it supports laptops up to 17 inches.
Targus’ dual fan design, generating a whopping fan speed of up to 6,400 RPM, is powered by a USB-A plug located on the pad’s side. Because newer MacBooks no longer use a standard connector, you will need a USB-C hub to correctly power the Chill Mat. For additional ease, the power cable is built into the cooling pad. In all, the pad has four USB ports for supplemental connectivity.
Because the Chill Mat does not collapse into a flat pad, it is massive and difficult to transport. Whether the cooling pad is on your lap or a desktop, the bottom ledge will keep the laptop in place, and the Velcro straps will keep ancillary cables organized. The pad’s four adjustable levels will allow the Chill Mat to be used as a laptop stand with enough room for an external keyboard.
Number of Fans: 2 | Number of USB Ports: 4 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 6400 RPM | Adjustable: Yes
TopMate’s C11 Cooling Pad was seemingly built for gamers. The pad features a combination of four small fans and two large fans. C11’s six fans are capable of peak speeds hitting between 1,250 to 2,400 RPM. The biggest fans can hit 1,250 RPM, while the small fans can hit 2,400 RPM, which is impressive.
Best for Gamers
TopMate C11 Laptop Cooling Pad
Six high speed fans
Seven RGB lighting modes
Hight adjustable and includes phone stand
Some reviewers report durability issues
Despite the number of fans, TopMate’s C11 still generates relatively low operating noise. While these speeds are not the highest on the market, the cooling pad sufficiently cools most laptops.
Gamers are often keen on appearances. For a stylish touch, TopMate ran RGB light bars alongside both sides of the cooling pad. The pad has seven unique lighting effects such as color breathing, monochrome, and other features. C11’s can be adjusted as well across five levels.
In addition, TopMate incorporated a built-in phone stand so you can keep your device near you at all times, especially in the middle of a game. The phone stand particularly comes in handy if you need to charge your phone, since the C11 has two USB ports for pass-through charging and supplementary accessories.
Number of Fans: 6 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17.3 inches | Fan Speed: Max 1250-2400RPM | Adjustable: Yes
About Our Trusted Experts
Nicky LaMarco has been writing and editing for more than 15 years for consumer, trade, and technology publications about many topics including antivirus, web hosting, backup software, and other technologies.
Andrew Hayward is a Chicago-based writer who has been covering technology and video games since 2006. His areas of expertise include computer components and accessories, such as laptop cooling pads.
What to Look For in a Laptop Cooling Pad
Fan Noise
Let’s face it, cooling pads can be noisy. A major component of any cooling pad is the fan or fans it employs. Typically, larger fans produce more noise than smaller fans. As a result, several smaller fans usually do a better job of remaining quiet than a couple of big fans. Depending on your work or home environment, fan noise is something you may want to avoid.
- Can you use a laptop cooling pad on your lap?
- Indeed! One of the best reasons to invest in a laptop cooling pad is to keep your hot laptop off your skin. Some people will agree that a hot laptop on your legs can be intolerable. However, with the quality of most cooling pads on the market, you should be able to find a pad that can be used on your lap and does not restrict airflow.
- What are common reasons a laptop will overheat?
- There are many reasons a laptop can overheat, but the most common is obstructed airflow. Obstruction is caused by dust or dirt entering the vents. Using a laptop on a soft surface such as a bed, couch, or blanket can damage your laptop. Creating enough distance between a laptop and an undesirable surface to regulate laptop temperature can be done using a cooling pad, large book, or lap desk.
- What will happen if your laptop overheats?
- A laptop that overheats will have a short lifespan. If your laptop overheats, it will degrade its reliability and performance. Over time, the heat causes components to fail. Heat is a laptop’s enemy, so it is essential to keep your laptop cool. Thankfully, cooling pads exist to keep your laptop and other electrical equipment at a decent temperature.
Indeed! One of the best reasons to invest in a laptop cooling pad is to keep your hot laptop off your skin. Some people will agree that a hot laptop on your legs can be intolerable. However, with the quality of most cooling pads on the market, you should be able to find a pad that can be used on your lap and does not restrict airflow.
There are many reasons a laptop can overheat, but the most common is obstructed airflow. Obstruction is caused by dust or dirt entering the vents. Using a laptop on a soft surface such as a bed, couch, or blanket can damage your laptop. Creating enough distance between a laptop and an undesirable surface to regulate laptop temperature can be done using a cooling pad, large book, or lap desk.
A laptop that overheats will have a short lifespan. If your laptop overheats, it will degrade its reliability and performance. Over time, the heat causes components to fail. Heat is a laptop’s enemy, so it is essential to keep your laptop cool. Thankfully, cooling pads exist to keep your laptop and other electrical equipment at a decent temperature.
Cooling Location
Laptops have vents in various places. Identify your laptop’s vents as the fans located on the cooling pad may not align with the vents. Simply put, the vents and fans should roughly be in the same place. Blowing cool air into a fan intake is much more efficient than blowing cool air against a flat surface. The goal is for your cooling pad to cool your laptop in the most effective method.
