Heat kills electronics, so if you have ever experienced a drop in your laptops performance right when you need it, chances are it was overheating. Heat and laptops are not a good combination and it is important to ensure they have plenty of ventilation to ensure they stay cool and working at peak performance.
That is why we compiled this list of the best laptop cooling pads for a variety of different users and laptop sizes. Whether you enjoy watching movies in bed or gaming late into the night, we have found a laptop cooler that will suit your needs.
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Keeping your laptop cool will help avoid the dreaded blue screen of death which is often caused from your device getting too hot. There is nothing worse than having your laptop cut out and interrupting your work or even worse losing it!
Best Laptop Cooling Pad – Top 10
1. Thermaltake Massive TM Notebook Cooler
Weight – 2.36lbs
Dimensions – 15.9” x 11.22” x 2.2”
Compatibility – 10” – 17” Notebook
Adjustable Fan Speed – Yes
Our overal best cooling pad goes to Thermaltake. Constructed using a sleek aluminium design, the Thermaltake Massive TM is practical and stylish. The twin 120mm fans produce plenty of air flow to keep your laptop icy cool. Also, the fan speed can be controlled either manually or automatically with the change in temperature. However, the fans are slightly noisier than other models when in turbo mode. Furthermore, there are 4 temperature sensors which display the temperature on the small display at the front of the pad.
Four sliding pins help to hold your device in place while using the stand. There are also 2 USB ports, replacing the one used on your laptop to power the cooler. Although the Thermaltake Massive does cost slightly more than most others in our list, you get a high-quality finish and a 3-year warranty and is well worth the extra expense.
2. TopMate TM-3 – Best for Gamers
Weight – 2.2lbs
Dimensions – 14” x 12” x 1”
Compatibility – 12” – 15.6”
Adjustable Fan Speed – Yes
If you carry out a lot of demanding work on your laptop such as gaming, then you will need some serious cooling power. The TopMate TM-3 does just that with its 5 fans (1 x 120mm and 4 x 65mm) that can be controlled via the display on the front of the pad. In total, there are 6 different fan speed modes and 3 different fan modes to control how many fans are operating.
In addition, there are 5 different angled heights to choose from so you will be able to find the perfect angle for you. To prevent the laptop from sliding down the metal mesh surface, there is a hinged flap that can be folded away when no longer needed.
The TM-3 is our choice for best gaming laptop cooling pad and comes at a very reasonable price of about $25.
3. Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad
Weight – 2.5lbs
Dimensions – 15” x 11.8” x 1.4”
Compatibility – 12” – 17”
Adjustable Fan Speed – No
Despite the 5 fans used in the Kootek cooling pad, it is very quiet. A good all-round pad, there are 3 different modes to choose from, either have 1, 4 or all 5 fans working. In addition, it has 2 USB ports built in to ensure you do not lose any USB connections from your laptop.
With a total of 6 different height levels to choose from, you will be sure to find an angle that suits you. There are also 2 foldable lips to help keep your laptop firmly in place while being used. The Kootek gives the TM-3 a run for its money in terms of cooling power and only just lost out because it misses a couple of the features the TM-3 has. Nonetheless, this model is a great choice and you will not be disappointed and won’t left hot and bothered.
4. Targus Lap Chill Mat – Best for soft surfaces
Weight – 2lbs
Dimensions – 15” x 11.75” x 1”
Compatibility – up to 17”
Adjustable Fan Speed – No
Perfect for anyone that watches movies in bed, the Targus lap chill works fantastically on soft surfaces thanks to its design that draws air in from the sides. This design also prevents your legs from getting hot if you often use your device on your lap.
Covered in a neoprene material, it also doesn’t slide around on your lap as easily other cheap plastic models and adds a certain element of style to the pad. The 2 fans produce more than enough cooling power to comfortably watch movies in bed without your laptop overheating. The only minor drawback is that it doesn’t have a replacement USB port, so you will be losing a USB slot from your laptop.
5. Cooler Master NotePal U3 PLUS
Weight – 2.4lbs
Dimensions – 17.1” x 13.1” x 3”
Compatibility – Up to 19”
Adjustable Fan Speed – No
The Cooler Master Notepal U3 comes with a unique patented system that allows users to configure two of the three 80mm fans as they please. This is great for targeting the cooling effect to certain areas of your computer and maximising its efficiency.
Designed to look great with Macbook and Ultrabooks, the U3 is also slim and lightweight due to being made from aluminium. At the base of the pad there is a rubber strip to help keep your device in place, however heavier models do sometimes tend to slide.
While the Cooler Master Notepal U3 does cost slightly more than other models at about $40, it does look great with the Macbook and Ultrabook laptops. Also, the configurable fans make it very effective at keeping your device nice and cool.
6. Havit HV-F2056
Weight – 1.5lbs
Dimensions – 14.9” x 11” x 1.2”
Compatibility – 15.6” – 17” laptop
Adjustable Fan Speed – No
Whisper-quiet with 3 x 110mm fans, the Havit slim is more than capable of cooling your device. In addition, the ultra slim, lightweight design makes easily portable for when you need to change location regularly.
Covered with a metal mesh to maximise air flow, the Havit Slim provides a firm surface to rest your laptop. However, one minor downside is that heavier laptops sometimes slide down the pad when on the highest of the 2 height positions. This is because there is no ledge or antiskid surface to help fix it in place.
Nonetheless, it comes with 2 USB ports to replace the one on your laptop used as a power supply (one of the two USB ports is used to connect the power to the pad).
The Havit Slim is a good all-round cooler that is nice and quiet when turned on. But if you are experiencing serious heat issues, you may require a cooler with a few more fans.
7. Cooler Master NotePal x-slim
Weight – 1.6lbs
Dimensions – 14.9” x 10.6” x 1.1”
Compatibility – up tp 17.3” laptops
Adjustable Fan Speed – No
If you mostly carry out lightwork on your laptop and watch movies, then the Cooler Master NotePal x-slim may be the one for you. One large 160mm fan will help keep the temperature to a minimum.
However, one downside to this cooling pad is that there is nothing to help hold the laptop in place apart from the metal mesh material that covers the fan.
Unlike most other models the USB power cable is wired directly into the unit. Therefore, you won’t accidentally forget to bring the cable with you if you are on the move. The wire can also be neatly folded rolled away when the cooler isn’t being used.
Despite its minor drawbacks, the pad feels sturdy, slim and light making it perfect for people on the go. In addition, the Cooler Master Notepal x-slim comes with a 1 year warranty for added peace of mind.
8. Tree New Bee Cooling Pad
Weight – 1.6lbs
Dimensions – 16” x 12” x 1.1”
Compatibility – up to 17”
Adjustable Fan Speed – Yes
Four large 110mm fans ensure your notebook will stay chilled on the Tree New Bee Cooling pad. Furthermore, the fan speed can be adjusted via the controls next to the two built in USB ports. Although the Cooler is thin and lightweight, the plastic finish does make the pad feel a little fragile. Also, the two plastic pins that prevent your laptop from sliding, are prone to popping off, especially if you have a heavy laptop.
Nonetheless, the Tree New Nee Cooling pad is very quiet and reasonably priced at about $25. This would be a good option for someone who doesn’t move their laptop often and works using a secondary monitor, keyboard and mouse while carrying out work or gaming.
9. TeckNet Laptop Cooler
Weight – 1.65lbs
Dimensions – 14.2” x 11” x 1.8”
Compatibility – 12” – 16”
Adjustable Fan Speed – No
Made with a similar design to the Targus model we saw earlier, the Tecknet laptop cooler also draws air in from the side. This makes it great for anyone that uses their laptop in bed or often work from their lap. However, it doesn’t have the same high-quality finish and is made from plastic. Nonetheless, it does cost less which may be the deciding factor for some users.
Another advantage of this model over the Targus is that it does come with 2 USB ports, so you won’t be down a USB slot. The two 110mm fans provide ample cooling power and the antiskid material at the front of the pad help stop your device from moving. If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful pad to keep your laptop cool even when on soft surfaces, then this may be the one.
10. Otimo Laptop Cooling Pad
Weight – 2.8lbs
Dimensions – 15.9” x 13”x 2”
Compatibility – up to 17”
Adjustable Fan Speed – Yes
Although, the Otimo laptop cooling pad looks almost identical to the Kootek model we saw earlier it lacks some of the finer details. Nonetheless, it still comes with a total of 5 fans, slim design and 2 USB ports, 6 different heights settings and an adjustable fan speed.
However, the Otimo is slightly heavier weighing 2.8lbs which may make it less appealing to someone that often works from different locations. But this model does cost significantly less and can be bought for under $20.
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful solution to your cooling needs, then this could be the choice for you.
11. Belkin Coolspot
Weight – 1.26lbs
Dimensions – 11.2” x 11.4” x 1.7”
Compatibility – up to 15.6”
Adjustable Fan Speed – No
The thin, simple and ergonomic design of the Belkin Coolspot with its single fan, makes it great for smaller laptops up to 15.6”. Whisper quiet when on and no LED lighting like most other models, this pad is great for watching movies and will keep your laptop cool.
The only minor drawbacks we can find is that there is no secondary USB port to replace the ones that will be used on your laptop. However, this will not be an issue for some users and the affordable price will make it appealing to users that just need a little bit of extra cooling power.
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