The Best Laptop Cooling Pads: These Coolers Actually Work

High-performance gaming laptops pack a punch, but that power generates significant heat. Untamed heat leads to performance throttling as your system tries to prevent overheating, resulting in frustrating slowdowns during gameplay. A laptop cooling pad offers a simple, effective solution to maintain peak performance.

TL;DR – Top Laptop Cooling Pads:

IETSGT300

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Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

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TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

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Targus Lap Chill Mat

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Havit HV-F2056

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Klim Tempest

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Klim Ultimate

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Miggoing Laptop Table

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Cooler Master NotePal X3

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Laptop cooling solutions come in various forms, from large, RGB-enhanced pads to compact, attachable blowers. While many are budget-friendly, premium models often offer advanced features like temperature sensors and multiple fans. Our nine picks cater to diverse needs and preferences, with UK retailer links provided.

Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Kegan Mooney, and Georgie Peru

1. IETS GT300: Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad

Product Specifications: Fans: 2 x 4,500 RPM blowers; Size: 15.75" x 13.7" x 1.97"

Pros: Dual blower fans, dust filters, customizable RGB, wide compatibility. Cons: Large and bulky, limited RGB customization.

The IETS GT300 excels with its dual high-speed blower motors and effective sealing, ensuring maximum cooling efficiency. Dust filters maintain cleanliness, while the adjustable angle and RGB lighting add convenience and style. Its compatibility spans 14" to 17" laptops (with bottom vents).

2. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB: Best Laptop Cooling Pad Runner Up

Product Specifications: Fans: 1 x 200mm; Size: 18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83”

Pros: Powerful airflow, adjustable height. Cons: A little clunky.

The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB boasts a powerful 200mm fan for significant cooling. Its adjustable height offers ergonomic benefits, and its RGB lighting enhances aesthetics. While larger and heavier, it accommodates laptops up to 19 inches.

3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler: Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad

Product Specifications: Fans: 5; Size: 14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"

Pros: Numerous fans, two USB ports. Cons: Not suitable for larger laptops.

The TopMate C5 utilizes five fans for exceptional airflow, effectively managing heat in demanding situations. Its adjustable height and dual USB ports add to its practicality, though its size limits compatibility to smaller laptops.

4. Targus Lap Chill Mat: Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Your Lap

Product Specifications: Fans: 2; Size: 15" x 11.75" x 1"

Pros: Simple yet effective, rubberized grip. Cons: No height adjustment.

The Targus Lap Chill Mat provides comfortable and effective cooling for lap use. Its lightweight design, rubberized grip, and integrated fans make it a reliable choice, although it lacks height adjustment.

5. Havit HV-F2056: Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad

Product Specifications: Fans: 3 x 120mm; Size: 14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"

Pros: Affordable, USB passthrough ports. Cons: Limited to three fans.

The Havit HV-F2056 offers a cost-effective cooling solution with three 120mm fans and dual USB passthrough ports. Its quiet operation and affordable price make it an attractive budget option.

6. Klim Tempest: Best Portable Laptop Cooler

Product Specifications: Fans: 1; Size: 3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"

Pros: Extremely portable, high RPM. Cons: Compatibility limited to laptops with side vents.

The Klim Tempest’s compact design and powerful fan make it ideal for portability. Its temperature sensor and adjustable power levels enhance its functionality, but its compatibility is limited to laptops with side vents.

7. Klim Ultimate: Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

Product Specifications: Fans: 1 x 200mm; Size: 16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"

Pros: Extensive RGB options, adjustable fan speed. Cons: RGB brightness not adjustable.

The Klim Ultimate combines powerful cooling with vibrant RGB lighting. Its adjustable fan speed and multiple inclination levels provide versatility and comfort, though RGB brightness customization is limited.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table: Best Laptop Cooling Stand

Product Specifications: Fans: 2; Size: 16.5" x 10" x 18.9"

Pros: Versatile, sturdy. Cons: Awkward adjustment.

The Miggoing Laptop Table functions as both a cooling pad and a height-adjustable stand, offering versatile usage options. Its sturdy construction and integrated mouse pad add to its convenience.

9. Cooler Master NotePal X3: Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Larger Laptops

Product Specifications: Fans: 1 x 200mm; Size: 15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8”

Pros: Front vent, stylish design. Cons: Quite large.

The Cooler Master NotePal X3 offers robust cooling for larger laptops (up to 17 inches) with its large 200mm fan and stylish design. Its controls, including fan speed and LED adjustments, are conveniently located.

UK Retailer Links

Thermaltake Massive 20

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Klim Ultimate

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TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

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Targus Lap Chill Mat

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Klim Wind

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Klim Cool+

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Selection Methodology

Our selection process leveraged firsthand testing and expert reviews, supplemented by extensive user feedback. This comprehensive approach ensured the inclusion of only the most effective and reliable cooling pads.

FAQs

Do laptop cooling pads really work? Yes, they help prevent overheating and extend lifespan, particularly for extended use. However, effectiveness varies depending on pad design and fan power.

Do laptop cooling pads improve performance? They can, especially if your system experiences thermal throttling. Monitoring software can help identify throttling and assess the performance impact of a cooling pad.

How well do laptop cooling pads work? Temperature reduction varies widely depending on the pad and laptop design, ranging from 5° to 10° Celsius or more in optimal scenarios.