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 works to prevent overheating. A laptop cooling pad offers a simple solution to maintain peak performance.

TL;DR – Top Laptop Cooling Pads:

IETSGT300 (Our Top Pick)
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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 are diverse, ranging from large, RGB-enhanced pads to compact, attachable blowers. While many are affordable, premium models often incorporate advanced features like temperature sensors and multiple fans. Our nine picks cater to various needs and budgets.

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

1. IETS GT300 – Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad

Features: Two high-speed blower motors (4,500 RPM), dust filters, customizable RGB, wide compatibility.
Pros: Effective dual-blower cooling, dust filters, customizable RGB, broad compatibility.
Cons: Bulky, limited RGB customization.
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The IETS GT300 excels with its efficient design. A rubber gasket creates a tight seal, directing cool air directly onto your laptop's components. High-speed blower motors and dust filters contribute to sustained cooling performance. Additional features include USB ports and adjustable angle.

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

Features: One large 200mm fan, adjustable height, RGB lighting.
Pros: Powerful airflow, adjustable height.
Cons: Bulky.
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The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB delivers powerful cooling with its substantial 200mm fan. Adjustable height settings and vibrant RGB lighting enhance its appeal. While large, it effectively manages heat for demanding gaming sessions.

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

Features: Five fans (one 140mm, four 70mm), LCD control panel, two USB ports.
Pros: High fan count, multiple cooling modes, USB ports.
Cons: Not suitable for larger laptops.
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The TopMate C5 boasts an impressive five fans for exceptional airflow. The LCD control panel allows for customized cooling settings. Two USB ports add convenience, though its suitability is limited to smaller laptops.

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

Features: Two fans, rubberized grip, four-port USB hub.
Pros: Simple, effective, comfortable for lap use.
Cons: No height adjustment.
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The Targus Lap Chill Mat provides a simple yet effective cooling solution, ideal for lap use. Its lightweight design, rubberized grip, and built-in fans ensure comfortable and efficient cooling.

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

Features: Three 120mm fans, blue LEDs, two USB passthrough ports.
Pros: Affordable, quiet operation, USB passthrough ports.
Cons: Limited to three fans.
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The Havit HV-F2056 offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on cooling performance. Its three fans and USB passthrough ports provide a cost-effective solution for maintaining optimal temperatures.

6. Klim Tempest – Best Portable Laptop Cooler

Features: One 4,000 RPM fan, temperature sensor, portable design.
Pros: Extremely portable, high RPM, temperature control.
Cons: Limited laptop compatibility.
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The Klim Tempest is a highly portable solution, attaching directly to your laptop's side vent. Its powerful fan and integrated temperature sensor offer efficient and adjustable cooling, though compatibility is limited.

7. Klim Ultimate – Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

Features: One 200mm fan, RGB lighting, adjustable fan speed.
Pros: Vibrant RGB, adjustable fan speed.
Cons: Cannot adjust RGB brightness.
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The Klim Ultimate combines effective cooling with customizable RGB lighting. Its large fan and adjustable speed settings make it a strong choice for gamers seeking both performance and aesthetics.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table – Best Laptop Cooling Stand

Features: Adjustable height, dual fans, mouse pad.
Pros: Versatile, sturdy, includes mouse pad.
Cons: Awkward adjustment.
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The Miggoing Laptop Table offers a versatile solution, functioning as both a cooling pad and a height-adjustable stand. Its dual fans and integrated mouse pad provide added convenience.

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

Features: One 200mm fan, blue LED, adjustable height.
Pros: Large fan, stylish design.
Cons: Quite large.
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The Cooler Master NotePal X3 is designed for larger laptops, offering ample cooling capacity with its 200mm fan and stylish design. Its adjustable height adds to its versatility.

UK Availability:

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 recommendations are based on hands-on testing, expert reviews, and extensive user feedback. We prioritized cooling effectiveness, considering both fan power and laptop mounting.

FAQs:

Do laptop cooling pads really work? Yes, they can prevent overheating and extend your laptop's lifespan, particularly for extended use. Effectiveness varies depending on design and fan power.

Do laptop cooling pads improve performance? They can, especially if your laptop experiences thermal throttling. Monitor your CPU/GPU performance to determine if a cooling pad would benefit you. 3DMark stress tests can help identify throttling.

How well do laptop cooling pads work? Effectiveness depends on the pad and your laptop. High-quality pads can lower temperatures by 5° to 10° Celsius or more.