If your couch is the most comfortable seat in the house, why game or work anywhere else? A lap desk makes that possible, offering a large, flat, and secure surface to set up your gaming keyboard and mouse, laptop, tablet, or even your new Switch 2’s Joy-Con to play in mouse mode.
Lap desks come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs exactly. The most common options have desk surfaces with well-padded bottoms that rest directly on your legs without adding too much strain or causing discomfort. Others place legs around your body or next to it while holding a large tabletop for devices, delivering a bit more wiggle room and less pressure, letting you focus on what really matters: winning the game… or meeting a work deadline.
TL;DR – The Best Lap Desks:
Some lap desks incorporate cable management, USB hubs, and even drawers for a tidier setup. If you’re using a gaming laptop, which can get pretty toasty added ventilation could a major consideration when shopping. No matter what you’re after, we’ve found a great lap desk. Once you realize the stability and comfort these little tabletops bring to working or gaming from a couch or bed, you’ll never go back to just using your lap.
Additional contributions by Georgie Peru
1. Couchmaster Cycon³
Best Overall Lap Desk
Couchmaster CYCON³
1
Adjustable cushions at your sides, a large desktop surface, a USB hub, and cable management all come with this pricey lapdesk.
Material
Artificial leather, memory foam, suede
Dimensions
23.62″ x 32.68″ x 7.48″
USB ports
6x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C
The Couchmaster Cycon² got a revamp, keeping all the comfort of its predecessor while adding a few new features that make it an even better lap desk. The latest iteration isn’t cheap, but it comes with a new RGB lightbar and adds the increasingly essential USB-C port to its USB hub selection.
Rather than just delivering a board that lies across your lap, the Couchmaster Cycon³ has massive adjustable cushions that flank your sides and double as armrests. These cushions are made of sturdy memory foam wrapped in durable and soft suede material with a large 32-inch by 13-inch durable plastic desk resting on top. Its surface is pretty roomy, providing plenty of space for a full-sized keyboard and the included mouse pad. The edge of the lap board even uses a vegan leather wrist rest for better ergonomics.
To keep things organized, the Cycon³ has a few pockets on the outside of the cushions to store cables, mice, and other accessories. Under the desk surface are two compartments covered by screwed-in panels to tuck away cables. It also houses a USB hub with four USB Type-A 3.0 ports. Around the top of the desk is the new RGB Horizonlight Bar that gets pretty bright and has easy-to-access capacitive buttons for adjusting lighting effects. A USB-C port and an additional USB-A port are located just above the light bar for even more connectivity options.
2. Couchmaster Cybot
Best Laptop Lap Desk
Couchmaster Cybot
1
Lapdesk with a ventilation grill for your laptop, a large mousepad, and a slot to hold up a tablet or phone.
Dimensions
29.53 x 12.99 x 6.3”
Built-in ventilation grille for laptop
Kevlar material adds durability to cushions
Only fits laptops under 17 inches
Most lap desks only have enough space for a keyboard and mouse, but the Couchmaster Cybot lets you set up a little battle station for the couch. On the desk surface, there’s a built-in ventilation grille for your laptop to pull up air, a slot to hold up a tablet or phone, and a large gaming mousepad. It’s important to note that this lap desk is best for laptops 17 inches or smaller.
The Cybot places cushions on either side of that desktop surface to keep your gaming station stable while you play. Those cushions can be easily adjusted or removed, just like the Couchmaster Cycon³, and feature a camo material with the front portion equipped with Kevlar to increase durability. To top it off, it has a wrist pad for additional comfort and pockets on the side to store accessories or cords.
3. Xdesk Flex
Best Couch-Side Standing Desk
Xdesk Flex
0
You can have this desk sit as low as a coffee table or as high as a standing desk in a couple of seconds with the touch of a button using the battery-powered motor.
Color
Light bamboo, medium bamboo, dark bamboo, light convex
Supports up to 100 pounds
Offers motorized standing desk functionality
Lap boards are great and all, but most either lock you into the seat for the long haul or rest on your legs. That’s where the Xdesk Flex comes in handy. Though it’s not a lap desk in the traditional sense, it gets the job done while allowing for more mobility. Its 30×24-inch surface and support for up to 100lbs means you’ll enjoy ample room major stability while you do so.
The Xdesk Flex is actually a convertible standing desk, but it’s built using quality materials and has a low-profile base that you can slide under a couch. Therefore, if you’re sick of sitting and want to work on your posture, just raise the desk up using its motor. The major drawback here is its staggering price for a desk, which only gets wincingly higher as you add on what would otherwise be nice features like an outlet and USB ports.
4. Songmics Laptop Desk
Best Lap Desk for Working from Home
Songmics Laptop Desk
0
Enjoy a large surface area with a handy storage drawer on a sturdy bamboo lapdesk that can be raised or lowered.
Dimensions
13.8 x 21.7 x 11.4”
Includes extra storage drawer
Legs aren’t the most stable
Achieve the ultimate lounge-while-working setup with the Songmics Laptop Desk. The large 13.8×21.7-inch surface area can be raised to 11.4 inches or lowered to 8.3 inches, making it the perfect height to slide over your legs while resting in bed or on the couch and working from home. It’s made of sturdy bamboo and can hold up to 22lbs, so the desk is both lightweight and durable.
Going beyond the basics, it has a tiny storage drawer that can hold wireless headphones to quickly pop on for a call or a notebook for those who prefer the pen-to-paper feel – whatever you want to hide in there. The tabletop itself is split into two parts so you can angle your laptop in five different positions for the ideal viewing position, and a stopper at the end will prevent it from falling off. The other side of the tabletop is the perfect place for your mouse or a coffee. When you’re done with work for the day, the desk folds flat for easy storage.
5. LapGear Lap Desk
Best Padded Lap Desk
LapGear Lap Desk
0
Budget-friendly, well-padded lapdesk with a slot to house your phone, an elastic strap for a notebook or tablet, and a desk surface ready to hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop.
Dimensions
13.75 x 17.75 x 2.75”
For a simple, sturdy, and comfy surface to stick a laptop or keyboard on while lounging, the LapGear Lap Desk is just that, availble in multiple fabric options to fit the aesthetic of your space. Its heavily padded cushion conforms to your lap, so you can sit or lay in the coziest positions while keeping everything you’ve loaded on top of the desk in place.
Though it isn’t the most ergonomic option, you get a decently sized desk surface that can hold laptops up to 15.6 inches, and there’s a stopper at the end of the board to keep your laptop or other peripherals from sliding off. A slot on the desk surface can house your phone, and an elastic strap provides the perfect place to stuff a notebook or tablet. The smooth, flat desktop prevents your electronics from overheating like they might if you were holding them in your lap.
6. Arlo Skye Lap Desk 19
Best Lap Desk for Bed
Arlo Skye Lap Desk 19
2
Perfect for working from bed, this premium desk with a microbead cushion puts a 13.5-inch by 19-inch surface area, a phone dock, and extra storage on your lap.
Dimensions
13.5 x 19 x 3”
Built-in storage compartment
Can only store laptops under 14 inches
If you work from home, chances are good that you’ve at minimum considered logging in from the comfort of your bed, and the Arlo Skye Lap Desk 19 makes that dream (or regular practice) a reality. You get a 13.5×19-inch premium white oak melamine veneered surface area to hoist your laptop off your lap to combat overheating and to angle devices for a better view. That rests on top of a microbead cushion that hugs your lap.
This lap desk also has a smartphone or tablet dock with a cable management system to keep your setup tidy. But perhaps its most convenient feature is its built-in storage that can stow a 13-inch laptop, extra cables, snacks, and more.
7. Saiji Laptop Lap Desk
Best Lap Desk for Nintendo Switch 2
SAIJI Laptop Lap Desk
0
A lapdesk offering ample cushioning, a massive work surface covered with a leather material, and a handy silicone slot to hold devices.
Material
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) leather
Dimensions
13″ x 21.25″ x 4.3″
Large surface area with full surface leather mat
Secure silicone slot to hold devices
Scored a Nintendo Switch 2? A lap desk is a surprisingly great investment, especially to take full advantage of the Joy-Con controllers’ new “mouse mode” functionality. The problem is, if the Switch 2 is hooked up to a bigger screen or its integrated stand is being used with the controllers detached, a couch, coffee table, or your legs won’t offer the ideal user experience. A lap desk is the best, easiest fix, and we’re big fans of this one from Saiji.
It places a massive, flat desk surface area on your legs, measuring 21.3×13 inches. That’s plenty of space to make wild movements in mouse mode. Thanks to the PVC pro-level leather material that covers the entire surface, acting as a giant mouse pad, gliding will feel controlled and accurate for getting a leg up on opponents. In the top corner is a silicone slot where the Switch 2 can live. It offers a more secure hold than what’s typically seen on a lap desk.
Under the large desk surface is generously cushioned padding for extra comfort and to help alleviate strain. The design even takes your abdomen into account, adding a cutout to prevent pressure on that more sensitive area. Since the lap desk itself weighs 3.5lbs, extra plushness when the desk is rested on your legs is always appreciated.
8. Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Adjustable Laptop Stand
Best Ergonomic Lap Desk
Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Adjustable Laptop Stand
0
Enjoy adjustable height and angles on this laptop stand that doubles as a solid lap desk.
Dimensions
16.5″ x 11″ x 18″
Adjustable height and tilt
Cooling holes in laptop tray to prevent overheating
Slight wobble on less stable surfaces
While the Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Adjustable Laptop Stand might not be a lap desk in name, it can definitely be used as one. Unlike most laptop stands that almost always need to live on a flat surface, this one has unique legs that rest on a couch or bed with your legs or waist slotted in between. The desk surface won’t sit on you either, eliminating any unnecessary pressure. However, it’s not the widest option, measuring only about 16 inches, so it may not be large enough for everyone to easily tuck their legs under. Still, it’s ready to hold laptops as you relax on a better cushioned surface.
What makes the Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ a standout is the level of adjustability, bringing a major ergonomic boost. The three-section accordion legs can be raised between 2 and 18 inches, while the laptop tray is tiltable. With that design, it’s simple to find the ideal positioning and proper posture to maximize comfort, whether sitting on a couch, lying in bed, or even using it as a standing desk converter. Everything is relatively stable, although there may be a slight wobble on softer surfaces.
A 16.5×11-inch aluminum laptop tray is on the stand, and it features cooling holes to prevent overheating when using laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches. Traction bands and a silicone rubber wrist guard are also in place to help keep devices secure. For a bit more surface area and ease of use, a detachable mouse pad can be easily installed on either side of the laptop stand. When not in use, the Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ even folds up nicely for storage.
9. AboveTEK Adjustable Laptop Lap Desk
Best Portable Lap Desk
AboveTEK Adjustable Laptop Lap Desk
0
Easily slide this compact lap desk into a bag for an on the go work station complete with adjustable laptop angles and a retractable mouse pad.
Material
Polyurethane (PU)
Dimensions
0.4″ x 10.2″ x 14.6″
No cushioning to relieve pressure on legs
The AboveTEK Adjustable Laptop Lap Desk is the true work from anywhere lap desk, great for taking on work trips. Rather than having cushions, big legs, or a clunkier design, this lap desk strives for portability above anything else. The result is an ultra-compact option, weighing only 1.83lbs, that can easily fold up and slide into a backpack to take on the go.
While the AboveTEK Adjustable Laptop Lap Desk won’t deliver the same level comfort of other picks, it still is far better than plopping a laptop or keyboard directly on your lap, causing an ergonomic and overheating nightmare. Instead, the desk’s surface features a textured PU leather, a non-skid bottom barrier, and a stopper at the edge to prevent slippage. It’s also not just a simple board that rests on the lap, as it can prop up devices at three different angles using a folding system, preventing strains and improving airflow. A little mouse pad even retracts from the lap desk, so you won’t need to always rely on the trackpad or touch capabilities of a device.
Danielle is a Tech freelance writer based in Los Angeles who spends her free time creating videos and geeking out over music history.
