'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The best laptop cooling pads you can buy: Expert tested
A laptop feature that often gets overlooked is its cooling system. Processors, graphics cards, RAM, NPUs, and more demand a lot of energy, and all this energy results in a lot of heat. Ask anyone with a gaming laptop -- they'll tell you how uncomfortably hot it can get.
Also: The best gaming laptops: Expert tested
Unfortunately, you can't prevent your laptop from generating heat, but you can mitigate it with a laptop cooling pad. These devices sit underneath the laptop and not only absorb the heat created but actively cool the device with a combination of high-speed fans and clever airflow engineering.
What is the best laptop cooling pad right now?
We tested some of the top laptop cooling pads on the market. Taking the crown as ZDNET's best laptop cooling pad overall is the Targus Laptop Chill Mat Plus. Its powerful cooling can reduce the temperature of even the hottest computers, and it can hold 17-inch laptops, is height adjustable, and has a four-port USB-A hub.
As much as we like it, though, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Maybe you want one with RGB lighting, or something with a more low-key design. We've included a handful of other models on this list with different use cases so you can choose the right one for you.
The best laptop cooling pads of 2024
- Adjustable height
- Four USB-A ports
- Can carry 17-inch laptops
- No way to control fan speeds
- Plastic construction
The Targus Laptop Chill Mat Plus is our pick for the best laptop cooling pad because of its four-port hub and the fact that it's large enough to securely hold up to a 17-inch laptop. It also has an adjustable base height, so you can raise the device for better ergonomics. Typing on a keyboard doesn't sound super strenuous, but when you're doing it for hours, you start to feel it.
Also: The 5 best ergonomic keyboards
The Chill Mat comes with a pair of robust high-speed cooling fans that can lower the temperature of your laptop noticeably, turning an uncomfortably hot keyboard into something much more manageable.
The device operates by draining power from the host laptop via a USB cable. This would normally mean you sacrifice a USB port, but in fact you gain USB-A ports since the Chill Mat has four ports at the rear. The ports support USB passthrough so you can connect extra peripherals and accessories.
Targus' mat takes the crown because of just how useful it is. If we have to give it a knock, its plastic construction feels a little flimsy.
Targus Laptop Chill Mat Plus Specs: Dimensions: 10.5 x 1 x 14 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Max laptop size: 17 inches | Fan RPM: 2,500 | USB passthrough: Yes | LED lighting: No
- Inexpensive
- Five-fan configuration
- Adjustable
- Two USB-A ports
- Weak fan strength
- No fan speed controls
The Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad houses one large fan surrounded by four small ones. This five-fan array design provides better heat dissipation, according to the company.
Even so, we found the Cooling Pad's performance to be mixed. Our hefty test laptop still felt warm to the touch after hours of use on the pad. But don't just take our word for it: many user reviews on Amazon say the same thing. It was cool enough to keep on with our work, but the fans didn't cool the laptop as thoroughly as the more powerful Targus model.
Still, if you want an inexpensive laptop cooling pad with lights and USB ports, the Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad is a good choice -- especially if you have a thin, mid-powered laptop.
Like the Targus Chill Mat Plus, it's height adjustable for better ergonomics, or you can lay it down completely flat. You can't control the fan speed, but it does have separate on/off buttons for the fans and for the Cooling Pad's LED lights (your choice of blue or red).
Another bonus: Kootek includes a pair of USB-A ports along the side of the pad that support additional peripherals.
Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad Specs: Dimensions: 14.96 x 1.38 x 11.81 inches | Weight: 2.55 pounds | Max laptop size: 17 inches | Fan RPM: Not disclosed | USB passthrough: Yes | LED lighting: Yes
- Powerful cooling
- Vivid RGB lights
- Alternate power methods
- Expensive
Llano's Gaming Laptop Cooler is one of the best coolers we've ever tested due to its sheer power. At its absolute maximum, the fans spin at 2,800 RPM, capable of cooling even the hottest of gaming laptops. But it's not just the fan speed alone that works so efficiently.
This device features a truly unique design. The cooling fan sits inside a pit surrounded by foam cushioning. By placing a laptop over this space, it creates a powerful vacuum effect. We tested Llano's device with a gaming laptop that quickly overheats, and it successfully cooled what is normally a very hot computer in just a few minutes. It was genuinely impressive.
Also: The best gaming laptops of 2024: Get your game on
Like many other gaming accessories, Llano's Laptop Cooler comes with RGB lighting in the form of a ring light that goes around the main body. You have the option to change the pattern of the lights via the on-device touchscreen.
And unique to this device is the option to use a traditional power adapter instead of a USB cable to run the machine. All you have to do is plug it directly into a wall socket. It saves you a USB port that you would have to give up on other laptop coolers.
Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler Specs: Dimensions: 16.9 x 12.9 x 2.7 inches | Weight: 4.69 pounds | Max laptop size: 19 inches | Fan RPM: 2,800 RPM | USB passthrough: Yes | LED lighting: Yes
- Two large fans
- Ergonomic
- Powerful cooling
- Somewhat pricey
ThermalTake's Massive 14-2 is a great cooling pad for the office, as it's big enough to support large, 17-inch laptops and has a subtle design that won't distract others around you. The device does have a couple of blue LED lights if you want a flashier experience, but you can always turn them off at at any time.
For cooling, the Massive 14-2 houses a pair of 14cm (5.5 inch) fans, spinning at a maximum speed of 1100 RPM. These produce an abundant amount of cold air enough to cool down even the hottest of laptops. The company states the hexagonal mesh serves to reduce "wind resistance and wind noise [as well as] increase air flow through the area." If you find the fans to be too noisy, however, there's an adjustment wheel on the side next to the light switch.
ThermalTake also designed its cooling pad to be ergonomically sound. There are two legs on the bottom that can be taken out to lift the pad, placing the Massive 14-2 in an upright position for easier typing.
ThermalTake Massive 14-2 Specs: Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 1 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Max laptop size: 17 inches | Fan RPM: 1100 | USB passthrough: Yes | LED lighting: Yes
- Vibrant RGB lights
- Ergonomic design
- Six cooling fans
- Can't charge cell phone
Many laptop cooling pads come equipped with LED lights to give them extra pizzazz. For the most part, though, the lights are static. KeiBN breaks that trend with its RGB Laptop Cooler, which provides a variety of customization options.
The RGB Laptop Cooler has 10 different lighting modes, ranging from a single shade to unique patterns like "breathing", which has the lights rhythmically fade in and out. In addition to controlling the lights, this cooling pad has six fans with a variety of customizable modes. The fans also have their own RGB lights you can tweak using on-device controls.
KeiBN's RGB Laptop Cooler is also large enough to hold 17-inch laptops, with a pair of USB 2.0 ports on the back to make up for the single input uses on your computer. One of my favorite features on the RGB Laptop Cooler is the built-in phone holder (sans charging feature, of course).
KeiBN RGB Laptop Cooler Specs: Dimensions: 16.33 x 1.45 x 11.81 inches | Weight: 2.57 pounds | Max laptop size: 17 inches | Fan RPM: 2,800 RPM | USB passthrough: Yes | LED lighting: Yes
- High RPM
- Unique design
- Ergonomic
- Expensive
- Loud
The IETS GT500 V2 (Hub+RGB) has the most powerful fan on this list, with blades rotating at 5,000 RPM. Nothing on the guide comes close to this speed, which creates a wind tunnel instead of a focused airstream.
The fan sits in the center of the cooling pad, instead of blowing air up towards the bottom of the laptop where it spins the air in a spiral pattern, sort of like a washing machine. This causes what the company describes as "360-degree undifferentiated cooling," which means air cools every part of a laptop equally.
Furthermore, the fan sits recessed in a pit surrounded by foam, an unusual design that promotes maximum cooling. The foam creates a vacuum seal with the bottom of your laptop that traps the circulating air. Together with the 360 fan, the GT500 V2 can cool even the most powerful gaming laptop. This model also has a three-port USB-A hub and RGB lights for extra bling.
The drawback to that high fan speed is this device gets really loud. The fan volume is the number one criticism seen on its Amazon reviews. IETS is well aware of this issue, and its product listing states noise can reach 65dB and "if you are sensitive to noise, please buy carefully." They're not hiding the fact the GT500 V2 sounds like a jet engine. If noise bothers you, buy something else.
IETS GT500 V2 Specs: Dimensions: 16.93 x 2.76 x 13.03 inches | Weight: 2.54 pounds | Max laptop size: 17.3 inches | Fan RPM: 5,000 RPM | USB passthrough: Yes | LED lighting: Yes
What is the best laptop cooling pad? (update)
The best laptop cooling pad on the market today is the Targus Laptop Chill Mat Plus with four-port Hub. Its mesh metal design allows for excellent airflow and its chassis houses four USB-A ports for external peripherals. Plus, the Chill Mat Plus has an adjustable height, so you can find the most comfortable typing angle for you.
Look at the table below for our other recommendations.
| Best laptop coolings pads | Price | Fan speed | Max laptop size |
| Targus Laptop Chill Mat Plus with 4-port Hub | $75 | 2,500 RPM | 17 inches |
| Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad | $33 | Not disclosed | 17 inches |
| Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler | $116 | 2,800 RPM | 19 inches |
| ThermalTake Massive 14-2 | $37 | 1,100 RPM | 17 inches |
| KeiBN RGB Laptop Cooler | $32 | 2,800 RPM | 17 inches |
| IETS GT500 V2 | $96 | 5,000 RPM | 17.3 inches |
Which is the right laptop cooling pad for you?
It's important to consider how you plan on using your laptop cooling pad. If you want something to keep your laptop cool while you work or watch a movie, then a basic cooling pad with one or two fans will suffice. But if you have many peripherals you want to connect or own a powerful gaming laptop, then you should buy a more heavy-duty cooling pad with faster fans or ports.
The table below can help you choose the best cooling pad for you.
| Choose this best laptop cooling pad... | If you want... |
| Targus Laptop Chill Mat Plus with 4-port Hub | The best all-around laptop cooling pad. Its ergonomic design lets you prop up your machine for more comfortable typing, and houses four USB-A ports. |
| Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad | A budget-friendly option. It isn't the most powerful option on this list, but will do the job, particularly for smaller laptops. |
| Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler | The best gaming laptop cooler. Llano's device is capable of cooling even the warmest laptops and has a striking RGB ring light. |
| ThermalTake Massive 14-2 | The best cooler for large laptops. The cooling pad sports a unique design that enables proper airflow to aid in brining temperatures down. |
| KeiBN RGB Laptop Cooler | The best RGB laptop cooling pad. It offers multiple configurations so you can choose among 10 different lighting modes. |
| IETS GT500 V2 | A laptop cooling pad with a unique design and maximal cooling. The IETS GT500 has a powerful fan in the center of a foam pit that circulates air and ensures your device stays cool. |
Factors to consider when choosing a laptop cooling pad:
When it comes to picking out a laptop cooling pad, there are four key considerations.
Laptop size: You need to make sure the cooling pad is big enough to accommodate your laptop. Conversely, if a pad is too big, it may require a larger footprint than your laptop alone. Plus, the fan locations may be less effective if you have a small laptop on a large pad.
Comfort: Good ergonomics is important for comfort, especially if you spend a lot of time behind a computer. Hours of typing can be killer on the wrists, so we recommend choosing a laptop cooling pad that allows you to adjust its height and angle for a comfortable working experience.
Fan output: Fans can get loud, so it's important to think about how loud the cooling pad may be when looking to buy one. The manufacturer of the IETS GT500 acknowledges their product generates so much noise that it actively recommends buyers steer clear if they're sensitive to noise. If this is a buying factor, look for fans that spin slower and have a lower RPM as they're typically quieter, but they may not cool as effectively as more powerful fans.
Price: Price tags for laptop cooling pads can vary, although, for the most part, they're not very expensive. As you can see from this list, it is very easy to find a solid pick for less than $100.
How did we choose these laptop cooling pads?
Our search for the best laptop cooling pads began by judging the field using the core considerations outlined above. We looked at ergonomics, fan design, cooling performance, price, and extra features. We included the IETS GT500 despite its loud fans because of how good it is at cooling a laptop.
Once the selections were made, we tested several of the laptop cooling pads ourselves. We placed an old Alienware Area 51 laptop that frequently runs hot on the pads to see how well they could bring down temperatures. All of the pads were successful in cooling the laptop down, but some more than others.
We also looked at several sources online such as Reddit, Amazon reviews, and other consumer sites to see what everyday people thought were the best laptop cooling pads. Reading the personal experiences from users helped us narrow the potential field and make our final picks.
How do I know if I need a cooling pad?
The moment you should consider getting a cooling pad is when you notice your laptop start to become uncomfortably warm during usage. That's a sign that you should consider taking action to lower temperatures, as you can risk damaging your computer. If you don't think it's necessary to get a cooling pad, we strongly recommend monitoring your laptop's internal temperatures.
Do cooling pads extend laptop life?
Absolutely. Excessive heat can several limit a laptop's performance. High temperatures strangle hardware performance, and in the worst cases, shorten a computer's lifespan. It is primarily for this reason why recommend getting a cooling pad, especially if you own an older laptop. The older the machine, the harder time it has to dissipate heat effectively. Cooling pads are an important tool in boosting performance and greatly improve user comfort. Speaking from experience, high temperatures make typing on a keyboard very uncomfortable.
Even if you own a more recent device, it's still a helpful tool to have if you live in a warm climate. Having proper air circulation can go a long way in those environments. Results vary as they ultimately depend on your cooling pad's fan speeds. But at the very least, you can keep your computer operating at lower temperatures promoting optimal performance.
Don't about your cooling pad potentially causing overheating -- they don't take a lot of energy to run so it's unlikely the devices will exacerbate the problem.
What can I used instead of a cooling pad for my laptop?
There are plenty of alternate methods out there that you can try out. First off, make sure your laptop's fans and heat vent are not covered in dust, as a clogged vent can prevent proper air flow. To fix the issue, we recommend getting a can of compressed air and blowing out the dust. It's also possible one of the fans is malfunctioning. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the component.
Another simple method is to simply elevate your laptop at a comfortable angle. Some companies sell metal stands that hoist your computer above the desk, promoting better air flow. Additionally, don't sit your computer on any carpeted or padded surfaces. Cloth and fabrics insulate heat well, but that also means laptops can't ventilate properly.
When it comes to software, you can run a low power energy profile to keep things cool.
Do cooling pads drain your laptop battery?
Yes, they do. Because cooling pads require a direct USB connection for power, they will siphon power from your laptop's battery to operate. Many models allow you to adjust fan speeds and or disable LED lights, both of which can help conserve battery, but you still have to contend with the extra power demand.
A powered USB hub may work as an alternative. In this scenario, you can plug your cooling pad into the hub instead of your laptop. It is worth mentioning there are pads out there that plug straight into a wall socket instead of draining power directly from a laptop battery. If battery longevity is a concern, you do have options.
Are there alternative laptop cooling pads worth considering?
There are many options out there on the market if you're looking for a laptop cooling pad. Below is a list of great alternatives.