Best Products > Computer Components 66 66 people found this article helpful The 8 Best Laptop Cooling Pads of 2023 Keep your laptop from overheating and shutting down By Nicky LaMarco Nicky LaMarco Facebook Twitter Writer Nicole LaMarco has 15+ years' experience writing about web hosting, antivirus, backup software and other technology for publications like Tech Republic and Web Hosting Sun. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 2, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Twitter University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Tweet Share Email Computer Components Monitors Keyboards Mice Cards CPU USB/USB-C Storage Laptop Bags & Backpacks Printers Heat and computers do not play well together. Laptop cooling pads were developed to combat complications brought about by high temperatures. As your computer works harder, it gets hotter, which can cause damage. Sometimes your laptop can get so hot that working with the computer on your lap becomes uncomfortable or even dangerous. A laptop cooling pad promotes good airflow around and through your laptop. Ideally, the best laptop cooling pads have multiple built-in fans, are lightweight, do not generate much sound, and have adjustable height settings. Not only do these pads cool your computer, but they also boost the ergonomics of your computer to boost efficiency and comfort. The Rundown Best Overall: Thermaltake Massive TM at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: TopMate Laptop Cooling Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Quietness: Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Thermaltake Laptop Cooling Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Portability: havit Laptop Cooler at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooling Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best for MacBook: Targus Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Gamers: TopMate C11 at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks What to Look For in a Laptop Cooling Pad FAQ Best Overall Thermaltake Massive TM Laptop Cooling Pad 3.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Antonline.com What We Like Two large fans Temperature sensor to control fans Two USB ports What We Don't Like Fans are loud Not for laptops larger than 17 inches Thermaltake Massive TM Laptop Cooling Pad Review Thermaltake's Massive TM cooling pad has two large fans, providing substantial airflow to engulf the laptop's base. Specifically, fan speed reaches a maximum of 1300 RPM. Thermaltake's inclusion of a temperature sensor helps you identify how hot your laptop is running. Massive TM's temperature sensor will trigger and control the two fans when your laptop starts warming up and becoming hot. If you have spent considerable time on your laptop, causing it to work over time, the turbo mode is available to support your computer during heavy-duty work. Even with the fans' effectiveness, customers have complained of the fans being too loud. The Massive TM cooling pad may not be suitable for quiet environments. Depending on where you use your laptop, you may need to adjust the cooling pad for comfort. Fortunately, Thermaltake incorporated feet on the back of the cooling pad to raise your laptop to a more ergonomic level. Also included are two USB Type-A ports. One port will need to be occupied to power the cooling pad. However, you can use the additional USB port for whatever else you need to connect to your workstation. Thermaltake's Massive TM is not meant for laptops larger than 17 inches. While larger laptops can technically fit on the cooling pad, they will hang off the sides. Ideally, you can use the Massive TM with laptops around 15 inches or smaller. Users reported being fond of the control panel to navigate the pad. Number of Fans: 2 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 1300 RPM | Adjustable: Yes Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Best Budget TopMate C302 Laptop Cooling Pad 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Budget-friendly In-device storage for USB cable Extra USB port What We Don't Like Feet to hold laptop are too long USB port is not well designed Suits only smaller laptops TopMate C302 Laptop Cooling Pad Review Surprisingly, laptop cooling pads can cost upwards of $100, but getting a quality pad for much less is possible. The TopMate C302 Laptop Cooler will likely suit your bank account and cooling pad needs for those who are more budget-conscious. TopMate’s cooling pad rivals Thermaltake’s Massive TM cooling pad for roughly $20 cheaper. For example, the C302 has two fans that run up to 1300 RPM to keep your laptop cool. And the laptop cooling pad has an extra USB port attached to the end of the USB plug. Due to the impressive specs, TopMate’s C302 Laptop Cooler is highly versatile. In particular, many people use the cooling pad to cool their routers, although it is designed for laptops. Whether the pad is used for your laptop or router, it has a convenient carrying compartment for your USB cable. So while you are in transit, you do not have to worry about breaking or losing the cable. Again, like Thermaltake’s Massive TM, the C302 is best suited for smaller computers as it is compatible with up to 15.6 inches of laptops. However, you may be disappointed with the cooling pad’s foot placement if you have a laptop that fits. TopMate designed the feet to sit at the top of the laptop pad to prevent the laptop from sliding when at an angle. Unfortunately, the feet, which are too long, tend to poke out higher than the keyboard deck. Consequently, typing can be uncomfortable. Number of Fans: 2 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 15.6 inches | Fan Speed: 1300 RPM | Adjustable: Yes Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Best for Quietness Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Five quiet, adjustable, high-powered fans Multiple angle adjustments Large enough for 17-inch laptop What We Don't Like Difficult to adjust temperatures Flimsy, unreliable legs Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad Review A common grievance against cooling pads is the noise produced by the fans working to cool your laptop. The size or number of fans a cooling pad has will typically dictate how much noise a pad will make. With five individual fans for cooling your laptop, Kootek’s Laptop Cooling Pad significantly reduces noise production as the fans are quieter than average, larger fans. The five fans can churn out a topmost RPM of 2000. In addition, you can customize your airflow as users can select different combinations of fans to work. All you have to do is plug Kootek’s pad into your laptop to adjust the five fans to increase airflow to your laptop as need be. Airflow customization is stellar, but customers have reported the fans do not always adjust as desired. Nevertheless, you can use your Kootek cooling pad in even the quietest area of a library or next to your napping spouse. Larger laptop users, rejoice! The cooling pad is large enough to fit a 17-inch laptop. Once your computer is placed on the cooling pad, you can adjust it for maximum productivity. In particular, you can adjust Kootek’s cooling pad to six angles for a more ergonomic fit. Unfortunately, the polycarbonate legs are unstable even with a significant number of positions. The legs are set into slots in the base leg, and the base is very narrow where those slots are located. Therefore, Kootek’s cooling pad will not take abuse very well, but you should be in good shape if you are careful. Number of Fans: 5 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 2000 RPM | Adjustable: Yes Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Best Splurge Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB Single Fan Laptop Cooling Pad Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Antonline.com What We Like LED lighting Can accommodate laptops up to 19 inches Three adjustable height settings What We Don't Like Unremarkable airflow Requires two USB ports to power lights and fan If money is no object, Thermaltake’s large, fancy Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler may suit your needs and wants for a price tag of $60. The cooling pad’s looks may win you over without considering the specs. A strip of red, blue, and green (“RGB”) LED lighting surrounds the Massive 20 RGB cooler, increasing its appeal to gamers and those entertained by flashy lights. Besides the RGB mode, four other lighting modes are available: Wave, Pulse, Blink, and Full Lighted. If you get tired of the LED lights, you can turn them off and on again. Thermaltake’s Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler has a single, large, 200mm fan with a variable speed of up to 800 RPM. Nonetheless, the one sizable fan makes airflow around this pad relatively inefficient, as a single fan provides just one large gust of air. On the other hand, several smaller fans could blow air more directly where needed. Nevertheless, at least by being able to tinker with the lighting and the fan, you can make this cooling pad yours. Now, if you want both the fan and the lights in operation simultaneously, you will have to forfeit the Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler’s two available USB ports for the privilege. Unlike any other laptop on this list and most laptops on the market, Thermaltake’s pad is compatible with laptops up to 19 inches long. Larger laptops can often be challenging to arrange with a cooling pad. The Massive 20 RGB Notebook Cooler was ergonomically designed to provide the best viewing and typing angles for added comfort. For instance, Thermaltake developed the pad with three adjustable height degrees of 3, 9, and 13. Number of Fans: 1 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 19 inches | Fan Speed: Max 800 RPM | Adjustable: Yes Best for Portability havit HV-F2056 Laptop Cooler Amazon View On Amazon View On Prohavit.com What We Like Exceptionally portable Can fit a 17-inch laptop Quiet fans What We Don't Like No separate light controller Only two height positions Short power cord Your laptop alone is probably enough of a hassle when you are on the go, so you do not need a bulky cooling pad to lug around too. If you are looking for a lightweight laptop cooling pad that you can easily carry, look no further than HAVIT's slim, portable, lightweight HV-F2056. Though the cooling pad is large enough to accommodate a 17-inch laptop, it weighs a mere 1.5 pounds. Within HV-F2056's sleek design, HAVIT inserted three 110mm fans to produce up to 1300 RPM. You will not even notice the 65 CFM of airflow stemming from the fans. The cooling pad's USB ports serve as a makeshift USB hub. For example, the HV-F2056's two USB ports are on the back of the pad next to the power switch. The switch on the back of the HV-F2056 controls both the lights and the fan, so if the lights or the fan are on, they are both on simultaneously. The hub set-up is not ideal when the lights may be distracting. HAVIT's addition of two adjustable height degrees is another flaw in determining comfortability ranges across laptop and cooling pad users. Offering more settings would have been more fitting, especially since the HV-F2056 can support bigger laptops. HV-F2056's USB power cord may be inconvenient as the cord is pretty short. Difficulties with the short USB power cord will arise if you have a larger laptop or USB ports positioned closer to the front of the laptop. You may need a different power cable if you fall into either category. Aside from that, this cooling pad is a model traveling companion. Number of Fans: 3 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 1300 RPM | Adjustable: Yes The 7 Best Laptop Bags of 2023 Best Design IETS GT300 Double Blower Laptop Cooling Pad Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Rubber seal ring Washable air filters Seven adjustable heights What We Don't Like Efficiency contingent upon vent location Awkward in size IETS’ GT300 laptop cooling pad has four light modes in seven colors. The pad’s two blowers blow air up from the bottom. If your laptop’s cooling vents are not located on the bottom of the computer, even blowers with a maximum RPM of 4500 will not be very helpful. Moreover, GT300 is unable to support laptops larger than 17.3 inches. The combination of the blowers and rubber seal ring provides enhanced cooling for compatible laptops. Unlike most other cooling pads, the GT300 has a depression in the middle of the pad where the air can flow freely. The cooling pad is issued with washable dust filters to keep cool air flowing and avoid dust collection. The involvement of these filters is critical as dust can create a lack of airflow. IETS’s insertion of these filters was genius, but it does not come without hassle because the bulky cooling pad is not easily transportable. Although the GT300 is not the most transportable pad, you can alter the height setting wherever you sit. The cooling pad boasts seven grades. The pad’s front clips, which are adjustable, keep the laptop from sliding. Because of GT300’s clips that lie flush with the keyboard deck, they will not get in your way when typing. No matter your desired height setting, rest assured your laptop will be secure with the pad’s adjustable buckle to hold the computer and accompany the cooling pad. Number of Fans: 2 (blowers, not fans) | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17.3 inches | Fan Speed: Max 4500 RPM | Adjustable: Yes Best for MacBook Targus 17 in Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Lenovo What We Like Ergonomic design Dual fans Built-in cable with compartment What We Don't Like No extra USB ports Not portable MacBook owners usually prefer a clean, simple aesthetic for their gadgets and accessories. So we figured those with an Apple laptop might want a cooling pad to match their computer’s style. Luckily, the Targus Portable Lightweight Chill Mat does just that. This cooling pad is a lightweight, all-mesh cooling pad with an ergonomic design to improve comfort. Furthermore, considering that MacBooks reach only 16 inches in size, the pad is well-suited for those computers seeing that it supports laptops up to 17 inches. Targus’ dual fan design, generating a whopping fan speed of up to 6,400 RPM, is powered by a USB-A plug on the pad’s side. Because newer MacBooks no longer use a standard connector, you will need a USB-C hub to power the Chill Mat. For additional ease, the power cable is built into the cooling pad. In all, the pad has four USB ports for supplemental connectivity. Because the Chill Mat does not collapse into a flat pad, it is massive and difficult to transport. Whether the cooling pad is on your lap or a desktop, the bottom ledge will keep the laptop in place, and the Velcro straps will keep ancillary cables organized. The pad’s four adjustable levels will allow the Chill Mat to be used as a laptop stand with enough room for an external keyboard. Number of Fans: 2 | Number of USB Ports: 4 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17 inches | Fan Speed: Max 6400 RPM | Adjustable: Yes Best for Gamers TopMate C11 Laptop Cooling Pad Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Six high speed fans Seven RGB lighting modes Hight adjustable and includes phone stand What We Don't Like Some reviewers report durability issues TopMate’s C11 Cooling Pad was seemingly built for gamers. The pad features a combination of four small fans and two large fans. C11’s six fans can peak speeds hitting between 1,250 to 2,400 RPM. The biggest fans can hit 1,250 RPM, while the small fans can hit 2,400 RPM, which is impressive. Despite the number of fans, TopMate’s C11 still generates relatively low operating noise. While these speeds are not the highest on the market, the cooling pad sufficiently cools most laptops. Gamers are often keen on appearances. TopMate ran RGB light bars alongside both sides of the cooling pad for a stylish touch. It has seven unique lighting effects that can be adjusted across five levels. In addition, TopMate incorporated a built-in phone stand so you can keep your device near you at all times, especially during a game. The phone stand particularly comes in handy if you need to charge your phone since the C11 has two USB ports for pass-through charging and additional accessories. Number of Fans: 6 | Number of USB Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Laptops up to 17.3 inches | Fan Speed: Max 1250-2400RPM | Adjustable: Yes The 5 Best Smartphones of 2023 Lifewire / Andrew Hayward What to Look For in a Laptop Cooling Pad Fan Noise Let’s face it; cooling pads can be noisy. A significant component of any cooling pad is the fan or fans it employs. Typically, larger fans produce more noise than smaller fans. As a result, several smaller fans usually do a better job remaining quiet than a couple of big fans. You may want to avoid fan noise depending on your work or home environment. Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Cooling Location Laptops have vents in various places. Identify your laptop’s vents, as the fans located on the cooling pad may not align with the vents. Simply put, the vents and fans should roughly be in the same place. Blowing cool air into a fan intake is much more efficient than blowing cool air against a flat surface. The goal is for your cooling pad to cool your laptop in the most effective method. FAQ Can you use a laptop cooling pad on your lap? Indeed! One of the best reasons to invest in a laptop cooling pad is to keep your hot laptop off your skin. Some people will agree that a hot laptop on your legs can be intolerable. However, with the quality of most cooling pads on the market, you should be able to find a pad that can be used on your lap and does not restrict airflow. What are common reasons a laptop will overheat? There are many reasons a laptop can overheat, but the most common is obstructed airflow. Obstruction is caused by dust or dirt entering the vents. Using a laptop on a soft surface such as a bed, couch, or blanket can damage your laptop. Creating enough distance between a laptop and an undesirable surface to regulate laptop temperature can be done using a cooling pad, large book, or lap desk. What will happen if your laptop overheats? A laptop that overheats will have a short lifespan. If your laptop overheats, it will degrade its reliability and performance. Over time, the heat causes components to fail. Heat is a laptop's enemy, so it is essential to keep your laptop cool. Thankfully, cooling pads exist to keep your laptop and other electrical equipment at a decent temperature. The 6 Best Laptop Cases and Sleeves of 2023 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit