A laptop's cooling system is a feature that often gets overlooked, but it's one that users should pay more attention to. Modern processors and GPUs demand a lot of energy, which causes internal temperatures to rise. Ask anyone with a gaming laptop, and they'll tell you how uncomfortably hot their device can get. You can mitigate this with a laptop cooling pad, such as the Llano Gaming Cooler. These devices support the top laptopsby actively cooling them down through high-speed fans and a clever design maximizing airflow.What is the best laptop cooling pad right now?We tested some of the top laptop cooling pads on the market. Razer launched its first cooling pad last year. It's a great pick for gamers who want an accessory with powerful fans and a cool design. Havit's HV-F2056 is a solid budget option. But our pick for the best overall is the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler. Its powerful cooling can reduce the temperature of even the hottest computers and has eye-catching RGB lights. As much as we like it, it may not be the best choice for everyone. I have made a list of other notable cooling pad models with different use cases so you can choose the right one.Also:The best laptops for graphic designers Sort by All The best laptop cooling pads of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon As we used the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler more and more, we eventually concluded that it really is the best cooling pad on the market today. The device is very effective at what it does. It has a unique design where the cooling fan sits inside a recessed pit surrounded by foam cushioning.Placing a laptop over space creates a powerful vacuum effect. Moreover, the fan spins at 2,800 RPM max, which is capable of cooling down even the warmest gaming laptops. As part of testing, Llano's pad was placed underneath an old gaming laptop that quickly overheats. It successfully lowered the surface temperature of what is normally a very hot computer (so hot you can barely touch it) in just a few minutes.Also:An RGB monitor stand sounds outrageous, but it's transformed my desk for the betterLlano's Laptop Cooler has RGB lighting as a ring light that goes around the main body. The on-device touchscreen allows you to change the pattern of the lights. This device also offers the option to run the machine using a traditional power adapter instead of a USB cable. All you have to do is plug it directly into a wall socket. It saves you a USB port that you normally lose 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 Pros Powerful cooling Vivid RGB lights Alternate power methods Cons Expensive As we used the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler more and more, we eventually concluded that it really is the best cooling pad on the market today. The device is very effective at what it does. It has a unique design where the cooling fan sits inside a recessed pit surrounded by foam cushioning.Placing a laptop over space creates a powerful vacuum effect. Moreover, the fan spins at 2,800 RPM max, which is capable of cooling down even the warmest gaming laptops. As part of testing, Llano's pad was placed underneath an old gaming laptop that quickly overheats. It successfully lowered the surface temperature of what is normally a very hot computer (so hot you can barely touch it) in just a few minutes.Also:An RGB monitor stand sounds outrageous, but it's transformed my desk for the betterLlano's Laptop Cooler has RGB lighting as a ring light that goes around the main body. The on-device touchscreen allows you to change the pattern of the lights. This device also offers the option to run the machine using a traditional power adapter instead of a USB cable. All you have to do is plug it directly into a wall socket. It saves you a USB port that you normally lose 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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The IETS GT500 V2 has the most powerful fan, with blades rotating at 5,000 RPM. Nothing on the guide comes close to this speed. It's almost like a mini wind tunnel instead of a cooling pad.I can't give all the credit to just the fan, as the design makes a big impact. Much like the previous entry, this has a similar recessed pit design The foam creates a vacuum seal with the bottom of your laptop that traps the circulating air. But there's a twist -- literally. Instead of blowing air up towards the bottom of the laptop, it spins the air in a spiral pattern, sort of like a washing machine. This causes what IETS describes as "360-degree undifferentiated cooling," which means air cools every part of a laptop equally.Also:The best mechanical keyboardsThe major drawback of the IETS GT500 is, ironically, the high fan speed, because it makes the device really loud. IETS is aware of this issue, and its product listing states that noise can reach 65 dB. The company even says, "If you are sensitive to noise, please buy carefully."Other notable features of the GT500 V2 include vibrant RGB lighting for that extra pizazz and a three-port USB-A hub. This lets you plug in additional accessories.IETS GT500 V2specs: 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 Pros High RPM Unique design Ergonomic Cons Expensive Loud The IETS GT500 V2 has the most powerful fan, with blades rotating at 5,000 RPM. Nothing on the guide comes close to this speed. It's almost like a mini wind tunnel instead of a cooling pad.I can't give all the credit to just the fan, as the design makes a big impact. Much like the previous entry, this has a similar recessed pit design The foam creates a vacuum seal with the bottom of your laptop that traps the circulating air. But there's a twist -- literally. Instead of blowing air up towards the bottom of the laptop, it spins the air in a spiral pattern, sort of like a washing machine. This causes what IETS describes as "360-degree undifferentiated cooling," which means air cools every part of a laptop equally.Also:The best mechanical keyboardsThe major drawback of the IETS GT500 is, ironically, the high fan speed, because it makes the device really loud. IETS is aware of this issue, and its product listing states that noise can reach 65 dB. The company even says, "If you are sensitive to noise, please buy carefully."Other notable features of the GT500 V2 include vibrant RGB lighting for that extra pizazz and a three-port USB-A hub. This lets you plug in additional accessories.IETS GT500 V2specs: 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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon It is surprisingly tricky to find a budget laptop cooling pad worth recommending. The cheap models are not very good, but TECKNET's gadget bucks this trend by being an effective cooling pad. The upper half of the device houses a pair of fans spinning at 1,800 RPM max. That's a good enough speed to chill out lightweight laptops.I want to emphasize using only using TECKNET's accessory with thin laptops because this model struggles a bit with thicker machines. It takes a while to cool down hefty gaming laptops, for example. I recommend pairing the TECKNET pad with a work laptop -- something like a MacBook or a Lenovo ThinkPad.Another great feature is its lightweight, ergonomic design. It weighs a mere 1.75 pounds and fits perfectly on your lap. The TECKNET cooling pad takes power from the host laptop via a USB-A cable. It only steals a little bit of power, so don't worry about the device quickly draining your computer.I should also mention that there is a control wheel on the side. Turning it allows you to control the fan's speeds from a base 1,300 RPM up to the 1,800 RPM. It's a great tool to have whenever you want the cooling pad to be quiet.TECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 1.8 inches |Weight:1.75 pounds |Max laptop size:15.6 inches |Fan RPM:1,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Inexpensive Adjustable fan speeds Lightweight Cons Limited ports It is surprisingly tricky to find a budget laptop cooling pad worth recommending. The cheap models are not very good, but TECKNET's gadget bucks this trend by being an effective cooling pad. The upper half of the device houses a pair of fans spinning at 1,800 RPM max. That's a good enough speed to chill out lightweight laptops.I want to emphasize using only using TECKNET's accessory with thin laptops because this model struggles a bit with thicker machines. It takes a while to cool down hefty gaming laptops, for example. I recommend pairing the TECKNET pad with a work laptop -- something like a MacBook or a Lenovo ThinkPad.Another great feature is its lightweight, ergonomic design. It weighs a mere 1.75 pounds and fits perfectly on your lap. The TECKNET cooling pad takes power from the host laptop via a USB-A cable. It only steals a little bit of power, so don't worry about the device quickly draining your computer.I should also mention that there is a control wheel on the side. Turning it allows you to control the fan's speeds from a base 1,300 RPM up to the 1,800 RPM. It's a great tool to have whenever you want the cooling pad to be quiet.TECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 1.8 inches |Weight:1.75 pounds |Max laptop size:15.6 inches |Fan RPM:1,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Comfort is an underrated aspect of laptop cooling pads. Good ergonomics ensures your hands won't feel strain after typing away for hours. Among the many options out there, the IETS GT300 Double Blower stands out as one of the ergonomically best. This is thanks to the device's adjustable rear brackets, which can be set to one of seven comfortable angles.There's more to the Double Blower than its thoughtful design. It has two high-speed fans inside a recessed pit similar to the Llano Cooler. IETS states its product is more compatible with laptops with thermal vents on the bottom and the sides. I recommend following the company's suggestion, however, in my experience, it is still quite excellent at cooling down laptops lacking bottom vents.Also:I'm an audiophile, and these $150 wireless earbuds for gaming had me fooledI tested the GT300 on an old Alienware laptop with only rear and side vents. Despite lacking the necessary vents, the pad stopped the machine from overheating. It's worth mentioning that despite spinning at 4,500 RPM, the fans are fairly quiet.Having a laptop over the pit helps with the noise factor, but rest assured that you won't bother people around you. Other notable features include dust filters and four unique LED light themes.IETS GT300 Double Blower specs: Dimensions: 15.75 x 13.7 x 1.97 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:17 inches |Fan RPM:4500 |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Fast cooling Ergonomic Gentle lighting Cons Few ports Comfort is an underrated aspect of laptop cooling pads. Good ergonomics ensures your hands won't feel strain after typing away for hours. Among the many options out there, the IETS GT300 Double Blower stands out as one of the ergonomically best. This is thanks to the device's adjustable rear brackets, which can be set to one of seven comfortable angles.There's more to the Double Blower than its thoughtful design. It has two high-speed fans inside a recessed pit similar to the Llano Cooler. IETS states its product is more compatible with laptops with thermal vents on the bottom and the sides. I recommend following the company's suggestion, however, in my experience, it is still quite excellent at cooling down laptops lacking bottom vents.Also:I'm an audiophile, and these $150 wireless earbuds for gaming had me fooledI tested the GT300 on an old Alienware laptop with only rear and side vents. Despite lacking the necessary vents, the pad stopped the machine from overheating. It's worth mentioning that despite spinning at 4,500 RPM, the fans are fairly quiet.Having a laptop over the pit helps with the noise factor, but rest assured that you won't bother people around you. Other notable features include dust filters and four unique LED light themes.IETS GT300 Double Blower specs: Dimensions: 15.75 x 13.7 x 1.97 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:17 inches |Fan RPM:4500 |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less I'm a little surprised it took Razer so long to develop a laptop cooling pad, given how many different gaming accessories they sell, but it was worth the wait. This device has many of the same hallmarks as other entries, namely the recessed pit design and a powerful cooling fan. The blades spin at 3,000 RPM max, making it one of the most powerful models on this list.Razer didn't just copy other companies because it added its own flare to the cooling pad concept. The foam pad surrounding the center fan can actually be removed and replaced with a different base tailored for different laptop sizes. They're affixed to the body via magnets, so installation is easy.Review: Razer Laptop Cooling PadAdditionally, users can customize the device via Razer's Synapse 4 app. You can create special fan modes or remap the side RGB and fan control buttons to perform other tasks like media playback. Speaking of RGB, the lighting is placed at the bottom. It's vibrant enough to make the pad appear otherworldly while not being distracting.Customer reviews on Amazon offer interesting insight into the product. They appreciate the device's cooling prowess despite demanding multiple power sources to function.Razer Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 15.6 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches |Weight:3.52 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:3,000 RPM |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Customizable Sleek design Detachable foam Cons Expensive I'm a little surprised it took Razer so long to develop a laptop cooling pad, given how many different gaming accessories they sell, but it was worth the wait. This device has many of the same hallmarks as other entries, namely the recessed pit design and a powerful cooling fan. The blades spin at 3,000 RPM max, making it one of the most powerful models on this list.Razer didn't just copy other companies because it added its own flare to the cooling pad concept. The foam pad surrounding the center fan can actually be removed and replaced with a different base tailored for different laptop sizes. They're affixed to the body via magnets, so installation is easy.Review: Razer Laptop Cooling PadAdditionally, users can customize the device via Razer's Synapse 4 app. You can create special fan modes or remap the side RGB and fan control buttons to perform other tasks like media playback. Speaking of RGB, the lighting is placed at the bottom. It's vibrant enough to make the pad appear otherworldly while not being distracting.Customer reviews on Amazon offer interesting insight into the product. They appreciate the device's cooling prowess despite demanding multiple power sources to function.Razer Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 15.6 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches |Weight:3.52 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:3,000 RPM |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Gamers who want a laptop cooling pad that makes a big statement should check out the AICHESON K1. It's a large device that supports 18-inch laptops and sports vivid RGB lights around its body. The device has the same vacuum pit design that I continuously praise.The fans of AICHESON K1 spin at a maximum speed of 2,800 RPM. Because the fans spin at that velocity, they can be pretty noisy. Our tests show it can get as loud as 80 dB. Fortunately, you can lower the speeds to 600 RPM by pushing the scroll wheel below the fan for a much quieter experience. This does, however, come with the tradeoff of less powerful cooling.On the other side of the scroll wheel is a button that changes the RGB lighting array. You can pick between a series of rotating colors or a static glow like red, blue, or green.The AICHESON K1 also offers two ways to power the cooling pad. You can siphon energy from a laptop to the K1 via a USB cable or supply power through the packaged-in power adapter. The latter ensures you don't lose out on a USB port.AICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions:16.85 x 2.95 x 12.5 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:2,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Vibrant RGB lights Ergonomic design Powerful fans Cons Can't charge phone Bulky Gamers who want a laptop cooling pad that makes a big statement should check out the AICHESON K1. It's a large device that supports 18-inch laptops and sports vivid RGB lights around its body. The device has the same vacuum pit design that I continuously praise.The fans of AICHESON K1 spin at a maximum speed of 2,800 RPM. Because the fans spin at that velocity, they can be pretty noisy. Our tests show it can get as loud as 80 dB. Fortunately, you can lower the speeds to 600 RPM by pushing the scroll wheel below the fan for a much quieter experience. This does, however, come with the tradeoff of less powerful cooling.On the other side of the scroll wheel is a button that changes the RGB lighting array. You can pick between a series of rotating colors or a static glow like red, blue, or green.The AICHESON K1 also offers two ways to power the cooling pad. You can siphon energy from a laptop to the K1 via a USB cable or supply power through the packaged-in power adapter. The latter ensures you don't lose out on a USB port.AICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions:16.85 x 2.95 x 12.5 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:2,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less For this entry, we're breaking our rules and recommending a laptop cooler that isn't a pad. It can't hold a laptop, nor does it support USB passthrough. But what it does offer is powerful cooling and portability. KLIM's Cool Vacuum Laptop Cooler is a unique device that is meant to be placed against a laptop's air vents.It is quite small too, weighing just under five ounces. KLIM's gadget is perfect for travel. You can stick it into your bag whenever you and your laptop go on the road.This device utilizes a vacuum fan to extract hot air from inside the computer and blow it outside. It doesn't require any direct installation. All you have to do is press the Vacuum Laptop Cooler up against a computer's heat vent.The company provides several soft plastic frames that go over the front so the device can cool computers without risk of leakage. And it's quite effective at it, too. The fan spins at 3,500 RPM max, capable of chilling very warm laptops down to comfortable temperatures. User reviews on the official product page state that one Cooler can drop internal temperatures by around five degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that the fans generate a lot of noise.KILM Laptop Cooler with Vacuum Fan specs: Dimensions:6.1 x 1.42 x 3.23 inches |Weight:4.94 ounces|Max laptop size:N/A |Fan RPM:3,500 RPM|USB passthrough:No |LED lighting:No Pros Compact Powerful fans Temperature detections Cons Can't hold laptop No USB passthrough For this entry, we're breaking our rules and recommending a laptop cooler that isn't a pad. It can't hold a laptop, nor does it support USB passthrough. But what it does offer is powerful cooling and portability. KLIM's Cool Vacuum Laptop Cooler is a unique device that is meant to be placed against a laptop's air vents.It is quite small too, weighing just under five ounces. KLIM's gadget is perfect for travel. You can stick it into your bag whenever you and your laptop go on the road.This device utilizes a vacuum fan to extract hot air from inside the computer and blow it outside. It doesn't require any direct installation. All you have to do is press the Vacuum Laptop Cooler up against a computer's heat vent.The company provides several soft plastic frames that go over the front so the device can cool computers without risk of leakage. And it's quite effective at it, too. The fan spins at 3,500 RPM max, capable of chilling very warm laptops down to comfortable temperatures. User reviews on the official product page state that one Cooler can drop internal temperatures by around five degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that the fans generate a lot of noise.KILM Laptop Cooler with Vacuum Fan specs: Dimensions:6.1 x 1.42 x 3.23 inches |Weight:4.94 ounces|Max laptop size:N/A |Fan RPM:3,500 RPM|USB passthrough:No |LED lighting:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon A recurring problem with cooling pads, as you may have noticed, is they can be noisy. For this reason, I don't recommend bringing one to the office -- except for the Havit HV-F2056.It has a quiet fan with a maximum speed of 1,100 RPM, so you can freely use this cooling pad without disturbing other people around you. Havit's model sports RGB lights inside its mesh frame, but they're not super bright. If anything, they're pretty dim so you don't run the risk of distracting others around you.The company designed this cooling pad to be ultra-lightweight. It weighs a little over 1.5 pounds so that you can stuff it inside a bag and hardly know it's there.Additionally, Havit's HV-F2056 is ergonomically sound. Users can adjust the back legs, letting you adjust the cooling pad into a more comfortable position when typing. It's important to mention that because the fan only spins at 1,100 RPM, the device isn't the best at cooling. I wouldn't recommend it for hefty gaming laptops. It's best suited when supporting lightweight machines.What's neat about the HV-F2056 is its slim design allows it to support other non-laptop devices. For example, it can cool down video game consoles and even Wi-Fi routers.Havit HV-F2056 specs: Dimensions:14.96 x 1.18 x 11.02 inches |Weight:1.54 pounds|Max laptop size:17-inches|Fan RPM:1,100 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes|LED lighting:Yes Pros Inexpensive Quiet Lightweight Cons Weak airflow A recurring problem with cooling pads, as you may have noticed, is they can be noisy. For this reason, I don't recommend bringing one to the office -- except for the Havit HV-F2056.It has a quiet fan with a maximum speed of 1,100 RPM, so you can freely use this cooling pad without disturbing other people around you. Havit's model sports RGB lights inside its mesh frame, but they're not super bright. If anything, they're pretty dim so you don't run the risk of distracting others around you.The company designed this cooling pad to be ultra-lightweight. It weighs a little over 1.5 pounds so that you can stuff it inside a bag and hardly know it's there.Additionally, Havit's HV-F2056 is ergonomically sound. Users can adjust the back legs, letting you adjust the cooling pad into a more comfortable position when typing. It's important to mention that because the fan only spins at 1,100 RPM, the device isn't the best at cooling. I wouldn't recommend it for hefty gaming laptops. It's best suited when supporting lightweight machines.What's neat about the HV-F2056 is its slim design allows it to support other non-laptop devices. For example, it can cool down video game consoles and even Wi-Fi routers.Havit HV-F2056 specs: Dimensions:14.96 x 1.18 x 11.02 inches |Weight:1.54 pounds|Max laptop size:17-inches|Fan RPM:1,100 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes|LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best laptop cooling pad? The best laptop cooling pad on the market today is the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler. Its powerful fan spins at 2,800 RPM and features a unique design that helps lower computer temperatures quickly. The device also has a striking ring light that outputs vibrant RGB colors.However, it's not the only good laptop cooler. See the table below for our other recommendations.Best laptop cooling padsPriceFan speedMax laptop sizeLlano Gaming Laptop Cooler$932,800 RPM19 inchesIETS GT500 V2$715,000 RPM17.3 inchesTECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad$271,800 RPM15.6 inchesIETS GT300 Double Blower$614,500 RPM17 inchesRazer Laptop Cooling Pad$1503,000 RPM18 inchesAICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling Pad$592,800 RPM18 inchesKLIM Cool Vacuum Laptop Cooler$133,500 RPMNot applicableHavit HV-F2056$281,100 RPM17 inches Show more 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, 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...Llano Gaming Laptop CoolerThe best gaming laptop cooler. Llano's device is capable of cooling even the warmest laptops and has a striking RGB ring light.IETS GT500 V2A 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.TECKNET Laptop Cooling PadA budget-friendly option. It isn't the most powerful option on this list, but TECKNET's model still performs well with fans that spin at 1,800 RPM.IETS GT300 Double BlowerThe best ergonomic cooler. It can adjusted to one of seven levels for maximum comfort.Razer Laptop Cooling PadThe best gaming cooling pad. Razer's device offers many customization options, including the ability to change the actions of its buttons.AICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling PadThe best RGB laptop cooling pad. AICHESON's pad sports dazzling light throughout its body and cools computers fast with its 2,800 RPM fan.KLIM Cool Vacuum Laptop CoolerA portable laptop cooler. Don't let its small size fool you. KLIM's device can cool down the warmest of laptops with its unique 3,500 vacuum fan.Havit HV-F2056A great laptop cooling pad for the office. It features a quiet fan underneath the mesh grill, and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry Show more Factors to consider when choosing a laptop cooling pad: When picking out a laptop cooling pad, there are four key factors that you should consider:Laptop size:You must ensure the cooling pad is big enough to accommodate your laptop. Conversely, if a pad is too big, it may not be able to cool down your laptop effectively. The fans on a large pad won't be able to adequately cool the warm areas on small laptops. We recommend purchasing cooling pads that fit your computer well.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 noisy the cooling pad may be when looking to buy one. The manufacturer of the IETS GT500 acknowledges that their product generates so much noise that it actively recommends that buyers steer clear if they're sensitive to noise. If this is an important factor, look for fans with a lower RPM, as they're typically quieter. Be aware that slower fans means less effective cooling.Price:The price tags for laptop cooling pads can vary, although they're generally not very expensive. As you can see from this list, finding a solid pick for less than $100 is easy. Naturally, expect better performance from more expensive models. Show more How did we choose these laptop cooling pads? Our search for the best laptop cooling pads began by judging the review units using the above core considerations. We looked at ergonomics, fan design, cooling performance, price, and extra features. We included the IETS GT500 despite its loud fans because of how well it cools a laptop.Once the selections were made, we tested several 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 the pads successfully cool the laptop down, but some more were better 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 users' personal experiences helped us narrow the potential field and make our final picks.There really isn't a specific brand that we would recommend over the rest. Many manufacturers develop their own well-performing devices. It's just that some are better than others. Show more FAQs on laptop cooling pads Should I get a laptop stand or a cooling pad? If you don't know, a laptop stand is simply a raised platform that supports laptops. They are significantly cheaper than a cooling pad. A quick Google search shows that you can buy one for $12 on Amazon. These accessories are best paired with lightweight laptops -- devices that can quickly cool down just by being elevated. A good example would be the MacBook Air.I do not recommend purchasing one of these simply stands if you have a laptop that quickly overheats or is heavy, like a gaming laptop. Stands would be ineffective against more heavy-duty computers. Powerful laptops need powerful cooling. Show more Is it safe to put an ice pack on a laptop? No. Do not, under any circumstances, place an ice pack on and below a laptop. Temperature fluctuations may be hard on your computer, but liquids can outright kill it. Likewise, do not stick your PC into a refrigerator. Stick to using the airflow from a cooling pad to keep heat away.At the time of this writing, we're inching closer to Spring, which means the weather is warming up. If it's a warm day, I strongly recommend moving the laptop's location. Keep it any from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Show more What is the most efficient way to cool a 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. Clogged vents prevent proper airflow. To fix the issue, we recommend getting a can of compressed air and blowing out the dust. One of the fans may be malfunctioning. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the component.Don't place your laptop on any carpeted or padded surfaces. Cloth and fabrics insulate heat well, preventing laptops from being ventilated properly.Software tweaks are also possible. Downloading the latest patch on your laptop will fix bugs plaguing your machine, eliminating any and all inefficiencies. Bugs can sometimes add to a computer's workload, which causes internal temperatures to rise. Similarly, optimizing a device's performance setting is another good way to deal with overheating.You can also lower the brightness of your display or screen resolution and change the power plan via the Control Panel. However, doing so will come at the cost of performance, so be mindful of that. Show more What temperature is too hot for a PC? The normal operating temperature for a computer is between 40 and 65 degrees Celsius or 104 and 109 degrees Fahrenheit. When gaming, temperatures can rise up to 70 to 80 degrees Celsius or 158 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.That seems rather warm, but it's totally fine. It's even okay if internal temperatures spike to over 80 degrees Celsius. Problems, however, appear when your computer stays consistently in those upper levels. If your laptop is always around 80 degrees Celsius, you need to quickly cool your device down. Components start to cook as the computer turns into an oven. Show more How to check my laptop's temperature? Keeping a close eye on your laptop's internal temperature can help you figure out what's causing heat spikes. Clicking the Performance tab on Task Manager provides some insight. It displays the graphic card's current temperature, but if you want more details, I strongly recommend installing Core Temp.Core Temp is a handy app that actively monitors processor temperature and other important information, such as the TDP (thermal design power), in realtime. I frequently use it while testing laptops, and the software is free to download. Core Tempo breaks a processor's temperature down to its individual cores. Show more Other laptop cooling pads we've tested Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends