The best gaming laptops feature high-powered components, and with great power comes great responsibility heat. Leaving it be can lead to your system throttling to keep from overheating, reducing its performance in games. If you're finding yourself contending with high temperatures, a laptop cooling pad is an easy way to keep your system running at full speed.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Laptop Cooling Pads:
- IETS GT300 – Best overall
- Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB – Best for gaming
- TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler – Best high airflow
- Targus Lap Chill Mat – Best for lap
- Havit HV-F2056 – Best budget
- Klim Tempest – Best portable
- Klim Ultimate – Best RGB
- Miggoing Laptop Table – Best table
- Cooler Master NotePal X3 – Best for larger laptops
Cooling solutions for laptops come in many shapes and forms. You can go with an oversized cooling pad that's blinged out with customizable RGB or go with a small blower that clamps onto the side of your laptop. Most are relatively cheap, though the best usually cost a little bit more to take advantage of advanced features like temperature sensors and multiple fans. No matter what you’re after, one of our nine picks is the perfect fit for your cooling needs – and see where to get them in the UK.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Kegan Mooney, and Georgie Peru
1. IETS GT300
Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad
Product Specifications
Fans
2 x 4,500 RPM blowers
Size
15.75" x 13.7" x 1.97"
PROS
Dual blower fans for effective cooling
Filters to prevent dust build-up in your laptop
Customizable RGB
Wide compatibility
CONS
Large and bulky
Limited RGB customization
The best laptop cooler is from a brand you may not have heard of, but don't let that put you off. As someone who needs an effective cooling solution I can rely on, this has been the cooler I've personally relied on to keep my different gaming laptops cool even in demanding circumstances. It's bulky but it's so well designed and effective, that it's worth the extra size.
Ask any HVAC technician and they'll tell you: The key to efficient cooling is ensuring your home is well sealed. The same is true for a laptop cooler and is something most simply ignore. The GT300 uses a rubber gasket around its rim to seal around the base of the PC so that its entire supply of cold air goes directly onto your heat generating components and isn't lost out the sides.
Instead of normal fans, it uses two high speed blower motors that rapidly suck cool air in from the outside. They run at an impressive 4,500 RPM when set to their maximum speed, and as many reviewers on Amazon confirm, there's a measureable difference in temperatures. The intake vents even have dust filters which help to keep your PC clean and cool over time.
The GT300 has other supporting features worth bragging about. On the back are two USB ports, so if you don't want to power it from your laptop and take up a port that would be better used for another peripheral, you can use a USB power adapter (not included, though a USB cable is) and plug it into an outlet. It's angle adjustable, allowing it to act as a laptop stand. It even has RGB, though other options on our list are more impressive. Still, there's a handful of colors and effects to choose from.
Its design means that you'll need to have vents on the bottom of your laptop for it to work well, so MacBooks aren't the best fit. Most gaming laptops will work just fine, and because of the way its rubber gasket helps to mount your laptop, it supports anything from 14" to 17" sizes.
2. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB
Best Laptop Cooling Pad
Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB
The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB is the nuclear option for cooling your gaming laptop. The massive fan in the middle of this cooler will blast your laptop with cold air, powering it for long gaming sessions.
Product Specifications
Fans
1 x 200mm
Size
18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83"
PROS
Powerful airflow
Adjustable height
CONS
A litte clunky
Given their compact, portable nature, laptops continue to be plagued by cooling issues, and the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB is the perfect remedy. This laptop cooling pad will push hot air away from your device, thanks to a massive 200mm fan set behind a sturdy steel mesh surface. Unlike the fans in most laptops, this one keeps relatively quiet while hitting up to 800RPM and pushing up to 64 CFM of airflow. Fan speed is even adjustable, as a handy knob is located directly on the cooling pad. So, you can go for max cooling or silence.
Ergonomics weren’t forgotten with three different height levels to choose from, meaning this cooling pad is performing double duty by acting as a laptop stand. You can go for a 3°, 9°, or 13° angle, ensuring you find the perfect spot for viewing and typing. When the pad and laptop are angled up, there’s extra airflow underneath for more cooling potential. Just be prepared for the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB to be a little clunky, weighing 3.35 pounds and measuring 18.54 x 13.96 x 1.83 inches, but it's ready to hold equally chunky devices, including up to 19-inch laptops.
With RGB in the name, Thermaltake doesn’t forget the lighting flair. Its edge is lined with colorful RGBs offering various lighting modes, from static and pulsing to blinking and wave. Shifting between the different modes is made simple with a button on the control panel, while another button lets you choose your preferred colors.
3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler
Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad
TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler
The TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler is absolutely filled to the brim with fans, packing 5 of the things to make sure your gaming laptop doesn't overheat, even in the most intense firefight.
Product Specifications
Fans
5
Size
14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"
PROS
Lots of fans
Two USB ports
CONS
Not suitable for larger laptops
Need tons of airflow? Then a whole bunch of fans is the way to go, and the TopMate C5 laptop cooler packs in five – a 140mm fan at the center and four 70mm fans surrounding it. With all those fans running simultaneously alongside a metal mesh surface, cool air will push against the laptop base, keeping your thermals in check. You aren’t limited to just one speed either, as a tiny LCD control panel lets you run several cooling modes and displays wind speed.
Aside from the insane cooling power of the TopMate C5, you also get a few extras starting with five height adjustments for more ergonomic positioning. Laptops up to 15.6 inches should fit perfectly on the stand, though you can always throw a gaming console on it to prevent overheating. And adding to its convenience are two USB 2.0 ports, one to plug into your laptop for power and the other for your computer’s peripherals.
4. Targus Lap Chill Mat
Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Your Lap
Targus Lap Chill Mat
The Targus Lap Chill Mat is a great laptop cooling pad if you're looking for something that'll keep your laptop cool without attracting too much extra attention.
Product Specifications
Fans
2
Size
15" x 11.75" x 1"
PROS
Simple but effective
Rubberized grip
CONS
No height adjustment
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it applies perfectly to the Targus Lap Chill Mat, which has been keeping our laptops and laps cool for over a decade. This straightforward cooler rests comfortably on your lap for hours thanks to the pad's lightweight, and the neoprene material on its bottom acts as cushioning. If you're worried about your laptop sliding all around as you’re thighs aren’t the flattest surface, a rubberized grip and little notches on the stand's surface ensure it stays in place.
As for heat dissipation, a mesh surface and hollow chamber in the middle of the mat allow fresh air to enter from beneath the laptop, while hot air can easily escape. Furthering airflow is a pair of built-in fans ready to pump fresh air near the back edge of the laptop where the CPU and GPU often sit – thus the hottest and most important parts of the machine. And the handy addition of a four-port USB hub makes plugging in extra peripherals a breeze, while velcro straps keep those cables organized.
5. Havit HV-F2056
Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad
havit HV-F2056
The Havit HV-F2056 is an excellent budget laptop cooling pad that'll keep your laptop cool and your wallet full. Plus, it's got two USB passthroughs.
Product Specifications
Fans
3 x 120mm
Size
14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"
PROS
Affordable
USB passthrough ports
CONS
Limited to 3 fans
If you're looking to keep your gaming laptop cool on the cheap, the Havit HV-2056 is an excellent option. This cooling pad may only have three 120mm fans to keep your device cool, but they're arranged in a configuration that will efficiently channel cool air to the most sensitive parts of your laptop. Plus, the fans have gorgeous blue LEDs – unfortunately RGB is saved for more expensive laptop coolers.
The Havit HV-F2056 also features two USB passthrough ports, so you don't have to lose out on connectivity just to keep your laptop cool. Combine that with the low $39 price tag (it's often on sale for less) and its quiet operation and there's not a lot to hate here.
6. Klim Tempest
Best Portable Laptop Cooler
Product Specifications
Fans
1
Size
3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"
PROS
Extremely portable
High RPM
CONS
Will only work on some laptops
Cooling pads are the most common solution but are difficult to take on the go. If you need cooling that's easy to store in your bag alongside your actual cooler, the Klim Tempest is the perfect choice. Instead of acting as a laptop stand like a full pad, this small device clamps onto the side of your laptop directly over a vent. It uses a rubber gasket to create a seal and then uses its powerful, 4,000 RPM fan to suck the hot air out the side of your laptop.
The Tempest is especially neat because it has a built-in temperature sensor that monitors the heat of the air it's exhausting. You can choose its power across 13 different levels manually or set your ideal temperature and it will only turn on when it's needed.
While this cooler is powerful and also small enough to fit in a bag at only 3" x 2" x 4", it's not compatible with every laptop. Because it's designed to work with side vents, your laptop will need to have one for it to function. If there are only vents on the bottom or rear, you'll need to look into a full-size cooling pad.
7. Klim Ultimate
Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad
Klim Ultimate
If you're looking for an RGB gaming laptop cooling pad, look no further than the Klim Ultimate.
Product Specifications
Fans
1 x 200mm
Size
16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"
PROS
RGBs galore!
Adjustable fan speed
CONS
Can't adjust RGB brightness
Scored a killer gaming laptop deal? Well, the Klim Ultimate is a laptop cooling pad up to the task of keeping a power-hungry, hot-running gaming laptop cool, preventing drops in FPS and slower performance in the best PC games. Featuring a sturdy metal grid panel, the Klim Ultimate allows for far more heat dissipation than just plopping a laptop on a gaming desk. But what really prevents overheating is the 200mm fan set behind that high airflow panel for almost instantaneous cooling. With speeds up to 750RPM, things can get quite breezy – all while remaining whisper quiet at only 23dB, so fan noise shouldn’t be much of a distraction. Temperatures were even reported to drop between 41°F and 68°F, according to Klim.
Now, gaming laptops are often on the clunkier side. Luckily, the Klim Ultimate is well-built and ready to hold bulky laptops between 11 and 17.3 inches, covering the majority of gaming laptops out there. Even with its reliable design, the cooling pad remains relatively compact, weighing just over two pounds and measuring 16.73 x 12.4 x 1.69 inches. If ergonomics are a concern, beyond laying flat, multiple inclination levels are on board with a stopper that pops out to prevent the laptop from sliding. So, posture doesn’t need to be sacrificed when preventing overheating.
Given the Kilm Ultimate is designed for gaming laptops, it’s rocking some RGB lighting around the entire rim. Five lighting effects and seven colors are available, allowing customizations to perfectly match any setup. Adjusting lighting settings is made simple using a control panel on the rear of the pad, so there’s no need to rely on any software. However, you can’t adjust the brightness of the lights. As an added convenience, the control panel is also used to change fan speed, as the fan won’t always need to run at 750RPM.
8. Miggoing Laptop Table
Best Laptop Cooling Stand
Miggoing Laptop Table
The Miggoing Laptop Table serves two purposes. First, it's a laptop table that'll make working on your couch much more comfortable. But it's also a laptop cooling pad that'll keep your laptop nice and cool.
Product Specifications
Fans
2
Size
16.5" x 10" x 18.9"
PROS
Versatile
Sturdy
CONS
Adjustment is a little awkward
Most cooling pads do a great job if you aim to use your laptop on your lap or low on a desk. However, sometimes you’re after something that can raise your device a bit higher while cooling, and that's where the Miggoing Laptop Table comes in. This stand consists of several segments, allowing you to keep it low or raise it to 18.9 inches high, making perfect for use on couches, in bed, or on top of your current desk, effectively turning it into a standing desk.
As for cooling, the Miggoing Laptop Table offers dual USB-powered fans and small ventilation slots to help keep air blowing past your computer, preventing overheating. All that is in a large, sturdy aluminum tray with stoppers ready to hold your devices up to 33 pounds. Another nifty extra is a mouse plate, eliminating the worry of finding a surface to place your mouse.
9. Cooler Master NotePal X3
Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Larger Laptops
Cooler Master NotePal X3
Suitable for laptops up to 17 inches, this laptop cooling pad sports a large 200mm blue LED fan.
Product Specifications
Fans
1 x 200mm
Size
15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8"
PROS
Front vent
Stylish design
CONS
Quite large
If you’re searching for a high-quality laptop cooler that looks as good as it performs, then the Cooler Master NotePal X3 shouldn’t be overlooked. With its large 200mm fan, its perfect for gaming laptops that are prone to heating up. While this laptop pad is on the large side, it can support up to 17-inch laptops.
All of the controls are on the side, including a USB out and USB in port, fan speed dial, fan, and LED switches. The stunning blue LED is an added touch that gamers will love, while the front vent pumps out a small breeze to keep your hands cool. There are two height adjustments, too, for additional versatility.
Where to Get the Best Cooling Pad in the UK
How We Chose Best Laptop Cooling Pads
Gaming laptops are a core part of our coverage here at IGN. We know how warm they can get and exactly what generates that heat. It's no secret that some cooling pads look great but don't actually lower your temperatures. To find the best laptop cooling pads, we first considered those we've tested for ourselves to create a short list of what we've proven to work well over time.
From there, we turn to other expert sources. We looked at articles from professional reviewers, but also put a special emphasis on user reviews of the different cooling pads we considered. Because no one reviewer will be able to test every type of laptop, real world testimonials provide a broader picture to help us understand what works and what doesn't.
With all of these elements in mind, we formed our list and have presented here the very best choices available today. We've done the research. This is the best of the best.
FAQs
Do laptop cooling pads really work?
Cooling pads can prevent your laptop from overheating, prolonging its lifespan. If you use your laptop for long periods of a time, a laptop cooling pad can be a great investment. With that in mind, some work better than others. It's important to look at how the laptop mounts to the cooling pad and how powerful the fans are. A lot of cooling potential can be lost from a leaky seal or weak fan.
Do laptop cooling pads improve performance?
They can, but not always. Laptop cooling pads can improve performance if a computer is prone to thermal throttling. This is frequently the case, but not always. If you're interested to know if your system is thermal throttling, we recommend running system monitoring software that tracks CPU and GPU performance over time. If they start high and decrease over time, there's a good chance you're throttling and could improve your performance with a cooling pad. Another great resource is 3DMark, which can be downloaded on Steam. Its stress tests will push your system to its limits and then display performance over time in a helpful graph at the end.
How well do laptop cooling pads work?
This depends on which cooling pad you're using and the design of your laptop. Because of this, it's impossible to give a definitive answer. With that in mind, the best cooling pads can lower temperatures by anywhere from 5° to upwards of 10° celsius.
Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs and gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tom’s Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today’s Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.