A great laptop doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and neither do the accessories that help it perform at its best. If you want to keep your system running smoothly on heavy workdays or marathon gaming sessions, a good cooling pad is a worthwhile investment. High temperatures can negatively impact PC performance.
The best laptop cooling pads improve airflow, reduce heat buildup, and provide thoughtful quality-of-life features. I’ve tested some top-rated cooling pads to help you make the most informed purchase. This list covers a wide variety, from budget-friendly devices to powerful models. For our June update, we tested the Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad and the IETS GT20UB vacuum cooler
Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
What is the best laptop cooling pad right now?
It was tricky to find the best option. Razer launched its first cooling pad back in 2024. It’s a great pick for gamers who want a pad with powerful fans and a sleek design. Havit’s HV-F2056 is a solid budget option. But our pick for the best overall is the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler. It boasts powerful cooling that can cool even the hottest computers and features eye-catching RGB lighting. As much as we like it, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Below is a list of other notable cooling pads with different use cases that you may like more.
Also: The best laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
The best laptop cooling pads of 2026
Show less
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: I found the Llano V12 Laptop Cooling Pad to be the best overall option for multiple reasons. It is well-designed with a recessed fan surrounded by soft foam. This creates a vacuum-like effect that dramatically drops surface temperatures, even on my old gaming laptop, which often runs hot. The 2,800 RPM fan is impressively powerful, and I appreciate the option to power the device from a traditional wall outlet rather than a USB-A port. I also want to shout out the vivid RGB lighting, giving the pad a striking presence.
Also: I ditched my office desktop PC for a gaming laptop, and it’s a serious productivity upgrade
Who it’s for: This cooling pad is perfect for anyone with a high-performance laptop that tends to overheat. If you regularly use demanding software, stream games, or edit videos on your computer, you’ll benefit a lot from the Llano’s strong airflow and consistent cooling.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re on a budget, the Llano V12 Laptop Cooling Pad may not be the right choice. It is one of the most expensive options on this list, though at the time of this writing, the device is on sale for around $96. Casual users or those who don’t push their machines to their limits might be better off with a more affordable pad. Plus, traveling with it may be difficult because of its size.
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
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Klim Everest hits that sweet spot between performance and price. In my experience, most cooling pads either don’t cool well or are expensive, but this one is the exception. Its twin turbine fans spin at up to 4,300 RPM each, cooling even the warmest laptops. The company recommends only using its device on laptops with bottom vents. You should definitely do this; however, I do want to point out that it is powerful enough to cool down laptops without bottom vents, as I discovered in my own testing.
The Everest is large, sturdy, and surprisingly ergonomic. When placed on top of the pad, laptops sit at an angle. It also has adjustable fan speeds, USB pass-through, and LED lighting, making it a solid all-around accessory.
Also: I saw the first Nvidia RTX Spark laptops – these 4 models will lead the new ultrabook boom
Who it’s for: I recommend this option for people on a budget, as well as those who don’t mind spending a little extra cash on a cooling pad. The Klim Everest sits in this in-between spot, delivering premium performance without being super expensive. It’s a great fit for gamers, students, and professionals who use mid- to high-performance laptops.
Who should look elsewhere: My main complaint about the Klim Everest is the noise. The fans can get really loud at higher settings, though you can lower the speed to reduce the sound. If you’re particularly sensitive to noise or don’t want to disturb other people, you might want to skip this entry.
Klim Everest Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 16.8 x 2.7x 12.7 inches | Weight: 2.49 pounds | Max laptop size: 17.3 inches | Fan RPM: 4,400 RPM | USB passthrough: Yes | LED lighting: Yes
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad is one of the better budget-friendly options on the market. It features six fans that provide decent airflow beneath a laptop. The fans are split into two groups, each controlled individually by the two scroll wheels on the back of the pad. The wheels help balance cooling performance and noise levels to best suit your needs. Personally, I let the fans run full blast while testing. They’re not very loud. It also comes with seven height-adjustment levels, letting owners find a comfortable typing angle.
Who it’s for: This cooling pad is a great fit for students and remote workers who want an inexpensive option for their devices. It’s large enough to support most laptop sizes, up to 17 inches in size. The Amazon listing mentions that you can place 12-inch notebooks on top. There really aren’t any 12-inch laptops, but there are tablets of that size. If your tablet gets warm from use, this cooling pad will come in handy.
Who should look elsewhere: While the Liangstar cooling pad performs well for the price, it isn’t the most powerful. Users with gaming laptops should get another, more capable cooling pad, namely the Llano V12 at the top of this list. This model lacks the vacuum-inspired design found in the other accessories.
Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 14.17 x 10.04 x 1.06 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Max laptop size: 17.3 inches | Fan RPM: 2,100 RPM | USB passthrough: No | LED lighting: Yes
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: Comfort is an underrated aspect of laptop cooling pads. Good ergonomics ensures your hands won’t feel strained after hours of typing, and this is what the IETS GT300 Double Blower excels at. Thanks to the device’s rear brackets, you can adjust it to one of seven angles to find the most comfortable position.
Beyond comfort, the Double Blower is also a powerful cooler. Its dual 4,500-RPM fans kept my old Alienware laptop cool, which is no easy task. The computer is already running hot and lacks side and rear vents. Highlighting that it accomplished this task underscores its power. Surprisingly, it also runs quietly. The soft LED lighting and dust filters are thoughtful extras that round out an already great design.
Who it’s for: This pad is ideal for people who work long hours on a laptop — think writers, programmers, students, and even gamers. Its ergonomic design ensures good posture and reduced hand strain. It’s especially good at cooling down laptops that heat up easily, even those without bottom vents. The elevation promotes good airflow.
Also: MacBook Neo vs. Acer Swift Air 14: I’ve used both budget laptops – this model clearly wins
Who should look elsewhere? Most cooling pads require access to a USB-A port to draw power from a host laptop. Because they take an input, many of these models include additional ports to replace the one they use. The IETS GT300 Double Blower is lacking in this regard, with only two USB-A ports on the back. That may not be enough for people with several PC accessories.
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
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: Razer went above and beyond for its laptop cooling pad. First, it has the recessed pit design that I am a big fan of. It works in tandem with the foam base to create a vacuum-like effect, ensuring laptops stay cool even during intense gaming sessions. Plus, the fan spins at a speedy 3,000 RPM.
What’s interesting about the Razer Laptop Cooling Pad is that it’s “smart”. Through the company’s Synapse 4 software, you can fine-tune the fan manually or have it auto-adjust with Smart Fan Curve mode. This feature allows the device to adjust fan speeds to best match the computer’s operating temperature. Customization doesn’t stop there. You can remap the physical control buttons on the side to perform other tasks, such as controlling music playback or launching apps.
Razer also includes additional magnetic foam frames to better fit different laptop sizes and ventilation layouts.
Review: Razer Laptop Cooling Pad
Who it’s for: This cooling pad is tailor-made for gamers and streamers who use powerful laptops that generate a lot of heat. The device’s adaptive cooling keeps it cool under pressure. It is ideal for notebooks measuring between 14 and 18 inches.
Who should look elsewhere: Despite all its bells and whistles, the Razer Laptop Cooling Pad has a few drawbacks. The most obvious is the price. At $150, it is one of the most expensive options. You’ll also need to use its USB-A port and power adapter to fully power the fan and the RGB lighting. That means more cables and desk clutter, which can be a hassle if you have a small working space.
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
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Aicheson K1 caught my eye with its bold RGB and premium build, but what kept me using it was the cooling power. Its fan design and recessed pit layout do a great job of circulating airflow underneath my laptop. The fans can spin up to 2,800 RPM, providing strong enough cooling for my hefty 17-inch notebook. Plus, the RGB lighting adds a svelte look.
On the front of the device is a scroll wheel for adjusting the fan speed. You can increase the RPM during intense gaming sessions for more powerful cooling or lower it if you don’t like the noise. There’s also a button that lets people switch between vibrant RGB effects, from a subtle glow to a rainbow light show.
The inclusion of power options is a nice touch. You can choose between a dedicated power adapter or a USB-A connection. I prefer the former since it gives me a free USB port I may need.
Also: This Lenovo Yoga rivaled my MacBook Air in ways I didn’t expect it to
Who it’s for: The Aicheson K1 is made for shoppers who care about performance as much as aesthetics. It is a good alternative to more expensive options, such as the Razer Laptop Cooling Pad. I recommend this device to people who own a large laptop, roughly 17 or 18 inches. It’s perfect for those who run high-performance games, edit footage, or tackle heavy workloads where heat buildup becomes an issue.
Who should look elsewhere? Unlike the Razer model, the Aicheson K1 is much more barebones. It doesn’t have a supporting app for customizing its output or for charging smartphones. What’s more, it’s pretty bulky. People short on desk space or who travel often should look elsewhere. The large footprint is a drawback.
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
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: The biggest issue with gaming-focused cooling pads is their size. They’re pretty big and have an awkward shape, so traveling with them can be uncomfortable. It’s partly for this reason that I recommend the IETS GT20UB vacuum laptop cooler. Instead of blowing air upward, it attaches to a gaming laptop’s exhaust vents and actively vacuums hot air out with a high-speed fan. The cooler is notably compact and lightweight, making it a great option for frequent travelers.
It supports 13 speed settings. With a push of a button, you can balance the cooling performance of the IETS GT202UB and noise levels to best suit your needs. What’s interesting about this cooler is it doesn’t just work with gaming laptops. As shown in the product listing, you can attach the device to a Steam Deck or some other gaming handheld to keep internal temperatures low.
Who it’s for: The GT202UB is best for power users who regularly push their system hard. The cooler keeps heat in check without the need for a bulky pad. Make sure your laptop has either side or rear exhaust vents. If your laptop only has vents on the bottom, then you’re not going to get much usage out of this accessory.
Who should look elsewhere? The biggest issue with the IETS GT20UB is its noise. At 5,000 RPM, it gets pretty loud. So loud, in fact, that I wouldn’t recommend bringing this device into an office building or library. Plus, like I just mentioned, its effectiveness depends heavily on a laptop’s vent design. Without the right set, this device won’t be of much use to you.
Klim GT202UB Vacuum Cooler specs: Dimensions: 3.34 x 3.14 x 1.37 inches | Weight: 9.92 ounces | Max laptop size: N/A | Fan RPM: 5,000 RPM | USB passthrough: No | LED lighting: No
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Havit HV-F2056 is one of the few laptop cooling pads I’d feel comfortable using in an office. Its three fans spin at a modest 1,100 RPM, keeping noise to a minimum, and the understated LED lighting avoids being super distracting. I also appreciate the adjustable legs, which make it easy to find a more ergonomic typing angle during long work sessions. In addition to providing solid cooling, the pad remains impressively slim and lightweight, weighing just over a pound and fitting easily into a backpack or laptop bag.
Also: Asus vs. Acer: I’ve reviewed laptops from both brands for years, and here’s my pick
Who it’s for: Havit’s HV-F2056 is perfect for professionals, students, or anyone working in quiet environments who want a cooling pad that won’t draw attention. Thanks to its size and portability, it’s great for hybrid workers who often move between home and office setups. It can even help cool down other electronics, such as video game consoles or wireless routers.
Who should look elsewhere: This device is ideal for lightweight laptops that don’t get overly hot but still benefit from extra cooling during extended use. It’s not meant for high-end laptops. Its airflow is pretty weak compared to high-RPM models. If you need a pad with powerful cooling, you should definitely look elsewhere.
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
It’s important to consider how you plan to use your laptop cooling pad. If you want something to keep your computer 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 V12 Laptop Cooling Pad | The best laptop cooler. Llano’s device can cool even the warmest laptops and features a striking RGB ring light. |
| Klim Everest | The best cooling pad for its value. The Everest strikes a good balance, providing powerful, effective cooling without being super expensive. |
| Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad | A budget-friendly option, but it isn’t the most powerful option on this list. |
| IETS GT300 Double Blower | The best ergonomic cooler. It can be adjusted to one of seven positions for maximum comfort. |
| Razer Laptop Cooling Pad | The best gaming cooling pad. Razer’s device offers many customization options, including changing the actions of its buttons. |
| Aicheson K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling Pad | The best RGB laptop cooling pad. Aicheson’s pad features dazzling lights throughout its body and cools computers quickly with its 2,800-RPM fans. |
| IETS GT202UB | A portable laptop cooler. This small device can cool even the warmest laptops thanks to its unique 5,000-RPM fan. |
| Havit HV-F2056 | A 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. |
When picking out a laptop cooling pad, there are four key factors that you should consider:
- Laptop size: Ensure the cooling pad is large enough to accommodate your laptop. Conversely, if a pad is too large, it may not cool your laptop effectively. The fans on a large pad won’t 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 hard on the wrists, so we recommend choosing a laptop cooling pad that lets you adjust its height and angle for a comfortable working experience.
- Fan output: Fans can get loud, so it’s important to consider how noisy the cooling pad will be when buying 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 mean less effective cooling.
- Price: Laptop cooling pads can vary in price, though 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.
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 GT202UB despite its loud fans because it cools a laptop so well.
Once the selections were made, we tested several laptop cooling pads ourselves. We placed an old Alienware Area 51 laptop, which frequently runs hot, on the pads to see how well they could cool it. All the pads on the list eventually cooled my test laptop, but some were better than others. In other instances, I used a slimmer HP OmniBook 3.
We also looked at several online sources, including 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. They’re all really good. It’s just that some models are better than others.
Latest information on laptop cooling pads in 2026
Laptop cooling pads, as a product type, tend to be pretty static. I’ve been covering the topic for a few years now, and many devices are very similar to one another. The last major release that shook things up was the Razer Laptop Cooling Pad. It had a slew of innovative features, including artificial intelligence that automatically adjusts the cooling pad’s fan speeds to match the host laptop’s internal temperature. Beyond that, it tends to be stale. New models tend to launch without much fanfare.
I did see some new information from IETS. It appears that in February 2026, the company announced it would develop a new cooling pad, the IETS GT300 Plus. According to the announcement post, the GT300 Plus is supposed to boast enhanced cooling performance, better ergonomics, and customizable fan speeds among other improvements.
As of this writing, the cooling pad hasn’t been released yet, nor do we know if it will be. IETS hasn’t given an exact date for the new product’s launch or specific details on dimensions and features. It’s all still up in the air.
As hybrid work becomes more commonplace, there is a growing need for portable devices. I think there is a strong case for making cooling pads more portable. People could start demanding lightweight, compact solutions that can fit easily into a backpack and provide reliable performance on the go. Plus, future designs can combine their powerful cooling functionality with port hubs or wireless charging.
However, I don’t think that’ll happen. It seems that cooling pads will maintain their current niche. Advances in laptop thermal design, from improved heat dissipation to more efficient chips, will reduce the need for an external cooling solution. Most work laptops don’t get that hot, and gaming laptops, like the MSI Raider 16 Max HX, come with powerful cooling systems.
Yes. Cooling pads significantly reduce a computer’s internal temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can seriously damage a laptop’s components over time. In fact, brief heat spikes can be enough to ruin a device, so it’s important to mitigate temperature levels. The cold can also negatively impact a laptop, but in my experience, heat is the more common killer.
It depends. For most laptops, I don’t think that you’ll need a cooling pad. Most workloads aren’t heavy enough to cause rapid temperature spikes. However, what I’m describing is a best-case scenario. If you frequently experience those heat spikes and your laptop runs hot for an extended period, you should definitely get a cooling pad — especially if it’s a gaming laptop. Gaming PCs have seen new advancements in cooling tech, but they still run hot. Having an extra source of cooling won’t hurt.
It’s possible to keep your laptop’s temperature low is without a cooling pad. I highly recommend the accessories on this list as they’re the best at cooling down your laptop. If you want free solutions, here is what I suggest:
- Elevate your laptop — Elevating a laptop ensures proper airflow to and from the vents. You can try placing the device on a stack of books or purchasing a laptop stand. For example, the Nulaxy Laptop Stand costs less than $20.
- Clear out obstructions — Make sure the laptop’s air vents are clear of dust. Dust can prevent proper airflow and raise internal temperatures. This is why many cooling pads with the recessed pit design come with dust filters.
- Optimize software — This may sound rather obvious, but running multiple programs causes internal temperatures to rise. People who frequently have many browser tabs and apps open should close all unnecessary processes. Freeing up resources will dispel heat and improve hardware performance.
If you’ve reviewed the list and are struggling to decide which cooling pad to purchase, here are a few extra tips.
First, look at the number of fans on a cooling pad and their maximum revolutions per minute (RPM). Multiple fans can be quite noisy. If this is an issue for you, purchase devices with a lower RPM. Conversely, if you want the most effective cooling, then buy a high-end model such as the Razer Cooling Pad.
You should also pay attention to the design. Does the cooling pad have good build quality? Cheaper options tend to feel flimsy. Ensure that the accessory you are interested in has a sturdy construction consisting of metal and high-quality plastic.
The main disadvantage of cooling pads is the noise. Fans spinning at a high RPM can be a little distracting. Not so loud that you can clearly hear them through a pair of headphones, but they can certainly disturb other people around you. If that’s an issue, I recommend keeping the fans at low RPM to reduce noise.
Also, not all cooling pads have a sleek design. Some, like the Llano V12, are bulky and large, but that size allows for a big fan. The best cooling pad depends on your needs, which is why I recommend so many different devices.
The normal operating temperature for a computer is between 40 and 65 degrees Celsius or 104 and 109 degrees Fahrenheit. During gaming, temperatures can rise to 70-80 degrees Celsius (158-176 degrees Fahrenheit).
That sounds hot, but it’s totally fine. It’s even okay if internal temperatures spike to over 80 degrees Celsius. Problems start when your computer consistently runs at those higher levels. If your laptop consistently runs at around 80 degrees Celsius, you need to cool it down immediately. Components start to cook as the computer turns into an oven. Performance drops, and you run the risk of permanently damaging your computer.
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 graphics card’s current temperature. If you want more details, I strongly recommend installing the free Core Temp app.
Core Temp actively monitors the processor temperature and other key metrics, such as thermal design power (TDP), in real time. Core Tempo breaks down a processor’s temperature by core.
Latest updates
- July 2026: We refreshed the alternatives list at the bottom and added new FAQ questions.
- June 2026: We tested and added the Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad and the IETS GT20UB vacuum cooler to the main list, removing outdated models. We also refresh the tertiary information relating to the list.
- September 2025: We added an interactive visualization chart that compares the specs of each of our top products.
- July 2025: For this update, we updated the pricing information as some of it was outdated. We then tweaked the text in some of the entries and refreshed the Also links. Finally, we revamped the cooling pad alternative list below.
Other laptop cooling pads we’ve tested
Show less
IETS/ZDNET
The IETS GT500 is similar to the Llano V12 in that it also features the coveted vacuum-seal design. With a laptop on top, the turbine spins air in a 360-degree circle, cooling down the entire service area. The different with the IETS is that it provides the same cooling performance at a lower price. It’s not as configurable, but still solid.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Tecknet’s Laptop Cooling Pad is a solid, slightly more expensive alternative to the Liangstar model. Instead of using six fans across the front, the Tecknet model uses two 110mm fans at the top to directly blast air into a laptop’s rear exhaust vents. Beyond keeping your laptop cool, it is ergonomically sound, making long work sessions more comfortable.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
AIMIUZI/ZDNET
If desk space is limited or you don’t want a huge pad, then I recommend the Aimiuzi Laptop Cooling Pad. It’s a small accessory that supports laptops from 12 to 15.6 inches. It is also height-adjustable, so you can adjust its height to your liking. Plus, the Aimiuzi pad comes in multiple color options, from plain silver with blue lighting to all black with red lighting.
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Be sure to check out ZDNET’s list of the top seven laptop-bag essentials. If you’ve been thinking of buying a new laptop but don’t know what to get, I’d recommend reading our Asus vs Acer comparison.
