Do laptop cooling pads work? The answer is yes! If you are in the mid-high range of laptop users, then you likely have experienced the heat that a laptop generates when it’s been used for many hours at a time, or is working extra hard to support open programs. Let’s be clear - the only surefire way to “cool down” your computer is to give it a break. But can these cooling help provide your computer some temporary relief and stave off an overheating event for a while longer? Absolutely. Below we deep deep laptop cooling pads - the pros, the cons, the myths surrounding them, and why you might want to consider using one.
What is a Laptop Cooling Pad?
A laptop cooling pad is an elevated platform designed to be placed underneath your laptop computer to assist with cooling the computer in high-use time periods. The goal of a laptop cooling pad is to reduce the operating temperature of the laptop. The way these cooling pads work is by providing either active or passive cooling support. Typically “active” laptop cooling pads use built-in fans to provide this cooling functionality and move air away from the laptop, while passive laptop cooling pads either passively move air away from the computer or use thermally conductive materials to passively protect the device. But the features don’t always end there. Some have different fan speeds to choose from, built-in USB hubs, and more.
Benefits of Laptop Cooling Pads
There are several benefits of using laptop cooling pads for your computer:
Lower Temperature
The first and most obvious benefit of using laptop cooling pads is that they can help your computer achieve a lower temperature, and, as a result, stave off overheating (which can be detrimental, if not fatal, for laptops).
Greater Physical Comfort
We all know the feeling of a warm (or maybe even a hot) laptop on your lap. It’s not always the most comfortable thing in the world. Whether the laptop is on your lap, on a desk or table, a cooling pad can help regulate the temperature of your work area and keep you more physically comfortable. And when you’re more physically comfortable, you can be more productive! Another way that laptop cooling pads may induce greater physical comfort while working is through the added height they can provide to your work setup. You can reduce neck strain and gain a steadier working surface with the addition of a laptop cooling pad.
Easy to Use
Another benefit of laptop cooling pads is simply that they’re easy to use. The setup is minimal, and there’s no learning curve for how to operate them; simply place the pad under your computer, turn on if needed, and you are good to go.
More Amenities
Many laptop cooling pads also offer benefits like additional USB ports, which can be helpful if you’re trying to connect your computer to multiple external devices.
Other Common Questions About External Laptop Cooling Pads
Here are some other common questions you may have about external laptop cooling pads, and if getting one can improve your laptop functionality.
Do Laptop Cooling Pads Work for Gaming?
Yes - laptop cooling pads work especially well for gaming. This is one of the most common use cases for laptop cooling pads, since running games on your computer can be labor intensive for laptops. However, if you are an intensive gamer, you are going to want to invest in a gaming laptop, which typically offers better memory and faster processing power to support your gaming needs.
How Much Are Laptop Cooling Pads?
Laptop cooling pads range in price from less than $20 to upwards of $100. It depends what kind of models you are looking at (active or passive) and any additional features they may offer. You can get a simple slim cooling pad for $19.99. Or, if you’re looking for a solution that cools your laptop, but also supports better physical posture and comfort throughout the day, then you can opt for an adjustable ergonomic laptop table with cooling fan for a price point closer to $50. There are many options to choose from!
Are Laptop Cooling Pads Worth It?
We believe that laptop cooling pads are worth it. Between the added physical comfort, the potential benefits for your laptop computer and capability to extend the health of your laptop, adding a cooling pad (especially an affordable one) is a smart move.
Should I Get a Cooling Pad for My Laptop?
When it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase an accessory that can improve the health of your computer and extend the life of your hard drive, the answer is always going to be “yes!” Shop our complete selection of laptop tables and cooling pads here.
