How to Choose a Laptop Stand
A laptop stand is the cheapest upgrade your neck will ever thank you for. Staring down at a screen all day rounds your shoulders and stiffens your neck. Here's how to pick one that actually fixes your posture instead of just looking tidy.
Get the screen to eye level
The golden rule: the top of your screen should sit at or just below eye level, so your neck stays neutral instead of dropping forward. Most people need the laptop lifted 10–15 cm to hit that mark.
The catch is that lifting the screen also lifts the keyboard out of reach. That's fine for short sessions, but for a full day you'll want an external keyboard and mouse so your arms can rest at a comfortable angle.
Riser, adjustable, or portable?
A fixed riser is the simplest and most stable — great for a permanent desk. An adjustable stand lets you fine-tune the height and angle, which matters if you switch between sitting and standing or share the desk.
If you work in cafés or hot-desk, a folding aluminium stand weighs almost nothing and slips into a laptop bag. Look for one that grips the laptop securely and doesn't wobble when you type.
Materials and airflow
Aluminium stands double as a heatsink and keep laptops cooler than plastic ones, which helps performance on long calls or heavy tasks. Open designs let air move around the base.
Check the weight rating and the lip that holds the laptop — a stand rated for your machine with a firm front edge won't let an expensive laptop slide off.
Ready to shop with this in mind?
Shop electronics & accessoriesFrequently asked questions
Are laptop stands good for your posture?
Yes — raising the screen towards eye level keeps your neck neutral and reduces the forward hunch. Pair it with an external keyboard and mouse for the full benefit.
Do I need an external keyboard with a laptop stand?
For anything longer than a short session, yes. Once the screen is raised, the built-in keyboard is too high to type on comfortably.
What height should a laptop stand be?
High enough that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level — usually a 10–15 cm lift for most desks and chairs.