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.
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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 reviewedThe best laptop cooling pads of 2026 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 upgradeWho 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
