The Best Laptop Cooling Pads: These Coolers Actually Work

High-performance gaming laptops come equipped with powerful components that generate significant heat. This heat can cause your system to throttle, reducing its performance during intense gaming sessions. To combat this, using a laptop cooling pad is an effective way to maintain optimal performance by keeping your system cool.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Laptop Cooling Pads:

Our Top Pick### IETSGT300

4See it at Amazon### Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

3See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart### TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

2See it at Amazon### Targus Lap Chill Mat

2See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Target### HavitHV-F2056

1See it at Amazon### Klim Tempest

2See it at Amazon### Klim Ultimate

1See it at Amazon### Miggoing Laptop Table

0See it at Amazon### Cooler Master NotePal X3

0See it at AmazonCooling solutions for laptops come in various forms, from large pads with customizable RGB lighting to compact blowers that attach directly to your laptop. While most cooling pads are affordable, the best ones often feature advanced options like temperature sensors and multiple fans. No matter your preference, one of our nine selections is sure to meet your cooling needs – and find out where to purchase them in the UK.

Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Kegan Mooney, and Georgie Peru

Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad

Our Top Pick### IETSGT300

4Experience powerful cooling with two high-speed blower motors and dust-filtered intake vents, ensuring your gaming laptop stays cool during intense sessions. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans 2 x 4,500 RPM blowersSize15.75" x 13.7" x 1.97"PROSDual blower fans for effective coolingDust filters to keep your laptop cleanCustomizable RGB lightingWide compatibilityCONSLarge and bulkyLimited RGB customization optionsThe IETS GT300 is an exceptional choice for those seeking reliable cooling, despite coming from a lesser-known brand. Its effectiveness has been proven time and again with various gaming laptops under demanding conditions. Although it's on the larger side, its well-thought-out design justifies the extra space.

Effective cooling isn't just about fans; it's also about sealing. The GT300 uses a rubber gasket to create a tight seal around your laptop, ensuring that all the cool air is directed precisely where it's needed – at your laptop's heat-generating components.

Instead of typical fans, this cooler uses two high-speed blower motors that draw in cool air at 4,500 RPM. Many Amazon reviewers have noted a significant temperature drop, and the included dust filters help maintain your laptop's internals clean and cool.

The GT300 also offers practical features like two USB ports on the back, allowing you to power it from a wall outlet instead of using your laptop's USB port. It's adjustable to serve as a laptop stand, and though the RGB options are less extensive than some competitors, it still provides a range of colors and effects.

It's designed to work best with laptops that have bottom vents, making it less ideal for MacBooks. However, it supports a wide range of sizes from 14" to 17".

2. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

Best Laptop Cooling Pad Runner Up

### Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

3The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB is a robust solution for cooling your gaming laptop, featuring a large fan that ensures prolonged gaming sessions remain cool and comfortable. See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartProduct SpecificationsFans 1 x 200mmSize18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83"PROSPowerful airflowAdjustable height for ergonomic useCONSSlightly bulkyGiven the compact nature of laptops, they often struggle with cooling, and the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB addresses this issue effectively. Its 200mm fan, positioned behind a durable steel mesh, efficiently expels hot air while maintaining a relatively quiet operation at up to 800RPM and 64 CFM of airflow. The fan speed is adjustable via a convenient knob on the pad, allowing you to balance between maximum cooling and silence.

The pad's ergonomic design offers three different height adjustments (3°, 9°, or 13°), doubling as a laptop stand for optimal viewing and typing angles. This feature enhances airflow underneath the laptop for even better cooling. Be prepared for its larger size and weight, but it's well-suited for bulkier laptops up to 19 inches.

With RGB lighting along its edge, the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB adds a touch of style with various lighting modes, easily controlled through buttons on the pad.

3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad

### TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

2The TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler is packed with five fans, ensuring your gaming laptop stays cool even during the most intense gaming sessions. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans5Size14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"PROSGenerous fan countTwo USB ports for connectivityCONSNot ideal for larger laptopsIf you need maximum airflow, the TopMate C5 is your go-to with its five fans – a central 140mm fan and four surrounding 70mm fans. This setup, combined with a metal mesh surface, effectively cools your laptop's base. You can adjust the cooling modes and monitor wind speed with the built-in LCD control panel.

Beyond its cooling prowess, the TopMate C5 offers ergonomic benefits with five height adjustments, fitting laptops up to 15.6 inches. It also includes two USB 2.0 ports for added convenience.

4. Targus Lap Chill Mat

Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Your Lap

### Targus Lap Chill Mat

2The Targus Lap Chill Mat is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-profile cooling solution that keeps your laptop cool without drawing too much attention. See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsFans2Size15" x 11.75" x 1"PROSSimple yet effective designRubberized grip for stabilityCONSNo height adjustmentThe Targus Lap Chill Mat has been a reliable choice for over a decade, perfect for comfortable lap use thanks to its lightweight and neoprene cushioning. It features a rubberized grip and notches to keep your laptop securely in place.

Its cooling system employs a mesh surface and hollow chamber to facilitate air circulation, with two fans placed strategically to cool the CPU and GPU areas. Additionally, a four-port USB hub and velcro straps for cable management enhance its practicality.

5. Havit HV-F2056

Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad

### HavitHV-F2056

1The Havit HV-F2056 offers an affordable solution to keep your laptop cool, complete with two USB passthrough ports for added convenience. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans 3 x 120mmSize14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"PROSAffordable price pointUSB passthrough portsCONSLimited to three fansFor budget-conscious gamers, the Havit HV-F2056 is an excellent choice. Its three 120mm fans efficiently cool your laptop, enhanced by blue LED lighting. Priced at just $39, often less on sale, it's a quiet and cost-effective cooling solution.

6. Klim Tempest

Best Portable Laptop Cooler

### Klim Tempest

2This compact cooler features a 4,000 RPM fan that clamps onto your laptop for portable cooling. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1Size3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"PROSExtremely portableHigh RPM fanCONSCompatibility limited to laptops with side ventsFor on-the-go cooling, the Klim Tempest is ideal. Its small size allows it to fit easily in a bag, and it uses a rubber gasket to seal onto your laptop's side vent, pulling hot air away with its powerful fan.

The Tempest includes a temperature sensor and offers 13 power levels or automatic temperature control. However, it's only compatible with laptops featuring side vents.

7. Klim Ultimate

Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

### Klim Ultimate

1The Klim Ultimate is the perfect choice for gamers looking for a cooling pad with vibrant RGB lighting. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"PROSStriking RGB lightingAdjustable fan speedCONSRGB brightness not adjustableThe Klim Ultimate is designed to keep powerful gaming laptops cool, preventing performance drops in games. Its 200mm fan and metal grid panel provide effective heat dissipation, with reported temperature drops of 41°F to 68°F.

This pad supports laptops from 11 to 17.3 inches and features multiple inclination levels for ergonomic use. The RGB lighting around the rim offers five effects and seven colors, customizable via a control panel that also adjusts fan speed.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table

Best Laptop Cooling Stand

### Miggoing Laptop Table

0The Miggoing Laptop Table combines the functionality of a laptop table and a cooling pad, making it ideal for comfortable use on a couch or bed. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans2Size16.5" x 10" x 18.9"PROSVersatile and sturdy designIncludes a mouse plateCONSAdjustment can be awkwardThe Miggoing Laptop Table offers adjustable heights up to 18.9 inches, perfect for various settings. It features dual USB-powered fans and ventilation slots for effective cooling, all housed in a sturdy aluminum tray capable of holding devices up to 33 pounds.

9. Cooler Master NotePal X3

Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Larger Laptops

### Cooler Master NotePal X3

0Designed for larger laptops up to 17 inches, the Cooler Master NotePal X3 features a large 200mm fan with stylish blue LED lighting. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8"PROSFront vent for hand coolingStylish design with blue LEDCONSSomewhat largeThe Cooler Master NotePal X3 is an excellent choice for larger gaming laptops, with its 200mm fan and attractive blue LED lighting. It offers two height adjustments and side controls for fan speed and LED settings, making it a versatile and stylish cooling solution.

Where to Get the Best Cooling Pad in the UK

### Thermaltake Massive 20

26See it at Amazon### Klim Ultimate

15See it at Amazon### TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

7See it at Amazon### Targus Lap Chill Mat

7See it at Amazon### Klim Wind

6See it at Amazon### Klim Cool+

3See it at AmazonHow We Chose the Best Laptop Cooling Pads

At IGN, gaming laptops are a key focus of our coverage. We understand the heat they generate and what causes it. Not all cooling pads are effective, so we started by testing those that have proven their worth over time.

We also considered expert reviews and placed a strong emphasis on user feedback to get a comprehensive view of each cooling pad's performance across different laptop models. This thorough approach has allowed us to curate a list of the top-performing cooling pads available today.

FAQs

Do laptop cooling pads really work?

Yes, cooling pads can effectively prevent your laptop from overheating, which can extend its lifespan. They are particularly beneficial for long gaming sessions. However, the effectiveness varies based on the pad's design and fan strength, as well as how well it seals against the laptop.

Do laptop cooling pads improve performance?

They can improve performance if your laptop is experiencing thermal throttling. This can be verified using system monitoring software or stress tests like 3DMark, which can show if your CPU and GPU performance decreases over time due to heat.

How well do laptop cooling pads work?

The effectiveness of a cooling pad depends on the model and your laptop's design. The best cooling pads can lower temperatures by 5° to over 10° Celsius, significantly enhancing cooling performance.