Laptops have come a long way ever since humans discovered the first computer back in the 40s. Today, its existence has become inseparable from our lives, especially us with urban lifestyle. While the technology keeps advancing, laptops are getting more and more powerful while the workload is getting more and more demanding. Overheating becomes a great threat to your productivity. To counter the demanding workload, investing in the best coolers for laptops will work wonders to prolong the usability of a laptop. Wondering which product is suitable for your laptop? Read on to find out!
How To Choose The Best Coolers for Laptops
There aren’t many laptop cooler manufacturers in the market, but these few have done such a well job in maintaining laptop users’ expectations over the years. However, there are still so many products out there to be reviewed. Below are some pointers to check out before you choose the best coolers for laptops.
Type of Laptop
Mainly, the laptop market has 3 types of users: consumer, business, and professional. Each type has its own niches such as gaming or designing (professional). This can be helpful to help you choose the best coolers for laptops. Consumer laptops usually need a lighter and more compact laptop cooler while professional gaming laptops need a heavy-duty one due to CPU performance differences.
Portability
Are you a freelancer who often goes mobile? Certainly, you’ll need a more compact and lightweight laptop cooler. In the same logic, gaming laptops are heavy so it tends to be in a semi-permanent dock rather than going mobile; therefore, heavier but highly performing laptop coolers are more suitable for gaming laptop users.
Design
High-performing laptop coolers are often provided with a large, centralized fan or multiple fans to keep the laptop’s temperature in check. Certainly, you won’t need that many fans when all you need is a surface to keep your thighs from getting scorched in bed. If you like to work in bed using your laptop, open system laptop coolers are your best bet since they can provide great airflow for the fans. Needs some gaming-level cooling? Laptop coolers with multiple fans and steel mesh surface will tremendously help your laptop performing at max.
Noise Level
Nothing is more annoying than the constant buzzing of white noise coming from your laptop coolers in the dead of night. Luckily, most laptop cooler fans are now equipped with a speed adjuster so you can work in peace. However, the best CPU cooler for laptop is the one that goes stealthy and silent even in full strength. Look for the ‘silent’ tag and decibel level (if provided) that goes under 25 dB. These coolers are generally more expensive, but there’s always a price for peace, isn’t it?
Is it bad if a laptop gets hot?
Yes. A laptop is best kept at a moderated temperature to keep it from overheating. Overheating can cause damage to the delicate components inside it. If it happens too often or severely, you may end up bricking your laptop, or worse – it may catch on fire.
How hot is too hot for a laptop?
If it’s too hot for your palm to rest comfortably, then your laptop may be overheating. As a comparison, the safe temperature for your laptop is between 10-35 °C (50-90 °F).
Do laptop coolers really work?
Yes. However, not every laptop coolers are compatible with all laptops. It’s always wise to do a little bit of research before deciding the one for your needs.
Do cooling pads help gaming laptops?
If performance is what you want to improve, then yes. Cooling pads promotes better airflow for gaming laptops, resulting in a lower temperature for better performance.
KLIM Bamboo
13
Our list starts strong with KLIM Bamboo! This laptop cooler looks as beautiful as its performance! Tt’s made of real bamboo that’s put together using the latest technology. Bamboo is long known as a versatile material that’s not only strong but also light in weight. Then, it’s carefully crafted to ensure the stability and maximum functionality your laptop needs.
Weighing less than 2 pounds, this classy-looking laptop cooler is equipped with a stand to give a proper elevation to your laptop. It has a docking stub to secure your laptop from sliding down. When in action, the fans are powerful enough to deliver 1300 rpm at maximum speed. To adjust the speed, you only need to locate the dial on the right next to the additional USB port. Go green on this one because it’s made mostly of degradable material!
What We Love
An eco-friendly and low-key sleek laptop fan.
Pros:
- Made of real bamboo
- Silent fans
- 2 UB ports
- Round edges
- 1300 rpm
- Adjustable speed
- Anti-slip design
Cons:
- The fans overheat easily. Not recommended for heavy-duty use.
Aicheson RGB Laptop Cooler Pad
12
Aicheson RGB Laptop Cooler Pad is one of the best coolers for laptops up to 17.3 inches. When you handle this laptop cooler, you’ll soon realize that it’s robustly built. The steel mesh surface is likely what makes this laptop cooler looks and feels sturdy. But the real secret is the big centralized fan able to pump significant air onto your laptop base! The fan speed is easily adjusted from the front console where you control not just the fan speed but also the lighting setting.
In a dark room is where this laptop cooler shines the most. The RGB LED strip will impress any gamer out there. It can accommodate multiple elevation settings to suit your ergonomics needs (5 elevation settings). If you are a gamer, this unit could be the best cooler for laptop gaming not just for its looks, but also for its heavy-duty performance!
What We Love
A heavy-duty performing laptop cooler.
Pros:
- Ergonomic
- 4 adjustable heights
- Steel mesh
- RGB lights
- Adjustable fan speed
- Low noise
Cons:
- It’s made heavier than most fans so it’s not recommended for mobile use.
Cooler Master NotePal U2 Plus
11
Cooler Master NotePal U2 Plus is the best friend of freelancers out there. It’s sleek, lightweight, and versatile! The aluminum build feels firm in your hand and when not in use, it shapeshifts into a handy protector case with a help of a built-in safety strap. It fits most work station with its design. Although you can’t adjust its height, it can give your laptop adequate elevation for your viewing and typing comfort.
This laptop cooler can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches with ease. It has 2 adjustable fans under its aluminum grill. These fans can deliver up to 2000 rpm in its max speed and 31 CFM worth of airflow onto your laptop. It’s so convenient even in the summer! Carry this laptop cooler wherever you go for some additional protection and benefits for your laptop!
What We Love
A compact and lightweight laptop cooler for mobile users.
Pros:
- Compact
- Adjustable fan position
- Slim aluminum build
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Safety strap
- 2000 rpm fan maximum speed
- Silent
Cons:
- Not very suitable for gaming laptops
TeckNet Laptop Cooling Pad
10
Work with your laptop in a cool way (pun intended!) wherever you are as long as TeckNet Laptop Cooling Pad is by your side. This dual-fan laptop cooler sits comfortably on your lap or your desk! Profile-wise, this laptop cooler is slim with an open design that sucks air from the sides. This makes it perfect to use whether on your desk or your lap.
This product is one of the best coolers for laptops on the go. It’s made of sturdy plastic with steel metal on the fans area. Unlike its competitors that turn on right at the time they connect to the laptop, this unit chose to embed an on/off switch at the back for a more secured operation. On the same panel, you’ll also find the additional USB ports to connect other peripherals.
What We Love
A compact laptop cooling pad whether on a desk or in bed!
Pros:
- Metal mesh
- Twin fan system
- Low noise
- Bright LED
- Slim
- Works on most surfaces
- 2 USB ports
Cons:
- It sometimes slips on a smooth surface
Targus Portable Lightweight Chill Mat
9
As one of the best portable laptop cooler, Targus Portable Lightweight Chill Mat adds a significant amount of comfort to your mobile work/lifestyle. The sleek design and lightweight attribute beautifully with most laptops and workstations. It’s even comfy on your lap, too! The two powerful fans are enough to keep your laptop cool so you won’t end up with a sweaty palm after a hard day at work. This laptop cooler fits most backpacks for work.
The design makes you think that it’s has a fixed height. You can adjust its elevation up to 4 levels! The grill is made of corrosive-resistant metal that works awesomely well to maintain airflow between your laptop and the fans. Hates cables? Worry not! Keep your desk neat and tidy using the cable velcro. Your co-workers will be so jealous of you now.
What We Love
A low profile workhorse!
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Slim and sleek design
- Dual-fan build
- 4 USB ports
- Almost silent
- Velcro strap for cable organization
- Adjustable height
Cons:
- The rubber nubs are easily detached
Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB
8
Does your gaming laptop start heating up when you play top-tier games? But you don’t want to sacrifice the gaming setting that you have meticulously planned, do you? This solid unit is the enhancer of your gaming experience! The 200mm centralized fan on Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB is not playing around. Its robustness is capable of delivering a whopping 64 cfm (cubic feet per minute) with 500-800 rotation per minute! Enough to even dry your hair!
This laptop cooler is designed to accommodate larger laptops in the market (up to 19-inch laptops). Its metal mesh surface is quite sturdy for the job while keeping your laptop extra cool. It comes with 256-color RGB lights that are vibrant in colors in 5 modes of lighting. Control the lighting and the fan speed with ease using the back panel. For connectivity, you can power it up with a US cable or via DC adapters.
What We Love
One of the best coolers for laptop cooler with high gaming performance.
Pros:
- Central fan build
- Customizable LED strip via a built-in pane
- Steel mesh
- 3 adjustment height
- Spacious surface
- Strong structure
Cons:
- The size is indeed massive.
Opolar Laptop Fan Cooler
7
When the more common laptop coolers don’t work anymore, Opolar Laptop Fan Cooler will fix the overheating problems for you. While the design is extraordinary, this product fills the gap in the market where laptop users require high-performing laptop coolers without the size and weight of one. Most laptop coolers’ mechanism is about enhancing airflow around the laptop, but this product owes its cooling ability to suck hot air out of the system to promote faster airflow. In other words, it helps your laptop’s built-in cooling system to work faster and better.
It weighs about 8 pounds and works best when securely docked onto your laptop’s exhaust. There are 2 modes you can choose to maintain 13-level speed settings: auto-mode and manual mode. The auto-mode relies on the sensors to adjust the speed accordingly while the manual mode lets you set the speed using the + and – button on the interface. This product can be semi-permanently mounted on your laptop using a 3M bracket for more secured docking.
What We Love
An efficient and effective portable laptop vacuum cooler.
Pros:
- Vacuum cooling system
- Adjustable speed in 2 modes (automatic and manual)
- Japanese-made motors
- LED indicators
- Easy to operate
- More silent than expected
- Cross-device compatibility
Cons:
- It’s somewhat heavy and some laptops aren’t compatible with this cooler
Thermaltake Massive TM Aluminum Panel
6
Thermaltake Massive TM Aluminum Panel is built using the most cutting-edge technology to become the best cooler for laptop gaming. It’s well-built and sturdy to support heavy-duty gaming laptops that require extra airflow to keep them performing at their peak. To do this, it’s equipped with robust 120mm fans and an aluminum grill with 2 pairs of adjustable support nubs.
It has temperature sensors built into it. All of the information you need about the cooling mechanism is shown right on the front panel. The panel also controls the fan settings and modes. That’s right, this laptop cooler has auto/manual mode that you can choose interchangeably. To change the elevation, you can adjust the height at the supporting beams at the back. The company building this solid unit is so confident in its quality that they offer a 3-year warranty on every purchase!
What We Love
The laptop cooling pad for professionals.
Pros:
- Aluminum grill
- Adjustable stopper
- Dual-fan build
- Temperature sensor
- Built-in control panel
- Adjustable height
Cons:
- Rubber feet may come off easily if not careful
Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim
5
Coming from a company that has received multiple design awards, Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim is the best CPU cooler for laptop for value. The ultra-slim features and rugged performance tugged us by the heart when we came across this product. The steel mesh surface is effective in maintaining the healthy airflow your laptop will need thanks to the 160 mm centralized fan.
It also has some portability to it due to its form factor. It’s live via USB cable connected to your laptop. But you need not worry to lose one port just for the cooler since it utilizes a pass-through USB connector. The underside has a cable groove to help you with the cable organization. Having this on your desk provides a proper elevation for your comfort (2 levels), especially if you have 15-17-inch laptops!
What We Love
A portable solid unit with equally solid power.
Pros:
- Centralized fan
- Cable grooves
- Ultra-slim
- Pass-through USB connector
- 2 elevation settings
- Steel mesh surface
- Low noise level
Cons:
- It’s on the heavier side
Coolertek Laptop Cooling Pad
4
The company might be new to the best coolers for laptops game, but Coolertek Laptop Cooling Pad took them to a solid position in the race! This durable unit is made of strong ABS material to support your laptop. That decision becomes the reason why this laptop cooler is so lightweight to carry around. It has a raiser at the base of the cooling pad to give the laptop a comfortable elevation for typing and viewing.
The cooling pad is cooled by two 160 mm fans capable of bringing 13 cfm onto the base of the laptop. It turns on with a switch after you establish a USB connection to your laptop or portable chargers. 2 USB ports are embedded to keep your connectivity secured. Travel at ease, knowing your laptops are taken care of well in the hands of this laptop cooler!
What We Love
A compact and low-profile laptop cooler.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Dual-fan build
- Low noise
- 2 USB ports
- On/off switch
- 2 elevation modes
Cons:
- ABS material isn’t the sleekest material in the market.
TopMate C302 Laptop Cooler
3
Are you in need of a stronger laptop cooler but hates to carry a heavy one around? TopMate C302 Laptop Cooler to the rescue! It’s one of the best coolers for laptops for those who move around! It weighs only about 1 pound but the dual-fan system will cool off your laptop in no time. It’s not an easy feat but with a maximum of 1300 rpm, this unit will handle it in a breeze! See it for yourself!
The grill is made of steel mesh that’s strong enough to safely support up to 15.6-inch laptops. The fans are so silent that many users claim they need to check if the fans are on. It’s also comfy for all uses from gaming to working, thanks to the 2 height settings specifically designed for your viewing and typing convenience. When in doubt, buy this product!
What We Love
A robust take on a portable laptop cooling pad.
Pros:
- Dual-fan build
- Ultra-lightweight
- Metal mesh
- Cable organization system
- 2 elevation heights
- 1 extra USB slot
- Ergonomic
- Quiet fans
- Fits into most laptop backpacks
Cons:
- The design can be uncomfortable for your wrist (depends on the laptop)
havit HV-F2056 Laptop Cooler Pad
2
Havit HV-F2056 Laptop Cooler Pad is one of the big boys in the CPU cooler for laptop race – and we’re not talking about its body. This slim and lightweight laptop cooler is meant to live on your desk or along with your dynamic lifestyle. It weighs only about 1.5lbs and it fits into most laptop bags. It stands strong with 2 elevation settings for the comfort of your spine and neck. It’s been a life savior for our reviewers!
It has a wear-resistant coating on the steel mesh surface to keep it from scratch by your heavy laptop, maintaining its sleek look. The 1100 rpm fans aren’t only super quiet, but also powerful with the 3-fan setting. The fan in this laptop cooler has LED lighting for gaming immersion that you can always turn on/off on demand. Sleek, slim, and powerful, it’s simply a perfect investment for your laptop!
What We Love
A powerful but portable laptop cooler even for gaming laptops!
Pros:
- Ultra-slim
- lightweight
- Well-built
- 2 height settings
- Tri-fan build
- Quiet fans
- Extra USB ports
Cons:
- The fan speed isn’t adjustable
KLIM Wind Laptop Cooling Pad
1
Go big or go home! It’s exactly what KLIM Wind Laptop Cooling Pad strives for. This robust powerhouse isn’t for casual laptop users as it’s arguably the best cooler for laptop gaming in the market! Overclock your laptop’s CPU as much and as long as you wish using its 4 silent fans operating at 1400 rpm! Just don’t be surprised when your laptop stays arctic cold.
As one of the best coolers for laptops in the market, it would be a no-brainer that it has to be extra durable to withstand prolonged abuse. To give you extra peace of mind, the company accompanied each purchased product with a 5-year warranty. Such confidence! What are you waiting for? If you’re looking for the laptop cooler of your dream, this is it!
What We Love
Robust and aggressive: the best coolers for laptops money can buy!
Pros:
- Quad-fan build
- Sturdy
- Steel mesh surface
- Back vent system
- Cable management at the base
- 1400 rpm fans
- Cools off GPU and CPU simultaneously
- 2 extra USB ports
- Collapsible stoppers
- Comes in multiple colors
Cons:
- The form factor makes it inconvenient to carry around
