Are Laptop Cooling Pads Worth it?

Although most thin light laptops remain cool even under pressure, heat-related issues are still prevalent among laptops. Here’s where a laptop cooling pad comes in handy, especially for those who push their machines to their limits.

Here’s what you need to know about laptop cooling pads.

What is a Laptop Cooling Pad?

A laptop cooling pad is an accessory designed to reduce the temperature of a laptop during any operation. When your laptop fails to cool itself adequately, then a laptop cooling pad helps to reduce the temperature of the laptop/notebook.

So, are Laptop Cooling Pads Worth it?

This is a crucial question which you should keep in mind when operating your laptop. The way you keep your machine determines whether a cooling pad is important or not.

Most people are used to putting their laptops on the bed while working at home. In this case, the airflow under the laptop is not sufficient to keep it cool.

Usually, laptops have built-in cooling systems that prevent the laptop from heating. However, if the laptop is placed in a way that restricts hot air from flowing freely, this can damage your machine. Therefore, you need an external cooling system for your laptop.

If you use your laptop for basic tasks and your laptop doesn’t get hot, then buying a laptop cooling pad is a pure waste of money. But, if you stretch your laptop to its limit, then investing in a cooler is a wise decision. Therefore, the ultimate decision depends on your needs.

Best Laptop Cooling Pads

Laptop manufacturers are squeezing more and more power into the ever-thinner laptops. The power inside gaming laptops and ultrabooks has grown by leaps and bounds, some equipped with super-powerful GPUs only found in desktops.

This creates the need for a cooling pad for your laptop and below I have reviewed some of the best cooling pads you should consider.

Havit HV-F2056 15.6″-17″ Laptop Cooler Cooling Pad

The Havit HV-F2056 is one of the best thin cooling pads out there. Due to its lightweight and thin profile, it’s a great choice for digital nomads and anyone who needs to cool their laptops on the go. It’s powered by three fans running at 1100 RPM and has a combined outflow of 65 CFM. The thin base is made of long-lasting ABS material. It has a non-slid surface that prevents your laptop from slipping.

Features

• 3 fans
• 2 USB ports
• 2  Height adjustable settings

Pros

• Good cooling power
• Thin and lightweight
• Skid-free surface

Cons

• Limited height adjustment

KLIM Wind Laptop Cooling Pad

This cooling pad has a wide wing that cools laptops up to 19 inches in size. It comes with four fans that spin at 1200 RPM. The KLIM Wind Laptop Cooling Pad feels durable and can withstand harsh conditions. If your laptop has a magnetic bottom chassis, you’ll have no sliding issues since the pad’s top layer is magnetic. This device manages high performance while staying quiet and features LED lights below each fan for a pleasant look.

Features

• 4 fans
• 1200 RPM
• 2 USB ports

Pros

• Silent operation
• Durable
• Widely compatible

AICHESON Laptop Cooling Pad

The AICHESON Laptop Cooling Pad is compatible with laptops of up to 17 inches. It’s designed to cool down the laptop’s temperature and has an ergonomic design for users who stare at the laptop for a long time. It comes with an adjustable angle of 7-12 degrees, which gives you a reliable viewing angle. Additionally, it has built-in platform ventilation to minimize heat build-up.

Features

• 5 fans
• 21DB noise level
• 2 USB ports

Pros

• Adjustable wind speed
• Ergonomic design
• Anti-slip pad

Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim Ultra-Slim Laptop Cooling Pad

If you’re looking for a slim and sleek-looking cooling pad, go for the Cooler Master Notepad X. This cooling pad measures 2 inches thick with a weight of 1.5 pounds, making it a travel-friendly option. It comes with a quiet 160mm fan that offers outstanding cooling performance. Additionally, it has a four-port USB hub that allows you to charge your wireless mouse or smartphone.

Features

• 1x160mm fan
• 4 USB port hub
• LED light

Pros

• Extremely quiet
• Integrated cable management

TopMate C5 Laptop Cooling Pad Gaming Notebook Cooler

The TopMate C5 cooling pad is an affordable but powerful option that comes with 5 fans, dual USB ports, and 5 adjustable height settings that give you a perfect typing experience and viewing angle. It also comes with a small LCD screen at the base that shows its various fan speeds.

Features

• LCD controller
• 5 fans
• 5 adjustable height

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Ergonomic design
• Portable

TECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad

This cooling pad has two strong and quiet fans that offer fast and accurate cooling. It has a strong metal mesh that supports your laptop’s weight comfortably. The TECKNET pad has a portable and lightweight design that allows you to use it wherever and whenever you want.

Features

• 2 fans
• 2 USB ports
• 15DB noise level

Pros

• Anti-skid design
• Noise-free design
• Durable material

Targus Portable Lightweight Cooling Pad for Laptop

This lightweight cooling pad is comfortable to use on the couch or in bed. It comes with four USB ports, dual fans, and a slim design. It has a flat and fabric back that’s soft to touch and comfortable to rest on your thighs. It also comes with several ventilation points to keep the air flowing.

Features

• 2 fans
• 4-port USB hub
• 4 adjustable height

Pros

• Comfortable design
• Sturdy and durable design

Cons

• Not very portable

Laptop Cooling Pad, Laptop Cooler with 6 Quiet Led Fans

The Laptop Cooling Pad comes with 6 fans that provide super powerful cooling. It’s compatible with all laptops under 17 inches and has a thin and lightweight design for easy portability. Additionally, it has a non-slip holder that prevents your laptop from falling.

Features

• 6 powerful fans
• 2 USB ports
• Adjustable fun speed

Pros

• Ergonomic design
• Wide compatibility
• Quiet operation

Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad

Are you looking for an affordable and feature-filled cooling pad? Look no further! This cooling pad comes with five powerful fans that keep your laptop cool at all times. What’s more, it has a height-adjustable base and two stoppers that prevent your laptop from sliding off.

Features

• 2 USB ports
• 5 fans
• 6 adjustable height settings

Pros

• Non-slip surface
• Height adjustable

Cons

• LED lights can’t be turned off

FAQs

Are Cooling Pads Bad For Laptops?

Yes and no. Yes, because you don’t need cooling pads if your laptop isn’t facing the problem of overheating. On the other hand, cooling pads are important for increasing the performance and longevity of your laptop. If you’re a serious gamer, a laptop cooling pad is a must-have accessory.

Which is Better Cooling Pad or Vacuum?

Cooling pads are designed for placing your laptop on a surface. Once you place a laptop on the cooling pad, you’re good to go. You can also set up the laptop in whatever position you want since the cooling pad can easily be adapted.

On the other hand, a vacuum fan is great at sucking away extra heat, especially when combined with a heat sink. However, the worst thing about a vacuum fan is the awkward placement that hinders flexibility and use. All that said, a cooling pad is an excellent choice.

Parting Shot

If you have an overheating laptop that’s disrupting your work, the solution is to invest in a quality laptop cooling pad that will blow a cyclone of air into the system. To solve your heating problems, choose one from the list above.