Top Laptop Cooling Pads: Effective Coolers Reviewed

High-performance gaming laptops boast powerful components, but with that power comes significant heat. Excessive heat can cause your system to throttle its performance to prevent overheating, which can negatively impact your gaming experience. If you're dealing with high temperatures, a laptop cooling pad is a simple yet effective solution to keep your system running at peak performance.

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 designs, from oversized pads with customizable RGB lighting to compact blowers that attach to the side of your laptop. Most cooling pads are affordable, though the best ones may cost a bit more due to advanced features like temperature sensors and multiple fans. No matter your preference, one of our nine picks is sure to meet your cooling needs. You can find these options in the UK as well.

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 intake vents equipped with dust filters. This cooling pad is designed to keep your gaming laptop cool, even 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 maintain your laptop's cleanlinessCustomizable RGB lightingWide compatibilityCONSLarge and bulkyLimited RGB customization optionsThe IETS GT300 is the best overall laptop cooling pad, despite being from a lesser-known brand. Its effectiveness and reliability make it a top choice for gamers. While it is bulky, its design and performance justify its size. The rubber gasket around its rim ensures a tight seal, directing all cool air towards your laptop's heat-generating components, thus maximizing cooling efficiency.

The GT300 uses two high-speed blower motors, which pull in cool air at an impressive 4,500 RPM when set to maximum speed. This feature, along with the dust filters on the intake vents, ensures your laptop stays cool and clean. Additionally, it offers two USB ports for convenient power options, adjustable angles for ergonomic use, and customizable RGB lighting, although other options might offer more RGB variety.

This cooling pad is ideal for most gaming laptops with bottom vents, supporting 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 an excellent choice for those seeking maximum cooling. Its large 200mm fan blasts your gaming laptop with cold air, perfect for extended gaming sessions.

See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartProduct SpecificationsFans 1 x 200mmSize18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83"PROSPowerful airflowAdjustable height for ergonomic useCONSA bit clunkyLaptops often struggle with heat due to their compact design, and the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB addresses this issue effectively. It features a massive 200mm fan behind a sturdy steel mesh, which pushes hot air away from your device quietly at up to 800 RPM, with airflow up to 64 CFM. You can adjust the fan speed with a knob on the pad itself, balancing cooling and noise levels to your preference.

This cooling pad also doubles as a laptop stand with three height settings (3°, 9°, or 13°), enhancing both cooling and ergonomics. Despite its size and weight (3.35 pounds and 18.54 x 13.96 x 1.83 inches), it can support laptops up to 19 inches. The RGB lighting along the edge adds a stylish touch, with various lighting modes and colors available.

3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad

### TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

2The TopMate C5 is packed with five fans, ensuring your gaming laptop remains cool during the most intense gaming sessions.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans5Size14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"PROSLots of fans for maximum airflowTwo USB ports for convenienceCONSNot suitable for larger laptopsFor those who need maximum airflow, the TopMate C5 with its five fans (one 140mm and four 70mm) is an excellent choice. These fans, along with a metal mesh surface, effectively cool your laptop. An LCD control panel allows you to select different cooling modes and monitor wind speed.

In addition to its cooling capabilities, the TopMate C5 offers five height adjustments for ergonomic positioning and two USB 2.0 ports for added convenience. It's suitable for laptops up to 15.6 inches and can also be used with gaming consoles to prevent overheating.

4. Targus Lap Chill Mat

Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Your Lap

### Targus Lap Chill Mat

2The Targus Lap Chill Mat is perfect for those who need a cooling pad that's comfortable to use on their lap without drawing too much attention.

See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsFans2Size15" x 11.75" x 1"PROSSimple and effective designComfortable rubberized grip for lap useCONSNo height adjustmentThe Targus Lap Chill Mat has been a reliable choice for over a decade. Its lightweight design and neoprene bottom make it comfortable for extended use on your lap. The rubberized grip and notches ensure your laptop stays in place.

The cooling is achieved through a mesh surface and hollow chamber that allow for efficient air circulation. Two built-in fans enhance airflow near the CPU and GPU, while a four-port USB hub adds connectivity convenience.

5. Havit HV-F2056

Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad

### HavitHV-F2056

1The Havit HV-F2056 offers great value, keeping your gaming laptop cool without breaking the bank. It also features two USB passthrough ports.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans 3 x 120mmSize14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"PROSAffordable price pointUSB passthrough portsCONSLimited to three fansIf you're looking for a budget-friendly cooling solution, the Havit HV-F2056 is ideal. With three 120mm fans and blue LED lighting, it efficiently cools your laptop without the need for more expensive RGB features. Its quiet operation and two USB passthrough ports add to its appeal, especially at its low price point of around $39, often on sale for even less.

6. Klim Tempest

Best Portable Laptop Cooler

### Klim Tempest

2A powerful 4,000 RPM fan that clamps directly onto your laptop for portable cooling.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1Size3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"PROSExtremely portableHigh RPM fan for efficient coolingCONSOnly works with laptops that have side ventsFor those who need cooling on the go, the Klim Tempest is a compact solution that clamps onto your laptop's side vent. Its rubber gasket creates a seal, and the 4,000 RPM fan effectively pulls out hot air. The built-in temperature sensor allows you to manually adjust power across 13 levels or set an ideal temperature for automatic operation.

While it's perfect for portability, it's only compatible with laptops that have side vents.

7. Klim Ultimate

Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

### Klim Ultimate

1The Klim Ultimate is the go-to choice for gamers seeking an RGB-enhanced cooling pad that keeps their powerful gaming laptops cool.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"PROSRGB lighting with multiple effectsAdjustable fan speedCONSCannot adjust RGB brightnessThe Klim Ultimate is designed to keep high-performance gaming laptops cool, preventing drops in FPS and performance. Its 200mm fan, set behind a high-airflow metal grid, provides efficient cooling while maintaining a quiet operation at 23dB. It supports laptops between 11 and 17.3 inches and offers multiple inclination levels for ergonomic use.

The RGB lighting around the rim adds a customizable touch with five lighting effects and seven colors, though brightness adjustment is not available. The rear control panel allows for easy adjustments of both lighting and fan speed.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table

Best Laptop Cooling Stand

### Miggoing Laptop Table

0The Miggoing Laptop Table doubles as a laptop table and cooling pad, ideal for comfortable use on a couch while keeping your laptop cool.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans2Size16.5" x 10" x 18.9"PROSVersatile useSturdy aluminum constructionCONSAdjustment can be awkwardThe Miggoing Laptop Table is perfect for those who need a higher working surface with cooling capabilities. It can be adjusted up to 18.9 inches, making it suitable for use on couches, beds, or as a standing desk. It features dual USB-powered fans and ventilation slots to prevent overheating, along with a sturdy aluminum tray that can hold devices up to 33 pounds. A mouse plate adds extra convenience.

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 blue LED fan.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8"PROSFront vent for additional coolingStylish design with blue LEDCONSQuite largeThe Cooler Master NotePal X3 is an excellent choice for larger laptops, boasting a large 200mm fan and stylish blue LED lighting. It's perfect for gaming laptops that tend to run hot. The side controls include USB ports, fan speed dial, and LED switches, while the front vent helps keep your hands cool. With two height adjustments, it offers versatility for different setups.

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, we're deeply familiar with gaming laptops and the heat they generate. We understand that while some cooling pads may look appealing, they don't always deliver on cooling performance. To compile our list of the best laptop cooling pads, we first evaluated those we've personally tested and found effective over time.

We also considered insights from professional reviewers and placed a significant emphasis on user reviews to understand real-world performance across various laptop types. Combining our own experiences with this broad range of feedback, we've curated a list of the top cooling pads available today.

FAQs

Do laptop cooling pads really work?

Laptop cooling pads can indeed help prevent overheating, extending your laptop's lifespan. They're particularly beneficial if you use your laptop for extended periods. However, their effectiveness varies, so it's crucial to consider factors like fan power and how well the laptop mounts to the pad to ensure optimal cooling.

Do laptop cooling pads improve performance?

Cooling pads can improve performance by preventing thermal throttling, a common issue in many laptops. To determine if your laptop is throttling, use system monitoring software to track CPU and GPU performance. Tools like 3DMark, available on Steam, can also help identify thermal throttling through stress tests.

How well do laptop cooling pads work?

The effectiveness of laptop cooling pads depends on the specific model and your laptop's design. Top-tier cooling pads can reduce temperatures by 5° to over 10° Celsius, significantly enhancing performance and comfort during use.