The best gaming laptops are renowned for their high-powered components, which can lead to significant heat generation. Managing this heat is crucial to prevent system throttling, which can hamper performance during intense gaming sessions. If you're grappling with high temperatures, integrating a laptop cooling pad into your setup can be an effective solution to maintain optimal 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 forms, from oversized pads with customizable RGB lighting to compact blowers that attach directly to your device. While many options are budget-friendly, premium models often feature advanced technologies like temperature sensors and multiple fans. Whether you're looking for portability, power, or style, our selection of nine top picks caters to all your cooling needs. Discover where to purchase them in the UK.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Kegan Mooney, and Georgie Peru
IETS GT300
Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad
Our Top Pick### IETSGT300
4Experience powerful cooling with two high-speed blower motors and dust-filtered intake vents. This cooling pad, though bulky, is exceptionally effective and designed to keep your gaming laptop cool under demanding conditions. Its rubber gasket ensures efficient cooling by sealing the laptop's base, preventing air leakage. The GT300 also features two USB ports for additional connectivity, adjustable angles, and basic RGB lighting.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 2 x 4,500 RPM blowers
- Size: 15.75" x 13.7" x 1.97"
Pros
- Dual blower fans for effective cooling
- Dust filters to prevent build-up
- Customizable RGB
- Wide compatibility
Cons
- Large and bulky
- Limited RGB customization
Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB
Best Laptop Cooling Pad Runner Up
### Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB
3The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB offers a robust cooling solution with its large 200mm fan, ensuring your gaming laptop stays cool during extended sessions. Its adjustable height settings double as a laptop stand, enhancing ergonomics. While slightly clunky, its RGB lighting adds a touch of flair.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 1 x 200mm
- Size: 18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83"
Pros
- Powerful airflow
- Adjustable height
Cons
- A little clunky
TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler
Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad
### TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler
2Designed for maximum airflow, the TopMate C5 features five fans to keep your gaming laptop cool, even during the most intense gaming sessions. It includes ergonomic height adjustments and two USB ports, making it a versatile choice for up to 15.6-inch laptops.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 5
- Size: 14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"
Pros
- Lots of fans
- Two USB ports
Cons
- Not suitable for larger laptops
Targus Lap Chill Mat
Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Your Lap
### Targus Lap Chill Mat
2The Targus Lap Chill Mat is perfect for those seeking a simple yet effective cooling solution that's comfortable on your lap. Its lightweight design, neoprene cushioning, and rubberized grip ensure it stays in place and keeps your laptop cool.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 2
- Size: 15" x 11.75" x 1"
Pros
- Simple but effective
- Rubberized grip
Cons
- No height adjustment
Havit HV-F2056
Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad
### HavitHV-F2056
1The Havit HV-F2056 offers an affordable cooling solution with three 120mm fans and blue LED lighting. It's designed to efficiently cool your laptop without breaking the bank, featuring two USB passthrough ports for added convenience.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 3 x 120mm
- Size: 14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"
Pros
- Affordable
- USB passthrough ports
Cons
- Limited to 3 fans
Klim Tempest
Best Portable Laptop Cooler
### Klim Tempest
2The Klim Tempest is an ultra-portable solution, attaching directly to your laptop with its 4,000 RPM fan. Its compact design and built-in temperature sensor make it ideal for on-the-go cooling, although compatibility depends on your laptop's vent placement.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 1
- Size: 3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"
Pros
- Extremely portable
- High RPM
Cons
- Will only work on some laptops
Klim Ultimate
Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad
### Klim Ultimate
1The Klim Ultimate stands out with its vibrant RGB lighting and powerful 200mm fan, designed to keep high-performance gaming laptops cool and stylish. Its adjustable fan speed and multiple inclination levels cater to both performance and ergonomics.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 1 x 200mm
- Size: 16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"
Pros
- RGBs galore!
- Adjustable fan speed
Cons
- Can't adjust RGB brightness
Miggoing Laptop Table
Best Laptop Cooling Stand
### Miggoing Laptop Table
0The Miggoing Laptop Table doubles as a cooling pad and a versatile stand, perfect for working comfortably on your couch or bed. Its dual USB-powered fans and sturdy aluminum tray ensure effective cooling and stability for devices up to 33 pounds.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 2
- Size: 16.5" x 10" x 18.9"
Pros
- Versatile
- Sturdy
Cons
- Adjustment is a little awkward
Cooler Master NotePal X3
Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Larger Laptops
### Cooler Master NotePal X3
0The Cooler Master NotePal X3 is tailored for larger laptops up to 17 inches, featuring a stylish design and a large 200mm blue LED fan. Its front vent and height adjustments enhance cooling and versatility.
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Product Specifications
- Fans: 1 x 200mm
- Size: 15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8"
Pros
- Front vent
- Stylish design
Cons
- Quite large
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 understand the heat challenges posed by gaming laptops. Our selection process involved firsthand testing of various cooling pads to identify those that effectively reduce temperatures. We also analyzed reviews from other experts and real-world user feedback to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each product's performance across different laptop models. This meticulous approach has enabled us to curate a list of the top cooling pads available today.
FAQs
Do laptop cooling pads really work?
Yes, laptop cooling pads can effectively prevent overheating, extending your laptop's lifespan. For those who use their laptops extensively, a cooling pad is a worthwhile investment. The effectiveness depends on factors like fan power and how well the laptop mounts to the pad, ensuring minimal air leakage.
Do laptop cooling pads improve performance?
They can, particularly if your laptop is susceptible to thermal throttling. Cooling pads help maintain performance by keeping temperatures in check. To determine if your laptop is throttling, use system monitoring software or run stress tests like 3DMark to observe performance fluctuations over time.
How well do laptop cooling pads work?
The effectiveness of a cooling pad varies based on the model and your laptop's design. High-quality pads can reduce temperatures by 5° to over 10° Celsius, significantly enhancing cooling performance.