Top Laptop Cooling Pads: Effective Coolers Reviewed

The best gaming laptops are equipped with high-performance components, but with great power comes significant heat. If left unchecked, this heat can cause your system to throttle, reducing its performance during gameplay. If you're experiencing high temperatures, a laptop cooling pad is an effective solution to keep your system running smoothly 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 AmazonLaptop cooling solutions vary widely, from large pads with customizable RGB lighting to compact blowers that attach to your laptop's side. While many are affordable, the top-tier models often offer advanced features like temperature sensors and multiple fans. No matter your preference, one of our nine recommended picks will meet your cooling needs, with options available in the UK.

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

Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad

Our Top Pick### IETSGT300

4Experience superior cooling with two high-speed blower motors and intake vents equipped with dust filters. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans 2 x 4,500 RPM blowersSize15.75" x 13.7" x 1.97"PROSDual blower fans for effective coolingFilters to prevent dust build-up in your laptopCustomizable RGBWide compatibilityCONSLarge and bulkyLimited RGB customizationThe top laptop cooling pad comes from a lesser-known brand, but don't let that deter you. As someone who needs a reliable cooling solution, I've found the IETS GT300 to be exceptionally effective at keeping my gaming laptops cool under demanding conditions. It's bulkier than most, but its design and performance justify the size.

Efficient cooling is all about sealing, a principle well understood in HVAC but often overlooked in laptop coolers. The GT300 features a rubber gasket around its rim, ensuring that all the cool air it produces is directed at your laptop's heat-generating components without leaking out.

Rather than typical fans, it uses two high-speed blower motors that rapidly draw in cool air from the outside. Running at up to 4,500 RPM, these blowers make a noticeable difference in temperatures, as many Amazon reviewers have confirmed. The intake vents are fitted with dust filters, which help maintain your laptop's cleanliness and cooling efficiency over time.

The GT300 also offers practical features like two USB ports on the back, allowing you to power it independently and save your laptop's ports for other peripherals. It's adjustable to serve as a laptop stand and includes RGB lighting, though other options on our list offer more customization. Nonetheless, you can choose from several colors and effects.

It's designed to work best with laptops that have bottom vents, making it less suitable for MacBooks. However, it's compatible with most gaming laptops, supporting sizes from 14" to 17" thanks to its effective rubber gasket mounting system.

2. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

Best Laptop Cooling Pad Runner Up

### Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

3The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB is the ultimate cooling solution for gaming laptops, featuring a powerful 200mm fan to keep your system cool during extended gaming sessions. See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartProduct SpecificationsFans 1 x 200mmSize18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83"PROSPowerful airflowAdjustable heightCONSA little clunkyLaptops, despite their portable nature, often struggle with heat management, and the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB addresses this issue effectively. It disperses hot air away from your device using a robust 200mm fan behind a durable steel mesh. Unlike many laptop fans, it operates quietly at up to 800RPM, delivering up to 64 CFM of airflow. You can adjust the fan speed with a handy knob on the cooling pad, allowing you to balance cooling with noise level.

This cooling pad doubles as a laptop stand with three adjustable height levels (3°, 9°, or 13°) to find the perfect angle for viewing and typing. The elevated design enhances airflow underneath, boosting cooling efficiency. Be aware, though, that the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB is somewhat bulky, weighing 3.35 pounds and measuring 18.54 x 13.96 x 1.83 inches, but it's designed to support larger devices up to 19 inches.

As its name suggests, it features RGB lighting around the edge, offering various modes from static to wave. You can easily cycle through these modes and select your preferred colors using the control panel buttons.

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 to ensure your gaming laptop stays cool even during the most intense gaming sessions. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans5Size14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"PROSLots of fansTwo USB portsCONSNot suitable for larger laptopsIf you need maximum airflow, the TopMate C5 is your go-to solution with its five fans: a 140mm central fan and four surrounding 70mm fans. This setup, combined with a metal mesh surface, effectively directs cool air to your laptop's base, keeping temperatures in check. You can adjust the cooling modes and monitor wind speed via an LCD control panel.

Beyond its cooling prowess, the TopMate C5 offers additional features such as five height adjustments for ergonomic positioning. It's designed to fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and can also accommodate gaming consoles to prevent overheating. Two USB 2.0 ports are included, one for power and the other for your peripherals.

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 if you need a cooling pad 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 but effectiveRubberized gripCONSNo height adjustmentThe Targus Lap Chill Mat has been a reliable cooling solution for over a decade, perfect for those who use their laptops on their laps. Its lightweight design and neoprene bottom ensure comfort during extended use, while a rubberized grip and notches keep your laptop secure on your thighs.

The cooling mechanism involves a mesh surface and a hollow chamber that allows fresh air to flow beneath the laptop and hot air to escape. Two built-in fans enhance airflow near the back edge where the CPU and GPU are typically located. A four-port USB hub adds convenience, and velcro straps help manage cables.

5. Havit HV-F2056

Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad

### HavitHV-F2056

1The Havit HV-F2056 offers excellent cooling for your gaming laptop at a budget-friendly price, and includes two USB passthroughs. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans 3 x 120mmSize14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"PROSAffordableUSB passthrough portsCONSLimited to 3 fansFor those seeking an affordable cooling solution, the Havit HV-F2056 is a great choice. It features three 120mm fans arranged to efficiently cool your laptop's critical components. The fans are illuminated with blue LEDs, though RGB lighting is reserved for more expensive models.

With two USB passthrough ports, you won't lose connectivity while keeping your laptop cool. Priced at just $39 (often less on sale), it offers quiet operation and good value for money.

6. Klim Tempest

Best Portable Laptop Cooler

### Klim Tempest

2This portable cooler features a 4,000 RPM fan that attaches directly to your laptop for on-the-go cooling. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1Size3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"PROSExtremely portableHigh RPMCONSWill only work on some laptopsWhile traditional cooling pads can be cumbersome to carry, the Klim Tempest offers a compact solution that fits easily into your bag. It clamps onto your laptop's side over a vent, using a rubber gasket to create a seal and a powerful 4,000 RPM fan to extract hot air.

The Tempest includes a temperature sensor to monitor the exhaust air's heat, allowing you to manually adjust the power across 13 levels or set an ideal temperature for automatic operation. However, 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 perfect choice for gamers looking for an RGB-enhanced laptop cooling pad. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"PROSRGBs galore!Adjustable fan speedCONSCan't adjust RGB brightnessIf you've scored a great gaming laptop deal, the Klim Ultimate is designed to keep your high-performance machine cool, preventing FPS drops and performance slowdowns in the best PC games. Its metal grid panel enhances heat dissipation, while a 200mm fan behind the panel provides instant cooling at up to 750RPM, all while maintaining a quiet 23dB noise level. Klim reports temperature drops between 41°F and 68°F.

Built to handle bulky gaming laptops between 11 and 17.3 inches, the Klim Ultimate remains compact at just over two pounds and measures 16.73 x 12.4 x 1.69 inches. It offers multiple inclination levels for ergonomic comfort and includes RGB lighting around the rim with five effects and seven colors, customizable via a rear control panel. However, brightness adjustments are not available. The control panel also allows you to adjust fan speed as needed.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table

Best Laptop Cooling Stand

### Miggoing Laptop Table

0The Miggoing Laptop Table doubles as a comfortable work surface and an effective laptop cooling pad. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans2Size16.5" x 10" x 18.9"PROSVersatileSturdyCONSAdjustment is a little awkwardMost cooling pads are designed for lap or desk use, but the Miggoing Laptop Table elevates your laptop while cooling it. Adjustable from low to 18.9 inches high, it's ideal for use on couches, in bed, or as a standing desk.

It features dual USB-powered fans and ventilation slots to maintain airflow and prevent overheating. The sturdy aluminum tray can hold devices up to 33 pounds and includes a mouse plate for added convenience.

9. Cooler Master NotePal X3

Best Laptop Cooling Pad for Larger Laptops

### Cooler Master NotePal X3

0Designed for laptops up to 17 inches, the Cooler Master NotePal X3 features a large 200mm blue LED fan for efficient cooling. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8"PROSFront ventStylish designCONSQuite largeIf you're looking for a cooling pad that combines performance with style, the Cooler Master NotePal X3 is an excellent choice. It's equipped with a large 200mm fan, ideal for cooling larger gaming laptops. Though on the larger side, it can support up to 17-inch laptops.

The side controls include USB ports, a fan speed dial, and switches for the fan and stunning blue LED, adding a gamer-friendly aesthetic. A front vent provides a gentle breeze to keep your hands cool, and two height adjustments offer added versatility.

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 issues they face and what causes them. Some cooling pads may look good but fail to lower temperatures effectively. To compile our list of the best laptop cooling pads, we started with those we've personally tested and found effective over time.

We also considered insights from other expert sources, including professional reviews and user feedback on various cooling pads. Real-world testimonials are crucial for understanding how these pads perform across different laptop models.

Combining these insights, we've curated a list of the top laptop cooling pads available today, ensuring you get the best options for your needs.

FAQs

Do laptop cooling pads really work?

Laptop cooling pads can indeed prevent your device from overheating, which can extend its lifespan. They are particularly beneficial if you use your laptop for extended periods. However, effectiveness varies, so it's important to consider the pad's fan power and how well it seals against your laptop.

Do laptop cooling pads improve performance?

Yes, they can, especially if your laptop suffers from thermal throttling. To check for throttling, use system monitoring software to track CPU and GPU performance over time. If performance decreases, a cooling pad could help. Tools like 3DMark, available on Steam, can also help assess your system's performance under stress.

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 reduce temperatures by 5° to 10° Celsius, but results may vary.