The Best Laptop Stands to Save Your Achin’ Neck (2024)

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Medea Giordano

Gear

Raising your computer screen is a simple fix for healthier posture. These stands, lap desks, mats, and risers may help.

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The Best Laptop Stands to Save Your Achin’ Neck (3)

Best Overall

ObVus Solutions Laptop Tower Stand

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Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand

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Rain Design mBar Pro+

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Superjare Dual Monitor Stand Riser

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Still balancing your laptop on a stack of old books? It's time to upgrade. Having the right laptop stand can make life more comfortable, so you can stop craning your neck while you work. The best stands raise your laptop's screen (or external monitor!) close to eye level, which is better for maintaining a healthy posture. Some can even fit into a backpack for easy travel or switch configurations from sitting to standing. These are our favorites.

Need more options for your home office? Read our guide to work-from-home gear.

Updated February 2024: We've added adjustable stands from Branch and FlexiSpot. We've also updated our top pick from ObVus Solutions to its newest version and updated prices and links throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Peripherals Are Important

Snagging one of the laptop stands below is one of many ways you can improve your posture when sitting at a desk for long periods. You can also connect your laptop to a separate second computer monitor. You'll be able to multitask more easily with two screens, and you won't have to strain your neck as much.

Some of these laptop stands are best paired with a separate keyboard and mouse. These peripherals mean you can set your laptop farther away and at various heights, and you won't need to stretch your arms in awkward ways to type. The right mouse can prevent muscle strain and wrist problems, so check out the picks in our Best Keyboards and Best Gaming Mouse guides. (You don't need to be a gamer to use a gaming mouse!)

  • The Best Laptop Stands to Save Your Achin’ Neck (7)

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Medea Giordano turned her shopping problem into a career as a product writer for WIRED. She covers a little bit of everything but loves health, beauty, and pet tech. Prior to WIRED, she was an assistant editor at Wirecutter and an assistant in the newsroom of The New York Times.... Read more

Writer and Reviewer

TopicsShoppingOfficeWorklaptopsbuying guidesAccessories and Peripherals

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The Best Laptop Stands to Save Your Achin’ Neck (2024)

FAQs

The Best Laptop Stands to Save Your Achin’ Neck? ›

A laptop stand or riser is a device that elevates your laptop screen to a comfortable eye level, so you don't have to bend your neck or hunch your back. This can improve your posture and alignment, and reduce the pressure on your cervical spine and discs.

Are laptop stands good for your neck? ›

A laptop stand or riser is a device that elevates your laptop screen to a comfortable eye level, so you don't have to bend your neck or hunch your back. This can improve your posture and alignment, and reduce the pressure on your cervical spine and discs.

What problem does the laptop stand solve? ›

The laptop stand always offers the right viewing height; Reduced physical strain in your neck, shoulders and upper back; Increased comfort and improved productivity.

Do laptop stands really help? ›

A laptop stand or tablet stand raises the height and angle of the monitor to make working more comfortable. Using a laptop stand on your desk can bring the monitor up to your eye level, which in turn can help: Reduce neck and back pain. Prevent slouching.

Are laptop stands better for posture? ›

Without a laptop stand, you might find yourself hunching while reading text or typing on the keyboard. If not corrected, this can lead to many complications moving forward, including severe backaches and poor posture.

What is the best laptop position for your neck? ›

This creates an ongoing trade-off between poor neck/head and hand/wrist postures. Maintain a neutral neck posture by placing the top of the screen at about eye level or slightly lower if using bifocal glasses.

How to avoid neck pain while using a laptop? ›

10 Best Ergonomic Laptop Setup Tips
  1. Take the laptop off your lap. ...
  2. Raise the screen higher. ...
  3. Use a separate keyboard and mouse or invest in a separate screen/monitor. ...
  4. Upgrade screen size. ...
  5. Put your feet up. ...
  6. Find an ergonomic chair. ...
  7. Take breaks. ...
  8. Stand up.

What are the disadvantages of laptop stands? ›

Disadvantages of Vertical Laptop Stands

If the stand is too high, it can put a strain on your neck and back. The second thing you need to consider is the ventilation of the stand. If the stand does not have good ventilation, it can cause your laptop to overheat.

Is it good to use a laptop stand with a fan? ›

I wouldn't use a stand with a fan unless it reinforces my laptop's cooling system. You don't want a situation where your laptop is blowing air downwards while your external fan is pushing air upwards. You would just be better off getting a stand with a larger opening instead.

Are laptop stands good for wrists? ›

Improved keyboard ergonomics

They support keeping your arms closer to your body while your hands are straight. This lessens the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and other overuse injuries. Additionally, a laptop holder will raise your display to a proper line of sight.

How to choose a laptop stand? ›

The majority of laptop stands are height-adjustable. Check how many different settings are on offer for adjustments and that you can adjust the angle to suit you. Buy a laptop stand from a specialist ergonomic shop, to be sure the design and functionality are ergonomic.

What is the best position to sit with a laptop? ›

Adjust the chair height so your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are in line (or slightly lower) with your hips. Sit up straight and keep your hips far back in the chair. The back of the chair should be somewhat reclined at a 100- to 110-degree angle. Ensure the keyboard is close and directly in front of you.

Do laptop stands help with neck pain? ›

The laptop stand helps combat the most concerning risk - 'tech neck' and HOLS (hunched-over laptop syndrome). Working off a laptop based on a desktop most often requires you to look down at the screen. The weight of your head hanging forward puts the neck and spine under strain.

What can I use instead of a laptop stand? ›

Here are 10 DIY laptop stands you can make to type comfortably, keep your workspace organized, and prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • A Foldable Laptop Stand Using Cardboard. ...
  • Shoe Box Laptop Stand. ...
  • PVC Laptop Stand. ...
  • Bamboo Laptop Stand. ...
  • Laptop Bubble Stand. ...
  • Plywood Laptop Stand. ...
  • Cardboard Laptop Stand.
Jul 3, 2021

Are standing desks better for your neck? ›

Advantages Of Standing Desk

Reduced pressure on the lower back/lumbar spine. Reduced strain on the neck/cervical spine (if it decreases neck bending) Decreases the amount of time spent sedentary. May improve mood and aid in productivity.

Can laptops create posture problems? ›

Neck and shoulder pain

If a screen is lower than our level, we are forced to move our head down and often further forward. This poor posture can lead to tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.

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