Best overall: Rain Design mStand
The mStand by Rain Design (about $40) is a highly-rated laptop stand that offers an attractive place to house a notebook without raiding the bank. Not only is the mStand constructed of aluminum for added durability and support, but it also packs cable management, an area for a keyboard to be stored away, and an attractive finish.
Bottom line: It's an attractive laptop stand that doesn't command a high price.
One more thing: The stand is available in silver, gold, and space gray.
Why Rain Design's mStand is the best laptop stand
The aluminum build, tilt design for improved ergonomics, and cable management make Rain Design's mStand a great addition to any desk. For those times when you need to work on a notebook — with the possibility of an extra screen for enhanced productivity — this stand is ideal for laptops with up a depth of up to 10 inches (254 mm). The sleek colored finish, available in silver, gold, and space gray, is a perfect match for a Surface PC or other premium Windows laptop.
What makes laptop stands worthy purchases is the ability to have the notebook display at eye level, instead of requiring you to look down. This allows for a more comfortable experience for extended periods of use, and the cable management features will make quick work of any pesky wires that need to be plugged into the laptop.
The secret area below the main deck is ideal for stashing away a keyboard when not in use. While looking good, the aluminum can also help serve as an extended heatsink, transferring some of the heat from the laptop chassis. The mStand is also not too expensive, coming in at just over $40. There are even other variants available that offer different positions and features.
Best budget: Halter Mesh
If you're on a restricted budget, you should consider the Halter Mesh ($12.99). It's a ventilated mesh stand that aids in cooling a laptop, and the metal can help take heat away from the laptop's outer shell. It's barebones, however, so you shouldn't expect a premium construct or any unique features. There is the option to adjust the height and orientation of the stand using six positions.
Bottom line: It's a cheap, affordable laptop stand without all the premium options.
One more thing: There are rubberized feet underneath that prevent the Mesh stand from sliding around.
Best table: Executive Office Solutions Stand
This lightweight, aluminum stand ($39.99) is not only easy to carry around with a laptop, but it's also simple to set everything up with its fully adjustable legs. Not only that, but the stand itself has two USB-powered fans that can help improve the amount of air that makes it into the laptop, aiding with cooling and performance. Should you have a notebook that pumps out a lot of heat, this may help in maintaining a stable performance.
Bottom line: It's not really for use on a desk, allowing you to easily set up in a quick table format, for standing or using a comfortable chair.
One more thing: There's a small section on the side that can hold a smartphone or mouse.
Best clamp: VIVO Clamp Stand
Supporting a combined weight of up to 22 pounds (10 kg), the VIVO Clamp Stand ($41.99) is a great option for a permanent installation on a compatible desk. Because this stand acts much like a monitor stand, you'll be able to twist, swivel and rotate to get the best position for the laptop. There are also handy cable management features.
Bottom line: This is one of our more costly recommendations for laptop stands, but it offers ample functionality for the price.
One more thing: It's possible to get a monitor and laptop stand on this single arm, and there's a standing height option.
Conclusion
The mStand is perfect for more compact laptops and allow for a more comfortable computing experience. But if you're on a tight budget or wish to look at something with unique functionality, there are a number of additional quality stands available.
Best overall: Rain Design mStand
The mStand by Rain Design (about $40) is a highly-rated laptop stand that offers an attractive place to house a notebook without raiding the bank. Not only is the mStand constructed of aluminum for added durability and support, but it also packs cable management, an area for a keyboard to be stored away, and an attractive finish.
Bottom line: It's an attractive laptop stand that doesn't command a high price.
One more thing: The stand is available in silver, gold, and space gray.