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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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.

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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!)

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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? ›

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.

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.

Are laptop stands better for posture? ›

One of the key benefits of a laptop stand is that you can instantly improve your posture and positioning while using your laptop. If you're looking to improve your workstation, keep reading to learn more about why and how to use a laptop stand.

What can I use to elevate my laptop? ›

Raise the screen higher

Elevate the laptop a few inches above your desk, placing it on a stable support surface, such as a laptop stand or a stack of thick books. Your eyes should naturally hit the top third of your screen when you look straight ahead.

What are the disadvantages of laptop stands? ›

Firstly, it can put unnecessary strain on the hinges, which over time can lead to damage. Additionally, it can make the laptop more difficult to use, as the keyboard and trackpad will be in an awkward position. Finally, it can make it more difficult to keep the laptop cool, as the airflow will be restricted.

How to position a laptop to avoid neck pain? ›

Place your computer monitor directly in front of you with the center of the screen level with your nose. If the monitor is too low, you will angle your head downward and increase stress on your neck. If you work primarily on a laptop, use a secondary monitor if possible.

What is the best laptop position for your neck? ›

Tilt the laptop screen slightly backwards to reduce glare and keep your head and neck neutral. Ensure the screen is arm's length away from your eyes. Get up and take breaks every 20-30 minutes.

What is the healthiest posture for computer? ›

Computer Workstations » Good Working Positions
  • Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
  • Head is level, forward facing, and balanced. ...
  • Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.

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.

How do I ergonomically position my laptop? ›

Use a laptop stand or place your laptop on a stable support surface, such as monitor risers, reams of paper, or phone books so that the screen height can be adjusted. laptop, and place them on an adjustable keyboard tray or desk. They should be positioned at or slightly below elbow height.

What to use instead of a laptop stand? ›

A Simple Stack of Books

I stack my books so that the laptop hangs off both sides - no danger of it tumbling off, and plenty of air circulation keeps the computer cool.

How can I improve my laptop posture? ›

To improve your posture, it is essential to work from a desk and place the top of the laptop at eye level. If the height of your desk is not ideal for you, it may be worth investing in a laptop riser. Getting yourself a separate keyboard and mouse is a great idea to prevent wrist injury while typing.

Is a laptop stand worth it? ›

You're likely to get tired much quicker when working on a laptop without a laptop stand. This is because of poor posture and straining your eyes when looking at the screen. With a laptop stand and external keyboard you can adjust how your body is positioned to your computer for the perfect work experience.

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.

Is vertical stand bad for laptops? ›

Is it ok to leave your laptop in a vertical position for extended periods of time? There's actually nothing wrong with keeping your laptop in a vertical position, or any position, really.

What are the best materials for a laptop stand? ›

Choose a stand made of high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel. Compatibility: Make sure that the laptop stand you choose is compatible with your laptop's size and weight. Most stands are designed to accommodate laptops ranging from 11 to 17 inches.

How to relieve neck pain from a laptop? ›

Hold your device at eye level to avoid looking down. Neck stretches: Place your knuckles or fingertips on the front of your chin and gently push straight back (not up or down). Rotation: Place one hand on the side of your face to help rotate your head the opposite direction. Keep your chin level.

Is a standing desk better for neck pain? ›

People who moved to standing desks reported significantly less neck and shoulder pain than those who continued to sit. This may be due to the height of the monitor. Workers did not bend their necks as much while standing.

Can bad computer posture cause neck pain? ›

Tech neck typically occurs when you spend a lot of time tilting your head down to see your screen. If you develop pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders, you may benefit from adjusting the height of your desk.

How do I set up my computer for neck pain? ›

Make sure the monitor is positioned so that it's at eye-level and your neck is in a neutral position. If you have a laptop, use an external keyboard and place your laptop on a stack of books.

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