What Is a Laptop Cooling Pad?
A laptop/notebook cooler, also known as the cooler pad or chill mat is an accessory or attachment for laptops that prevent or curb heat buildup and reduce their operating temperature. Laptop coolers aim to protect a laptop from overheating, which can result in internal damages. It also protects the user from any possible injuries due to the device being too hot for skin contact. A laptop cooler can be classified into four categories.
Classification of Laptop Cooling Pads
Active Cooling
Active cooling laptop coolers make use of external fans, which improves airflow and lessens the device’s temperature. The number of fans a laptop cooler usually has ranged from one to six. Some can be plugged into the laptop itself while others will require batteries. In some cases, these cooling pads can house a hub that has several USB ports. Some active cooling pads remove heat by dispersing it away, while others blow wind into the vents. Another great feature of active cooling pads is that some of them will let you adjust the fan speed. This helps a lot especially if your laptop is under pressure most of the time. But, other active cooling pads have a fixed speed. However, poorly designed coolers run the risk of using more power than what the USB port allows. Remember to always be careful as failure to do so can harm the cooling pad, your laptop, and yourself. Do remember that your USB port will need to generate power to run these fans. This leads to added heat created by your laptop. However, the good thing is this amount of heat is insignificant and can be handled by your cooling pad.
Passive Cooling
Passive cooling pads make use of conductive cooling. This is possible with the use of a conductive pad that cools your laptop without using any electricity. Passive cooling pads draw heat with the use of a salt compound that absorbs heat from your device. They’re good for around six to eight hours of cooling, but that’s typically a short amount of time for some. Other designs in the market are simply a pad that gives elevation to the laptop for fans inside the laptop to get greater airflow. Do note that conductive cooling pads are not advised for laptops with fan vents built in the bottom part of the laptop as the cooling pad in question will block the vents that will lead to either your laptop overheating or premature system failure. Do remember to still consider the alignment of fans to your laptop. Check if the fans are off to the side or are underneath your device.
Multi-Surface Cooling Pads
This class of laptop coolers allows better airflow for your laptops. Air can flow from the sides and even underneath through a space between the cooler’s base and your lap. This is a great option to pick if your laptop’s exhaust vents are found at the bottom. Improvement of airflow is essential in keeping these kinds of laptops healthy.
Multipurpose Cooling Pads
Right now, some recent advancements have brought forward multipurpose coolers. These coolers are not just made to cool your laptop but are also capable of doing more. These cooling pads have USB drives, card readers, and even work as mini workstations. However, due to these additions, most of these cooling pads tend to be on the heavier side. If you want to know more about laptops, why not check out our lists of the best gaming laptops and laptops with the best battery life? If you’re looking for the best CPU cooler models, we also have a list that you might want to check out.
Best Laptop Cooling Pad Models Under $50
Best Cooling Pads Under $100
Best Cooling Pads Under $150
Best High-End Options
Best Cooling Pads for Gaming Laptops
How to Use Laptop Cooling Pads
Laptop cooling pads get power from USB ports and batteries. Generally, you’ll have to place your laptop on top of cooling pads. Whether they use conductors or fans, these pads need to be placed under your laptop.
Adjustable height Can support small to medium-sized laptops 2 USB 2.0 ports
Kootek made an impressive laptop cooling pad that uses five fans to deliver an impressive amount of cooling while remaining a quiet laptop cooler to boot. The Chill Mat is one of the most versatile cooling pads on our list. You can adjust the fans and the height of the cooler itself. This cooling pad can support 12 to 17-inch laptops. This product also has stoppers that will stop your laptop from falling. Plus, the Chill Mat 5 has a USB hub that has two USB 2.0 ports. In layman’s terms, this is a great quality cooling pad that has flexibility in spades, and benefits from a very reasonable price tag. Thus, it’s a great choice for your laptop cooler. Reasons to buy
Great mod medium-sized laptops Stable base
Tree New Bee’s cooling pad is a great choice that can work with laptops as large as 15.6 to 17 inches. Made with four 12-mm fans that can blast cooling air at speeds up to 1200 rpm. The Tree New Bee Laptop Stand is made for one purpose, to keep your laptop cool as a cucumber and prevent crashes, overheating, and more. Tree New Bee Laptop Stand’s design has two anti-skid arms for added stability. It assists in drawing the heat generated by the laptop away. Then, the aerodynamic design helps in further cooling down your laptop. It also gives users a better view and typing angle that helps in reducing neck and back pain that’s caused by poor posture. Lastly, this product comes with a USB port and allows you to switch the wind speed.
Slim design Portability
With a sleek and slim design and at just 1.2 inches thick, the havit HV-F2056 cooling pad gives users an ultra-portable way to cool your laptop while on the go. This cooling pad will allow you to adjust its height, which greatly improves its ergonomic function. Also, you can prop up your laptop and alleviate the pressure from your back. This product comes with three 110-mm fans that can reach a speed of 1,000 rpm. This lessens noise that can distract you from a task or playing games. This laptop cooler’s design is very lightweight and stable. Lastly, it comes with a wear-resistant surface that minimizes marks.
4 USB 2.0 ports A cooling solution to ventilate more heat
For those who wish for their cooling pad to also give expansion capabilities to hook up other peripherals, you might want to look at the Targus Chill Mat, which is a laptop dock that’s crossed with a cooling solution inside the mat. In addition to this, the Chill Mat also has a 4-port USB 2.0 port hub and gives cooling through a pair of fans. So it’s not just a docking station but also a cooling solution underneath the Chill Mat, ensuring that your laptop stays cool. In conclusion, this is a well-made laptop cooler that’s impressively slim, and with the ability to be adjusted between four various height levels. For people that have laptops with only a few USB ports, this would be an absolute godsend.
Adjustable Anti-slip Silicone grip
The AICHESON Laptop Cooling Pad is another go-to option that you might want to take into consideration. Not only does this laptop cooler prevent overheating but it can also be adjusted to provide comfort. This way, you’re not gonna hurt your neck and spine even when you’re working with your laptop for long periods. The pad’s position can be adjusted to multiple angles to provide you with even more comfort while using it. Due to this, it’s not that surprising that AICHESON prides itself on being one of the most adjustable cooling pads you can find in the market. At times, you have to be mindful when adjusting this laptop cooler and prevent your laptop from falling off. To prevent this scenario from happening, AICHESON made this cooling pad with an anti-slip silicone grip. This grip aims to prevent your laptop from falling or slipping off the pad. Made from rubber, this grip also reduces the risk of creating unwanted marks. This allows you to put the cooling pad on any surface without leaving marks and scratches. If you think the AICHESON cooling pad only has one safety feature, you’re in for a surprise. They’ve also added a hook that can support up to 100 pounds. And even if your laptop might be too small or too big for this cooling pad, AICHESON still has you covered as their cooling pad is made with a diamond metal meshed net that allows it to be compatible with any laptop, no matter the size or weight.
LED light-up features Great for bigger laptops
Made for laptops of any shape and size, Thermaltake’s big laptop cooling pad is an awesome choice due to its balance of superb cooling power and unique style. This cooling pad features five LED lighting schemes. This can be adjusted and selected by the user, along with the fan speed. If you think the steel mesh panel is just a design, you’re in for a big surprise. Hidden underneath is a fan that improves the airflow below your laptop. This laptop cooler will make sure your laptop doesn’t overheat from working overtime.
Large fans for more powerful ventilation Quiet fan
The Cooler Master brand knows what’s cool and the brand’s Notepal is a good indicator of that knowledge. Notepal has a single large 230-mm fan, which is also pretty quiet and has a fan speed controller for the fan itself. It is made to pipe “optimal airflow” through your laptop. It shifts a substantial amount of cool air, around 89.8 cubic feet per minute, which makes it very effective at cooling. This device also has a slightly tilted ergonomic design, which aims to give you the best angle to make use of your laptop’s keyboard. This, alongside having non-slip feet for stability’s sake when putting on a surface is a great thing. As a bonus to all this, there are three USB ports in the back. The Notepal XL can hold laptops of up to 17-inches.
Adjustable Temperature sensors
Another Thermaltake cooling pad takes a spot on the list. The Massive Cooling Pad can be adjusted by the user to improve user experience and comfort. But, that is not why this cooling pad is a good choice for consumers. The Massive Cooling pad has two 120-mm fans that can be adjusted to get maximum airflow and cooling. Four adjustable temperature sensors are built-in to the cooling pad and will notify you if your laptop needs more cooling. Press the turbo button on the cooler to place the fans on full power. Don’t worry, there is a lock adjacent to the button to prevent your cooling pad to enter turbo mode accidentally.
Great for smaller laptops LCD and touchpad features
Made with gamers in mind, the TopMate Gaming Laptop Cooler is one of the best cooling pads for laptops with 12 to 15.6-inch diagonal screens. Multiple operation modes, speeds, and fans allow this laptop cooler to keep your laptop cool while you play all day. All of these things are controlled from an intuitive control panel that has both LCD and touchpad buttons. Made from plastic and metal, this product is durable and stable, which is a big plus for laptop coolers.
Sleek design Bigger fans
Featuring a sleek and simple design, the performance of this laptop cooler is anything but simple. It may not have automatic fan speed properties, but this cooling pad uses bigger fans and can notify you if it’s getting hot. This is possible with the help of indicator lights that have a switch of their own. Boasting an ergonomic design, this laptop cooling pad can be used while in bed or working on a table.
Simple design Best for mid-sized laptops
The Belkin CoolSpot is about simplicity. And even if you think that it looks a bit too Spartan, this laptop cooler is great. Best for 15-inch laptops, the Belkin CoolSpot boasts an ergonomic design. The angled top that the cooling pad has will position your laptop perfectly for typing and gaming while the rubbery ledges on the pad will hold the device in place. This cooling pad is perfect for hard surfaces due to the grip pads found underneath. CoolSpot’s offering not only keeps your laptop cool but also ensures a stable mount for your laptop.
Two fans with 1000 rpm speeds. Metal mesh allows for better airflow
If your laptop needs to be cooled down fast, AVANTEK has what you need. For maximum airflow, this cooling pad makes use of two fans that can reach the speed of 1000 rpm. The metal mesh panel allows for better airflow and eliminates hot air from being trapped. Lastly, the sleek design and incline maximize user comfort—even when you’re pwning noobs on CoD or surfing the internet.
LED lights Fits small to large laptops
The Otimo Laptop Cooling Pad is an external fan system that gets the job done. The cooling pad design features a stable build, LED lights, and fans. This laptop cooling pad is easy to bring anywhere and can fit 12-inch to 17-inch laptops.
65 CFM airflow Metal mesh Great for medium to large-sized laptops
As we all know by now, laptops can churn out a lot of heat. Especially if you’re playing games with them. So they’ll need a really strong cooling pad to keep them cool when you’re playing. havit 5 Fans offers the power your laptop needs to handle long gaming sessions. This cooling pad can reach a maximum of 65 CFM airflow, which can help your laptop to keep its cool. The pad is created from high-quality metal mesh that’s designed to draw heat away from your laptop, features a non-slip baffle to keep the laptop securely in place, and is wide enough that it can accommodate laptops from 14 to 17 inches. This laptop cooling pad features two adjustable legs that can prop up and give you the much-needed inclination. This havit product has two USB ports built-in to its system, perfect for USB keyboard and mice.
Great for gaming laptops Adjustable airflow Silent fan
Designed with gamers in mind, the CM Storm SF-15 that’s made by Cooler Master (they made the list again) boasts a chunky gamer aesthetic that complements your typical gaming laptop. However, the features of this cooling pad go beyond aesthetics. Featuring adjustable airflow and a powerful yet silent fan, this is one hell of a cooling pad. And last but not the least, it’ll fit inside your laptop bag as well. One thing to note is that if the cooling pad is connected to the laptop, it will run from the power that’s supplied by the laptop’s USB port. Though some of them do come with a port for their batteries. Due to this, most cooling pads are incredibly portable. Do note, though, that you can’t use a cooling pad alongside either a port replicator or docking station that will take up space and get in its way. Also, several cooling pads can act as USB hubs. If this is the case, they usually have a pass-through USB port, eliminating the need to take up precious USB port space for the cooling pad.
Pros and Cons of a Laptop Cooling Pad
If you’re someone who’s on the go and brings a laptop on the regular, then you will benefit from using a laptop cooling pad. With the capability to moderate your laptop’s temperature and ensure a longer lifespan because of it, cooling equipment is a smart investment. This is particularly true if you’re not in the mood to upgrade the inner parts of your laptop (if you can even upgrade it at all). If you’re still on the fence about it, then here are some reasons why you should and should not buy one. But first, something to think about: if, when you’re using your laptop, you notice it overheating, it might be time to ask if you should get a cooling pad.
The Positives of Using Cooling Pads
Lower Temperature
The most obvious benefit that you’re gonna get from having cooling pads is they lower your laptop’s operating temperature. And the lower the laptop temperature, the healthier it will be. After all, overheating leads to major internal damages that cannot be repaired. Cooling pads also help in cooling the area around your laptop and avoid any possible discomfort due to heat. Nothing is more uncomfortable than doing your work on a laptop, in a sweltering room, with the said laptop contributing to the heat. With a laptop cooler, both your laptop and your room will stay at a cooler temperature.
More Stable Working Surface
One big advantage of using a cooling pad is it allows you to work on a more stable and sturdy work area. This is very important for the people who usually play games in a flat area like a bed or couch. Having a more stable working surface lessens the need to adjust the laptop to get maximum proficiency.
User-Friendly Design
Anyone can benefit from making use of a laptop cooler because they are simple to use. People of all ages can use most laptop coolers without assistance. This is great for younger and elderly users as they don’t have to undergo a complicated process of setting up.
The Negatives of Using Cooling Pads
Rigorous Research
Your laptop’s cooling pad is an important tool to keep your laptop healthy and safe at all times. This means you’re going to need to do some market and brand research to find the best one for your laptop. Also, you need to know the quality of a laptop cooler you want. Sometimes, there will be cheaper options that may do more harm than good. It’s very important to find a brand and unit that’ll not only fit your laptop’s size but will also last.
Hot Air
You should know how the laptop cooler you own disperses hot air from your laptop. Some laptop coolers will blow hot air from underneath your laptop into the vicinity. If you do not take note of this, this might lead to an increase in temperature and might even harm you and your laptop.
