Top Laptop Cooling Pads: Effective Coolers Revealed

The best gaming laptops are renowned for their high-powered components, which unfortunately generate significant heat. Excessive heat can cause your system to throttle performance to prevent overheating, impacting your gaming experience. If you're battling high temperatures, a laptop cooling pad can be an effective solution to keep your system running at its 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 AmazonCooling solutions for laptops are diverse, ranging from large pads with customizable RGB lighting to compact blowers that attach to your laptop. While most are budget-friendly, the top-tier models often come with advanced features like temperature sensors and multiple fans. No matter your preference, one of our nine picks is sure to meet your cooling needs, with options available for purchase in the UK.

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

Best Overall Laptop Cooling Pad

Our Top Pick### IETSGT300

4Experience powerful cooling with two high-speed blower motors and intake vents equipped with dust filters. This cooling pad is designed to keep your gaming laptop at optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions.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 RGB lightingWide compatibilityCONSLarge and bulkyLimited RGB customization optionsThe IETS GT300 stands out as the best overall laptop cooling pad, even if you're not familiar with the brand. Its effective cooling solution has proven reliable for various gaming laptops in demanding scenarios. Though it's bulkier, the design and performance justify the size.

Effective cooling is all about sealing, much like in HVAC systems. The GT300 features a rubber gasket around its rim to seal against the laptop's base, ensuring that cold air is directed precisely where it's needed without escaping.

It utilizes two high-speed blower motors that draw in cool air from the outside, operating at up to 4,500 RPM. Amazon reviews confirm a noticeable temperature drop, and the included dust filters help maintain your laptop's cleanliness and cooling efficiency over time.

Additional features include two USB ports on the back, enabling you to power the pad via an outlet if you prefer to save your laptop's ports for other peripherals. The pad is also angle adjustable, functioning as a laptop stand, and includes customizable RGB lighting, although other options on our list offer more extensive RGB customization.

Note that the GT300 works best with laptops that have bottom vents, making it less ideal for MacBooks but suitable for most gaming laptops ranging from 14" to 17".

2. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

Best Laptop Cooling Pad Runner Up

### Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

3The Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB offers a powerful solution for cooling your gaming laptop, ideal for extended gaming sessions with its large 200mm fan.See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartProduct SpecificationsFans 1 x 200mmSize18.54” x 13.96” x 1.83"PROSPowerful airflowAdjustable height for ergonomic positioningCONSA bit clunky in designLaptops often struggle with cooling due to their compact design, and the Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB addresses this issue effectively. This cooling pad features a 200mm fan behind a sturdy steel mesh that efficiently pushes hot air away from your device. It operates quietly, reaching up to 800RPM and delivering up to 64 CFM of airflow, with adjustable fan speed controlled by a knob on the pad itself.

The pad also serves as an ergonomic stand with three adjustable height levels (3°, 9°, or 13°), enhancing viewing and typing comfort while improving airflow underneath. Although it's a bit clunky, weighing 3.35 pounds and measuring 18.54 x 13.96 x 1.83 inches, it's designed to support larger laptops up to 19 inches.

The RGB lighting around the edge adds a visual flair with various lighting modes like static, pulsing, blinking, and wave, easily customizable via buttons on the control panel.

3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

Best High-Airflow Laptop Cooling Pad

### TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

2With five fans, the TopMate C5 ensures your gaming laptop stays cool even during the most intense gaming sessions. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans5Size14.57" x 11.8" x 1.4"PROSExtraordinary airflow with five fansTwo USB ports for added connectivityCONSNot suitable for larger laptopsIf you need maximum airflow, the TopMate C5 is the answer, featuring five fans—a central 140mm fan and four surrounding 70mm fans. This setup, combined with a metal mesh surface, directs cool air to your laptop's base, effectively managing thermals. The tiny LCD control panel allows you to choose from multiple cooling modes and displays wind speed.

In addition to its cooling prowess, the TopMate C5 offers ergonomic benefits with five height adjustments, fitting laptops up to 15.6 inches. It also includes two USB 2.0 ports, one for power and another 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 perfect for those seeking a subtle yet effective cooling solution for use on their lap.See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsFans2Size15" x 11.75" x 1"PROSSimple yet effective coolingRubberized grip for stabilityCONSNo height adjustmentThe Targus Lap Chill Mat exemplifies the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, having kept laptops cool for over a decade. Its lightweight design and neoprene bottom provide comfort for extended lap use, while a rubberized grip and notches ensure your laptop stays in place.

The cooling mechanism uses a mesh surface and a hollow chamber to facilitate air circulation, with two fans pumping fresh air near the CPU and GPU areas. A four-port USB hub and velcro straps for cable management add to its convenience.

5. Havit HV-F2056

Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad

### HavitHV-F2056

1The Havit HV-F2056 offers an affordable yet effective cooling solution, complete with two USB passthrough ports. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans 3 x 120mmSize14.96" x 11.02" x 1.18"PROSAffordable price pointTwo USB passthrough portsCONSLimited to three fansFor budget-conscious gamers, the Havit HV-F2056 is an excellent choice. Its three 120mm fans are strategically placed to cool your laptop's critical components, and the blue LEDs add a stylish touch, though RGB options are reserved for more expensive models.

With two USB passthrough ports, you maintain connectivity without sacrificing cooling, and at a low price of around $39 (often less on sale), it's hard to find fault with this quiet and efficient cooling pad.

6. Klim Tempest

Best Portable Laptop Cooler

### Klim Tempest

2This compact cooler features a 4,000 RPM fan that easily attaches to your laptop for portable cooling. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1Size3.23" x 1.57" x 3.94"PROSExtremely portableHigh RPM for effective coolingCONSCompatibility limited to laptops with side ventsTraditional cooling pads can be cumbersome to carry, but the Klim Tempest is designed for portability. It clamps onto your laptop's side vent, using a rubber gasket for a tight seal and a powerful 4,000 RPM fan to extract hot air.

The built-in temperature sensor monitors the exhaust air's heat, offering 13 power levels or the ability to set an ideal temperature for automatic cooling. While compact at 3" x 2" x 4", it's only compatible with laptops featuring side vents.

7. Klim Ultimate

Best RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

### Klim Ultimate

1The Klim Ultimate is the go-to choice for gamers looking for an RGB-enhanced cooling pad. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize16.73" x 12.4" x 1.69"PROSStunning RGB lightingAdjustable fan speedCONSCannot adjust RGB brightnessIf you've scored a gaming laptop deal, the Klim Ultimate is ready to keep your high-performance machine cool, ensuring smooth gameplay in the best PC games. Its metal grid panel and 200mm fan facilitate rapid cooling, reaching up to 750RPM while staying quiet at 23dB. Users report temperature drops between 41°F and 68°F.

Designed for larger gaming laptops (11 to 17.3 inches), the Klim Ultimate remains compact at 16.73 x 12.4 x 1.69 inches and offers multiple inclination levels for ergonomic comfort. The RGB lighting around the rim offers five effects and seven colors, customizable via a rear control panel. However, brightness adjustment for the lights is not available.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table

Best Laptop Cooling Stand

### Miggoing Laptop Table

0The Miggoing Laptop Table doubles as a versatile laptop table and a cooling pad, perfect for comfortable use on a couch or bed. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans2Size16.5" x 10" x 18.9"PROSVersatile use as table and coolerSturdy aluminum constructionCONSAdjustments can be a bit awkwardStandard cooling pads are great for lap or low desk use, but the Miggoing Laptop Table offers additional height adjustment up to 18.9 inches. It's ideal for use on couches, in bed, or as a standing desk.

The table features two USB-powered fans and ventilation slots to promote airflow and prevent overheating. Its sturdy aluminum tray can support 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, this cooling pad features a large 200mm blue LED fan for effective cooling. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsFans1 x 200mmSize15.7” x 12.2” x 2.8"PROSFront vent for added coolingStylish design with blue LEDCONSQuite large in sizeThe Cooler Master NotePal X3 combines high performance with a stylish look, perfect for larger gaming laptops. Its 200mm fan effectively cools your device, and side controls include USB ports, fan speed dial, and LED switches.

The blue LED adds a gaming aesthetic, and a front vent helps keep your hands cool. Two height adjustments provide 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 central to our coverage. We understand their heat generation and the importance of effective cooling. Not all cooling pads deliver on their promises, so we first tested those we've used ourselves to create a shortlist of reliable options.

We then consulted expert reviews and user testimonials to gain a comprehensive understanding of each pad's performance across different laptops. This research has culminated in our selection of the top laptop cooling pads available today.

FAQs

Do laptop cooling pads really work?

Laptop cooling pads can effectively prevent overheating, extending your laptop's lifespan. They're particularly beneficial for long gaming sessions. The effectiveness varies based on the pad's design and fan power, with a good seal being crucial for optimal performance.

Do laptop cooling pads improve performance?

They can, especially if your laptop is susceptible to thermal throttling. To determine if your system is throttling, use system monitoring software to track CPU and GPU performance. Tools like 3DMark on Steam can also help identify performance drops due to heat.

How well do laptop cooling pads work?

The effectiveness of a cooling pad depends on the specific model and your laptop's design. Top-tier cooling pads can reduce temperatures by 5° to over 10° Celsius, significantly improving performance and comfort during use.