Work More Comfortably With the Best Laptop Stands for the Couch

Buying Guide: Laptop Stand for Couch

Your posture is not the only thing that suffers when working or studying from the couch or bed. Your laptop can easily overheat due to poor ventilation when placed on uneven and soft surfaces such as a duvet, blanket, pillow, or even on your lap. When laptop fans are blocked or ventilation is restricted, it can cause the device to operate slowly, affect the battery life, and shorten the lifespan of the device.

Getting a laptop stand for use on the couch not only improves your posture and your laptop's lifespan, but it can have a positive impact on your productivity. Below, we list what you should keep in mind when buying an ergonomic laptop stand to use on the couch. Let’s take a look!

What Are the Must-Have Features of a Laptop Stand?

Versatility

Before you decide on a laptop stand, you should consider exactly how you plan to use it. There’s a wide option of versatile stands on the market. Some stands can be placed over your legs so that you can use them while in bed. While other stands roll up to your sofa, similar to a tray table. There are stands that allow you to recline slightly on a chair while comfortably viewing the screen and others which can double as a lectern for giving standing presentations.

Once you’ve identified how you want to use the stand, you can determine how versatile you need your stand to be.

Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability, there are a few things to consider. In a seated position, you’ll want to be able to adjust the height by a few inches according to your own height. This allows for optimal webcam positioning.

If you’re planning to use it while standing as well, you’ll need a stand that is adjustable for seated and standing use. This will usually feature a heavy-duty base for increased support and a height-adjustable lever.

Besides the stand height, you may want to adjust the laptop angle so that it slants slightly towards you as opposed to lying flat. High-end stands will also feature an extending, rotatable arm. This allows you to place the stand next to your bed while positioning the arm over your bed to hold the laptop up in front of you. An extendable arm prevents any obstruction from getting in the way of ergonomic positioning.

If you generally work from one spot, adjustability might not be the biggest consideration. In this case, ensure that the fixed height is suitable for you.

Size

Some stands have enough space to place your laptop, a mouse, a cup of coffee, and a notebook, while others (generally those with rotatable arms) can only hold a laptop.

First, make sure the stand is compatible with your laptop size. Then, consider whether it will support the weight of your device as well as any accessories. Having some support for your hands and wrists will require a slightly wider stand. This support will help prevent wrist strain when spending long hours in front of your computer.

Storage

To keep laptop stands streamlined and easy to maneuver, they generally don’t have any storage features. There are, however, a few models that feature a small compartment or drawer to keep USB cables or accessories. If you travel often or use the stand in varying locations, this is a handy feature to have.

Portability

Although robust designs with solid extendable arms and a thick base may offer a little more versatility, they are not very easy to travel with. If you need a stand to take with you on the road, opt for a compact unit with foldable legs. Not only does this make it easier to move around, but you might even be able to store it under the bed when not in use.

Ventilation

If you spend extensive hours working continuously on your laptop, opt for a stand with a built-in fan. These generally require you to connect your computer to the stand with a USB cable and are effective at preventing overheating.

Extra features

Other non-essential bonus features include integrated mouse pads, a reading light, and USB connections.