Want to work on your laptop or take notes without getting out of bed? Invest in a lap desk! A lap desk is a flat board with short legs or a padded underside, which you can place on your lap to form a temporary desk. You can use it to work while seated comfortably on the sofa, bed, or any cozy corner of the house. A location change can stimulate your thoughts and promote creativity.

Types of lap desks
Based on their design, lap desks can be of two types. The first kind nestles on your lap and has a cushioned underside. The other type comes with short legs and resembles a tray table. You can choose either depending on your preferences.

Lap desks for students
The following options are suitable for students looking for a lap desk for college work:

Honey-Can-Do Portable Lap Desk With Handle
Costing less than $17, almost all students find the Honey-Can-Do portable lap desk perfect. It has a durable surface, a comfortable handle, and a removable cushion. Further, the desk is lightweight, making it easy to carry around. You’ll find it in six colors: white, black, indigo, blue, mint, and pink. It’s a practical as well as fashionable laptop accessory.

AboveTEK Non-slip Heat Shield Lap Desk
This AboveTEK lap desk is designed to keep your laptop cool, saving battery life and fan power. The slide-out compartments on both sides are perfect for using a mouse or taking notes on paper. The desk has an ergonomic design and is lightweight, ideal for students.

LapGear Home-office Lap Desk
For $35, this lap desk comes with a device ledge, a stable mouse pad, and a phone holder. It’s cushioned and comfortably sized, ideal for both students and working professionals. The built-in cushion perfectly nestles into your lap, making operating electronics easier. Additionally, the cell phone tray allows you to prop your phone up along with the laptop. You can choose from six shades.

Lap desks for adults
The options that follow are suitable for adults to complete their office work:

LapGear Designer
This model combines style, stability, comfort, and quality. It weighs less than two pounds, is very durable, and can conveniently fit a laptop and mouse. It also has a handle that makes it easy to carry around. You can store index cards and a pen without worrying about them sliding off. LapGear Designer comes with extra storage options for $35.

Huanuo Foldable Lap Desk
If you travel a lot for work, you might want a lap desk that’s super easy to carry around. Huanuo is a small and compact model that you can easily fold and carry. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on features. It has roomy compartments for pens and pencils and an angled adjustable lid. The lap desk is affordable, too, making it an ideal choice for frequent fliers and travelers.

Sofia + Sam Multitasking Memory Foam Lap Desk
This desk costs $46 and is among the most comfortable in the market. Its ergonomic design and cushioned memory foam rest for the wrists are two features that set it apart from the competition. The desk is large enough for a big laptop and has an extendable slot to hold a cell phone and mouse. You also get a separate space for a tablet.

Tips for choosing a lap desk
There’s no one best lap desk in the market. You’ll find different options from different brands, so you must compare them to find something suitable for your needs. Consider the following factors when shortlisting models:

Function
A desk with a memory foam rest for the wrists is suitable if you use a lap desk often. If you travel a lot, a lightweight desk is what you need. Besides considering your usage patterns, look for compartments for pens or chargers, charger slots, and cord keepers.

Size and weight
Consider the size of your laptop and ensure the desk is wide enough to accommodate it. It should not weigh heavily on your lap or tilt without balance if it has foldable legs.

Materials
Lap desks are available in various materials, including wood, metal, cane, and plywood. The cushion could be made of fabric, denim, polyester, or foam. When shopping for a lap desk, choose a quality material but ensure it isn’t heavy or uncomfortable on the lap.

Price
A lap desk can cost anywhere between $15 to a few hundred dollars. Compare options and find the best lap desk for your needs at a price you can afford.