Portable Laptop Stands
You probably know by now that it’s important to keep your computer screen at eye level to avoid neck and back pain. When traveling (or working in a makeshift office), that can seem like a pipe dream–but there are some wonderful options for portable laptop stands if you’re willing to allocate a bit of luggage space. Believe me, your back will thank you!
Quick Comparison Chart
| Stand | Weight | Adjustability | Folded Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Roost | 3.2 oz | Moderate | 13" x 1.2" x 1.3" | |
 Deskview | 6 lbs | Moderate | 12" x 25" x 5.5" | |
 AOOU | 3.6 lbs | High | 16.5" x 10.5" x 1.5" | |
 Nexstand | 8.8 oz | Moderate | 14.2" x 1.6" x 1.9" | |
 Jubor | 9.5 oz | Limited | 11.4" x 1.8" x 1.15" | |
 Samson | 8.8 lbs | High | 5" x 11.8" x 24" | |
 Trigear | 14.2 lbs | Moderate | 16" x 12" x 3.5" | |
| Stand | Weight | Adjustability | Folded Size |
The Roost Travel Laptop Stand
A favorite of travel bloggers, Roost’s easily adjustable portable laptop stand is pricey, but has a lot to recommend it. The stand is astoundingly lightweight at just 3.2 ounces, and folds up to just 13″ x 1.3″, fitting in an included carry pouch. When unfolded, it’s surprisingly sturdy, and will elevate your laptop 6-11″ above the desktop. It’s easy to pack in your laptop bag or carry-on, and unlike some of the cheaper options, you’ll barely notice the added weight.
Next would be the part where we discuss the cons, but I truly don’t have anything bad to say about this laptop stand. It’s our editor’s choice, and my personal preferred stand for travel. I recently upgraded to a standing desk at home, but prior to that, you’d frequently find me using the Roost at home as well.
Deskview Standing Laptop Desk
Deskview’s innovative new window mount laptop stand sits outside of the box of traditional laptop stands. Because nearly every hotel room has a window that this stand could be mounted on, it’s an awesome option for travelers.
The spacious desk fits most laptops plus room for accessories, and utilizes a heavy duty suction cup system to securely mount the desk to windows. After giving the desk a try, it’s surprisingly sturdy when mounted, so I felt very comfortable walking away and leaving my laptop on the desk when necessary.
Because the desk is a generous size, and the suction cups are large and sturdy enough to hold up to 40 lbs, it’s definitely not the smallest desk on this list, and you won’t be fitting it in a carry-on. However, the desk top is slim, and the suction cups are easy to pack around, making the desk a good option for longer-term travelers, or even use as a cost-effective at-home standing desk.
AOOU Adjustable Laptop Stand
A highly adjustable portable laptop stand at a great price, AOOU’s laptop desk includes cooling fans and a removable mousepad support. It’s larger and heavier at 3.6 pounds, but offers more adjustability and configurations. Use it as a lap desk or reading table as well as a laptop stand.
Overall, our experiences with this laptop stand were very positive; the cooling fans are a nice addition, and it’s fairly sturdy, even when extended to act as a taller lap desk. Time will tell on it’s long term durability, and I wish it were a tad lighter, but the features are great for the price.
Nexstand Lightweight Laptop Stand
Nexstand’s portable laptop stand is a good alternative to the Roost, coming in at half the price! It’s basically a generic version of the Roost–with the bonus of a larger range of adjustment options. Of course there are always trade-offs, and in this case, you’re getting a stand that’s slightly larger and heavier. However, at 8.8 ounces, it’s hardly heavy, and it comes in at just 1″ longer and slightly thicker than the Roost.
The Nexstand doesn’t feel quite as sturdily constructed as the Roost, but it performed just fine in our testing, and I wouldn’t anticipate any issues if used and transported gently. If you can’t justify the price of the Roost, this is one to try.
Jubor Adjustable Laptop Stand
This sleek stainless steel stand from Jubor doesn’t offer as much overall lift as some of the options here. However, it’s the cheapest on this list by far, feels sturdy, and offers a more attractive modern aesthetic that can be difficult to find in other portable laptop stands. The stand is also comparable to higher priced options in size when folded up, and relatively lightweight at 9.5 ounces.
As mentioned, the obvious downside is that it doesn’t offer much in the way of elevation, the stand mainly works by tilting the laptop or tablet at an angle. Depending on your laptop and needs, this may be enough–and you can’t beat the price!
Samson LTS50 Laptop Stand
Samson’s heavy duty tripod supported laptop stand isn’t for everyone, but it’s a lifesaver if you frequently find yourself without a desk/ podium or working outside. The stand adjusts up to 4.5′ tall, which is tall enough to serve as a standing desk for many. It’s exceptionally sturdy and easy to adjust; between the height and angle adjustments, you should be able to find a setting that’s comfortable for you. The stand also stays in place once adjusted, with no sinking.
For the convenience, however, you’re giving up quite a bit more luggage space, and carrying around a stand that comes in at nearly 9 pounds. For my purposes, it’s not worth the tradeoff, but might be just the right fit for you.
TriGear Adjustable Laptop Stand
TriGear’s Adjustable Laptop Stand is the heaviest of the bunch, and more of a long-term travel, checked luggage option. At nearly 15 pounds, and approx 18″x14″x5″, it is portable, just not something that’s ideal to toss in a backpack. But the price on this is awesome for the quality, with steel construction, and a height range from 3.5″ to 17.5″ lift, along with a 100 pound weight capacity.
Overall, I do fine with the range of the Roost, but if I needed extra height or more frequently traveled with a checked bag, I’d seriously consider this fantastic stand for its features and value.
Sources:
Grand Valley State University – Computer Monitor Height & Distance
Related articles:
