Cooling for laptops is always a smart idea. There is every reason in the world to buy laptop coolers--from preventing laptop overheating to avoiding lap burns--and very few reasons not to (mainly just the fact that they aren't free).
But jumping in and purchasing a laptop cooler without first browsing a laptop cooling review or two is a recipe for disappointment. It's best to evaluate options first to make sure the best laptop cooler available is sitting under that overheating laptop, instead of some cheap and clunky knock-off. Rest assured that this laptop cooling review details some of the best laptop coolers available.
What Options Are Available When It Comes to Cooling for Laptops?
There are two basic types of laptop cool pads: ventilation cooling, sometimes called passive cooling, and USB powered fan cooling, also known as active cooling.
Although USB powered fan cooling for laptops is generally considered more effective than ventilation cooling, users will want to keep in mind that that extra power comes only at an extra cost to the battery life of a laptop. Anyone wanting to use their laptop power cord-free will probably want to look into a passive cooler; others may want the extra cooling power of an active cooler, powered through a USB port.
Best Overall Cooling for Laptops
Most laptop users will be happy with Antec's tried-and-true USB Powered Fan Notebook Cooler. Sure to keep most users' laptops happily chilled, especially while sitting on a desk, it has many other great features, too:
- Simple two-fan design (powered by one of the laptop's USB ports)
- High and low speed setting (both are pretty quiet)
- Made of ultra-cool aluminum for maximum heat dissipation and sturdiness and minimal weight
- USB power cable has a pass-through port, so none of the laptop's available USB ports are used up
- Rubber grips on the bottom for extra traction on a flat surface
- Shape allows for extra passive cooling or ventilation cooling
- Low profile design for portability
- Quality brand with 3-year warranty
- Low price (about $20)
Best Cooling for Laptops Resting on the Lap
The best cooler for avoiding thigh burns is one that's a little bit wider than the standard Antec desk cooler, the Antec Unbeatable Notebook Cooler 200 or the Xpad, for those seeking a laptop cooler that uses the ventilation cooling principle. Alternatively, look for one even wider with room for a small mouse to the side.
Best Cooling for Laptops for Users on the Go
Hands down, the most portable laptop cooler is the passive cooler designed by ThermaPAK, which consists of a pad filled with specially-designed heat-dissipating crystals. This little cooler can be rolled up to use only minimal bag space, leaving room for other cool gadgets.
However, it does have one significant disadvantage that prevents it from surpassing other laptop coolers on this list: prolonged use (several hours) will heat the crystals inside, meaning users will get diminishing returns on their cooling, and eventually, after many hours of use, it may offer no cooling at all.
Best Cooling for Laptops for Gamers and Enthusiasts
Those looking for a laptop cooler with a little extra "oomph," should find that the USB powered Zalman Ultra Quiet Notebook Cooler suits their needs. Its price is a little steeper than some of the other offerings, but it more than makes up for that in extra cooling power.
Keep in mind, however, that laptops with a bottom fan exhaust (blowing hot air out)--included in some gaming and high-performance laptops--will be hampered, not helped, by most USB powered fan coolers, because fan coolers don't allow the hot air exhaust to function properly. Laptops with bottom fan exhausts will do best with a simple raised ventilation cooling platform, like the Xpad.
Best Cooling for Laptops for Creative Types
Those easily entertained by brightly-colored objects or who have creative sides may want to check out the Thermaltake Massive23 Aluminum Notebook Cooler. This laptop cooler has only one 230mm fan, and users can choose their favorite color: blue, red, green, or all three at once for a rainbow effect. It also cools pretty well too.
Michael Hintz - Michael Hintz is a technically-inclined writer with a great appreciation for technology and nature alike. Having graduated in December ...
