Best laptop stands in Australia 2020

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Best budget stand: Nexstand Travel Laptop Stand

Why we chose it

At less than $40, the Nexstand Travel Laptop Stand is our pick for the best laptop stand for budget conscious consumers.

For that price, you get an ultra-versatile stand that will suit just about every home office set-up (other than those specifically wanting a standing desk). It works with just about any laptop model, has seven different height settings and folds away neatly when not in use.

Best high-end stand: Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand

Why we chose it

With an impressive 4.8-star rating on Amazon from more than 4,500 reviewers, Rain Design's mStand is the clear popular favourite in the category. It's stylish, sturdy, sleek and, for the aesthetically concerned among us, it matches Apple MacBook colour schemes perfectly.

The single piece aluminium construction means it doesn't wobble like some stands are prone to, and there are no joints or small components at risk of breaking. The aluminium base also functions as an effective heat sink, keeping your laptop cool while the processor is working overtime, and a cable organiser slot in the vertical section of the base helps keep desk clutter more manageable.

The only real downside to the mStand is its lack of versatility. With no adjustable height settings, the laptop screen is raised 15cm whether that suits you or not. If you're particularly tall, this won't get it up to the desired eye level without needing to jam a pile of old books beneath it. But for everyone else, it's a swish addition to the home office.

Best wooden stand: Hankey Bamboo Large Foldable Laptop Notebook Stand

Why we chose it

If you've got enough plastic and metal in your life and are looking for something a little classier, you can't go past Hankey's Bamboo beauty. Sitting on a 4.2 rating from more than 550 Amazon reviewers, it's the most popular choice for wooden alternatives.

The top of the laptop stand is segmented. This means you can tilt your laptop forward for a better angle while still having a section of flat surface for pens, paper or a drink (official product shots recommend a glass of wine).

Screen height can be adjusted between 21cms and 29cms, but some reviewers have pointed out that doing so requires you to loosen a handful of screws – not a huge downside but it does mean it's slightly less easy to manipulate than other stands on the market.

The hollowed out tray surface allows for heat dissipation, and the wide-leg design means it can also be used for breakfast in bed – because we all deserve that every now and again.

Best adjustable stand: Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Best Laptop Stand and Lap Desk

Why we chose it

Uncaged Ergonomics' WorkEZ Best Laptop Stand holds a 4.2-star rating from 242 reviews on Amazon, with its extreme versatility the standout feature for most customers. It can be used while sitting on the couch, at a desk, on the floor, lying in bed or even as a standing desk.

It elevates laptops off the desk a minimum of 5cm up to a maximum height of 45cm (and practically any height in between), giving it far greater elevation range than practically all other stands. The tray table can be angled in 15-degree increments, meaning finding the perfect angle to avoid glare from light sources is also easy.

An ambidextrous mouse pad can be attached to either side of the tray, but it's small and not terribly practical. And the aluminium base is designed to facilitate heat reduction without the need for noisy fans.

If you're not wedded to one specific desk and need the flexibility to work practically anywhere in your home, this might be your best bet.

Best portable stand: Nexstand Travel Laptop Stand

Why we chose it

Nexstand's Travel Laptop Stand isn't only our pick for best budget stand, it's also our pick for the best portable laptop stand. With an average 4.6 stars from more than 900 Amazon user reviews, this is the most popular portable stand on the market.

Weighing just 249 grams, you'll barely notice it when it's folded away and packed in a briefcase or overnight bag, making it ideal for short work trips. It unfolds in one smooth motion and has 7 height settings ranging from 14cms to 32cms above the desktop, so it should suit just above everyone.

How to compare laptop stands

When buying a laptop stand, consider the following: