Do Laptop Cooling Pads Work? An In-Depth Review

Laptops are pretty demanding devices that generate heat if used continuously. You might have also noticed that once your laptop heats up, its functions become less smooth. Therefore, laptop cooling pads are used quite often. Their basic function is to mitigate the heat generated by laptops.

Although laptops come with a built-in fan system, overloading them might result in overheating. If you are a content creator or a gamer, you might have felt the burning heat while using the laptop.

While cooling pads are generally considered useful, some people argue that cooling pads blow dust back into the laptop and sometimes end up heating the laptop even more. So, if you are about to make a cool pad purchase, you have stopped at the right place because, in this article, we will explore whether laptop cooling pads work or not.

Is a Laptop Cooling Pad Worth It? 

Yes, cooling pads generally work to maintain your laptop’s temperature, but it’s more challenging than it sounds. A few factors can decrease the effectiveness of cooling pads for your laptop.

One of the major culprits is the age of your laptop. If you have an old device, its cooling system will no longer be efficient. So, it will generate more and more heat over time, and your cooling pad will give little results to cool it off.

Another factor is your laptop’s internal cooling design. Some laptops might not have the right vents to regulate the air, so buying a cooling pad will not solve your problem. Similarly, gaming laptops tend to heat up more quickly. If you are a passionate gamer, chances are your laptop will heat up in no time, so a simple cooling pad might not work with a gaming laptop.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using a cooling pad. Sometimes, a pad does not fit right and ends up blanketing the vents, so the laptop heats up due to a lack of room for air circulation. 

Another drawback of using an electronic cooling pad is its direct power connection to the laptop. When the pad draws power from the device to activate the fan, the battery drains faster, so some people might hesitate to spend on a cooling pad. 

You can’t completely discard the use of cooling pads. However, you should also consider the cons of using a heating pad. The best you can do before opting for a cool pad is to make an informed choice by understanding the type of device you have and its temperature regulation requirements.

What are the Different Types of Laptop Cooling Pads? 

There are a few types of cooling pads depending on how they work to regulate the temperature of your laptop. You can choose as per your need.

Simple Pads

Simple cooling pads just incline your laptop to an angle that allows the extra heat to dissipate. These pads act as stands to prop up your device and allow fresh air to circulate into the vents. You can use this type of pad for new laptops that do not require much circulation. Also, you can use some simple tools to make one for yourself. I use bottle caps at the rare corners of my laptop, and it provides plenty of space for heat regulation.

Electronic Fan Cooling Pads

Pads with electronic fans are also wildly used these days. Their fans work to suck the heat out and circulate the fresh air in the vents. These fan cooling pads cost more than simple ones and go best with gaming laptops. They also come with features like USB ports and fan speed controls.

Heatsink Pads

These pads rely on surface contact with your laptop and work as a heat sink. They do have fans but work more like heat blockers than coolers. They basically absorb the heat and redirect it to the surrounding environment without blowing fresh air into the vents.

What Features to Look For in a Cooling Pad for Laptop?

Choosing a cooling pad for a laptop is not a very complicated job. There are some key features to keep in mind while choosing a cooling pad. After all, you don’t want to ruin your experience while working or playing on a laptop.

If you are buying a simple pad, all you have to do is look for adjustable mechanics so you don’t feel uncomfortable while using the laptop. Make sure the pad you buy is ergonomic and has adaptable height options.

If you want to buy a pad with an electronic fan, make sure it is quiet. Fans can be really noisy when they are regulating heat. Fortunately, some advanced options are available that produce less noise and allow you to work in harmony. Another feature to look for is fan control. A fan control allows you to adjust the speed according to your needs. If your laptop is heating too much, you can increase the speed and vice versa.

Some people also consider the design of the pad, LED lighting, and USB ports for charging additional devices. In the end, it all depends on the type of pad you want. However, keep in mind the mentioned features while choosing a cooler pad for the best experience.

Best Laptop Cooling Pads in 2024

Now that you have learned that cooling pads can be useful and what features to look for in a pad. Let’s explore some of the best options available in the market.

1. Targus Dual Fan Chill Mat: Premium Performace

Specifications: 

• Compatible Laptop: 17″ or under
• Dimensions: 15*1.00*11.75″
• Weight: 1.99 lbs

Reasons to buy: 

I have used this pad for a long time mainly because it does not feel too much to place in a lap. Its almost weightlessness is its best feature, along with the open design that efficiently dissipates the heat. Another feature that makes it the best laptop cooling pad is its quiet performance which keeps the laptop chill without distracting the user. Targus is the first one on my list because of its overall design, sturdy build, and great performance.

Don’t Buy if

• You want fan speed controls.
• You want extra USB ports.
• You are looking for more LED lighting.

2. Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler: Fast and Efficient 

Specifications 

• Compatible Laptop: 19 Inches max
• LED: yes
• Weight 4.69
• Dimensions: 16.9*12.9*2.7″

Reasons to buy: 

Llano is a gaming laptop cooling pad with excellent speed. It can work with old laptops and demanding gaming laptops alike. Its fan speed goes to about 2800 RPM and has adjustable speed.

Another feature of this fan cooler pad is its innovative design that works as a vacuum sink to suck all the heat out and cool the device in a matter of seconds. Moreover, its LED lights make it fit for a gaming laptop, and the adjustable angle makes it comfortable to use.

Dont Buy If: 

• You are on a budget.
• You want something lighter.

3. IETS GT600 Turbofan: Powerful Cooling

Specifications: 

• Compatible Laptop: 14-19 inch
• Fan Speed: 2800 PRM
• USB Ports: 3
• Fan Controls: yes
• Dimensions: 15.75*12.28*2.76 inch
• Weight: 2.9 pounds

Reasons to buy: 

IETS has excellent features that make your money worthwhile. Its fan speed is super fast to keep the heat at bay. It also has an HD display with speed controls that allow you to adjust the fan speed. I have noticed that some of its users claim that it cools the temperature down to 20 degrees and effectively enhances the laptop’s performance.

As a gaming cooling pad, its construction is robust and has RGB lights to make it more fit for gamer’s tastes. It also includes 3 USB-A ports that do more than just activate the fans.

Don’t buy if: 

• You are on a budget
• You want less noise at full fan speed.

4. Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad: Cheap but Effective 

Specifications: 

• Compatible Laptop: 12-17 inch
• USB ports: 2
• Dimensions: 14.96*11.81*1.38 inch
• Weight: 2.6 pounds

Reasons to buy

The biggest perk of the Kootek pad is its low price. So, despite being cheap, it does not compromise the cooling effect. It has five fans that you can turn on and off to control the noise. You can use one or two fans or turn on more if you want extra air.

Another feature of the Kootek that might interest you is its two ports. You can use the ports to charge accessories. Moreover, its stand is very adjustable and has six different height options so you can set the right angle.

Don’t Buy if

• You don’t want a cheap plastic body.
• You want more fan speed control.

5. Klim Cool Vacuum: Not a Typical Pad 

Specifications: 

• Fan RMP: 3500
• Dimensions: 6.1*1.42*3.23″
• Weight: 4.94 pounds

Reasons to buy: 

Klim Vaccum is not a typical pad. It is more of a heatsink. It works by sucking the hot air out of the vents instead of blowing the fresh air into the hardware chamber. You can place your laptop at the top and press it against the heat vents to start the fans. It also comes with plastic frames that get attached to the vents for effective cooling.

Its fan speed is high, so it chills the laptop in no time. It is also very compact, so you can pack it with your laptop while traveling.

Don’t buy if: 

• You want USB ports
• Can’t stand even a little noise

Final Thoughts

Laptop cooling pads do work if you have the right one for your device. It is important to consider your laptop’s cooling needs before opting for any pad. If your laptop is small, a simple pad will work, but if you use a laptop for countless hours, an electronic fan pad with more than two fans is the right choice. Another important factor is whether you are using the pad correctly.

Sometimes, a pad is not adjusted to the right angle or placed in a way that covers the vents of the laptop. That’s when it ends up overheating the laptop instead of chilling it. Therefore, the right choice and right placement of the pad make it work or render it useless.

FAQs: 

1. Do laptop cooling pads work?

Yes, they work as long as you have the right pad for your device. If the cooling pad you are using has a speedy fan and adjustable angle, it will dissipate the heat faster.

2. Which one is the best fan cooling pad for a laptop?

There are many amazing fan cooling pads that can regulate your device’s heat in a minute, so it would be unfair to name one. However, you can explore the options and see which one fits is right for your laptop. The most important features to look for are the number of fans, noise level, and flexible height.

3. Is a cooling pad good for extending my laptop’s life?

Yes, a cooling pad is good for increasing your laptop’s life. Heat is the major culprit that can decrease the efficiency of any device. A cooling pad mitigates that heat and boosts the efficiency and performance of the laptop’s internal components, thus extending its lifeline.

4. Do cooling pads decrease the laptop’s battery?

Yes, a cooling pad might be the reason for draining your laptop’s battery so fast. A cooling pad draws energy from the laptop to activate the fan. This share of power between two devices results in fast battery drainage.

5. What should I do if I don’t have a cooling pad?

If you don’t have a cooling pad, you can use stands or other household items, such as bottle caps. You can put these items at the corners of your device to allow fresh air to enter the vents. It will not be as effective as a cooling fan pad, but it will work to keep the temperatures low.