A laptop cooling pad is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. Reducing operating temperatures by 5–15°C extends component lifespan, reduces fan noise, and can prevent thermal throttling that slows your laptop down under load.
Updated February 2026
Our Top Laptop Cooling Pad Picks
| Cooling Pad | Best For | Fans | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooler Master NotePal X3 | Best overall performance | 1x 200mm | Buy on Amazon → |
| Havit HV-F2056 | Best budget pick | 3x 110mm | Buy on Amazon → |
| Targus Chill Mat | Best quiet cooling | 2x 70mm | Buy on Amazon → |
| KLIM Wind | Best value under £25 | 4x 70mm | Buy on Amazon → |
| Thermaltake Massive TM | Best for 15–17″ gaming laptops | 1x 200mm | Buy on Amazon → |
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Do Laptop Cooling Pads Actually Work?
Yes — but how much depends on your laptop’s design. Laptops that intake air from the bottom benefit the most from a cooling pad. Laptops that only exhaust from the sides see less improvement. Typically expect a 5–15°C reduction in CPU temperature under load.
What to Look For
Fan Size
Larger fans (140mm–200mm) move more air at lower RPM, making them quieter. Smaller multi-fan designs (4x 70mm) are noisier but more consistent across different laptop positions. For quiet use, choose a single large fan.
Size Compatibility
Check the cooling pad supports your laptop size. Most pads support up to 15.6″. If you have a 17″ laptop, confirm the pad dimensions before buying.
USB Power
All cooling pads draw power from a USB port. This is fine for most users — just be aware you’ll lose one USB port for the fan. Pads with a pass-through USB port offset this.
Adjustable Height
Tilted cooling pads improve ergonomics (better typing angle) as well as airflow. If you use the laptop at a desk for extended periods, an adjustable-height pad is worth the small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cooling pad reduce laptop temperature?
Typically 5–15°C under sustained load. The improvement is more significant on laptops that run consistently hot, and less noticeable on fanless ultrabooks. Gaming laptops and older laptops see the biggest benefit.
Does a cooling pad improve gaming performance?
It can. If your laptop thermal throttles (slows down to manage heat), a cooling pad can reduce that throttling and improve sustained gaming performance. Use HWMonitor to check if your CPU/GPU is throttling before and after.
Are cheap cooling pads worth buying?
Yes — even a £15 cooling pad provides measurable temperature reduction. The diminishing returns kick in above £40. For most users, a pad in the £15–30 range offers the best value.
