15 Laptop Accessories for Desk, Sofa, Travel and Security

The right laptop accessory depends on where you work: a desk, a sofa, a train seat or a shared table. This guide sorts 15 Mavigadget accessories by those places, so you can fix the one thing that annoys you most, whether that is neck strain, a hot laptop, tangled cables or a bag that is too full.

What helps at a desk?

A desk setup mostly comes down to screen height, input devices and cable control.

This riser lifts a screen to a more comfortable height, which is meant to keep your head level and ease neck and eye strain. It also has USB ports for charging a phone. Universal USB Phone Charging Monitor Riser Stand

An aluminum alloy holder with anti-slip silicone pads that protect the laptop surface. The listing says it holds up to 22 lb (10 kg). Foldable Cooling Fan Laptop Holder

A small stand that tilts the laptop and lets air circulate underneath, which helps the machine stay cooler. It is small enough for a bag or pocket. Portable Magnetic Laptop Cooler Stand

Adhesive clips that keep charging and monitor cables from sliding off the desk or ending up on the floor. Sticky Cable Holder Organizer

A pocket that sticks to the back of the laptop screen and holds small items such as keys, earphones or glasses, with a loop for a stylus. Adhesive Laptop Back Screen Storage Pocket

A second screen for laptop users who switch between windows all day. More screen space can make multitasking easier, though the effect varies by person and task. Smart Portable Laptop Monitor Extender

What suits the sofa or bed?

Working on your lap tends to be tiring, so a flat surface helps.

A sturdy surface for writing, reading or working in bed, aimed at people who get tired legs or knees from a laptop balanced on them. Elegant Portable Mouse Pad Wrist Laptop Desk

A pillow-style table with a level top and a round recess for a cup. It works for reading, writing, eating or card games as well as laptop use. Portable Laptop Pillow Study Table

A foldable stand whose legs rotate 360 degrees, so it can be set up for sitting, standing or lower positions. Adjustable Ergonomic Laptop Stand

What should you pack for travel?

For trips, look for items that fold flat and work with more than one device. If you carry your laptop a lot, also see our guide on protecting your laptop.

A folding stand with three modes that works with tablets, phones and laptops from 10 to 15.6 inches. It folds small for a bag. Adjustable Folding Notebook Phone Holder Stand

A rotating laptop stand with a slot for your phone, handy on a shared table or on the move. 360 Rotating Laptop Stand with Phone Holder

A keyboard with a tablet holder that attaches to the device so typing is more comfortable than on a touchscreen. Check that it fits your tablet model first. For tablet-first work, see our piece on large tablets. Smart Magic Tablet Holder Keyboard

A very small Bluetooth mouse for outings, business trips and meetings, so you do not have to carry a full-size one. Lazy Mini USB Bluetooth Finger Mouse

How do you keep a laptop private and secure?

A cable lock that loops around a fixed object and locks into the laptop lock slot. Useful in a library or office, but check that your laptop has a lock slot. Anti-theft Security Laptop Lock

A sticker that covers the webcam when you are not using it, which gives peace of mind about privacy. Anti Spy Camera Privacy Sticker

How do you choose between them?

• Fix the biggest pain first: heat, posture or cables.
• Check compatibility, such as laptop size range, tablet model and lock slot.
• Prefer items that fold flat if you travel often.
• Read each product page for materials, size and shipping before ordering.

If you often feel pain in your neck, wrists or back from computer use, a doctor or physiotherapist can give advice that an accessory cannot.