Best portable desks of 2022

The verdict is out on sitting at one immobile desk all day. It’s not good for you. Having to stay seated in one location all day wrecks your back and overall health. Getting up on your feet and gaining the ability to move around will not only make you healthier, but will create a happier, more flexible work environment. Whether you’re working from home, in an office, or on the go, a portable desk gives you the ability to set up shop anywhere. Every space will have its own demands, so here’s how to find the best portable desk for your setup.

Best overall: Vivo Standing DeskBest lap desk: Cooper Mega Table for Bed & SofaBest rolling desk: Sdadi Standing DeskBest folding desk: Need Foldable Writing DeskBest compact desk: Rainbean Portable WorkstationBest budget: LapGear Essential Lap Desk

The best portable desks for working on the go

When we’re stuck in one place, work—or life for that matter—can become repetitive and this can have a negative impact on our productivity. Sitting standing for hours throughout the day isn’t great for your overall health, so how about having the ability to move where you work? Feel healthier and more comfortable while you work with the best portable desks. Also, beyond the health benefits, a change of scenery can help stimulate creativity.

Best portable desks: Our picks

Best overall: Vivo Standing Desk

This adjustable standing desk is a great portable option that is strong enough to support up to 33 pounds. The double-tier workstation also means it’s great for people who use a mouse, keyboard, second monitor, or just need some extra space for papers. If you just want one surface, the keyboard tray is removable. The Lift Assist mechanism allows you to rotate from sitting and standing mode—4.5-20 to inches—easily throughout the day. It’s available in four colors and 32- or 38-inch sizes.

Best lap desk: Cooper Mega Table for Bed & Sofa

The smart design of this folding lap desk means it takes up very little space, but also allows you to lay out all you need for the day. The large surface area and 11-inch leg height give you the freedom to lay in bed without needing to place the desk on top of your legs. Beyond that, a handy side drawer gives additional space for your pens, pencils, and notebooks. This portable laptop desk can be propped up on a countertop and you have a standing desk as well. A groove in the back lets you set up your phone or tablet.

Best rolling desk: Sdadi Standing Desk

Made of steel and wood, this great portable desk allows you to stand or sit with the ability to move your desk to anywhere you please. The height can be adjusted between 27.5 to 45.3 inches. The desk’s durable and lockable two-inch wheels mean it’s super easy to move on carpet, wood, or various floor materials. This option is easy to install and there are four styles available, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your aesthetic.

Best foldable desk: Need Foldable Writing Desk

A stylish wood finish gives this folding desk a great look. It’s lightweight but made of quality steel components, so you’ll be folding it away for years to come. An ideal option for those who have heavier desktop computers or additional weight on their desks, it can support up to 220 pounds. Conveniently adjustable leg pads allow it to be propped up to the exact right height.

Best compact desk: Rainbean Portable Workstation

We love how small this portable workstation is. It boils your desk down into the essentials and can fit a mouse and laptop easily. This compact desk gives you full control and flexibility to work in the most comfortable position possible. If you are one who needs to sprawl your notes out throughout your desk, this may prove to be too small. If you’re short on space, however, this is the portable desk for you.

Best budget: LapGear Essential Lap Desk

The lightweight design of this lap desk will keep both your computer and your legs from overheating. It’s available in six colors, from basic black to bright turquoise, which is a nice plus when setting up portable desks for the whole family. It fits up a laptop up to 13.3-inches, so make sure you’re buying a surface that works for your computer. If you’re working with a device that’s larger, LapGear has a pro model which Includes some luxury features like a built-in mouse pad and wrist rest.

What to consider when buying the best portable desk

Being able to create a workspace anywhere is super helpful today, where it’s not uncommon to be working from home. The problem is, we don’t all have extra space to turn a room into a properly kitted out office. What to do? By using a portable desk, you can create a workspace anywhere and get back to what you need to be doing. Bedrooms, sofas, and yards are all fair game when setting up a portable desk.

For those looking for the ease of working from bed, a lap desk can easily be set up after you’ve hit snooze a few too many times and transport you into your next conference call. If you have minimal space, you may want a standing desk extension that can be put onto a countertop.

Looking for a laptop desk for bed?

It’s great to be able to work from an extremely comfortable location like your bed. Work guilt-free by setting up a fully functioning laptop desk for your bed. Working on a bed or sofa can also ease the strain of sitting at a desk all day. You’ll be able to prop up a notebook, lay out your laptop, scatter some snacks, and do most things you would on any other kind of desk. It’s also ideal for days off—who wants to crane their neck to watch a movie or YouTube video when the laptop could just be propped up closer to eye level?

How easily can I move my portable desk?

One of the biggest benefits of a portable desk is that it allows you to set up an office in a variety of rooms. Do you need to be seated at your desk one moment and then rearranging the space to make room for a photoshoot later in the day? For those who may want to switch their workspace from day to day, look to a portable desk on wheels. You won’t have to lift it up, so it’ll be friendlier on your back and let you transfer your gear from room to room without removing it from the desk’s surface.

Do you need to put your desk away at the end of the day?

If you’re setting up a home office, the last thing you want to do is turn valuable home space into a room that will only be used when you’re on the clock. A foldable desk is one of the best portable desks that gives you the ability to create a multi-functional room in seconds.

With foldable legs, you’ll be able to slide your desk conveniently under a bed or sofa to maximize space. Think about the options you’ll have when you can turn your daytime office into a game room, study, or guest room.

Need a portable workstation that can fit into a compact space?

For the most compact spaces, you’ll want to create a portable workstation within the room’s existing framework. A desk that clips on to an existing table can add extra functionality to a space, and easily move with you from room to room. Make sure to look for ventilation holes to allow for airflow within your laptop (and keep your legs from overheating if you choose a lap desk).

Best portable desk on a budget: What you can get for under $15

If the price is a factor, you can still get the best portable desk without sacrificing quality. For most jobs, you just need a surface for your laptop. If that sounds like your job, a basic lap desk is a great option that will allow you to use your computer or take some notes while sitting in a seat, sofa, or bed.

FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best portable desks

Gain the freedom to set up your workspace anywhere by getting the best portable desk. Consider a lap desk with vented airflow if you prefer to sit, or a standing option with wheels for easy mobility. Turn any room or outdoor space into an office that allows you to get your work done efficiently and effectively.

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