Are Laptop Stands Actually Worth It? Pros, Cons & Best Options

I used to think laptop stands were kind of unnecessary. As a digital nomad, I was more focused on packing light than perfecting some ideal remote work setup.

But after enough sore necks, awkward angles, and long workdays hunched over café tables, I realized how much of a difference they actually make, especially when you're working from random spots around the world.

In this article, I’ll break down why a stand is more useful than you’d think, when it’s worth carrying one, and a few of the best options out there for digital nomads.

What Is a Laptop Stand (and Why Digital Nomads Use Them)

If you’ve ever worked from a laptop for more than a couple of hours, you’ve probably found yourself hunched over like a shrimp, with a stiff neck and sore shoulders.

That’s where a laptop stand makes a big difference. It lifts your screen to eye level, so you’re not constantly craning your neck down. Pair it with a portable keyboard and mouse, and suddenly your setup feels way more ergonomic, even if you’re working from a kitchen table or some random Airbnb desk.

But laptop stands haven’t always looked this sleek. The early ones were clunky, heavy slabs or risers that added bulk to your bag and weren’t exactly travel-friendly. Over time, designers realized digital nomads and remote workers needed something lighter, foldable, and streamlined. Now, the stands we carry are a world away from those old-school bricks.

Today’s models range from fully adjustable rigs perfect for a home base, to ultra-portable, paper-thin foldouts you can barely feel in your backpack. Some use adhesive hinges, others rely on clever scissor mechanisms or pivoting arms. There are even designs that double as protective hard cases when closed. And if your laptop tends to heat up when you’re editing or hopping on back-to-back calls, there are stands with built-in fans to keep things cool.

Benefits of Using a Stand as a Digital Nomad

After years of working from cafés, hostels, airport gates, and even the occasional beach bar, I can honestly say a good laptop stand is one of those small things that makes a huge difference. It might not seem essential at first, but once you start using one, it’s hard to go back. Here’s why I always carry one in my backpack:

It helps with posture (and pain)

Raising your screen to eye level means you’re not constantly bending your neck to look down. That one change can save you from days filled with tight shoulders, stiff necks, and upper back pain. Since I started using a stand, I’ve felt a huge difference with no more ending the day feeling like I need a full-body massage...

It keeps your laptop cooler

Lifting your laptop off the table lets air flow underneath, which helps it cool down naturally. This might sound small, but if you’re working in hot climates or doing heavy tasks like editing or running calls all day, it really helps. My fans used to go wild by midday, and now I barely hear a sound.

It makes typing more comfortable

When you raise your screen and use an external keyboard and mouse, you can position your arms properly with elbows at a 90° angle and wrists relaxed. Over time, this helps reduce strain in your wrists and hands. It’s not dramatic at first, but after weeks of daily typing, the difference is real.

You can set up literally anywhere

One of the best things about modern laptop stands is how versatile they are. I’ve used mine in coworking spaces, on tiny café tables, and even on hostel bunk beds. As long as you’ve got a surface, you’ve got a setup. Some stands even support dual screens or have built-in fans, but even the simple foldable ones are such a step up.

It improves your video calls

Nobody wants the dreaded “up-the-nose” webcam angle. A stand lifts your laptop to eye level, which instantly makes you look more professional on Zoom calls, interviews, or client meetings. I’ve paired mine with a laptop light for video conferencing, and it seriously helps me look brighter, clearer, and more awake—no matter how chaotic the background is.

It protects your gear

Your laptop is your lifeline when you work remotely, and a stable stand lifts it away from wobbly tables, crowded café trays, and the occasional spilled coffee. It also reduces wear and tear from heat buildup. For such a small item, it adds a nice layer of protection to your most valuable tool.

Cons of Laptop Stands

As much as I love my stand, I’ll admit it’s not all upside. There are a few things to consider, especially if you’re traveling light or just starting out.

It’s still an extra item to pack

Even the most compact, foldable stands take up a bit of space. Most weigh under 300g, but if you're traveling ultralight or already maxing out your backpack, it’s one more thing to squeeze in. That said, I’ve found it earns its spot in my bag pretty quickly!

Some models can get pricey

There are cheap stands out there, but if you want something sturdy, light, and reliable, you might be looking at $40–$80. In my opinion, it’s worth it if you work from your laptop every day, but totally fair if you’d rather hold off or test a budget option first.

The screen might feel a bit further away

When you lift your laptop, the screen naturally sits a little higher and further back. It’s usually not a big deal, but if you like your display close up, or if you’re working in bright light, it might take a bit of getting used to.

Best Laptop Stands for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Not all stands are created equal, and if you're constantly on the move, you need something lightweight, durable, and easy to throw in your bag without a second thought. Here are three solid options I’ve tested personally, each fitting a different kind of work style and budget.

1. Roost Laptop Stand: Best for Portability

If portability is top priority, Roost is one of the most travel-friendly stands out there. It folds down small enough to slide into a side pocket and barely adds any weight to your pack. Despite that, it’s impressively sturdy and works with pretty much any laptop you throw at it. You get 7 height options to play with, so you can always adjust it to suit your setup. I’ll be honest, it’s not the cheapest option around, and some people find it a bit wobbly with bigger laptops. But in my personal experience using it, for the level of design, portability, and reliability it offers, it's totally worth it.

Key Specs

• Weight: 164g
• Height Range: 15–30cm
• Materials: Carbon fiber + durable plastic
• Compatibility: Universal

Why I love it: Packs light, adjusts easily, and handles rough travel really well.

Heads-up: Costs more than most, and can wobble slightly with large laptops.

2. Nexstand K2 Laptop Stand: Best Value

The Nexstand K2 is like the Roost’s practical cousin: it’s slightly heavier and bulkier, but super versatile and a lot more affordable. You get 8 different height settings, which is great if your work setup changes often. I’ve used it everywhere from hostel bunk beds to coworking spaces, and it’s held up great. It’s made of reinforced plastic but still feels sturdy, and it grips your laptop securely, even the bigger ones. If you’re just getting into ergonomic gear and don’t want to splurge right away, this is a fantastic place to start.

Key Specs

• Weight: 227g
• Height Range: Up to 32cm
• Materials: Nylon + fiberglass-reinforced plastic
• Compatibility: Laptops 11.6" and up

Why I love it: Easy to adjust, stable on all kinds of surfaces, and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Heads-up: Slightly bulkier than the Roost and not the sleekest design out there.

3. MOFT Invisible Stand: Best Budget

If you’re on a budget or just don’t want to deal with carrying extra gear, the MOFT Invisible Stand is a clever little fix. It sticks directly to the bottom of your laptop and folds out whenever you need a bit of elevation. It’s not adjustable like the others, but it offers two angles that make typing or watching something way more comfortable. It’s so thin and light that you forget it’s even there. If you want something minimal, cheap, and easy to use, this one’s got your back. Just note that the adhesive might lose grip if you remove it a lot, and it’s not ideal for chunky or curved laptops.

Key Specs

• Weight: 82g
• Angles: 15° and 25°
• Materials: PU + fiberglass (with adhesive)
• Compatibility: Works best on flat, lightweight laptops

Why I love it: You don’t have to think about it—just fold and go.

Heads-up: No height adjustability, and adhesive might weaken over time.

So... Should You Buy a Laptop Stand?

If you’re working remotely full-time and constantly switching cafés, hostels, co-working spaces, random kitchen tables, then yeah, I’d say a laptop stand is 100% worth it. It’s one of those small upgrades that quietly improves everything: your posture, your comfort, even how you show up on Zoom calls.

It does mean carrying a little extra gear, and you’ll probably want a travel keyboard and mouse to really get the full benefit. But once I added a stand to my setup, I couldn’t go back. My neck and shoulders thanked me, and I could work longer without feeling like a gremlin by the end of the day.

So if you’re building out your nomad kit, or just trying to make remote work a little more comfortable, it’s one of those tools that pays off fast.

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Written by Angelina Bertoni

After trying the conventional life, I packed everything into a backpack and started walking the world. I feel the energy of the spaces I explore — and that’s what I write about.

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