5 Best Lap Desks For iPad

Working on an iPad with a detachable keyboard is a less expensive and often more practical alternative to dishing out for a Macbook. A lap desk allows you to carry your iPad with you wherever you are, whether you work from home without a desk or just need a cozy way to watch Netflix in bed.

Lap desks are usually made to primarily fit laptops, the point of this guide is to show you 5 lap desks that are perfectly compatible with your iPad. That means each lap desk, at the very minimum, is required to have a way to hold your device at an angle you can work on it without any issues. Not all lap desks can cater to this requirement, so I’ll show you some that can.

When I got my first iPad in April 2022 I learnt first had how a lap desk is an essential tool for being comfortable and productive while working, or playing on your tablet. They allow you to use your iPad and keyboard more ergonomically almost anywhere, even in the bed.

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Here are some of the top iPad lap desks to take into consideration. All my selections are compatibile with almost every tablet, meaning whether you have an iPad Pro or iPad Mini you can find plenty of lap desks that will fit your device perfectly.

Sofia + Sam’s Memory Foam Lap Desk

My favorite pick for the best overall lap desk for an iPad is the Sofia + Sam Memory Foam Lap Desk.

This multifunctional lap desk is ideal for your iPad, tablets, and smartphones, and it can even accommodate mini-laptops – 15″ or smaller. Featuring a tablet or smartphone slot that accommodates 9.6” or smaller devices, it allows you to set your tablet in the slot while still having plenty of room on the surface for your keyboard.

The Sofia + Sam Lap Desk has a slide-out mouse pad that can be pulled out from either the left or right side of the lap desk. The mouse pad also has a smartphone pocket and a hole for charging your device underneath it. The smartphone slot accommodates smartphones 3.5 inches or smaller, allowing you to easily see any incoming calls, texts, or emails.

This ergonomic lap desk features a cool and comfy design that includes a memory foam cushion, wrist rest, and a handle for mobility. Best of all, this lap desk comes with a detachable USB light, making it great for use when traveling or working in low-light environments.

This can be an excellent addition to your work from home toolkit since it allows you to work or learn from the comfort of your bed, couch, or chair!

You can view the Sofia + Sam lap desk on Amazon here.

If you want to see the desk in actual use here is a quick amateur video of a Sofia + Sam desk user.

Best Lap Desk for iPad Pro – Padded Spaces’ Prop-up Stand

The best Lap Desk for iPad Pro is the Padded Spaces Prop-up Slim iPad Pillow. If you’re tired of resting your new iPad against coffee cups, stacks of books, or mounds of cushions to get a nice angle, this lap desk is the solution.

With a dimension of 10.5 x 9.5 inches, this lap desk is sure to fit even your 12.9” iPad Pro.

This lap desk with a wheelchair-friendly design has a lap stand that adjusts to 14 different angles to securely position your device. The one-finger angle adjustments make it easy to select the ideal angle. This lap desk allows you to work with your hands free whether you’re in bed, sitting on the sofa, or working at a desk. 

The memory foam base conforms to your body’s curves. It fits comfortably and securely on your laps, chests, pillows, and most other places. Due to its lightweight form, it is very portable and easy to keep in a bag, perfect for school or college.

The Prop n’ Go lap desk’s gripper strips protect your iPad from sliding around when you experience restless legs or rough vehicle rides. The non-slip surface also protects your gadgets from sliding about.

You and your gadget will stay cool with its 360° airflow. This lap desk is ideal for lengthy journeys and protects you from the heat generated by electronic equipment.

View this stand for your tablet here at Amazon.

Flippy Soft Pillow iPad Lap Stand

The Flippy Soft Pillow Lap Stand is the best lap desk for in-bed use. The lap desk is available in up to eight different designs (blue camo, blue skies, leopard, Nebbiolo, orchid, smokey, weave, and pink) and is upholstered with attractively patterned polyester and suede linen. The interior lightweight sponge is pretty solid, so it retains its form.

The Flippy Fun Size can be rotated for three distinctive viewing angles for each viewing position and change in lighting; it’s great for holding your tablet on your lap, sitting upright, or lying flat. Furthermore, the built-in ridge prevents your tablet from slipping, even on a soft surface.

Flippy Fun Size is made of foam with an ultra-suede cover and weighs less than a pound. The plush polyester exterior is particularly soft, and dirt can be easily wiped with a damp cloth.

This smart lap desk has a tiny pocket for headphones and an integrated travel clip, making Flippy Fun Size ideal for fastening to a bag or luggage. It is compatible with a majority of iPads, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones.

You can view this pillow lap desk on Amazon. 

HUANUO Bamboo Lap Desk

My pick for the most comfortable iPad lap desk is the HUANUO Bamboo Lap Desk with Pillow Cushion. The lap desk is spacious with a 17.4 x 13.5 inches surface and fits up to 14 inches devices. It is made of premium bamboo wood to give you a smooth feel while making use of your iPad. 

An anti-slip strip on the lap desk protects your tablets and laptops from slipping off the panel thanks to its artistic design.

Huanuo’s lap desk is designed to be durable. Don’t worry if you’re a hard presser when it comes to operating your gadgets since the eco-friendly lycra fabric and foam bean bag base absorb most impacts, safeguarding your pricey devices.

Another sneaky use of a lap desk like this is if you need to take a break while working, this lap desk allows you to do so at any time. You no longer need to use your bag or jacket as a cushion! Now you can simply turn the laptop desk over and use the cushion base as a comfy sleeping pillow or headrest to relax when you get tired while working. Creative, I know!

This compact lap desk also has cable holes to keep your cables uncluttered. It is incredibly lightweight and has a handle that lets you carry it from room to room in your house with one finger, making it great for carrying to work, your friends’ homes, the park, or just from room to room in your home.

Check the latest price on Amazon.

‘Ideas In Life’ iPad Tablet Holder

The best budget-friendly lap desk for your tablet or iPad is this Pillow Holder from Ideas in Life. You can use this affordable lap desk to comfortably use your tablet from any place without needing to support it with your hands. This one-of-a-kind wedged tablet holder measures 9.75″ by 7″ and is suitable for use with all types of tablets and phones when laying in bed, sitting on the sofa, on kitchen countertops, or at your desk.

This iPad holder bed stand features a clever design with a cushioned ridge, making it one of the coolest and most sophisticated gadget accessories that allow you to set your device in whatever position or orientation you choose.

The Idea in Life iPad stand has a secret zipper that allows you to remove and wash the cover if it gets scuffed.

A lightweight, comfy, and durable tablet stand holder that does exactly what its name suggests – it is one of the best lap companions for operating your iPad in your living room to watch your favorite shows or play games.

You won’t have to worry about holding your tablet all the time with this iPad stand. It is one of the most cost-effective ultimate tablet holders available on the market today for use with an iPad, E-reader, and Android tablets.

You can view this tablet stand on Amazon.

What To Look For In A Lap Desk For An Ipad

iPad lap desks, like normal lap desks, come in a variety of forms and sizes. So, before purchasing a tablet lap desk, take into account the following common lap desk features:

Size

It might be difficult to hold your tablet PC without wobbling on a very small lap desk. I recommend purchasing one that is large enough to hold your pricey gadget without sliding off. Some lap desks come with a strap to keep your iPad in place.

Padding and Ventilation

You don’t want your lap to feel like it’s on fire after using your tablet for a couple of hours. Make sure the lap desk you purchase has some form of padding, such as foam or fabric, to protect you from the heat. Additionally, many lap desks come with ventilation holes to help dissipate heat away from your lap.

Multiple Angles

You may want to consider a lap desk that offers multiple angles for viewing and typing on your iPad.

As you can see in my recommendations some iPad lap desks have a stand that will prop up your tablet so you don’t have to hold it the entire time. This is almost a must if you are planning to type on the lap desk and use the iPad like a laptop.

If you are planning to draw on your iPad then it’s likely you don’t need your iPad to stand up. Just laying it on the desk surface should suffice.

My point is that you know best what you need your iPad lap desk for. So choose one from the list (or from your own research) that can provide the viewing angles you desire to suit the activities you are carrying out on your tablet, and also your height.

Portability

Lap desks are generally portable by nature. However, if you want to take your lap desk with you wherever you go with your iPad, I recommend purchasing one with a handle or one compact enough to fit in your bag.

Some lap desks even come with a carrying case. This is the most convenient way to travel with your lap desk as it will protect it from nicks, scratches, and dirt when not in use. You might

Comfort

If you’re concerned about comfort, then the cushioning of the desk is the first thing to inspect. The problem is it can be really hard to tell what the padding on a lap desk is actually like. Some use beads to mold around your legs, others use cushions, and I’ve even seen just a single layer of felt called ‘padding’.

A product page is never going to be able to truly get across how comfortable a desk is. That’s why if you are buying a desk other than the ones on my list you should make sure to check the reviews. And not just the good ones. Try to find specific details about the comfort of the lap desk, this should help you obtain a decent picture of how comfy the desk is. But you can rest assured all the desks I have selected pass my comfort test.

Extras

The majority of the iPad lap desks featured in this article include cable holders, pen holders, and a cushioned base that doubles as a pillow. These extra features are specific to what you want in order to get the most out of your lap desk.

If you don’t think you need any of these features then, by all means, don’t let them influence your decision but they can be very useful for certain tasks.