Laptop cooler in test 2023
If you own a laptop, you should consider buying a laptop cooler in the long term so that you can still enjoy your device in a few years. Unlike a conventional computer, a laptop cooler is not a fan that is built into the inside of the device. The following guide tells you what is behind a laptop cooler, why it can also be used without any problems by technically inexperienced users and which important criteria you should definitely consider when looking for a suitable model.
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Laptop cooler - what is that actually?
Laptop owners probably know the following problem only too well: If you use the device on your lap for a long time, you will notice relatively quickly that it not only gets louder, but also warmer. This condition should not be taken lightly, as many laptops tend to get very hot in such a situation and in the worst case even overheat. Not only can this cause the laptop to shut down automatically, it can even permanently damage the device - which would be extremely annoying, not only with particularly expensive models.
In order to effectively prevent the laptop from overheating in advance, numerous manufacturers offer special laptop coolers in their range. This is a special shelf on which the laptop is placed.
More precisely, it is a device in which one or more fans are installed under a grille. These supply the laptop with enough cold air so that it does not even run the risk of becoming too hot. In addition, laptop coolers also support the laptop's built-in fan, since the laptop is placed on a flat surface and its fan can therefore do its work optimally.
Do you absolutely need a laptop cooler?
Of course, many laptop owners will now ask themselves whether they really need a laptop cooler. This question cannot be answered unequivocally, because the use of the laptop plays a decisive role here. If you only use your laptop from time to time for a quick trip to the Internet, you probably won't necessarily need a laptop cooler. However, if you use your device around the clock and always switch it on, you should definitely think about buying a laptop cooler. There should also be no discussion whatsoever if the laptop is mainly used to play demanding PC games or online games: Since the device can quickly become very hot and overheat, especially under such loads, purchasing a laptop cooler is definitely a must to recommend.
Different types of laptop coolers
Laptop coolers are divided into two different types: On the one hand there is the active cooler, which is also preferred by most laptop owners. On the other hand, there is also the passive laptop cooler, which also has its right to exist. We explain the differences between the two models here.
Active laptop cooler
An active laptop cooler is the type that we have already described at the beginning. Such a pad has a surface equipped with grids, under which there are several fans - this way excellent cooling performance can be guaranteed. The laptop cooler obtains the power to operate the fans via a USB connector, which is plugged directly into a free USB slot on the laptop.
- Enables optimal cooling performance through built-in fans
- Has a significantly better cooling performance than passive coolers
- Easy power connection via USB port on the laptop
- Allows a perfect storage of the laptop
- Can be quite noisy when working depending on the number of fans
- Permanently occupies a USB port on the laptop
Passive laptop cooler
A passive laptop cooler works entirely without built-in fans. Instead, it's made of special material that's able to absorb the heat emitted by the laptop. In addition, the special pad helps the air to circulate better, which also improves the cooling performance. In contrast to an active laptop cooler with built-in fans, the cooling performance of a passive cooler is still significantly lower. However, it has the advantage that it is absolutely quiet and you do not need any additional electricity to use it.
- Allows a perfect storage of the laptop
- Does not require additional electricity
- Absolutely silent in operation
- Good value in purchase
- Cooling capacity is lower than when the fan is active
What criteria should be considered when buying a laptop cooler?
Not all laptop coolers that are available in specialist shops and online shops are identical in terms of their design and performance. We have therefore compiled a list of criteria that you should definitely consider when selecting the right device.
Size and number of fans
The fans built into a fan usually have a diameter between 120 and 140 mm, but there are also smaller and larger versions. Conversely, of course, a large fan also ensures greater air throughput, which is also known as volume flow. If the cooler has the highest possible air flow rate, this is of course an advantage for the cooling performance achieved. However, fans with a high air flow rate are also significantly louder when working, which can be perceived as annoying if the laptop is used for a long time.
In summary, one large, slow-spinning fan is preferable to small, but fast-spinning fans.
volume
This brings us to the second criterion in the form of volume. The manufacturers of laptop coolers usually specify this in decibels, so that it is relatively easy to find out how loud the built-in fans are.
Even a difference of just 10 decibels can have a fairly negative impact, so you should definitely weigh this up carefully. Also make sure that the fan frames are made of hard rubber, because these usually have significantly lower vibrations than frames made of other materials.
fan control
So that you don't have to make the decision between the size of the fan and the speed of rotation that difficult, many laptop fans also offer an integrated fan control. With such a control, you can easily set how fast the fan should rotate - so you can easily respond to a wide variety of situations. An existing fan control is noticeable by a small rotary wheel on the side of the fan, which allows for easy adjustment.
tilt angle
Many laptop coolers come with a fixed or adjustable tilt angle. This proves to be an advantage in particular when the laptop is used frequently for writing, because the keyboard is much more easily accessible when it is slightly slanted. There are laptop coolers with foldable feet available in specialist shops, which are also known from standard keyboards in a similar way, but alternatively you can also purchase versions with an individually adjustable cross brace. On the other hand, laptop coolers with a fixed angle of inclination are not quite as popular, as this cannot be adjusted to individual preferences.
Size
Sounds quite simple, but is often not considered: Of course, the laptop cooler should also be the right size so that the laptop can be placed perfectly on it. For example, there are currently versions for 17 inch laptops, 17,3 inch laptops or 18 inch laptops on the market - so be sure to keep your eyes open.
Lighting
Some laptop coolers are equipped with blue LED lighting. It looks pretty cool, but only until the laptop is put on - because then in most cases you can hardly see anything of the optical effect.
All in all, the LED lighting is just a little gimmick that you don't necessarily need.
And finally ...
A laptop cooler proves to be a sensible investment if you use your laptop every day for a longer period of time - especially if you push it to peak performance, for example by playing demanding games.
A passive laptop cooler is particularly recommended if you are looking for a suitable base so that you don't have to keep the laptop on your lap all the time - this can lead to infertility in men.
However, passive laptop coolers only absorb some heat, while active coolers with their fans are clearly preferable when it comes to reducing heat effectively. So that you don't have to think long and hard about whether a model with fast or slower fans is the better choice, we recommend purchasing a version with integrated fan control, which allows you to individually adjust the fan speed.
