Best laptop stands of 2022: Adjustable and ergonomic options

While the bonafide office has rules and regulations in place to protect workers’ health – proper desks and supportive chairs – you’re on your own when it comes to fine-tuning your home office.

If you’re a student, freelancer or live in a smaller house, you may use a laptop to work. They’re a popular choice, packing in the power of a desktop computer into a gadget the size of a backpack – but if you’re not careful, prolonged use can lead to a host of back and muscular issues over time.

So what can you do to ensure regular working on your laptop doesn’t end up putting your health at risk?

Why is it important to use a laptop stand?

Jan Vickery, Head of Musculoskeletal Health at AXA PPP healthcaresays laptops can be awkward to use because the keyboard and screen are often joined together, forcing your head, spine and hands into awkward positions.

She says: “the best solution is to elevate your screen (on a laptop raiser if possible) and to use an external keyboard and mouse.

Start by sitting with your knees at about hip level or a little lower. Next, place your keyboard so that your wrists are at about elbow level when they are relaxed by your side.

Finally, raise your screen so that the top of the screen is at about eye level. This allows your neck and spine to be upright (in a gentle s-shape, with the lower spine slightly arched).”

It is advice in line with the NHS, who also advises using laptops “on a stable base where there is support for your arms.” Ironically, laptops shouldn’t really be used on your lap at all.

Good workplace exercises

Feeling achy or stiff? There are exercises you can do while seated to keep yourself flexible. Vickery says: “Stretches that are good include arching your back, moving your neck gently from side to side, pulling your wrist backwards. Be gentle and hold for 30 seconds.”

Ultimately standing up and moving around is the best way to keep your muscles moving, blood flowing and step count at a respectable level: “Try to build reasons to move into your day eg drink lots of water, stand if you’re talking on the phone (but not while using your screen!) etc”.

Aside from increasing your physical activity, setting up a workstation is crucial, no matter where you’re using your laptop. To keep your head at the correct angle, invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse which will free you from the laptop – and then get yourself a laptop stand. This will prop up the screen so it’s at eye-level, rather than forcing your head into a downward tilt.

From adjustable legs to sleek, modern designs, here are the best laptop stands to buy now.