Laptop Stand vs Monitor Riser: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Quick Answer

A laptop stand is best if you use a laptop as your primary device and want a portable, affordable ergonomic fix. A monitor riser is better if you use a desktop monitor and want extra desk storage underneath. If you use both a laptop and an external monitor, you may benefit from having both.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Laptop Stand?
• What Is a Monitor Riser?
• Side-by-Side Comparison
• When to Choose a Laptop Stand
• When to Choose a Monitor Riser
• Do You Need Both?
• Frequently Asked Questions

You've decided your screen needs to be higher. Good call — working with your monitor at eye level is one of the most impactful ergonomic changes you can make to your workstation. But now you're facing a choice: laptop stand or monitor riser? They both raise your screen. They're both affordable. So what's the actual difference, and which one is right for your home office?

This guide breaks it down clearly so you can make the right call for your specific setup.

What Is a Laptop Stand?

A laptop stand is a compact, usually foldable accessory that elevates your laptop screen to a more ergonomic height. Most are made from aluminum alloy or ABS plastic, weigh under 200g, and fold flat for easy transport. They're designed to be portable — you can take them to a coffee shop, a co-working space, or a client's office without a second thought.

The aluminum alloy foldable laptop stand is a great example: it supports laptops up to 17.3 inches, weighs just 150g, and sets up in seconds. It's the kind of accessory that remote workers and students reach for every single day.

For something even more minimal, the glasses-shape ergonomic laptop riser uses an open-frame design that doubles as a heat dissipation channel — keeping your laptop cooler while raising it to the ideal 18-degree typing angle.

What Is a Monitor Riser?

A monitor riser is a platform that sits on your desk and raises your monitor (or laptop) to eye level. Unlike laptop stands, monitor risers are typically wider, heavier, and designed to stay in one place. Many include built-in storage — drawers, shelves, or open compartments — making them a dual-purpose solution for desk organization.

The desktop drawer-style monitor riser is a popular choice for office desks: it raises your screen while giving you a full-width drawer underneath for stationery, cables, and small accessories. The walnut monitor base stand takes a more aesthetic approach, using natural wood grain to add warmth to a minimal desk setup.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Laptop Stand	Monitor Riser
Primary use	Elevate laptop screen	Elevate monitor or laptop
Portability	Highly portable, foldable	Stationary, stays on desk
Built-in storage	No	Often yes (drawers, shelves)
Material	Aluminum alloy or ABS	Wood, metal, or plastic
Best for	Laptop users, travelers, students	Desktop users, home offices
Setup time	Seconds	Seconds to minutes
Price range	$9 – $30	$15 – $60
Desk footprint	Small	Medium to large

When to Choose a Laptop Stand

A laptop stand is the right choice if:

• Your laptop is your primary work device
• You move between locations — home, office, cafes, or travel
• You want a lightweight, no-fuss ergonomic fix
• You're on a tight budget and want maximum impact for minimum spend
• You use an external keyboard and mouse (which you should, once your laptop is elevated)

The key trade-off: once your laptop is elevated on a stand, the built-in keyboard and trackpad become awkward to use. You'll want an external keyboard and mouse to complete the ergonomic setup. That's a small additional cost, but it's worth factoring in.

When to Choose a Monitor Riser

A monitor riser is the right choice if:

• You use a desktop monitor as your primary display
• You want built-in storage to reduce desk clutter
• Your desk setup is permanent and you don't need portability
• You want a more polished, furniture-like aesthetic on your desk
• You're building a dual-monitor or multi-device workstation

Monitor risers also work well for laptop users who keep their laptop docked at a desk most of the time. If you rarely move your laptop, a riser gives you more surface area and storage than a stand.

Do You Need Both?

If you run a dual-screen setup — laptop plus external monitor — then yes, both can make sense. Your external monitor sits on the riser at eye level, and your laptop stand positions the secondary screen at a complementary height nearby. This is a common configuration for power users, developers, and content creators who need maximum screen real estate without sacrificing ergonomics.

For most people, though, one or the other is enough. Start with whichever matches your primary device and workflow, and add the second only if your setup genuinely calls for it.

The Bottom Line

Both laptop stands and monitor risers solve the same core problem: your screen is too low, and your neck is paying for it. The right choice comes down to your device, your workflow, and whether you need portability or storage. Either way, raising your screen is one of the best things you can do for your long-term comfort and productivity.

Browse our full range of laptop stands and monitor risers to find the right fit for your desk setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a monitor riser for my laptop?

Yes. Monitor risers work with laptops too — they're just wider and heavier than dedicated laptop stands. If your laptop stays on your desk most of the time, a monitor riser is a perfectly valid choice. If you move your laptop frequently, a foldable laptop stand is more practical.

Do I need an external keyboard if I use a laptop stand?

Yes, ideally. Once your laptop screen is elevated to eye level, the built-in keyboard sits too high for comfortable typing. An external keyboard and mouse complete the ergonomic setup and are worth the small additional investment.

What height should my monitor be at?

The top of your screen should be at or just below eye level when you're sitting upright. For most people, this means raising the monitor by 10–15cm from its flat-on-desk position. Both laptop stands and monitor risers achieve this easily.

Is a wooden monitor riser better than a metal one?

It depends on your priorities. Wooden risers (like walnut or bamboo) add warmth and a natural aesthetic to your desk. Metal risers are typically more durable and easier to clean. Both perform the same ergonomic function — the choice is mostly about style and desk aesthetic.

Can a laptop stand damage my laptop?

No. Quality laptop stands use soft silicone or rubber pads on all contact points to protect your device from scratches. They also improve airflow beneath your laptop, which actually helps your device run cooler and last longer.

What's the difference between a laptop stand and a laptop riser?

The terms are often used interchangeably. "Laptop stand" typically refers to a compact, foldable accessory, while "laptop riser" can refer to either a stand or a platform-style riser. Functionally, they do the same thing: raise your laptop screen to a more ergonomic height.

Are monitor risers worth it for small desks?

Yes — especially models with built-in storage. On a small desk, a monitor riser with a drawer underneath effectively adds a layer of storage without increasing your desk's footprint. It's one of the most space-efficient upgrades available for compact workspaces.

How much should I spend on a laptop stand or monitor riser?

You don't need to spend much. Effective laptop stands start from around $9–15, and solid monitor risers are available from $15–30. The ergonomic benefit is the same regardless of price — focus on build quality and compatibility with your device rather than brand names.