Laptop Stand vs Monitor Riser: Which Does Your Desk Need?

A laptop stand lifts a laptop so its screen sits near eye level, and you type on an external keyboard. A monitor riser is a fixed platform that adds a few inches under an external monitor. If your main screen is a laptop, get a laptop stand. If it's a monitor that sits slightly low, a riser or a monitor arm is the answer.

Both products raise a screen, which is why they get compared. They solve different problems, and buying the wrong one leaves the screen at the wrong height. Here is how to tell which one your desk needs.

What does a laptop stand do?

A laptop's screen and keyboard are attached, so you can't set both at the right height at once. On a desk, the keyboard is at a usable height and the screen is well below eye level, so you look down for hours.

Cornell University's ergonomics guidance points to this as the core problem with laptops. Its recommendation for regular laptop use is to raise the laptop so the screen is at a comfortable height and use a separate keyboard and mouse.

A laptop stand is the raising part. Adjustable stands let you set the height and angle precisely, and many fold flat for travel. For how high to set one, see how high should a laptop stand be.

What does a monitor riser do?

A monitor riser is a shelf or block that sits under an external monitor's stand and adds a fixed amount of height, usually a few inches. Some include a drawer or space underneath for a keyboard.

It suits a monitor whose built-in stand doesn't go high enough. It does not suit a laptop you type on: a riser lifts the keyboard with the screen, so your wrists end up too high.

Laptop stand vs monitor riser: what's the difference?

What it holds. A laptop stand holds a laptop or tablet. A riser holds a monitor on its own stand.

Height range. Adjustable laptop stands cover a wide range. The Lifelong UPRYZE, for example, rises to 20 inches with 20 positions. Most risers are fixed or offer a couple of settings.

Angle. Laptop stands tilt the screen toward you. A riser keeps the monitor's existing tilt.

Portability. Many laptop stands fold flat for a bag. Risers stay on the desk.

Extra gear. A laptop stand needs an external keyboard and mouse. A riser works with what you already use.

Which one do you need?

Laptop only

Get a laptop stand plus an external keyboard and mouse. That is the setup Cornell's guidance describes.

Laptop plus an external monitor

Put the laptop on a stand and raise it to a similar height as the monitor, so you can move between screens without tilting your head up and down. If the monitor is also low, raise it with a riser or put it on an arm. Our small desk setup guide for a laptop and second monitor covers spacing and layout.

External monitor only

If the monitor is an inch or two short of eye level, a riser can close the gap. If it needs more height, distance adjustment or tilt, a monitor arm gives you all three and clears the desk.

How high should the screen be?

OSHA's computer workstation guidance recommends that the top of the screen be at or slightly below eye level, with the screen 20 to 40 inches from your eyes. Mayo Clinic gives similar advice: place the monitor about an arm's length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, and lower it 1 to 2 inches more if you wear bifocals.

To check your setup, sit back in your chair and look straight ahead. Your eyes should meet the top edge of the screen or a little below it. If you look down to see the top, raise the screen.

Is a laptop stand better for standing work?

For standing, height range matters most. A fixed riser adds a few inches, which works for a seated desk. A laptop stand with a tall range can bring the screen up for standing on a fixed desk, paired with a keyboard and mouse at elbow height.

Lifelong makes three adjustable aluminum laptop stands. The UPRYZE Adjustable Laptop Stand rises to 20 inches with 20 positions and fits 10–17-inch laptops. The Sit-to-Stand model adjusts from 2.1 to 20 inches for 11–17-inch laptops and weighs 4.3 lbs. The 360° Rotating Stand rises to 16 inches, holds up to 22 lbs and swivels a full 360°. All three fold flat. You can compare them in the laptop stands collection.

Does a laptop stand help with heat?

Open-frame stands lift the laptop off the desk so air can move underneath, which helps reduce heat buildup. A solid riser under a laptop doesn't. Read do laptop stands help with overheating for what a stand can and can't do for temperatures.

FAQ

Can I put a laptop on a monitor riser?

You can, but you'll be typing on a raised keyboard. Use it that way only with an external keyboard and mouse, and check the screen still reaches eye level. Most risers are lower than an adjustable stand.

Can a laptop stand hold a monitor?

No. Laptop stands are sized for laptops and tablets, and a monitor's base and weight won't sit safely on one. Use a riser or a monitor arm for a monitor.

Do I need a keyboard with a laptop stand?

Yes. Once the screen is at eye level, the built-in keyboard is too high to type on comfortably. An external keyboard and mouse at elbow height complete the setup.

Is a monitor arm better than a riser?

An arm adjusts height, depth, tilt and rotation, and frees the desk. A riser adds fixed height for less money. If you change positions or sit and stand during the day, an arm is the more flexible choice.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have ongoing pain, talk to a doctor or physical therapist.