The 10 Best Portable Desks
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in January of 2020. When it comes to writing, drawing, or using the computer, it's hard to go without a good desk. Unfortunately, this often means being limited to a single room. Portable desks are a great option for those who want flexibility. They can create a temporary work space that reduces clutter, or allow for a much greater variety of comfortable work locations, such as a bed, a deck, or even the beach. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Need AC11BB
2. GreenForest Folding Desk
3. Lifetime 80251
Editor's Notes
May 21, 2021:
After reviewing our previous selections, we're happy to report that they're all still great choices, depending on your needs. If you don't need to move them very frequently, large-scale folding options like the Need AC11BB and Coavas Folding Table are basically as sturdy as fixed desks. Smaller folding models like the GreenForest Folding Desk and Need AC5BB are particularly easy to put away at a moment's notice.
The Mavo Craft Folding Lap Desk and Songmics Laptop Desk are two top lap desks, although the TaoTronics Foldable Laptop Table has the added advantage of making a great standing desk riser when placed on top of a table or another desk. For especially compact choices, consider the Redcamp Portable Aluminum Camping Table, which is remarkably lightweight but not the most sturdy, and the Lifetime 80251, which is especially rigid but does weigh above average.
February 07, 2020:
The range of products that can be considered "portable desks" is highly varied, both in terms of compactness and functionality. Portability means different things to different people, and in this list I've tried to include a wide variety of products that will meet the needs of anyone looking for a mobile alternative to the classic configuration.
For instance, though lap desks are a category in their own right, I included a few in this list since they represent the peak of portability. Selections like the Mavo Craft Folding Lap Desk and the Songmics Lap Desk can be used pretty much anywhere as long as the user is sitting or laying down. Those are the best bet for someone working on the go, but others simply want something that can move anywhere in their house like the Seville Classics Desk Cart.
Options like the Need AC11BB or the GreenForest Folding Desk are for people who want the full experience and traditional design, but don't want to sacrifice the ability to change up their work environment every once in a while. They're a little more cumbersome and don't lend themselves to frequent relocation, but they're still able to be moved from place to place, or easily stowed when not in use.
The Lifetime 80251 and Redcamp Portable Aluminum Camping Table sacrifice some of the style, but what they offer is rugged and versatile construction that frees them from the home or office entirely. These are perfect for someone who wants to be able to work outdoors.
4. Redcamp Portable Aluminum Camping Table
5. TaoTronics Foldable Laptop Table
6. Coavas Folding Table
7. Songmics Laptop Desk
8. Need AC5BB
9. Seville Classics Cart
10. Mavo Craft Folding Lap Desk
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.