Herbie's Picks

Cable Management Updated Sep 24, 2026

Best under-desk cable trays for a clean setup

Under desk cable trays keep cords off the floor and out of sight while letting you reach power strips and adapters when needed.

Univivi 32-inch steel tray
Top pick: Univivi 32-inch steel tray

Tray size and mounting

Measure the width of your desk and the number of devices you plug in before choosing length. Most trays install with four screws into the underside of the desktop and sit 1 to 2 inches below the surface.

Steel versus lighter metal

Thicker steel holds heavier power strips without flexing. Lighter trays work for a few cables but can sag when loaded with a full strip and multiple adapters.

Quick comparison of the four under desk trays

Pick Best for Skip if
Univivi 32-Inch Under Desk Cable Tray in Black Wide desks with many peripherals You need separate cable zones
KEEGH 16-Inch Metal Under Desk Cable Tray 2-Pack Modular setups or narrow desks You want one continuous tray
Delamu 2-Pack Metal U-Channel Under Desk Cable Tray Users who want cables contained but ventilated You prefer fully open sides
Mount-It! 23-Inch Heavy-Duty Steel Under Desk Cable Tray Heavy power equipment or long cable runs You need the lightest possible tray

Start here

Univivi 32-Inch Under Desk Cable Tray in Black

Best for
Wide desks with many peripherals
Skip if
You need separate cable zones

KEEGH 16-Inch Metal Under Desk Cable Tray 2-Pack

Best for
Modular setups or narrow desks
Skip if
You want one continuous tray

Delamu 2-Pack Metal U-Channel Under Desk Cable Tray

Best for
Users who want cables contained but ventilated
Skip if
You prefer fully open sides

Mount-It! 23-Inch Heavy-Duty Steel Under Desk Cable Tray

Best for
Heavy power equipment or long cable runs
Skip if
You need the lightest possible tray

Product reviews

5 picks with live Amazon ratings

1 Start here Wide desks with many peripherals

Univivi 32-Inch Under Desk Cable Tray in Black

4.5 (116 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

The 32 inch length spans most desk widths and gives plenty of room for a power strip and cable bundles.

Mounting holes line up cleanly and the black finish blends with most desk undersides.

The open sides make it easy to drop cables in after the tray is installed.

Good for

  • Spans wide desks
  • Simple screw mounting
  • Open sides for easy access

Skip if

  • No divider for separating cables
  • Can show dust over time
2 Modular setups or narrow desks

KEEGH 16-Inch Metal Under Desk Cable Tray 2-Pack

4.5 (298 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

Each 16 inch section is light enough to position with one hand while driving screws.

The metal is stiff enough to hold a small power strip without bowing.

Sold as a pair, the trays work well on L-shaped or split desks.

Good for

  • Two trays per pack
  • Stiff metal construction
  • Easy one-person install

Skip if

  • Shorter length needs careful placement
  • Screws not included
3 Users who want cables contained but ventilated

Delamu 2-Pack Metal U-Channel Under Desk Cable Tray

4.5 (399 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

The U shape cradles cables and prevents them from rolling off the edges during adjustments.

Two trays give flexibility for different desk widths or separate cable runs.

Powder coat finish resists scratches from metal zip ties or velcro straps.

Good for

  • U-channel keeps cables in place
  • Good ventilation around cords
  • Scratch resistant finish

Skip if

  • Edges can be sharp if not deburred
  • Requires two mounting points per tray
4 Heavy power equipment or long cable runs

Mount-It! 23-Inch Heavy-Duty Steel Under Desk Cable Tray

4.5 (49 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

The steel gauge is noticeably thicker than lighter trays and shows little flex even when loaded.

The 23 inch length fits most standard desks while leaving clearance for chair arms.

Pre-drilled holes accept common wood screws and line up without extra drilling.

Good for

  • Heavy gauge steel
  • Minimal flex under load
  • Fits standard desk widths

Skip if

  • Heavier to hold during install
  • Fewer ventilation holes than open designs
5 Routing thin cords, not holding bricks

J Channel Cable Raceway with 5M Adhesive - J Channel Cable Management – Desk Cab

4.5 (717 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

This is an open J-channel you stick along the back underside so thin cords have a track. Push a cable in from the open top. Pull it out the same way when you swap a monitor.

Park a surge strip or a brick in it and the channel folds. Clean the underside before the adhesive goes on. Dust and old finish are why these fall off in a week.

Use it with a real tray if you still have a strip to hide. Use it alone if the only mess is a few leads along the back edge.

Good for

  • Open top, so you can add a cord without unplugging
  • Low profile along the back edge
  • Adhesive install if the surface is clean

Skip if

  • A loaded strip still needs a basket
  • Adhesive fails on dusty or freshly finished undersides

FAQ

How far below the desk should the tray sit?

Most trays mount 1 to 2 inches below the desktop surface so cables clear the mounting hardware and still leave knee room.

Can these trays hold a power strip?

Yes, all four are designed to support a standard power strip plus excess cable length.

Do any of the trays include mounting hardware?

Hardware varies by model. Check the product listing for included screws or clamps before purchase.