Start here
BESIGN LS03 Detachable Aluminum Laptop Stand
- Best for
- Lightweight daily use
- Think twice if
- You need adjustable tilt
Herbie's Picks
Desk Gear Updated Sep 28, 2026
Best stands that leave room for an under-desk tray
The right laptop stand can lift your screen while leaving enough open space for an under-desk tray to slide in and out.
1
Start here
BESIGN LS03 Detachable Aluminum Laptop Stand
A lightweight aluminum stand with simple height changes
2
Nulaxy Dual Foldable Ergonomic Laptop Stand
Anyone who wants to fold the stand flat when the tray is in use
3
Metal Adjustable Laptop Desk Riser
A simple metal riser with a narrow footprint
4
Amazon Basics Height Adjustable Laptop Stand
A lower-cost stand with basic tray clearance
5
LOXP Rotating Base Laptop Stand
A rotating setup that keeps the tray accessible
BESIGN LS03 Detachable Aluminum Laptop Stand
A lightweight aluminum stand with simple height changes
2
Nulaxy Dual Foldable Ergonomic Laptop Stand
Anyone who wants to fold the stand flat when the tray is in use
3
Metal Adjustable Laptop Desk Riser
A simple metal riser with a narrow footprint
4
Amazon Basics Height Adjustable Laptop Stand
A lower-cost stand with basic tray clearance
5
LOXP Rotating Base Laptop Stand
A rotating setup that keeps the tray accessible
What keeps the tray path clear
Favor four-leg frames or stands with a narrow center column instead of a broad, solid base. A smaller footprint keeps the area beneath the stand open, reducing the chance that the tray will strike it as you pull the tray out or put it away.
Measure before you choose
Measure the tray at its highest point, then compare that number with the stand's lowest setting. Aim for at least one inch of space between them. An adjustable stand gives you room to fine-tune the fit.
At-a-glance comparison of stands that preserve tray space
| Stand | Best for | Think twice if |
|---|---|---|
| BESIGN LS03 Detachable Aluminum Laptop Stand | Lightweight daily use | You need adjustable tilt |
| Nulaxy Dual Foldable Ergonomic Laptop Stand | Folding flat when the tray is in use | You want one-handed folding |
| Metal Adjustable Laptop Desk Riser | A simple metal riser with open sides | You want several angle settings |
| Amazon Basics Height Adjustable Laptop Stand | Basic clearance on a budget | You want a more premium build |
| LOXP Rotating Base Laptop Stand | Turning the laptop frequently | You need the lightest stand |
Nulaxy Dual Foldable Ergonomic Laptop Stand
- Best for
- Folding flat when the tray is in use
- Think twice if
- You want one-handed folding
Metal Adjustable Laptop Desk Riser
- Best for
- A simple metal riser with open sides
- Think twice if
- You want several angle settings
Amazon Basics Height Adjustable Laptop Stand
- Best for
- Basic clearance on a budget
- Think twice if
- You want a more premium build
LOXP Rotating Base Laptop Stand
- Best for
- Turning the laptop frequently
- Think twice if
- You need the lightest stand
Product reviews
5 picks with live Amazon ratings
1
Start here A lightweight aluminum stand with simple height changes
BESIGN LS03 Detachable Aluminum Laptop Stand
The BESIGN LS03 lifts the laptop on four narrow legs instead of a broad base. That small footprint keeps the center open, which is the main reason it works well above a sliding tray.
Height adjusts in two steps, so setup is simple once you know how much clearance you need. The stand remains stable on most desk surfaces while the tray moves beneath it.
Its aluminum build feels solid enough for daily use, and the exposed surface helps the laptop stay cool.
Good for
- Open center leaves a clear tray path
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Straightforward two-step height adjustment
Skip if
- Does not offer tilt adjustment
- Feet may slide on glossy surfaces
2
Anyone who wants to fold the stand flat when the tray is in use
Nulaxy Dual Foldable Ergonomic Laptop Stand
The Nulaxy folds flat when you are not using it, freeing the desk depth for the tray. When open, its frame leaves the space below the laptop unobstructed.
The dual folding arms lock at several angles and support laptops up to 15 inches. That adjustability helps you position the screen without putting a solid base in the tray's path.
Rubber pads help hold the laptop in place while the tray slides below. Folding the stand takes two hands, but it stores flat.
Good for
- Folds flat to free tray space
- Offers several angle settings
- Stays stable on uneven surfaces
Skip if
- Plastic components feel less substantial
- Takes two hands to fold
3
A simple metal riser with a narrow footprint
Metal Adjustable Laptop Desk Riser
This riser places its single vertical column toward the back of the desk. The tray can slide in from the front, while the open sides leave room for lateral movement.
A screw mechanism controls the height and holds the platform in place after adjustment. It is simple to operate without a second person.
The scratch-resistant finish suits most desk colors without attracting much attention. At maximum height, however, the platform can wobble.
Good for
- Open sides leave room for the tray
- Solid metal construction
- Height is easy to adjust alone
Skip if
- No built-in cable management
- Platform may wobble at maximum height
4
A lower-cost stand with basic tray clearance
Amazon Basics Height Adjustable Laptop Stand
The Amazon Basics stand uses short legs positioned near the desk edges, leaving the center open for the tray. Its low profile keeps the setup visually simple.
Height changes through a series of notches that click into place. Once locked, the stand stays in position as the tray slides beneath it.
The wide platform fits most laptops and has a front lip to prevent forward slipping. Angle choices are limited, and the feet may mark softer desk finishes.
Good for
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Fast notch-based height changes
- Wide platform includes a front lip
Skip if
- Limited angle adjustment
- Legs may mark soft desk finishes
5
A rotating setup that keeps the tray accessible
LOXP Rotating Base Laptop Stand
The LOXP supports its platform on one central post above a 360-degree rotating base. Because the post is narrow, the tray has room to approach from any side.
The top rotates without requiring you to lift the stand. The base remains planted on the desk, so turning the laptop does not take away the tray clearance.
The vented platform holds laptops up to 17 inches. Its weighted base adds stability, although it also makes the stand heavier than the four-leg options.
Good for
- Rotates a full 360 degrees
- Vented platform
- Weighted base adds stability
Skip if
- Heavier than four-leg stands
- Rotation may feel stiff at first
FAQ
Do these stands leave enough room for every under-desk tray?
Each model uses open legs or a single post to keep the center clear, but fit still depends on your tray's dimensions. Measure the tray and compare it with the stand's lowest height before buying.
How much space should I leave above the tray?
Allow at least one inch between the top of the tray and the stand at its lowest setting. That gap gives the tray room to move smoothly.
Will these stands also work above a keyboard tray?
Yes, provided the combined tray height fits beneath the desk surface. The stands' open designs leave room for either a laptop tray or a separate keyboard tray.
