The very best gaming desks for 2023

Each PC and console wants a house, and an amazing gaming desk may be the place you construct up a dynamic, ergonomic arsenal. There are such a lot of choices to select from, together with a whole bunch of devoted desktops. An excellent one can stay with you for years and form your PC gaming expertise with a classy floor and useful options like built-in USB ports, LED lighting, and additional storage. Not all gaming desks are created equal, although. Let’s speak about what’s particular about the most effective gaming desks and methods to decide the proper one for you.

How we selected the most effective gaming desks

Over the past 17 years, I’ve arrange gaming rigs utilizing every part from folding tables to costly strong wooden standing desks. I pleasure myself on creating battlestations which can be as eye-catching as they’re dependable. As a member of the tech press for the final eight years—writing for websites like IGN, Reviewed, and Tom’s {Hardware}—I’ve had extra alternatives than most to construct methods and create gaming areas for pals, household, and colleagues. With all that hands-on time constructing PC gaming setups and testing out high-performance laptops, I’ve developed a great eye for what makes a great desk for gaming.

To make these suggestions, I did in depth analysis, pulling suggestions from the PC gaming neighborhood and cross-checking them with consumer impressions of the merchandise and producers. There isn’t any greatest gaming desk for each consumer, however each choice on this record is on the prime of its class and nicely value your consideration.

The very best gaming desks: Evaluations & Suggestions

Not like most gaming-focused gear, the world of gaming desks doesn’t have a longtime set of trusted producers. They arrive in numerous sizes and styles, starting from low cost to exorbitantly costly. Now that what to search for, you’re prepared to choose a gaming desk by yourself. That will help you get began, check out our present favorites.

Greatest general: Secretlab Magnus Steel Desk

Why it made the minimize: The Secretlab Magnus blends high-quality craftsmanship, type, and an revolutionary design to ship class-leading high quality.

Specs

• Desktop dimensions: 59 x 28 inches (width x depth)
• Top: 29 inches 
• Particular options: RGB lighting, cable administration, magnetic accent kits (bought individually)
• Most supported weight: 220 kilos
• Worth at time of publication: $549

Professionals

• Nice construct high quality
• Very trendy
• Efficient cable administration system included 
• Plentiful choices for desktop customization

Cons

• Desk mat not included
• Accent kits value additional

The Secretlab Magnus units the usual for the fashionable gaming desk. It options an exceptionally modern type with its darkish, gunmetal physique, however takes {that a} step additional with an RGB strip hidden in its actual cable tray. With a sturdy metal body, this desk is sturdy sufficient to carry over 200 kilos of gaming tools. Even with a decked-out gaming PC and big monitor, you’ll by no means want to fret about it wobbling or collapsing.

Other than its understated aesthetic and robust construct high quality, the Magnus desk has a uniquely engaging key function—modular upgrades that magnetically latch onto the desk’s metal body. The magnetic “ecosystem” of attachments runs the gamut from cable anchors and sheaths to headphone hangers to a magnetic desk mat.

These upgrades are additionally Magnus’ greatest flaw: These are non-compulsory add-ons that heap onto Magnus’s already excessive price ticket. The essential Magnus, for $549, contains the fundamental body and a cable administration tray. The opposite attachments value between $13-$79 apiece. Even the fundamental Magnus is a very nice, strong, gaming desk, however taking full benefit of its options requires a severe spend.

Greatest laptop desk: Cooler Grasp GD160 ARGB

Why it made the minimize: The Cooler Grasp GD160 RGB brings standing desks and gaming desks collectively in a classy and useful package deal 

Specs

• Desktop dimensions: 63 x 30 inches (width x depth)
• Top: 25.6-51.4 inches
• Most supported weight: 220.5 kilos
• Particular options: RGB lighting, USB charging port, cable administration, motorized adjustment for sitting/standing
• Worth at time of publication: $799

Professionals

• Large floor space
• Entrance and rear RGB
• Cable administration
• Full top adjustment

Cons

• Costly
• Sophisticated meeting

The Cooler Grasp GD160 ARGB brings a full vary of options to play, together with RGB lighting, a USB-charging port, and the flexibility to regulate from seated to standing and again on the fly. Its dual-motor gives quick and quiet lifting energy as much as 220 kilos whereas lowering put on and tear that builds on an ordinary standing desk motor. Wanting laying on the desk, you’ll by no means should second-guess whether or not you’re overloading the body.

Cooler Grasp’s signature purple accents are instantly eye-catching, however it’s the desk’s built-in RGB lighting that actually steals the present. Customizable entrance and rear lighting parts shine all through your gaming room, lighting up the wall behind your desk. An included cable administration tray retains your cables hidden and your setup tidy. It lacks among the smaller prospers, like a headphone hanger and cup holder, however options an additional helpful perk: a USB-A port behind the management pad to cost your telephone.

It’s an distinctive desk, however it has an exceptionally excessive value to match: $799. The GD160 ARGB is dear, even in comparison with different standing desks. On prime of that, the standing desk mechanics make this a tricky construct. In the event you’re keen to spend the cash and have a pal that can assist you put it collectively, it has the perks to fulfill gamers who make investments.

Greatest converter: VIVO Further Large Nook Top Adjustable 38-inch Stand-up Desk Converter 

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: Add this easy monitor stand to any desk to include standing-desk performance on a price range.

Specs

• Desktop dimensions: 37.5 x 18 inches (size x depth)
• Top: 4.8-20 inches
• Particular options: 33-pound elevate help
• Most supported weight: 33 kilos
• Worth at time of publication: $189.99

Professionals

• Spacious sufficient for 2 displays
• Elevate help makes changes quick and simple
• Keyboard tray preserves desk house
• Restricted meeting

Cons

• Cumbersome
• Doesn’t look nice

In the event you’re concerned with making an attempt a standing desk however don’t need to purchase an entire new piece of furnishings, a monitor stand just like the VIVO Further Large Desk Converter may also help you get the most effective of each worlds in your present desk. The 37.5- x 18-inch floor is massive sufficient to carry two moderately sized displays (or perhaps one ultrawide curved one), with loads of room for photos, chargers, and different necessities. As soon as it’s in place, a lever triggers a pneumatic piston to simply elevate or decrease its spacious floor as much as 20 inches above the floor of your desk. With just a few minutes of meeting, you’ll be capable of discover the right place on your gaming rig and keep aggressive even when it’s time to face up and stretch your legs. Not each folding or moveable desk is ideal for gaming, however this one is.

Wish to make issues even simpler? VIVO additionally sells a bigger, motorized model for under $100 extra. Because it’s an add-on for an current desk relatively than a brand new piece of furnishings, we really feel the pneumatic model will make extra sense for most individuals. To get the complete expertise with a motorized standing desk, there’s no substitute for a desk designed for that goal from the bottom up.

Greatest L-shaped desk: ODK L-Formed Gaming Desk 

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: The ODK L-Formed Gaming Desk combines two desks into one, and comes with additional equipment.

Specs

• Dimensions: 47 x 59 inches (Size x Depth)
• Top: 29.83 inches
• Particular options: Spacious floor space, headphone hanger, monitor riser, and extra storage cubby included
• Most supported weight: N/A
• Worth at time of publication: $118.99

Professionals

• Enormous floor space
• Sturdy steel body
• Added storage
• Helpful equipment
• Affordably priced

Cons

• Lacks gaming aptitude
• Difficult meeting
• No cable administration

ODK’s L-Formed Gaming Desk provides excellent worth, whether or not you’re a gamer or simply in want of a large nook desk. It combines two surfaces: a protracted floor on your conventional PC setup and a shorter proper facet the place you may put your laptop tower, recreation consoles, or have a secondary house for different issues. It doesn’t scream “gamer,” however has loads of useful advantages for PC gamers.

Along with its expansive floor space, the ODK gaming desk has many equipment that improve its performance, together with a moveable monitor stand, an iron headphone hook, and an attachable storage bin for controllers and cables. This desk isn’t nearly added house; it’s about creating useful house.

At $118.99, this desk borders on shockingly low cost, partly as a result of ODK isn’t a widely known model. That stated, this desk has earned glowing evaluations from customers, who reward its sturdiness, general high quality, and worth. It has additionally attracted some damaging suggestions as nicely, particularly that it’s not simple to assemble.

In the event you just like the design of the OKL however need slightly bit extra colour and additional “gaming” aptitude, the Bestier L-Formed Gaming Pc Desk includes a comparable body, plus options like LED lighting and a cup holder, for a barely pricier $161.99.

Greatest standing desk: Eureka Ergonomic 62-inch Standing Desk

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: The Eureka Ergonomic Standing Desk has an enormous floor and gaming-first options.

Specs

• Dimensions: 27 x 62 inches (Size x Depth)
• Top: 29.92-48.43 inches
• Particular options: Large floor space, twin headphone hanger, cup holder, {custom} desk mat
• Most supported weight: 220 kilos
• Worth at time of publication: $499.99

Professionals

• Properly-priced for measurement and options
• Included equipment designed round gaming
• Further desk house in comparison with most gaming desks
• Aggressive aesthetics 

Cons

• Sophisticated meeting 
• Restricted top vary
• Restricted RGB settings

We now have one thing you might want to see in case you’re searching for an exceptionally massive standing desk designed for gaming at a surprisingly cheap value. At 62 by 28 inches, the Eureka Ergonomic 65-inch Standing Desk is vast sufficient to comfortably seat two individuals for side-by-side co-op. In the event you’re extra concerned with solo play, that additional house makes room for audio system, a tower, a big-screen gaming monitor, or a number of shows to really make a showpiece battlestation. Realizing that you just’re more likely to have additional wires with the bigger desk floor, Eureka has included two cable grommets that result in an included cable administration tray to maintain the desk trying clear and tidy.  

Alongside the left and proper sides, you’ll discover a headphone hanger and cup holder, in addition to customizable LED strips to place your personal lighting parts. There’s additionally a rack to carry your favourite video games and a pair of controllers, doubling as a USB hub. Topping it off, a custom-fit desk pad spans your complete desk floor with out blocking the 2 wire grommets. Little particulars like that actually make this desk really feel prefer it’s designed particularly for PC gaming.

The standing performance actually looks like icing on the cake. Utilizing the included management pad, your complete desk can elevate as much as 48 inches or decrease to 30 inches for traditional seating top. That’s a smaller vary than different gaming desks with standing adjustability, together with the Cooler Grasp GD160 ARGB. Standing-desk maker Autonomous has discovered that the common standing desk top for five’11” customers is 44 inches. Likewise, an ordinary desk for a consumer round this top is roughly 30 inches. Meaning chances are you’ll want a taller chair to make use of this desk sitting down.

Even for a standing desk, this Eureka desk requires a lot time to construct. Nothing with this desk comes pre-assembled, even the desktop. You’ll must do every part from bolting each halves of the desk to piecing collectively the body, connecting the wires, and screwing on the equipment. Nonetheless, given all this desk provides, the top result’s value the additional effort upfront.

Greatest with storage: GIKPAL Pc Desk with Drawer

Why it made the minimize: This spacious desk has sufficient cabinets and drawers to carry all of your equipment, so you may at all times work on a clear desktop.  

Specs

• Dimensions: 19.7 inches x 47.2 inches (Size x Width)
• Top: 33.8 inches
• Particular options: Two drawers, two cabinets, a raised desktop-computer house, a built-in monitor stand, built-in USB ports and energy retailers
• Most supported weight: N/A
• Worth at time of publication: $149.99

Professionals

• A number of storage areas
• Built-in USB ports and oulets
• Constructed-in monitor stand

Cons

• Firm doesn’t supplied most supported weight

Anybody who makes use of the identical desk for work and gaming is aware of the significance (and issue) of protecting your house clear. Tech equipment, pencils and pens, plates, glasses, and every part else find yourself cluttering up a spot that ought to be used for work and play. GIKPAL addressed all of those points with its gaming desk, which has cabinets, drawers, and a really intelligent built-in cable administration system.

This desk’s drawers are the right place to retailer controllers, exterior onerous drives, battery packs, carrying instances, video games, or some other peripheral that isn’t at all times mandatory. You may even use them to retailer your mouse and keyboard in case you desire to play PC video games with a controller or have a console hooked as much as the identical monitor. In the event you play video games on a desktop PC, you may make use of this desk’s bottom-right shelf, which was designed for this type of laptop. Retaining your desktop elevated will make it simpler to succeed in and supply a buffer in case your laptop room floods.

The pair of cabinets on the left-hand facet of the desk are the right measurement for recreation consoles or VR headsets. In the event you play bodily video games, you may maintain the titles you’re leaping between most frequently on them too. That is the one gaming desk we’re recommending with a built-in monitor stand, which might drastically enhance the ergonomics of your setup in case you’re utilizing a show that doesn’t have top adjustment. The house between the desktop and the highest of the riser is simply large enough for smaller audio system or a slim console in case you actually need to maximize your house.

In the event you’ve struggled with cable administration earlier than, GIMPAL has you coated. The corporate has constructed a three-outlet energy strip into the highest of this desk, which additionally includes a pair of USB-A ports for charging your units. You may snake the ability strip’s cable down the leg of the desk and into an outlet behind your setup. You probably have plenty of tech equipment that require energy or decide to maintain a console between the desktop and monitor riser, this can be a key function.

GIMPAL declined to supply a most weight restrict for this desk, however that’s much less of a problem as a result of it’s designed to allow you to distribute your on a number of cabinets as a substitute of protecting every part on prime. If you wish to clear up your setup with a gaming desk, that is the one to get.

Greatest price range: SEVEN WARRIOR Gaming Desk

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the minimize: This reasonably priced desk provides rather a lot for little, offering ample house, engaging aesthetics, and plentiful equipment. 

Specs

• Dimensions: 55 x 24 inches (Size x Width)
• Top: 29.5 inches
• Particular options: Full-size waterproof desk mat, twin headphone hanger, cupholder, recreation and controller rack
• Most supported weight: 400 kilos
• Worth: $139.99

Professionals

• Numerous included equipment
• Sturdy metal body able to holding 400 kilos
• Sufficient house for many gaming setups
• Carbon fiber texture

Cons

• Desktop is available in two items 
• Inconsistent high quality management
• No cable administration tray

SEVEN WARRIOR might not be a model you’ve heard of earlier than, however it’s made a splash within the reasonably priced gaming desk house. And this desk is a first-rate instance of why. At $139, it provides an amazing steadiness of options and performance for a really reasonably priced value.

Out there in 44-, 55-, and 60-inch floor sizes, you could find a measurement that matches your house. The desk is completed with a water-proof carbon fiber texture and features a size-matched waterproof desk mat, making spills simple to scrub up. At 24-inches deep, it’s on the shallow facet however nonetheless provides you loads of room for a full gaming PC setup. Two cable grommets let you route wires out of sight, however you’ll must deliver your personal cable runner in case you care to maintain issues tidy beneath the desktop. SEVEN WARRIOR additionally throws in a cup holder, twin headphone hanger, and a mixture recreation and controller rack that doubles as a USB hub.

The overwhelming majority of evaluations on this desk are overwhelmingly constructive. Clients routinely comment on its simple setup and sturdiness. When customers are sad, although, it’s at all times for one cause—inconsistent high quality management. Many customers have reported that their desks got here with misaligned components or, worse, had been lacking items totally. Sadly, this story is just not unusual with cheaper, lesser-known furnishings manufacturers. If the value is true, ensure that to double-check all of the components earlier than placing the desk collectively.

Issues to think about earlier than shopping for a gaming desk

Earlier than you select a gaming desk, or a desk with PC gaming in thoughts, realizing what options to search for earlier than you begin is useful. With so many alternative choices to select from, realizing what measurements and options you personally want may also help you kind a strong recreation plan to slender down your choices.

What’s a gaming desk, precisely?

Gaming desks are similar to some other form of desk, however some core variations set them aside. Whereas many desks function wooden grain or solid-colored finishes, gaming desks are designed to point out off brilliant colours, decals, and stylized metallic surfaces like carbon fiber. It’s additionally extra frequent for gaming desks to come back with built-in options tailor-made to boost your gaming station, together with custom-fitted desk mats, headphone hangers, cupholders, and cable administration options to maintain your wires hidden. These aesthetic and utilitarian prospers make a gaming desk; It’s all about type and comfort.

Dimension

Its floor space is an important high quality of any desk used for gaming (or work). Gaming desks are available all sizes and styles, so take into account how a lot house you’ll want. Desks are available many sizes, however a full-size desk floor usually measures round 60 inches vast—side-to-side—and 30 inches deep–entrance to again. That’s greater than sufficient for a full PC setup.

That stated, it might additionally take up extra space than you will have in your house workplace, bed room, or wherever you intend to arrange your gaming rig. As with every furnishings buy, your first step ought to be to take measurements and decide how a lot house your desk can fill. Earlier than selecting a purchase order, take into account precisely what you intend to put on it. Listed here are some questions to think about earlier than deciding on the proper measurement for you:

• Will your laptop tower be on the desktop or on the ground? 
• How massive is the monitor you’ll be utilizing? 
• How a lot house will you might want to transfer your mouse?
• What else would you additionally like to put in your desk?

Answering these questions and measuring out the scale of your PC, monitor, and peripherals gives you a good suggestion of what a snug width can be. Yet one more tip: When planning the place to place your desk, guarantee there’s sufficient room for a gaming chair.

Realizing how your desk house matches into your own home is necessary, however you shouldn’t cease there. Take a minute to think about every part you want to place on the desk. Inserting your gaming desktop in your desk seems flashy however can take up a major quantity of house chances are you’ll want on your mouse and mousepad, peripherals, or some other stuff you need to maintain inside attain. Determining the place you intend to put the important thing elements of your setup—the PC, in addition to a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and presumably a router—will assist you to decide a gaming desk able to realizing your imaginative and prescient.

Adjustability

Some desks come at a selected set top, however others function some quantity of adjustability. Sure devoted gaming desks, specifically, function electrical motors that let you regulate the peak of your desk on the fly so you may swap between standing and seated configurations if you need. Some additionally let you regulate the angle of the desktop, although that is much less frequent. 

When purchasing for a gaming desk, take into account its specified top and the way that will match with the peak of your chair. Perfect seated posture and desk format are necessary to stop muscle pressure, eye pressure, and repetitive stress accidents. In response to the New York Occasions, it’s necessary to make sure that the desk you select lets you sit together with your arms at a 90-degree angle for typing and that your eye stage is a number of inches beneath the highest fringe of your monitor. Many gaming desks enable a number of inches of motion up or down to search out the right place on your physique. Even desks with out on-the-fly adjustability might provide some quantity of adjustability throughout meeting.

Meeting and reliability

Few, if any, gaming desks come preassembled out of the field. Earlier than committing to a purchase order, take into account whether or not you will have the time and sources to place your desk collectively. Cheaper desks usually take longer to assemble, as a part of the financial savings comes from limiting the meeting being accomplished on the manufacturing unit. Even costly desks can have their challenges and require a number of individuals to finish, although.

There isn’t any simple rule to find out whether or not a desk can be simple or difficult to place collectively. One of the simplest ways to be taught in regards to the meeting course of is thru consumer evaluations on retailer websites and boards. When individuals have an particularly simple or tough time placing a desk collectively, it usually closely influences their feedback. If potential, downloading the meeting information from the producer’s web site can even provide you with a cursory understanding of what you’ll must do.

Since desks aren’t professionally reviewed as usually as gaming PCs, consumer evaluations are essential for figuring out whether or not a desk is well-made. Poor craftsmanship usually turns into clear throughout the meeting course of, and consumer evaluations will hopefully provide you with a warning to particular purple flags. Customers are additionally fast to level out when components of the product break or put on out early, each of which ought to be key components in your decision-making course of.

Equipment

One factor distinguishing a “gaming desk” from common designs is a bevy of built-in options and included equipment that many gamers purchase second-hand so as to add to their setup. Many gaming desks include attachable hooks for headphones and cup holders. Others function RGB lighting constructed into the desk body, custom-cut mouse pad surfaces, and built-in cable administration. It’s much less frequent, however an particularly luxe gaming desk might include monitor stands or extra storage. 

Whereas many of those extras could seem superficial since you should purchase them individually, getting a desk with these parts included will prevent a while and will prevent cash. It additionally ensures that your equipment match and match your desk, which isn’t at all times the case in case you purchase them after the actual fact. That stated, you will get most of them elsewhere, so that you shouldn’t decide a desk with flashy equipment over one that completely matches you and your house.

FAQs

Closing ideas on the most effective gaming desks

Choosing the proper gaming desk may be, forgive the pun, game-changing. An excellent desk attracts you in and makes you need to use it. It turns into a spotlight of the room and places your gaming station heart stage. Discovering the proper alternative may be intimidating when there are such a lot of choices, however taking the time to pick your best option is nicely definitely worth the funding. 

Why belief us

Well-liked Science began writing about expertise greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” after we printed our first difficulty in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we might have been throughout it. Right here within the current, PopSci is absolutely dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of units available on the market proper now.

Our writers and editors have mixed a long time of expertise masking and reviewing shopper electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however after we’re reviewing units exterior of our instant wheelhouses, we do our greatest to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information individuals to the easiest suggestions. We all know we don’t know every part, however we’re excited to stay by the evaluation paralysis that web procuring can spur so readers don’t should.