We compared two aluminium laptop stands with very different designs: the fixed, single-piece Rain Design mStand and the adjustable, foldable Nulaxy.
What we looked at
Build and stability, adjustability, heat dissipation, laptop compatibility, portability, and price. The mStand listing is short, so its copy is limited to what it states.
The verdict
If you have a MacBook and want a solid single-piece aluminium stand that acts as a heat sink and stays put on your desk, the Rain Design mStand is the fixed pick, at £39.90. If you want a stand that adjusts to eye level, folds flat for a bag and fits 10 to 16-inch laptops from many brands for around £23, the Nulaxy is the flexible, cheaper option.
A solid single-piece aluminium stand designed for MacBooks that acts as a heat sink, but it costs more and does not adjust or fold.
An adjustable, foldable stand with a vented panel for 10 to 16-inch laptops at a lower price, but no height range is listed.
Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand, Space Gray — Best for MacBook
Intended for: Marketed as a solid single-piece aluminium laptop stand designed for the Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro, with the aluminium acting as a heat sink to cool the notebook.
What we liked
- Solid single-piece aluminium design stated to provide stability
- Aluminium stated to cool your notebook by acting as a heat sink
- Designed for the Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro
Worth knowing
- Costs £16.91 more than the Nulaxy on these listings
- The listing does not mention adjustable height or folding
Best for
- MacBook and MacBook Pro owners who want a fixed, single-piece aluminium stand
- Anyone who wants a stable stand that stays on the desk
- Buyers who like the Rain Design look
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants a stand that adjusts or folds flat for travel
Nulaxy Ergonomic Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk, Dual Foldable Design, Heat-Vent, 10-16 Inch Laptops — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as an adjustable, foldable laptop stand with a dual-rod support mechanism and a ventilated top panel, fitting all 10 to 16-inch laptops and stated in its title to hold 22 lbs.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Rain Design mStand on these listings
- Adjustable to raise the laptop to eye level, stated to reduce neck, shoulder and spine fatigue
- Dual-support rod mechanism stated to give a wobble-free typing experience
- Ventilated top panel stated to improve airflow and heat dissipation
- Fits all 10 to 16-inch laptops, including MacBook Pro and Air, Dell XPS, HP, Lenovo, ASUS and Chromebooks
- Dual-foldable design that collapses flat to slip into a backpack or briefcase
Worth knowing
- The listing text gives no height range
- Made of folding parts rather than a single solid piece
Best for
- Anyone who wants an adjustable stand on a budget
- Travellers and hybrid workers who need a stand that folds flat
- Owners of non-Apple laptops up to 16 inches
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want a fixed single-piece aluminium stand
- Anyone who wants a stand designed specifically for MacBooks
