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When you’re shopping for the best gaming desks, it’s important to find a desk that not only suits your gaming setup and available space, but also delivers overall quality and durability. To this end, I asked gaming experts how to spot a quality gaming desk and which features and design elements matter most for serious gamers. Here are my top picks for the best gaming desks, based on that expert gamer advice.
With its red accents, unique Z-shaped legs, and carbon fiber textured surface, this gaming desk appeals to the senses. It features a detachable monitor stand, so you can create the setup that works best for your preferences and space. Adjustable foot pads help to ensure the desk is level even when the flooring is uneven, while the legs create a stable base for all of your gaming gear.
With its L-shaped design, this corner desk works to save space. A full monitor stand maximizes the desktop space, and a built-in socket gives you four outlets and two USB ports. LED lights in unlimited colors and 20 patterns enhance your gaming space, and a memory function retains the last light mode used, so you don’t have to change the pattern every time you game.
Measuring 61 inches long and equipped with plenty of storage, this desk offers the space you need for a larger gaming setup. The long monitor stand can hold two monitors, and the desk’s max load of 150 pounds gives you flexibility as you add to your setup. The two-drawer filing cabinet helps to keep clutter out of the way, while two-tier adjustable shelves give you extra storage. The desk is also reversible, so you can put the shelves and filing cabinet on either side.
This height adjustable stand-up desk helps to minimize the time you spend sitting while you’re gaming. A quiet motor raises the desk in seconds and makes for a smooth transition. The controller touchscreen features customizable memory settings, so you can raise the desk to the perfect height every time. There’s even a built-in timer that can remind you when it’s time to stand up again. With its steel frame, the desk is plenty strong and capable of supporting up to 176 pounds.
With the desktop crafted from a single piece of bamboo and featuring dual motors, this desk is capable of holding up to 220 pounds, enough for the heaviest gaming system. The keypad features three programmable settings, so you can easily set the desk to always reset to the right height. While the bamboo is already strong and durable, the desktop has been treated with a high-temperature resistant, anti-wear coating for long-lasting use.
With this wooden gaming desk, you can choose from three wood grain finishes to complement your room. The desk is reinforced with a support tube, making it strong enough to support gaming systems weighing up to 330 pounds. The X-shaped legs and support mesh panel create extra stability, while adjustable feet allow you to level the desk and prevent rocking when you’re working with an uneven floor.
This desk is reversible and modular, allowing you to set it up in four layouts, including as a corner desk and a straight desk. Its included storage accessories, like a pegboard, storage bag, and microphone hook, allow for further customization and help to keep your gaming surface clean. It also features an LED light setup that’s full of features like a built-in mic and music sync capability for enhanced gameplay.
This desk features a carbon fiber textured desktop for a durable yet distinctive look, while its L-shaped design provides plenty of desktop space, as well as legroom. An integrated power strip holder plus cable grommets helps to keep cords organized and tucked away. The desk also features adjustable foot pads to keep it level on uneven flooring, and the foot pads also protect your floor from scratches.
This gaming desk is equipped with sturdy steel legs for a stable base to prevent wobbling. The desktop features a full-surface mat that is water resistant to help protect the wood. With its 176-pound weight capacity, the desk is a durable choice capable of supporting multiple monitors. Its curved shape also helps to maximize your comfort as you game. This desk is backed by a two-year warranty and is available in multiple colors and styles.
With its glass desktop and full LED illumination, this gaming desk is certainly eye-catching. The lights can be controlled via Bluetooth and the Eureka Light app or through buttons on the desk. Enjoy 27 music sync modes, as well as static colors or a spectrum cycle in which the light colors gradually change. The sleep mode will display a soothing yellow light that gradually dims in 15 minutes as you fall asleep. With its 155–pound capacity and generously sized surface, this desk is a great choice for many gaming setups.
This electric standing desk features a simplified assembly process with fewer steps. Many reviewers praise the ease of assembly, noting that all of the components line up and that the desk includes quality hardware. The strong motor provides smooth height adjustments, and you can save up to three height settings so you can easily move between them. This desk is also backed by an impressive five-year manufacturer warranty.
This gaming desk’s design is ideal for PC gamers. The desk’s spacious top can accommodate up to two monitors, plus other essentials like controllers. It features five exterior shelves for plenty of storage, including a shelf designed to hold a computer tower. This desk is also available in four finishes, and its 110-pound capacity will work for most gaming setups.
This desk is designed to maximize your gaming comfort. Its height adjustment is powered by dual motors, and four memory modes ensure you can easily transition to the perfect height. Three shelves can be installed in multiple orientations for your setup, and the keyboard tray is height adjustable, can rotate 360 degrees, and is angle adjustable. Steel balance bars and adjustable foot pads ensure a sturdy base that won’t scratch your floor, and the winged design helps give you easy access to every component of your system.
In choosing the best gaming desks, I considered the desks’ overall design, as well as any features that enhance their use, like cable storage and built-in surge protection. I looked for desks that were versatile thanks to features like monitor platforms or adjustable heights, and I tried to include desks of various sizes to work with different space limitations.
I also considered each desk’s overall style and construction, looking for desks featuring quality, durable materials. Finally, I worked to include desks available at different price points, so our list includes options that can work with multiple budgets.
Neha Jain, a gamer, digital entrepreneur, and founder of the puzzle game ShootBubbles, encourages buyers to pay attention to the materials used in a desk’s construction. “Desks crafted from high-quality and durable woods like oak, walnut, maple, and cherry often indicate superior craftsmanship,” she says. Consider the material’s durability, too: Glass gaming desks may be eye-catching, but can be easily scratched. Bamboo is a durable material that also offers an attractive, smooth finish.
Gaming desks come in several shapes, including regular rectangular designs and an L-shaped desk, which makes a 90-degree angle. Straight desks are typically best for rooms with limited space, while L-shaped desks will take up a corner of a room.
Standing desks are also becoming popular as gaming desks. These desks allow you to adjust their height to use while standing or sitting, and have grown popular since, according to Yale Medicine, sitting for long hours can lead to lower back pain and spine issues.
Caleb McGennis, an eSports coach and cofounder of Toxic Tournaments, explains that it’s important to choose a gaming desk size that works well for your specific needs. “The best size for a gaming desk depends on how many monitors you have on your desk, but 40 to 80 inches is a good range to shoot for,” he says.
It’s also important to consider the desk’s height. According to Control Physical Therapy, a desk should allow you to sit comfortably in an ergonomic position, and the surface of the desk should be at the same height as your elbows, whether you’re sitting or standing. You should also be able to look straight ahead at your monitors rather than looking up or down. You’ll also need to consider your height and the height of your gaming chair when choosing the best gaming desk height.
Consider the features that matter most to you in a gaming desk. Jain recommends choosing a desk with drawers, a good cable management system, and a gaming headset holder, which can help to keep the space organized. Additionally, a curved front edge allows you to sit slightly closer to the desk and can maximize your comfort.
The desk’s max load capacity, or the maximum amount of weight that it can support, needs to exceed the weight of your gaming setup. When calculating your setup’s weight, be sure to factor in the weight of monitors, speakers, headphones, and anything else that will be on your desk. The ideal max load capacity will depend on your gaming setup, but it’s always a good idea to buy a table that well exceeds that weight, so you can expand and add onto your system in the future without worrying about weight.
As you shop for a gaming desk, look for information about the assembly process. Being able to review a digital copy of the assembly instructions is ideal, though user reviews can give you a sense of how easy the assembly is. Think about the amount of time involved, whether any special tools are required, and if the desk includes all of the required hardware for assembly.
Gaming desks can range significantly in price. As you determine your budget for the desk, remember that the desk is just one part of the equation, and it’s also important to budget money for a quality gaming chair.
Finally, consider the desk’s overall aesthetic. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but finding a desk that reflects your style and the colors of your gaming setup can help to complete your gaming room.
First, focus on keeping the space clean and well-organized. Find a desk that gives you the space you need for your whole setup, and consider choosing a wide and deep desk, which can give you plenty of space and contribute to a clean aesthetic.
Opting for all wireless gaming headsets, mice, keyboards, and other accessories can result in complicated charging, so focus on cable management options to conceal and organize wires. Consider running your wired hardware through the central support pillar of your monitor for a cleaner gaming desk. Investing in the best monitors you can afford will also enhance your gaming experience.
Don’t forget about the space under your desk, too. Keep the space clean so you have plenty of room to move around and stretch out while you’re gaming.
While it’s important to buy a gaming desk that’s at the right height, pairing the desk with quality gaming chairs is essential. There are some good budget gaming chairs out there, but ergonomic office chairs can also work until you decide what you really want in a gaming chair. Kicking back in some bean bag chairs might seem like a comfortable option for a while, but investing in a quality gaming chair will give you the support and positioning that you need for comfortable, longer gaming sessions.
Most gaming desks are either straight or corner desks, but plenty of variation exists within those types. Adding monitor platforms, different storage options, and various accessories means that desks of the same type can have very different appearances.
Straight desks are available in many sizes, from the compact to the extra-long. These desks usually have supports on either end, but the middle portion of the desk typically remains open, providing space for the gamer’s legs.
Corner desks can be ideal if you have space available in the corner of a room. These L-shaped desks can also be curved.
Standing gaming desks give gamers the option of sitting or raising the desk to accommodate a standing height. Some of these desks feature a manual adjustment, while others are motorized.
“The best size for a gaming desk is 60 inches wide by 30 inches deep,” says Jain. That desk size offers enough room for monitors, a keyboard, mouse, and speakers.
Jain recommends the Eureka Ergonomic L60 Gaming Desk, noting that its build quality is excellent and that the desk features a built-in cable management system, as well as a tray for surge protection.
“To find your ideal desk height for gaming, sit comfortably with your feet flat on the ground, relax your shoulders, and angle your elbows at about 90 degrees,” advises Jain. “Your desk should be just below this elbow height. You can achieve this height by simple adjustments, including keyboard trays, raising your chair, or putting a footrest below your desk.”
There is no one shape of desk that’s better for gaming. Your preferences will determine the type of desk that you most enjoy, but Jain notes that if you’re working with limited space, an L-shaped desk can help maximize that space.
McGennis explains that corner desks provide more space in a smaller area while also making it easy to reach your gaming system. “L-shaped desks also offer the ability to have separate spaces,” says Jain. Ultimately, whether a corner desk is better depends on your room setup and your preferences.
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