Even though the latest best MacBooks don't run particularly hot, it's always a good idea to increase your cooling to prevent overheating. A cooler is particularly good if you're going to be doing heavier workloads with your MacBook, which might bring your laptop temperatures. Whether you've got a 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max or a 13-inch MacBook Air, one of the best cooling pads for MacBooks could well be one of the best purchases you make for your MacBook.
Quick list
Best overall
The Massive TM has loads of fantastic features, like a temperature gauge, adjustable feet, and a turbo boost so you can cool things down when you're working extra hard. It's also adjustable for better positioning while you type.
Best RGB
The Havit's minimalist design makes it ideal for travel with your MacBook Pro. It's ultra-slim but can still handle laptops up to 17 inches. It also comes equipped with additional USB ports, so you can use it as a portable hub.
Most compact
The Targus Chill Lap Mat is a super lightweight cooling pad for 17" laptops powered simply by using a USB connection to your laptop. The slim design is easy to carry around wherever you happen to be working.
Most adjustable
For a cooling pad that adapts to the situation at hand, the Lamicall Cooling Pad doubles as an adjustable riser stand as well as a simple pad, with both "modes" keeping your laptop cool. Raise the cooling platform to a comfortable viewing position and plug it into your MacBook to power up the fans.
Best for extra USB ports
Here's a smart cooling pad that comes with spinning LED lights, five fans, and extra USB ports for charging additional devices. It is also adjustable to six viewing heights and includes built-in cable storage. Right now it's cheaper than most of the entries on this list.
Best premium
Now here's the cooling pad that has it all: six fans, an LED screen, an adjustable riser, 7 RGB lighting modes, and a built-in phone stand so it can sit beside your laptop. This one also offers a quiet setting if the whirring of the fans grinds on your nerves. However, it's one to leave at home, as it's not as portable as some of the other pads.
Q&A
Which of the best cooling pads for MacBook Pros should I get?
The Thermaltake Massive TM is easily the best cooling pad for MacBook Pro with all of its convenient features. If you're in the market for one, the Massive TM should be your first consideration since it's effective, ergonomic, quiet, and does its job well. It's not the cheapest, but it is the best of the bunch.
The Targus Portable Chill Lap Mat is slim and easy to take along for those who need a lighter, more portable option. It's also widely available in several big retail stores. Pay attention to the size formats of each of these cooling pads, so you get the one that perfectly fits your MacBook.
If you're not a laptop user and you favor a Mac mini, there are specialist cooling pads for Mac minis available too.
Why should I get a cooling pad?
You don't need a cooling pad to run your laptop's basic functions, but if you're using programs that take a lot of processing power, or using your laptop for a very long period of time, the machine can heat up. Not only is that bad for your legs if it's resting on your lap, but it can also be bad for the machine, as it's not designed to withstand excessive heat.
The best cooling pads for your MacBook Pro with M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, or any older model can help you keep your expensive laptop's processor cool using multiple fans. This allows the processor to continue working without the stress of overheating, increasing the laptop's performance.
