How We Test

Our goal is simple: if a stand can’t meet your measured fit and hold up over time, it doesn’t make our top picks. We publish our protocol so you can see exactly how scores are earned across Comfort Range, Cooling, Stability, and Packability.

Test Environment and Tools

• Measurement: height gauge and calipers (mm), digital angle gauge (°), laser level, tape (cm).
• Stability: motion capture/accelerometer app, wobble gauge at screen edge (mm peak-to-peak), keystroke simulator for repeatable input force.
• Thermal: IR thermometer, USB thermocouples, ambient logger (°C, %RH), sound meter (dBA) for fan noise.
• Durability: torque meter for hinge preload, cycle rig to simulate multi-year open/close, abrasion swatches for contact points.
• Timing/portability: scale (grams), caliper thickness (mm), setup/tear-down stopwatch.

Fit and Comfort Range

We translate your measurements (height, desk height/depth, laptop size) into required screen centerline height and tilt for neutral posture. For each stand we measure:

• Max lift and tilt at real-world typing angles.
• Min height for low desks or travel trays.
• Repeatability markers to help you return to preferred settings. A stand’s Comfort Range score reflects how well it covers typical sitting and standing targets for its class.

Stability (Anti-Wobble)

We type at three intensities and measure top-edge deflection (mm) and damping time (s). We also test lateral knocks and hinge creep over 10 minutes. Scores reward low deflection, fast damping, and zero angle drift.

Cooling and Airflow

With the laptop under a sustained CPU/GPU load, we compare surface temps and sustained clocks with and without the stand. We note vent alignment, underbody clearance (mm), and whether the stand preserves boost without excessive fan noise.

Packability and Setup

We measure mass (g), folded thickness (mm), footprint, edges that may scratch bags, and setup/tear-down time. Travel-friendly stands earn higher Packability when they balance compactness with adequate stability.

Build and Longevity

We cycle hinges to simulated multi-year use and re-measure torque to detect sag. We check tolerance at joints, coating durability, and pad materials to prevent scratching or port blockage. Weight ratings are validated up to 1.5× the claimed load within safe limits.

Scoring and Weights

Each category is normalized 0–10 and weighted by workflow:

• Travel: Stability 30%, Packability 35%, Comfort Range 25%, Cooling 10%.
• Home Office/Studio: Stability 40%, Comfort Range 35%, Cooling 15%, Packability 10%.
• Gaming: Cooling 35%, Stability 35%, Comfort Range 20%, Packability 10%. We publish the exact inputs and raw measurements so you can prioritize what matters most to you.

Sample Handling and Integrity

We buy many units at retail and may accept samples with no guarantee of coverage or outcome. Brands do not pay for placement, cannot preview results, and cannot change scores. When products revise hinges or geometry, we re-test and update version notes.

Reproducibility

We keep fixtures and calculators versioned, note ambient conditions, and list laptop test mules (11–17-inch). If you want to replicate a result, contact us and we’ll share our setup details.