Originally published March 10, 2024. This review covers a legacy laptop and stand, so product names and availability may have changed.
If you find that your posture is suffering from constantly arching forward to work on a laptop, you should consider a laptop stand for your desk. A stand raises the laptop closer to eye level and, paired with a wireless keyboard and mouse, can provide a more comfortable work setup. The best laptop stand for the Dell XPS 13 should be stable, sleek and able to complement the laptop without obstructing it.
What we looked for
- Simple, stable construction
- Better screen height and desk ergonomics
- Open airflow around the laptop
- Secure rubber contact points
- Unobstructed access to ports
Design and assembly
There are many types of laptop stand to choose from, but in this case the simplest designs tend to be better and cheaper without compromising quality. For a robust desktop addition, we tested an OMOTON-style aluminum laptop stand. This generic design has also been sold under brand names such as Soundance and NICEAO.
The stand arrives in a compact box with three separate pieces. Its brackets are made from aluminum approximately 5 mm thick. The material is sufficiently weighty to resist moving or swaying while supporting a laptop, and the stand raises the computer roughly 6 inches above the desk.
Assembly takes only a few seconds and requires no tools. The three parts connect through tapered slot joints with enough press fit to stay tight without adhesives or fasteners. It is a simple, elegant and robust way to bring the laptop closer to eye level.
Ergonomics and workspace
Combining the raised laptop with a second monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard makes the setup considerably more efficient and ergonomic. A dual-monitor workspace is especially useful when working across multiple screens. Raising the laptop can improve both posture and productivity by reducing the need to lean down toward its built-in display.
Cooling and airflow
Screen height is not the stand’s only benefit. The thick aluminum construction has useful heat-dissipation properties that can support the Dell XPS 13’s cooling. More importantly, the open design permits airflow around the laptop, including its underside, which typically becomes warm when it rests directly on a desk. This open structure helps prevent heat from becoming trapped and may reduce how often the fans need to run.
Stability and safety
A well-designed stand should hold the laptop securely without letting it slide. Thick rubber pads on the upper contact surfaces create friction against the underside of the computer. Curved hooks at the front cradle the laptop’s leading edge and prevent it from sliding forward. The arrangement is simple but effective.
The stand itself is also secure. Its aluminum sections are strong and resist flexing, even though the upper bracket supports the laptop in a cantilevered position. Rubber pads beneath the wide base keep it from slipping across the desk. Together, the laptop and stand behave like a solid unit.
Port access
The Dell XPS 13 has ports along both sides. Because the stand is open and unconstrained, those ports remain easy to reach and are not blocked by side supports. Charging cables, adapters and external displays can be connected without lifting the laptop from the stand.
Verdict
This aluminum stand succeeds because it keeps the design simple. It is quick to assemble, stable in use and open enough to support cooling and cable access. Paired with an external keyboard and mouse, it turns the Dell XPS 13 into a more comfortable desktop workstation while occupying relatively little desk space.