Best Gaming Desk 2020: 16 Computer Desks for Every Gamer Type

This guide will help you find the best gaming desk, regardless of your budget. There are many gaming desks now available on the market in 2020, and each have their pros and cons. Some gamers prefer a large surface area for multiple monitors, height adjustment and cool features like RGB lighting, while others prefer storage space in the form of racks and drawers.

Factors You Should Consider Before Buying

Before we start, there are four different types of gaming desks you should consider when choosing the right option for you:

Standard Desks

These are your traditional type of gaming desks and don’t differ too much from an office desk. However, when it comes to gaming, standard desks tend to have a few extra features like headphone hooks, drink holders and cool extras like RGB lighting.

Height Adjustable Desks

Sit / Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular for both the office and home. Depending on your gaming preference, having the option to go from sitting to standing has its benefits, especially to break up those long sessions sat in the same position.

Corner Desks

These employ an L-shape that allows them to take advantage of your gaming room space by maximizing the wall area. They’re also great if you require a large surface area for multiple monitors and other equipment.

U-shaped Desks

As the name suggests they are shaped like a U, and they supercharge the amount of space that corner desks provide. While a rare few are designed and sold explicitly as U-shaped models, there are also many L-shaped desks that you can combine together for similar results.

We’ve also listed the most popular features, such as surface area, materials, and height adjustment. Be sure to take a look at our guide below to learn what features to look for when choosing the best gaming desk for your needs.

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Quick Look: Best Gaming Desks of 2020

• Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk
• ApexDesk Elite Series Computer Desk
• AmazonBasics Gaming Computer Desk
• GreenForest L-Shaped Gaming Desk
• Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Battlestation Gaming Desk
• Mr IRONSTONE Gaming Desk
• Walker Edison L-Shape Gaming Desk
• Coleshome Computer Desk
• EUREKA ERGONOMIC Z1-S Gaming Desk
• Mr IRONSTONE L-Shaped Gaming Desk
• Atlantic Gaming Pro Desk
• RESPAWN 1000 Gaming Computer Desk
• Waleaf Vitesse Gaming Computer Desk
• Ameriwood Home Dakota L-Shaped Desk
• DXRacer Gaming Desk
• AuAg Enhanced Larger Gaming Desk

1. Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk

Best All-Round Gaming Desk With an Expansive Mousepad

Arozzi may not be the biggest name in the gaming peripheral business, but they're clearly hungry, and their newest entry into the gaming desk market - the Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk - is one of the best demonstrations of how a simple gaming desk sometimes has a lot more going on here. The Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk is a simple, single-level desk that would look indistinguishable from plenty of others if it weren't for the curved edge and the Arozzi logo.

But the simple design of the Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk comes with an important advantage too: portability. This desk can break down into three component parts for easy transport despite being able to support a hefty 176 pounds. Even cooler is the micro-fiber mousepad which is designed to cover the whole top and offers you a free range of movement anywhere on the desktop. And the cutouts for cable management run under the Arozzi Arena pad fabric for a significantly neater environment for gaming. All this adds up to why we've placed the Arozzi Arena at the top of our best gaming desk list.

2. ApexDesk Elite Series Computer Desk

Best Gaming Desk with Height Adjustment

Serious gaming can sometimes mean sitting in front of a monitor for hours at a time, so the ability to shift between different positions is integral to good ergonomics during marathon gaming sessions. The ApexDesk Elite Series delivers, and it does so in a clean and sleek package that's not overpacked with frills. There's a nearly 20-inch range of movement with this gaming desk, and it can clear a full 1.5 inches in a second.

You won't have to spend a whole lot of time adjusting your options either. A simple six-button control system makes the process of adjusting the height simple, and there are even four different programmable presets, so you can shift seamlessly between your favorite positions. That wide range of height options means that this can work just as well as a standing desk for the workday as it will for intense and long-term gaming.

3. AmazonBasics Gaming Computer Desk

A Budget Gaming Desk Bursting at the Seams With Storage

The AmazonBasics has a whole lot more going on than its name would suggest, but it bears a price tag that makes it arguably the best gaming desk for customers on a tight budget. The spacious basket mounted underneath the desktop is more than the average gaming desk offers, but it's complemented by a five slot accessory shelf, cupholders, and earphone holders. There's even a smaller secondary platform that can hold a monitor of up to 32 inches.

All of that storage may be a little cluttered for some gamers, but it's fortunately all modular so you can create a gaming setup that really matches your personal sense of style. And while it may come cheap, it doesn't come cheaply made. Between the quality of the metal and the smart K-shaped legs, this is far sturdier a gaming desk than you could expect to find for the budget price.

4. GreenForest L-Shaped Gaming Desk

Best Gaming Desk for Corner Spaces

The L-shaped design of this GreenForest gaming desk can really help you make the most of the space available to you while preventing things from getting too cluttered with your gaming setup. And if that's not enough for peripherals and monitors, you can even combine two of these gaming desks together. And with an MSRP of around $150, it's pretty easy to put two together to create a gaming command center. And with its lightweight design and three-component pieces, it's easy to shift up the configuration on a whim.

This gaming desk is ecologically responsible too. The desktop surface is made entirely from P2 environmental particle board, so it's a significant step up from the traditional MDF used in a gaming desk. On top of that, it's both scratch-resistant and moisture-proof. so you can count on it to handle the rigors of even the most serious gaming sessions.

5. Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Battlestation Gaming Desk

One of the Best Gaming Desks to feature RGB Lighting

The ThermalTake TT is not a cheap gaming desk by any stretch of the imagination, but it's arguably the best of the best options on the market. The cable management is very sophisticated, and there are six control panels for adjusting your different display options and four programmable level settings.

But maybe the coolest inclusion here is how well this desk is tapped into an existing Razer Chroma ecosystem. All of your RGB lighting can be synced up with this desk, and this desk is fully adjustable so you can shift seamlessly between sitting and standing positions with the press of a single button. And this table has been built from scratch to support multiple monitor setups.

6. Mr IRONSTONE Gaming Desk

Back to Basics Features, Highly Durable Design

Like its name would suggest, the Mr Ironstone gaming desk is straightforward and to the point. It's definitely not the prettiest gaming desk we've seen, but it's pound for pound (and dollar for dollar) one of the most effective. The top of this computer desk is quite expansive, and the R-style legs create an exceptional sense of balance on a gaming desk that might otherwise appear flimsy at first glance. And that relatively simple design makes it easy to move and helps you do more with the space in your room.

That back to basics approach does make concessions for the needs of the average gamer though. There's a headphone holder on one side and a cup holder on the other, and the laminated tabletop is fully water-resistant, making the risk of staining irrelevant and making cleanup a complete breeze.

7. Walker Edison L-Shape Gaming Desk

The Best Looking Corner Desk Out There

This Walker Edison gaming desk markets itself as a command center, but the military naming convention doesn't mean that this is a loud, RGB lighting-laden monstrosity like the accessories made by Razer. In fact, with its smooth glass surface and muted black metal design, it could work as a more conventional office desk without any question from your colleagues.

The glass on this Walker Edison model is high-quality too. It's tempered to withstand a decent amount of impact, and the smooth surface area means that it will work like a dream with just about any gaming mouse - mouse pad or not. The obvious appeal here is the L-shaped design of this desk, and it really does a good job of helping you maximize the amount of space in your gaming room. As long as you have a free corner available, this is a desk that will provide you with optimal movement and storage without getting in the way.

8. Coleshome Computer Desk

The Best Range of Desk Sizes

Coleshome's desk isn't technically marketed as a gaming desk, but it earned a spot on our list thanks to the reliable performance it delivers even if you're on a very modest budget. The thicker than average legs provide a nice sense of stability even when you're on a less than even surface. This gaming desk is made from some pretty serious materials too. The legs themselves are powder-coated steel, while the desktop is both waterproof and resistant to scratches.

The right gaming desk for any room is going to depend on the size and space available to you, but Coleshome offers their gaming desk in a variety of different sizes. That means that even if you're dealing with some very limited space, you can find a gaming desk that suits you. And regardless of the gaming desk size you settle on, you can get a Coleshome model for under $200.

9. EUREKA ERGONOMIC Z1-S Gaming Desk

Compact But Packed With Storage Space

The Eureka Ergonomic Z1-S is one of the coolest looking gaming desk models we've seen, in large part because it leans hard into gaming sensibilities without there being too many clashing colors. From the smooth carbon fiber desk surface to the angular and minimalist design of the legs, this is arguably the best gaming desk in terms of pure good looks. And suiting the fact that this is a desk that puts gaming first is the inclusion of a cupholder, a headset hook, and a shelf for holding your controllers and other accessories.

The design of the Eureka Ergonomic Z1-S isn't about aesthetics alone either. Those z-shaped legs create a greater sense of stability while still keeping the form factor of this gaming desk compact. And while the desktop space here may be minimal (at least compared to the best gaming desk models), there's enough to comfortably hold two monitors.

10. Mr IRONSTONE L-Shaped Gaming Desk

A Desk With a Staggering Amount of Storage

When looking at an L-shaped gaming desk, you're certain to find a lot that treat that secondary stretch of desktop space as an afterthought. Mr IRONSTONE's gaming desk doesn't have that problem. It extends out significantly from both sides, allowing you to essentially set up two workstations with separate monitors while helping you get the most out of the space available to you. The result ranks among the best gaming desk models for gamers with a whole lot of stuff.

And since both sides are the same length, this gaming desk is very modular. No matter what corner you want to position it in, you can accomplish that without having to worry about losing out on productivity. And since it's anti-scratch, water-resistant, and easy to clean, you won't have to spend much time worrying about this gaming desk scratching up your hardwoods or a spill ruining your whole gaming setup.

11. Atlantic Gaming Pro Desk

Exceedingly Lean, Exceedingly Capable Cable Management

Atlantic understands what gamers need, and while that's reflected in all of their quality gaming desk models, it shines through best with the Gaming Desk Pro. The top itself is made from tempered carbon fiber for smoother and more accurate mouse movement. The steel frame is incredibly sturdy too and ranks among the best that you'll find on a budget-priced gaming desk. The front is even curved for more ergonomic access to everything on the desk.

But Atlantic goes above and beyond to deliver everything that gamers could want. The cupholder, underside shelf, and monitor stand maximize your space with specifically designed storage for most of the gear a gamer will use on an everyday basis, but that's just scratching the surface of what this gaming desk offers. The cable management system particularly stands out - and it even includes a dedicated mount for holding your power strip.

12. RESPAWN 1000 Gaming Computer Desk

A Small Gaming Desk That Can Hold Some Serious Weight

The minimalist design of the Respawn 1000 gaming desk ensures that it won't take up much space in your office, but the space that is there is about as smartly designed as it could be. The monitor and speaker shelves are both elevated to provide you with the most level delivery of both audio and video to your ears and eyes, and there's also a cup holder for keeping yourself hydrated during those hours-long marathons.

Another huge asset for the long haul is the beveled front of the desk. It's an ergonomic design choice that helps prevent your wrists from being held at awkward angles, and the inclusion of adjustable glides means that you have even more control over the ergonomics of this gaming desk. These gaming desks come in two different sizes, but both are fully height adjustable so you can get the precise configuration that suits your computer gaming preferences.

13. Waleaf Vitesse Gaming Computer Desk

A Gaming Desk That's Also a Charging Station

If you're a serious gamer, it's easy to quickly acquire an overwhelming collection of equipment and accessories. The Waleaf Vitesse provides you with plenty of room to hold all of your important and secondary peripherals while also keeping them neatly organized so they're always comfortably within reach when you need them. The cupholder and headphone hook are positioned on opposite ends of this gaming desk, and the sturdy rack for holding controllers can be adjusted to anywhere on the desk's top. It even comes with four USB ports for easy access to charging.

The materials here are some of the best we've seen from a gaming desk. The T-shaped legs may not be the most elaborate on our best gaming desks list, but they get the job done, and the frame is made from solidly coated steel. The top itself can actually double as a mouse pad that covers the entirety of the area.

14. Ameriwood Home Dakota L-Shaped Desk

Elegant and Rustic Wood Design

If you're looking for a change of pace from the average look of gaming desks, Ameriwood offers a more traditional alternative that can also work capably as an office desk. Constructed from rustic oak, it makes use of an L-shape design for maximum usage of your space, and that additional capacity is further bolstered by the three shelves that occupy the right side of the desk. They're large and flexible enough to suit a wide variety of different accessories.

Cable management systems are more uncommon than they probably should be with gaming desks, but this desk employs one of the best cabling solutions that we've encountered yet. The grommet holes are unobtrusive but large enough that you can comfortably scale up for even the most elaborate computer gaming configuration. And with its espresso finish, it's among the best gaming desks in terms of pure good looks.

15. DXRacer Gaming Desk

Small, Compact, and Relatively Portable

DXRacer may be best known for their gaming chairs, but you'd be remiss to not check out their approach to the gaming desk market. For raw efficiency, this is a strong contender for the best gaming desk on the market, just as long as the garishly neon design sensibilities aren't going to turn you off. The design here is the height of simplicity, and that makes it a complete breeze to set up. Lightweight and foldable, it's one of the best gaming desks for pros on a budget.

And there's a surprising amount of depth packed into the modest frame of this gaming desk. A huge wire management system is capable of handling an entire room full of peripherals and equipment, while the 10-degree slope of the desk itself is a clever way to offer the best ergonomics possible without requiring a lot of expensive complexity.

16. AuAg Enhanced Larger Gaming Desk

One of the best gaming desks for space

The AuAg has the look of a gaming desk, but it also has the features to match. The surface area you'll have to work with is absolutely huge - clocking in at a full 55 by 26 inches and encompassing that whole area with a 3-millimeter waterproof fabric that can double as a mousepad. And liquids slick right off of it, making the process of cleaning this gaming desk a simple affair.

It goes without saying that this is a big gaming desk. The distance from the legs means that stability could be an issue, but this AuAg gaming desk includes adjustable feet that can help account for more uneven floors. You should be able to comfortably fit three different monitors onto this one desk without any issues. Despite all this, the aesthetics are great. The red lines add a splash of flavor to an otherwise muted black top.

Best Gaming Desks Buyer’s Guide

You don’t need to be a serious gamer to get value out of a gaming desk, but you’ll get the best results if you know what you can expect to find from the best models. That’s what HotRate is here for. We’ll break down those most important features and specs and also provide you with some practical shopping advice you can use whether you’re an esports professional or simply an office professional looking to step up your game.

Form Factor

There are three main considerations to take into account when looking for the best gaming desks: surface area, weight, and height. All three should be a consideration when looking for a gaming desk for a computer, and the value of each will really depend on the sort of gaming experience you’re looking to replicate.

Surface Area

The surface area takes into account both the length and the width of a gaming desk’s surface. We’ve listed these dimensions separately, and if you want to determine the total surface area, you’ll just want to multiply the width and length together. Of course, a big computers desk means that you’ll need plenty of space to accommodate it.

It’s generally recommended that you account for an extra three and a half feet of space to sit in so that you can get around your desk for computer without being cramped, but you may like to do some additional testing if you’re worried about your room. Take the time to test any drawers if you have the chance to see if they can fully extend without you having to move into a more uncomfortable position.

If the area in your room isn’t going to be an issue, you may want to look into an L-shaped desk. This type of desk comes with two separate work areas, and that makes it ideal for multiple monitors. Professionals and gamers who need a lot of real estate space will really like the extra room, and an L-shaped corner desk can sit against the edge of your room, maximizing the room available to you elsewhere.

Height

The height mentioned on our specs list refers to the room between the floor itself and the bottom of gaming desks. When looking for gaming desks you’ll love, your main concern here is to make sure that there’s enough room for your legs. Most of the best gaming desks offer a clearance of roughly 29 to 30 inches. That’s going to be the best height for the average gamer, but you may want to look for gaming desks with more clearance if you’re especially tall. A height-adjustable gaming desk can be one of the best ways to go if you like a little extra room but are worried about awkward seating.

Weight

For the majority of customers, weight isn’t going to be a big deal when looking for a desk. Computer users who want to travel with their gaming desk may want to consider gaming desks that are more lightweight and can fold up for more portable access, but mobile gaming desks aren’t especially common. The best gaming desk for travel will typically not come with all the bells and whistles you can expect from more traditional gaming desks. You may want to look instead at lap desks for portable use.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is the spec you should pay the most attention to when seeking out the best gaming desk – and that’s especially true if you’re working with multiple monitors. Maximum weight is listed by the manufacturer for a reason, and testing the limits could destroy your equipment and even cause you harm. Often, a gaming desk comes with a maximum weight of 200 pounds or more, but some gaming desks offer just a fraction of that.

Gaming Features

There are quite a few gaming-specific features that are common in gaming desks, and not every gaming desk comes with all of them. We’ll outline the most common features. We suggest that you make a mental checklist of the features that matter to you. That can help you narrow down the search of the best gaming desks and more readily find something you’ll like.

• Cup holders and headset hooks are most commonly positioned at the opposite sides of the desk for ready access from your chair. They’re one of the most common features in the best gaming desks, in large part because they’re cheap to include. But that also means that if you’re looking for desks for computer gaming but don’t like models that come with these features, you can pretty easily find a solution on your own.
• A stand for a second monitor can be one of the best inclusions for a gaming desk. Often these are built into the desks themselves, but you can purchase monitor arms separately. The latter is a great inclusion if you shift between work and leisure regularly. Also keep in mind that elevating a monitor can make it easier to read without craning your neck and can offer the best ergonomics around.
• One of our favorite inclusions in a computer desk is a mousepad surface. While some gaming desks come with a regularly sized mouse pad, we like ones that coat the whole top of the desk in fabric. These allow you to use the entire area of the desk’s top to navigate your mouse smoothly and is one of the best choices for fast-paced games like RTS’ and FPS’ that reward quick and broad movements.
• Many gaming desks come with a system for managing your cables, but this can take many forms. Most common is the placement of a grommet (or two, or sometimes more) that lets you direct all your cables in the right direction. While that can keep things neat and tidy, the best systems for managing your cables often use more sophisticated hooks and channels to keep your cables from becoming an issue.
• Gaming desks often come with additional storage options, but these can vary from model to model. One of the most useful is a dedicated controller rack, and some of the cooler computer desk models even come with USB chargers built into this rack so you can keep your devices powered. But don’t underestimate the value of more generic storage options. It’s not uncommon at all to find a basket mounted to the side or underside of a desk.

Adjustability

A height-adjustable desk usually comes at a premium, but that premium will be worth it to a lot of gamers. These desks can adjust to the situation you’re in, letting you shift from a more relaxed pose for long grind games like MMO or to something more rigid and posture-driven when you need to be alert and able to respond quickly to what’s happening on your monitor.

How the height of your desk is adjusted should be a primary factor to consider as well. An electronic desk really makes it easy to adjust the height, but it also costs significantly more, and if the motors or components break, it can be even more expensive to replace. On the other hand, you’re more inclined to like the price of manually adjustable desks, but they can be a real pain to adjust. There’s not much point in getting one if the effort of transitioning is going to discourage you from using this feature.

Ergonomics

We’ve already talked about the dimensions of a desk, and that’s going to be the most important factor to look at when talking about ergonomics, but there are other considerations you can keep in mind once you’ve accounted for leg clearance and the space in your room. Consider how the keyboard shelf is positioned. No one should have to stoop over to reach their keyboard and mouse.

The shape of the desk’s front can also have an impact on how comfortable a desk feels. A desk with a curved edge is generally going to offer a more natural typing experience. If you find a desk with sharp edges, we highly recommend getting a wrist rest. Otherwise, it can put serious strain on your hands. Some desks offer more exotic ergonomic options, but you should evaluate them on a case-by-case basis. There’s a decent chance that a “killer feature” will actually turn out to just be a gimmick.

Materials

The materials used in a gaming desk are generally pretty standard: metal, wood, and plastic. While it’s okay to invest in a desk that comes with a little bit of plastic trim, you should be wary of desks that are primarily made of plastic. These are serious devices intended to hold some heavy and expensive equipment, and a primarily plastic frame simply isn’t going to be up to the task for most gamers. The materials used for the top of the desk are going to have the biggest impact on your enjoyment.

• A laminate is the most common choice you’ll find, and that’s because it’s also the most practical. Laminate surfaces are typically MDF wood (essentially plywood) that’s been treated. To some extent, it gives you the best of both worlds. These desks are typically easy to clean and cheap to produce. But quality can vary wildly, and some laminate surfaces show wear and tear easily or look cheaper than their more traditional wood counterparts.
• Real wood is more common in traditional office desks than it is in gaming desks. In our opinion, wood doesn’t bring a whole lot to the table in terms of practical considerations. Desks that are totally or primarily made from wood are heavy, bulky, and prone to staining. On the other hand, they look great. If you’re looking to leave an impression, wood is the way to go. But for just about everyone else, laminate or metal is more than up to the task.
• A steel or metal top is going to last you a lifetime, and it’s relatively cheap to produce. That said, they aren’t the prettiest looking desks around. If you value pragmatism above else, you’re sure to find some metal desks on our list that will suit you. Just try to keep in mind whether you’ll find yourself satisfied with the look or feel of one in the long term.

Finally, consider the materials the legs and frame are made from too. Metal is pretty standard, but if durability is a big worry, you should look at desks constructed from steel. And while many manufacturers will promote the uniqueness of their leg design, there’s not going to be a huge difference between a T-shaped or R-shaped set of legs.

Standing Desk Models

If you want a standing desk, we have plenty of desks that might suit your needs, but if you’re looking for a gaming desk that’s also a standing desk, your search might take quite a bit longer. While the standing desk design is becoming increasingly more ubiquitous in offices, they still haven’t taken off in the world of gaming. The best gaming desks aren’t usually height adjustable to a level where they can work as a standing desk. We generally recommend seeking out a riser if you’d like a gaming desk that can convert into a standing mode.

You might like our other gaming related articles:

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Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for the best gaming desk, you’ve come to the right place. Quality PC gaming is about more than just cool LED lighting, and gaming desks tend to be a bit less flamboyant than a lot of gamer-centric accessories. We’ll keep our list updated with all the newest and coolest models, but be sure to leave your impressions below if you’ve tried any of these models out yourself.