The Best Gaming Desks for 2021

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 2021, 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.

When looking for your ideal gaming desk, you should also consider a few logistical factors on top of your own preferences. Consider the features you would benefit most from, the space available to you and how well a desk might integrate with the room you’re working with. Form factor, surface area, dimensions, adjustability, general ergonomics and the materials the desk is made from can all play a huge role in choosing a desk that works best for you.

In the examples below, we’ve compiled 16 gaming desks which we believe are among some of the best currently available on the market. We’ve aimed to provide enough of a range to cover most budgets and preferences, from desks packed with features to those built with simplicity in mind and everything in between. Whatever your preferences, this guide aims to provide you with the information necessary to help you find the ideal desk for all your gaming needs.

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TL;DR - Best Gaming Desks of 2021:

• EUREKA ERGONOMIC Z1-S Gaming Desk
• ApexDesk Elite Series Computer Desk
• AmazonBasics Gaming Computer Desk
• GreenForest L-Shaped Gaming Desk
• Mr IRONSTONE Gaming Desk
• Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk
• Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Battlestation Gaming Desk
• Walker Edison L-Shape Gaming Desk
• Coleshome Computer 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. 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 too many clashing colors. From the smooth carbon fiber surface to the angular and minimalist leg design, this is arguably the best gaming desk in terms of pure looks. And to demonstrate that this desk 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 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.

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 on this, and 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 on adjustment 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, it's fortunately it's all modular so you can create a gaming setup that really matches your personal 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 than many other gaming desks you'd expect to find for the same budget.

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. 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.

6. 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 of this adds up to our reason for placing the Arozzi Arena at the top of our best gaming desk list.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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 possibly want. The cupholder, underside shelf, and monitor stand maximize your space with storage designed specifically 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.

Guide to Buying a Desk for Gaming

While you don’t need to be a serious gamer to get value out of a gaming desk, you’ll get the best results if you know what to expect from the best models. That’s what HotRate is here for. Whether you’re an eSports pro or simply an office professional looking to step up your game, we’ll break down the most important specs and features of each desk, while also providing some practical shopping advice to help you in your search.

Factors You Should Consider

Before we begin, 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 a standard 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 both for the office and for home. Depending on your gaming preference, having the option to go from sitting to standing has its benefits, particularly in breaking up those long sessions sat in the same position.

Corner Desks

These desks adopt 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, these desks 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.

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, which you can simply multiply together to determine the total surface area. Of course, a big computer desk means that you’ll need plenty of space to accommodate it.

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 space will really benefit from 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 the gaming desk. 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, which will typically suit 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 add a little extra room without the worry of awkward sitting positions.

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. In this case, 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 to help you narrow down your search.

• Cup holders and headset hooks are most commonly positioned at the opposite sides of the desk for easy access from your chair. They’re one of the most common features in 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. These are often built into the desks themselves, but you can also purchase monitor arms separately. The latter is a great solution 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 features in a computer desk is a mousepad surface. While some gaming desks come with a regular-sized mouse pad, we prefer those which coat the whole top of the desk in fabric. These allow you to use the entire surface of the desk to navigate your mouse smoothly. This 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 allow you to keep all of your cables in order. While this can keep things neat and tidy, the best systems for managing your cables often use more sophisticated hooks and channels to help 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 build-in USB chargers to keep your devices powered. That being said, don’t underestimate the value of more generic storage options; it’s not uncommon at all to find a simple 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 MMOs 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. 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. You’ll have to weigh up if the effort of adjusting is more likely to discourage you from using this feature.

Ergonomics

We’ve already covered the topic of dimensions, which is always going to be the most important factor to look at when talking about ergonomics. However, there are other considerations you should keep in mind, such as the position of the keyboard shelf. 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 to avoid putting 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 gaming desks are generally pretty standard: metal, wood, and plastic. While it’s okay to invest in a desk that comes with a little bit of a 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. Desks that are primarily made from wood are heavy, bulky, and prone to staining. That being said, they do 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 is 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 your search might take a little longer if you’re looking for a gaming desk that’s also a standing desk. 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.

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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.