Finding the right gaming desk that can help you organize all of your gaming equipment makes a huge difference. For multiple-monitor setups, you need enough surface area to space out the screens properly while still having room for peripheral accessories like your keyboard, mouse, controller, headphones, microphone, speakers, and camera.
The best gaming desk for you should be ergonomically suited to your size with measurements that will not cause you discomfort after extended use. Also, keep in mind how much equipment you are placing on the desk and the potential weight of it all. Find a desk with a sturdy base and solid legs to ensure it does not collapse, potentially injuring you or damaging your gear. Take a look below at some of the best gaming desks available.
- BEST OVERALL: Vitesse 55-Inch Gaming Desk
- RUNNER-UP: Tangkula 48-Inch Gaming Desk
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vitesse 40-Inch Ergonomic Gaming Desk
- BEST FOR PCS: Atlantic Original Gaming-Desk Pro
- BEST FOR DUAL MONITORS: Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk
- BEST ADJUSTABLE: Mr Ironstone L-Shaped Desk
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Mr Ironstone Carbon Fiber Gaming Desk
- BEST ERGONOMIC: Eureka Ergonomic Z1-S Gaming Desk
- BEST STANDING: Stand Steady Tranzendesk 55-Inch Standing Desk
- BEST FOR CORNER SPACES: GreenForest L-Shaped Corner Desk
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gaming Desk
Before buying a gaming computer table or pro gaming desk, consider a few critical product features in order to make an informed decision about the best gaming desk for your setup.
Size and Surface Area
A major consideration when picking a sturdy gaming desk is how much surface area is required for all the gaming equipment. Desks come in a variety of shapes—including rectangular, L-shaped, and U-shaped options—and most manufacturers provide the length, height, depth, and sometimes width so you know whether you are investing in a 55-inch gaming desk, a 60-inch gaming desk, or a 63-inch gaming desk before putting it together. This helps to provide a clear sense of the full size of the product before purchase.
For gaming areas with less space available, an L-shaped corner desk or even a small rectangular desk with a monitor shelf helps save room. On the other hand, if space is not a concern, a big gaming desk can provide gamers with a lot of space for extra monitors or peripherals. As long as the desk fits in the space provided, choosing an awesome gaming desk for your setup should come down to personal preference based on your style and equipment needs.
Shape
Gaming desks come in three main shapes: standard (rectangular), L-shaped, and U-shaped.
- Standard gaming desks are rectangular and generally have the smallest surface area of the three types. However, their simple shape allows manufacturers to include many additional features like a monitor shelf, a cupholder, or a headphone hook while keeping the price lower than an L- or U-shaped desk without all the extras.
- L-shaped gaming desks work best for setting up in the corner of a room. This design offers the player freedom of movement and more surface area than a standard desk. Some L-shaped desks include additional storage spaces like shelves, drawers, or accessory holders to free up more room. A curved gaming desk would also fall into this category, though these products sacrifice space behind the desk, so they may not be the best option for a corner setup.
- U-shaped gaming desks are less common than standard or L-shaped desks. Most of the time, they are just two L-shaped desks pushed together. This provides double the surface area, but it also doubles the cost, and a player may feel closed in with gaming equipment on three sides. A U-shaped desk is a good option for gamers with lots of gear and plenty of floor space.
Material
Gaming desks are typically made from at least two different materials, which generally fall into four categories: wood, steel, glass, and plastic.
- Wood gaming desk material ranges from solid hardwood to engineered particleboard. While hardwood is much more durable than particleboard, it is also much heavier and more expensive. Particleboard desktops usually make up for the light construction material by pairing the board with a steel frame for extra durability.
- Steel gaming desk material makes for strong, durable desk frames and is often (but not always) paired with lighter wood or PVC desktops. Metal gaming desks are generally lightweight, affordable, and easy to find. They also frequently include features like cupholders and headphone hooks that other desks do not have.
- Glass gaming desk material is not common because it is fragile, easy to get dirty, and expensive. However, these glass desks do look stylish and modern. Consider one of these if the desk’s overall aesthetic is more important than its function (or price).
- Plastic gaming desk material is naturally water-resistant (a big plus where electronics are concerned), inexpensive, and durable. These desks usually have a steel frame and support bars running under the plastic desktop to help increase the maximum weight capacity.
Storage Space
Extra storage space in a gaming desk is helpful for keeping spare cables, peripheral devices, controllers, headsets, games, and anything else nearby. Storage requirements differ for each gamer and each gamer’s setup.
Gaming desks can come with a variety of storage features, like built-in cupholders, drawers, headphone hooks, cable nets, charging docks, keyboard drawers, and storage towers. Keep in mind that with the right storage extras, a smaller gaming desk can easily handle the same amount of equipment as a larger one, which saves floor space.
Decks for Multiple Monitors
Most gaming desks only have one surface to place the monitors and peripheral accessories on, which is OK with less equipment. However, for anyone with a large gaming layout, it is beneficial to invest in a modern gaming desk that has a dedicated monitor deck.
A monitor deck (or monitor shelf) is typically attached to the back or side of the desk and may even hang over the desktop. This allows the monitor or monitors to sit on the shelf, opening up the full desktop for peripheral accessories like a keyboard, controller, or mouse.
Ergonomics
“Ergonomic” is a word people often use without really understanding what it means. Ergonomics refers to the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. An ergonomic gaming desk is a desk designed to increase the user’s gaming efficiency.
This can be done in many different ways. For instance, a gaming desk could come with a built-in mouse pad that protects the desk from dirt, grease, and water (along with providing a surface for the mouse). An ergonomic desk may also describe a manual or motorized gaming desk that can be raised or lowered because this adjustable feature allows the user to set the desk to the correct height, reducing muscle strain over a period of extended use.
Cable Management
Finding a gaming desk with enough surface space for all the necessary equipment is only the first hurdle when it comes to setting up a fun, efficient gaming space. Without proper cable management, it’s all too easy for a tangle of cords to ruin an otherwise exceptional gaming layout.
Gaming desks with cable-management features typically have one or more cutouts near the back of the desk that open to reveal a hidden space for cables to run. These desks may even have a built-in power bar so that only one cord runs to the nearest outlet.
Height Adjustment
Most gaming desks have a set height of approximately 25 to 30 inches, which is more than enough for the average gamer chair. However, taller gamers may want to look for a higher desk.
Certain gaming desks come with a height-adjustment system for raising or lowering the desk. An adjustable-height manual or electric gaming desk is an excellent option for avoiding chronic back pain, neck pain, and even carpal tunnel syndrome, which can occur with desks that don’t sit at an appropriate height for the gamer’s stature and posture.
Weight Capacity
Any constructed material that is designed to hold weight has a maximum weight capacity. This is the tested weight limit of the object—in this case, a gaming desk. However, not all manufacturers list this weight limit and may instead estimate using a more nebulous weight description, like the number of computers or monitors, or leave it out entirely.
It isn’t advisable to estimate a gaming desk’s maximum weight capacity, especially if the desk needs to hold expensive equipment. If the estimate is off by too much, the equipment can break the desk, potentially damaging the equipment or even the person using the desk. However, most gaming desks are built to withstand at least one computer, one monitor, and the associated peripheral accessories, so a small gaming setup is likely safe with a “two-computer” gaming desk.
Our Top Picks
The top-of-the-line products below were chosen for quality, efficacy, and price to help you find the ultimate gaming desk for your computer setup.
Photo: amazon.com
The Vitesse 55-Inch Gaming Desk is a great option for just about any gaming desk layouts with a maximum weight capacity of 260 pounds and a large surface area measuring 55 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep. The rectangular desk sits at a height of 29.5 inches and comes with three color options: black, red, and carbon-fiber black.
The durable steel frame features four leveling feet, which makes it easy to set up. This model also has a built-in cupholder and headphone hook and includes a charging rack to store controllers, a phone, or games. Plug a device into one of the four USB ports in the rack to charge it while gaming.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: 260 pounds
- Dimensions: 29.5 inches tall by 55 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep
Pros
- Broad 55-inch-wide surface area
- Tough steel frame
- Built-in cupholder and headphone hook
- Comes with a charging rack for controllers
Cons
- Lacks drawers or storage space
Get the Vitesse 55-inch gaming desk at Amazon, Wayfair, or Vitesse.
Photo: amazon.com
This gaming desk measures 35.5 inches tall by 48 inches wide by 23.5 inches deep. However, this isn’t all the available space. The Tangkula model also has a 36-inch-long monitor shelf that fastens to the main desk and extends inches above the desktop.
The desk is durable and stable, made of engineered wood and tubular steel. It has a weight capacity of 132 pounds and comes with a built-in power strip, which contains three AC outlets and two USB ports. The rectangular gaming desk also has a headphone hook and a cupholder on the opposite side of the desk to keep drinks far away from headphones and other gaming equipment.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: 132 pounds
- Dimensions: 35.5 inches tall by 48 inches wide by 23.5 inches deep
Pros
- Built-in power strip
- Includes a headphone hook and cupholder
- Monitor shelf for additional desk space
- Design doubles as a workstation for the home office
Cons
Get the Tangkula gaming desk on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Vitesse 40-Inch Ergonomic Gaming Desk is an attractive, quality model at an affordable price. The rectangular desk measures 40 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep and comes with a full-desk mouse pad that protects its entire surface from oil, dirt, and water.
This gaming desk is made with a steel frame and a PVC desktop that sits 29.5 inches high and can hold up to 260 pounds. It also comes with a built-in cupholder and headphone hook as well as an accessory rack for recharging controllers, a phone, a tablet, or headphones with its four USB ports.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: 260 pounds
- Dimensions: 29.5 inches tall by 40 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep
Pros
- Full-desk mouse pad
- Includes a headphone hook and cupholder
- Comes with a charging rack for controllers
- Hidden cable management system
Cons
Get the Vitesse 40-inch gaming desk on Amazon or Vitesse.
Photo: amazon.com
With a short 40.3-inch width and 23.5-inch depth, this gaming desk may seem too small. However, the rectangular desk comes with many storage options, including a charging stand for a phone or tablet, speaker stands, an under-desk basket for cord management, a cupholder, a headphone hook, and a hidden power-strip holder.
The legs are made of steel and the desktop is engineered wood with a carbon fiber laminate finish. This desk also has a monitor shelf that sits just 6 inches above the desktop and measures 21 inches wide by 7 inches deep, which is suitable for up to a 32-inch monitor. The manufacturer doesn’t give a maximum weight limit, but based on the size of the desktop, it should probably only support one computer, one monitor, and their peripheral accessories.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: Not provided
- Dimensions: 29.8 inches tall by 40.3 inches wide by 23.5 inches deep
Pros
- Hidden cable management system
- Includes a cupholder, headphone hook, charging stand, speaker stands
- Monitor shelf for additional desk space
- Tough steel frame
Cons
- Weight capacity isn’t provided
- Small surface area
Get the Atlantic Original gaming desk on Amazon or The Atlantic Store.
Photo: amazon.com
Ultrawide monitors or a multiple-monitor system can take up a lot of space, requiring an ultrawide gaming desk like the Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk to ensure that all that equipment can fit. The desktop measures 63 inches wide by 32.3 inches deep with an adjustable height.
While it lacks extra accessories like a cupholder or headset hook, this gaming desk comes with a hidden cable-management system, including three concealed cutouts and a cable net that sits underneath the desk. There’s also a water-resistant desktop-size mouse pad. The desk has a maximum weight capacity of 176 pounds and comes in six color options: red, blue, green, white, black with red, and pure black.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: 176 pounds
- Dimensions: 31.75 inches tall by 63 inches wide by 32.3 inches deep
Pros
- Broad 63-inch surface area
- Waterproof desktop-size mouse pad
- Hidden cable management system
- 6 different color options
Cons
- Low weight capacity for the size
Get the Arozzi gaming desk on Amazon or Arozzi.
Photo: amazon.com
This gaming desk is great to set up in the corner for an open-concept feel or to extend out into the room to form an enclosed gaming space. Each side of the L-shaped desk measures 50.8 inches in width by 18.2 inches in depth, providing a wide surface to set up multiple monitors or even multiple computers with all of their peripheral accessories.
The desk is made with a steel frame and an engineered wood desktop. While there is no maximum weight listed, the manufacturer does state that the desk is strong enough to hold two to three monitors and computers. It sits at 29.5 inches high and has adjustable leveling feet to ensure the desk sits level even if the floor isn’t.
Product Specs
- Shape: L-shaped
- Weight capacity: Not provided
- Dimensions: Each side measures 29.5 inches tall by 50.8 inches wide by 18.2 inches deep
Pros
- Large surface area
- Durable steel frame and engineered wood desktop
- Monitor shelf for additional desk space
- Adjustable leveling feet and setup positioning
Cons
- Weight capacity isn’t provided
Get the Mr Ironstone L-shaped gaming desk on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
If floor space is limited, then this small rectangular gaming desk that’s just 45.2 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep is an excellent option. It comes with a cupholder on the left side and a headphone or VR hook on the right front edge of the desk to save room, as well as two cutouts near the back of the desk to run cables through.
The 30.4-inch-high desk is made with a durable steel frame and a laminated-PVC desktop with a maximum weight capacity of 110 pounds. It has adjustable leveling pads under the feet, and spills won’t damage the desk because laminated PVC is waterproof and easy to clean.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: 110 pounds
- Dimensions: 30.4 inches inches tall by 45.2 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep
Pros
- Built-in power strip
- Includes a headphone hook and cupholder
- Hidden cable-management system
- Waterproof laminated-PVC surface
Cons
Get the Mr Ironstone carbon fiber gaming desk on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Compact and easy to use, the Eureka Ergonomic Z1-S Gaming Desk is designed to make the gaming experience more efficient with a built-in cupholder, headphone hook, and controller stand. The desk has a metal frame and measures 44.5 inches in width by 24.2 inches in depth and sits at a height of 30.8 inches. It supports up to 220 pounds of weight, which is strong enough for a 40-inch-wide monitor.
The engineered-wood desktop has a carbon-fiber texture and cable-management cutout plus an extra-large mouse pad. The adjustable leveling feet enable the desk to sit level on most surfaces. The built-in RGB LED lighting powers up by plugging the gaming desk into a laptop or PC. The lights include eight different lighting modes and six colors for unique customization.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: 220 pounds
- Dimensions: 30.8 inches tall by 44.5 inches wide by 24.2 inches deep
Pros
- Built-in RGB LED lighting
- Includes a headphone hook and cupholder
- Water-resistant desktop-size mouse pad
- Hidden cable-management system
Cons
- Short width limits overall surface area
Get the Eureka Ergonomic gaming desk on Amazon or Eureka Ergonomic.
Photo: amazon.com
For standing gaming, the rectangular Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk is a quality option that can be set at up to 46 inches in height using a simple hand crank on the desk’s leg. When sitting, lower it with just a few turns of the crank.
The Tranzendesk comes with a 55-inch-wide by 12-inch-deep clamp-on shelf, which can be adjusted to extend outward or inward over the desk. The 55-inch-wide by 24-inch-deep surface area is large enough to set up plenty of gaming equipment, and the durable steel frame with adjustable leveling feet sits on a wide base.
Product Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight capacity: 70 pounds
- Dimensions: 27.5 to 46 inches tall (adjustable) by 55 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep
Pros
- Height-adjustable desk
- Broad surface area can hold up to 3 monitors
- Monitor shelf for additional desk space
- Adjustable leveling feet
Cons
- Nonmotorized mechanism
- Low weight capacity
Get the Stand Steady standing gaming desk on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
To save some floor space without sacrificing desk space, an L-shaped desk like this GreenForest gaming desk is a great option for the corner of the room. With one side measuring 58.1 inches wide by 18.9 inches deep and the other side measuring 44.3 inches wide by 18.9 inches deep, this model provides ample space for the player to set up multiple work or gaming stations on either side.
The desk consists of three separate pieces that can be arranged in two different orientations, depending on the gamer’s preferences. The manufacturer doesn’t list a weight restriction, but it does note that it should be able to hold two to three computers, their monitors, and peripheral devices, like a keyboard or mouse. The desktop is made of engineered wood, and the frame is steel.
Product Specs
- Shape: L-shaped
- Weight capacity: Not provided
- Dimensions: Short side: 29.2 inches tall by 44.3 inches wide by 18.9 inches deep; long side: 29.2 inches tall by 58.1 inches wide by 18.9 inches deep
Pros
- Broad surface area
- Adjustable setup configuration
- Durable steel frame and engineered-wood desktop
- Available in 4 different finishes
Cons
- Weight capacity isn’t provided
Get the GreenForest gaming desk on Amazon.
Our Verdict
Take advantage of the extra space provided by our top pick, the broad Vitesse 55-inch gaming desk to set up extra peripherals while you play. Or, opt for the Tangkula gaming desk, which is designed to double as a workstation for individuals who work at home.
How We Chose the Best Gaming Desks
The main concern when it comes to choosing top gaming desks is finding products that are functional and effective. A desk needs to have enough surface area for a gamer to connect multiple accessories or peripheral devices that are essential for gaming. It also needs to be able to support the weight of the computer, monitors, and any other equipment that will be sitting on the desk. As long as a product fulfilled these requirements, it was considered for selection.
Extensive research into over 40 gaming desks provided additional information, like height-adjustment settings, cable management, construction material, and any add-ons that could help a product stand out from similar options, such as a built-in mouse pad, cupholder, or headphone hook. The dimensions and shape of each product were also considered because it was necessary to note if a desk was too small, too large, or shaped in such a way that made it difficult to set up in the average home office or gaming room.
FAQs
Continue reading below to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about gaming desks.
Q. What is a gaming desk?
A gaming desk is a type of desk that has been ergonomically designed for the user and organized for the user’s gaming equipment, including multiple monitors, keyboards, a mouse, a mouse pad, a headset, computers, consoles, controllers, microphones, speakers, and cameras.
Q. Are L-shaped desks good for gaming?
An L-shaped desk is an excellent choice for gaming, especially if floor space is limited. Place an L-shaped desk in a corner to really open up the room while still enjoying a large surface area for gaming equipment.
Q. Are standing desks good for gaming?
Yes and no. Sitting all day is not healthy. A person should be standing for 15 to 30 minutes every hour while working at a desk, which is why some people use standing desks. However, standing for 5 or more hours a day is also unhealthy, causing significant and prolonged lower-limb muscle fatigue.
So while a standing desk can be good for gaming, standing all the time is not a good idea. As with most things, moderation is key.
Q. What is a good depth for a gaming desk?
The ideal depth for a gaming desk is approximately 2 feet, or 24 inches. This depth allows the player to place a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other gaming accessories on the desk’s surface without crowding. However, one person’s preferred gaming setup can vary greatly from another’s. Choosing a desk should depend on one’s size preferences to ensure comfort while gaming.
