Desks are an easy part of your gaming setup to overlook, but having a proper platform for your gaming PC, console, gaming monitor, and other peripherals can make a big difference. Most of us will start out using whatever surface is available, but making the jump to a specially chosen gaming desk can provide some key advantages.
The most important is a tabletop that is big enough and strong enough to accommodate whatever you want to put on it, but there are also more specialized features such as motorized sit/stand functionality, cable storage and organization, power management, and mounting points for accessories. Of course, there are aesthetic considerations in play too, whether you prefer a warm and inviting space with natural materials or something a bit more modern, stark, and streamlined. There's plenty to consider, so I've rounded up six of the best gaming desks we've tested to get you started.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Desks:
I've been reviewing gaming desks for years, with four desks currently crammed into my home office in the name of research, so I feel confident about these recommendations. Whether you're looking for something compact and affordable, a fancier electric sit/stand option, or a premium option with some extra gaming-specific features, you'll find at least one suitable option among these contenders.
Additional contributions by Chris Coke and Danielle Abraham
Best Gaming Desk
Best Budget Gaming Desk
Best Premium Gaming Desk
Best Gaming Desk for Streamers
Best L-Shaped Gaming Desk
Best Multi-Level Gaming Desk
The best gaming desks must provide a stable and robust place to house your rig and a few great gaming accessories. From there, you have more flexibility in choosing the right desk for your setup.
Size and shape
The first thing to consider is shape and size. Whether you're looking for something small and compact that can fit into a dorm room or a spacious setup with multiple levels and storage space, options are available at different budgets. Knowing how much surface area you need can, obviously, help narrow down your choice.
Desk features
The next thing to plan for is what features you would prefer to have, which also includes appearance and materials. It's pretty common for gaming desks to have features like cupholders or built-in mouse pads, while more premium offerings include modular systems for mounting streaming accessories, peripherals, or even your entire PC. Storage space and convenience features, like built-in USB ports or even full power points for charging your devices, are another value-add common to the best gaming desks.
Height adjustment
Finally, consider the adjustments you'll need. Many gaming desks are non-adjustable but others offer the ability to raise or lower their height. So-called "standing desks" typically do this with powered motors at a higher cost, but others are adjustable with levers and locking legs.
Have a plan for your shopping because once that massive package is unboxed, you won't want to disassemble it and try to ship it back for something else.
Are standing desks worth it for gaming?
Standing desks have plenty of potential health benefits like improving your posture, relieving shoulder and back pain, promoting more movement to increase circulation – sitting too long puts you at risk for blood clots – and even helping with focus. But when you’re gaming, things get a little tricky.
Finding a sturdy standing desk to hold your PC setup is essential. Then you need to worry about positioning your peripherals for enjoyable gameplay and the prevention of accidents. That said, it’s not like we haven’t gamed standing up before – look at all those classic arcade cabinets. These days, most standing desks have powerful motors that’ll safely lift or lower your battle station with the push of a button.
A standing desk probably won’t improve your gameplay, but in my experience, being able to sit or stand at will is quite freeing. I'll admit, it's a feature I wasn't sure I would even use very often when I tried my first one. But having the option is great if you need to stretch your legs or change position in the middle of a long gaming session. Now I couldn't imagine not having the option.
What's the difference between a gaming desk and an office desk?
The differences are fairly subtle. Any office desk can be used as a gaming desk and vice versa, but there are some additional features that make a desk more suitable for gaming. For example, gaming desks are more likely to include cable management solutions, powerful electric motors capable of holding heavy PCs and monitors, or modular systems to easily mount monitors, headphones cameras, lights or other accessories. Aesthetically, gaming desks are also available in colour schemes to match popular gaming PC cases, and may include RGB lighting. Ultimately though, the line here is a blurry one, and it's best to focus on a desk that meets your requirements regardless of how it's described.
Will is deputy tech editor for IGN, specialising in PC hardware, sim racing and display tech. He has been publishing about games and technology since 2001 (age 12). Will was formerly Deputy Editor at Digital Foundry. He is currently playing Battlefield 6.
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