The Best Desk Pad - 2021
We looked at the top 6 Desk Pads and dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Desk Pads.
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Desk Pads
Thick and StylishOffering enough space to write or use your laptop, this reversible mat offers durable protection at a reasonable cost.
Thin and DurableThis desk mat offers a fashionable, colorful design and won't slip as you work throughout the day.
Several Size and Color OptionsYou get flexibility in terms of color and size at an affordable price with this desk mat.
Extra-Thin ChoiceThis desk pad's ultra-thin design doesn't sacrifice protection and allows for comfortable writing and computer use.
Why we recommend these desk pads?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 6 Desk Pads and also dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Desk Pads.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Dwelling With Pride Desk Pad & Gaming Surface Mat
Our Take
This desk mat measures 17 inches by 36 inches and can fit a laptop and accessories easily for a good gaming experience. It comes with different colors on each side for flexibility, offers a non-slip grip and has a leather-like texture.
What other experts liked
The Best Bang For Your Buck
YSAGi Anti-Slip Waterproof Desk Pad
Our Take
Featuring a PVC leather top and suede-like backing, this ultra-thin desk pad won't slip out of place. It's made to be easy to clean and comes in seven colors to complement your home or office.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Our Desk Pad Findings
Dwelling With Pride Desk Pad & Gaming Surface Mat
What We Liked: This desk mat measures 17 inches by 36 inches and can fit a laptop and accessories easily for a good gaming experience. It comes with different colors on each side for flexibility, offers a non-slip grip and has a leather-like texture.
EMINTA Dual-Sided Waterproof Office Desk Pad
What We Liked: If you want a thin desk mat that doesn’t sacrifice protection or durability, consider this choice. It measures 31.5 inches by 15.7 inches, which is enough to fit a laptop or accessories for a desktop. Colors include black, grey, blue, purple, dark green and mint.
K Knodel Waterproof Dual-Sided Desk Pad
What We Liked: This desk pad comes in three size options that can accommodate different computers and mobile devices. Made of polyurethane “leather” in eight color choices, you’ll get durability as well as plus heat and water protection with this pad.
YSAGi Anti-Slip Waterproof Desk Pad
What We Liked: Featuring a PVC leather top and suede-like backing, this ultra-thin desk pad won’t slip out of place. It’s made to be easy to clean and comes in seven colors to complement your home or office.
Vine Creations Waterproof Leather Desk Pad
What We Liked: If you want a desk pad with a classic leather look, you can find this product in brown and black colors of artificial leather along with blue and purple options. You get excellent protection and three choices of sizes.
Our Desk Pad Buying Guide
Desk pads can provide a small or large covering that helps protect your desk’s surface from scratches, spills and wear. They also work well for giving you a smoother surface where you can write or draw and can eliminate the need for accessories like a mouse pad.
Before buying a desk pad, think about the main purpose you’ll use it for so that you can decide on the size and features that fit your needs. For example, you may plan to use your pad mainly for writing or drawing, or you may need a place for your laptop, desktop or tablet.
Depending on the brand, desk mats can come in several sizes that range from as small as the size of a laptop to as large as an entire desk. Smaller sizes will work best for laptop users who just need a little extra space for a mouse, phone or tablet. Desktop users should consider the largest mats that can hold a keyboard, mouse, drawing tablet and other accessories.
Most often, desk mats come in genuine and artificial leather materials as well as plastic. While leather can provide a premium look and offer long-lasting durability, some users may not like the leather smell or high price and seek an alternative. Artificial leather desk mats come at a more affordable price, don’t have the leather smell and still have a similar appearance.
You can find desk mats in traditional colors like black, white and brown to fit into any office or home setting. You can also find bolder choices such as blue, green, silver and pink for a more casual look. Some brands like Eminta and Dwelling With Pride use a different color on each side to give you versatility.
Lastly, you’ll want to look at the level of protection the desk mat offers. You’ll most often find choices that don’t get damaged by water or heat while some offer oil resistance, too. At the least, you can expect a good level of stain and scratch protection.
DWYM Fun Fact
Before the 1960s, the main purpose of a desk mat was to offer a good writing surface for people using fountain pens. Since writing on a direct wooden surface led to bumpy writing and fatigue, people sought a desk mat that would provide a flat, smooth surface for more comfortable writing.
The company JKS Marketing came up with the idea of a desk mat that could offer a dual purpose for both writing and protecting the desk’s surface. These first desk pads were made of fine leather and mainly intended for company use.
Thanks to these early developments, now you can find desk mats in a variety of materials, colors and prices for use in any setting.
The Desk Pad Tips and Advice
- If you feel unsure about the size of desk mat you need, it helps to place your computer and other accessories together on your desk in the position you usually have them. Use a tape measure to measure how long and deep of a space you need. Leaving a few inches of space for flexibility, choose the desk mat size that most closely matches those measurements.
- Desktop computer users have some flexibility in how they use their desk mats. If you have an all-in-one system or thin monitor, you could potentially place this device on the mat itself and still have room for peripherals such as your mouse and keyboard. You could also place the computer on the desk itself and use that extra space on the mat for things like your phone, drawing tablet or pen and paper.
- To avoid buying a desk mat that doesn’t provide enough grip and causes frustration when you write or use your devices by making sure the chosen brand mentions an anti-grip surface on the bottom of the pad. Since some desk pads let you use either side, check that both sides offer slip resistance for these types of products.
- Since your desk mat will get dirty over time, be sure to clean it based on the material. If you have a genuine leather desk mat, you’ll need to use a special leather cleanser and potentially follow up with a leather conditioner for the best results. Plastic and artificial leather desk mats are easier to clean since you can simply wipe them clean with regular soap and water.
- If you plan to use a desk pad only at certain times, you can usually roll it up easily and even take it with you on the go. Some brands will feature a special loop that keeps the desk mat secured until you’re ready to use it. Keep in mind that some materials like faux leather may stay curled up and need some extra work to flatten out afterward.
About The Author
Ashley Donohoe is an Ohio-based writer and small business owner with a background in business, technology and personal finance. When she's not researching and writing, she spends her time playing piano, making crafts and learning new things. She has 10 years of experience writing for various online publications.