Best gaming desk 2024: tried and tested surfaces worth investing in | GamesRadar+

Here are the best gaming desks for work and play.

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The best gaming desk will serve as the centrepiece to your setup, whether you're a PC gamer or console enthusiast. That's not to place shame on any of you using makeshift surfaces right now, as I personally used a dining table to hold my rig and monitor for years. These days, I've come to realize that using furniture specifically designed around your hobbies is vital, and it'll make sure you're comfortable while providing all the functionality you need.

My overall favorite gaming desk right now is the Secretlab Magnus Pro, as it's one of the most feature-packed we've tested to date, not to mention it boasts brilliant build quality. It also serves as proof that not all gamer-related products have to be clad in RGB and racing stripes, and you'll find that most of our top picks are fairly contemporary. You'll even be able to stand and use many of our go-to surfaces if you're fed up with chairs, and I've sank a few hours in Baldur's Gate 3 while on my feet.

To save you drowning in a sea of surface options, we've tested all the best gaming desk options out there right now and provided our expert opinion. From budget furnishings to premium pieces, there are models to suit a variety of setups and budgets below.

Best overall

The best overall

The Secretlab Magnus Pro is a superb standing surface that leads the charge with super smooth motors and solid build quality.

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Best for most

The best for most

A juggernaut gaming desk with plenty of add-ons, incredible max weight, and smooth motorized functionality.

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Best budget

The best budget desk

It's cheap, cheerful, and perhaps a bit on the small side, but this Homall desk includes fun extras like a headphone hook and cupholder that are great value.

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Best standing

The best standing desk

On your feet, soldier. The Flexispot E7 Pro is a heavy duty standing desk that'll keep you comfortably upright while gaming.

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Best mid-range

The best mid-range desk

The Eureka Z1S gaming desk comes with, you guessed it, cupholders, what more could you want from your furniture?

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Best premium

The best premium desk

You could pick up multiple for the price, but this premium desk comes with a 12 year warranty.

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Best L shaped

The best L shaped desk

Nobody puts baby in a corner, but this L shaped gaming desk is certainly built to fit into those awkward nooks. Combining form and function with a professional vibes.

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Best RGB

The best RGB desk

The AndaSeat Mask 2 proves you can add RGB to practically anything. With a spacious worktop and vibrant LEDs it should blend in nicely with your setup. Not to mention the headphone hooks.

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Phil has been sitting at gaming desks since the '90s, and fondly remembers using one of those all-in-one family workstations with the little doors in the front. A lot has changed since then, and they're now a PC setup connoisseur, particularly when it comes to creating high-tech, contemporary battle stations that aren't just needlessly clad in RGB lighting.

September 30, 2024 - This gaming desk guide now has a section on how to choose a model based on your personal preferences and setup needs. General housekeeping has also been carried out on our entries and we've checked each to make sure they're still the best option for their respective category.

Our expert review:

The Secretlab Magnus Pro is easily one of the best gaming desks we've ever tested. And not only is it the top surface, but it's also an excellent PC battle station too. For anyone who works from home, this is the best do-it-all package there is.

✅ You want excellent cable management: The Magnus has a concealed compartment around back for cables and extension cords, complete with integrated power so that a single wire can supply your entire setup.

✅ You want something durable: Secretlabs' desk is a tank thanks to its all metal construction and lavish desk toppers.

✅ You love add-ons: There's a wealth of add-ons for the Secretlab Magnus Pro, from monitor arms to risers and headphone hooks.

❌ You'd prefer contemporary: The Magnus range admittedly looks industrial, and some of you adding it to your living room may prefer something more traditional.

❌ You want more depth: Even the Secretlab Magnus Pro XL isn't as deep as other desk out there, so if you need plenty of depth, it might not be the best option.

Every inch of the Magnus Pro works is designed to provide a premium experience for both work and play. The cable management system and space are a godsend and truly setup-changing from other, simpler desks. The motors and memory system are both excellent with the former offering very smooth travel, gliding you into position without causing a ruckus. There's also a wide range of accessories available for the Magnus range, including PC mounts, desk risers, and even a Secretlab Heavy Duty Monitor Arm that will hold even the chonkiest screens like the Philips Evnia 42M2N8900 and ultrawide displays.

Its level of quality can easily match the Herman Miller Nevi, too, but the extra features like great cable management and accessories elevate it - and that's not even mentioning the fact it is significantly cheaper than the Nevi. Plus, it also comes in two sizes with the XL variant offering a bit more weight and desk real estate.

Any flaws are really tiny in the grand scheme of things: the weight might put some off on paper as it appears impossible to build or move (but this really isn't the case); the screws provided can easily be overtightened (but once you get a feel for them you'll be fine); and while the price is high, the value on offer is still strong and we'd be recommending this desk in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a top workspace or play space. There is no better gaming desk out there.

Our expert review:

Out of all the gaming desks out there right now, the FlexiSpot E7 Plus feels like a contender that offers versatility. Sure, it's not as feature-packed as our overall pick, and there are options that lean more into gaming. However, this specific model's max weight capacity and juggernaut design means it'll reliably hold your setup for many years.

✅ You want extreme sturdiness: Try as you might, but there's not much that can make this desk wobble even with your whole body weight applied to the front.

✅ You want wood effect: FlexiSpots' range of wood toppers are contemporary and will fit into most spaces.

✅ You want something tall: This desk can reach over four feet, making it perfect for standing or different activities.

❌ You want more included features: While you can pick up optional extras for the E7 Plus, it doesn't come with any additional cable management provisions.

❌ You'd prefer gamer vibes: Design-wise, the E7 Plus is pretty tame, so you'll want to shop around if you love RGB and gaming shenanigans.

Armed with two T-shaped legs and motorized height adjustment, the FlexISpot E7 Plus is one of the most study desks I've ever used. You can try your hardest to wobble this 48.5 lbs surface, but both its design and weight contribute to its unmovable qualities. You'll curse its name when putting it together, as all that heft does make for a workout during assembly. But, once you see the finished project, complete with its woodgrain top and rounded edges, you'll be pretty chuffed.

The E7 Plus' main draw is the fact it's a sturdy standing desk, and it provides that using FlexiSpot's signature digital control unit at the front. It can reach up to 51.6 inches tall, giving you over 4 feet of height to work with for projects and standing gaming sessions. But, the important thing is that it won't even slightly shake with weight or pressure applied, making it idea for building PCs, playing games, or even working on intricate projects while on your feet.

During testing, I found the E7 Plus to be an absolute brute of a desk. Assembly was straight forward thanks to FlexiSpot's instructions, but it did mean creating screw holes and other more involved steps compared to some flat pack. Once up and running, the surface proved itself with premium motorized performance and nice rounded edges that didn't offend my fore arms or elbows, making for a solid sitting and standing experience.

If the best of the best is too rich for you, picking up the E7 Plus should result in a more approachable premium result. It's shame it doesn't come with some of its optional features by default, as it could have snagged the top space if it included more storage and cable management solutions. Both can be picked up after the fact for this desk, so if you like the sound of its study levels of comfort, don't let that put you off.

Priced at $89.99, and even usually on sale for cheaper than this, the Homall gaming desk is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a whole suite of features and decent construction all under $100. This model features not only a non-slip carbon fiber tabletop, which is rarer on budget desks but also a headphone hook and cupholder as small quality of life inclusions.

✅ You want something for gaming: If you don't want to spend over $100 but still need gaming-themed features, this desk has you covered.

✅ You want a durable top: Kitted out with a non-slip carbon-fibre effect topper, this desk will survive even hectic gaming dessions

✅ You want a standard shape: Since the Homall uses a traditional rectangular approach, it should slot in just fine to existing spaces.

❌ You'd prefer something more subtle: The Homall isn't too loud, but its red legs and black top might stand out in some spaces.

❌ You want bigger: There are far bigger desks out there, and spending more could result in something more suited to your setup needs.

Measuring 44-inches across, the Homall gaming desk is far from the largest on the market. However, due to its ergonomic Z-shaped design, there should be little issue with maximizing space for the likes of your gaming mouse, keyboard, and multiple monitors. What's perhaps most appealing about the Homall is that it is available in multiple colorways which is scarcely seen from many gaming desks. As well as the standard black, you've also got the option for grey, white, and pastel pink, too, all within the same price range.

This is a great budget option for those who want the style and design of a gaming desk but don't want to spend a fortune while doing so.

Our expert review:

The Flexispot E7 Pro is far from the cheapest surface on the market, but it's ability to bear the load of even the heaviest PC setups makes it our best standing desk pick. It's also pretty elegant compared to some gaming furniture out there, and it manages to pack plenty of features into its frame to accommodate your battle station needs.

✅ You want to mostly stand: As one of our best standing desk picks, this surface is ideal for those of you who want to mostly game on your feet.

✅ You love woodgrain: If you're looking for something modern and stylish, you'll dig FlexiSpots' range of woodgrain toppers.

✅ You like simplicity: Keeping quirks and features to a minimum means the desk keeps things low key in a good way.

❌ Cable management is priority: The E7 Pro doesn't do much to resolve any cabling woes, so you'll need to pick up add-ons.

❌ You want something more sturdy: L-shaped legs mean it's not quite as sturdy as its E7 Plus sibling.

In many ways, the E7 Pro takes what the vanilla Flexispot E7 does and ramps things up to eleven. It boasts exceptionally smooth motorized controls, leads the way with 440 lbs maximum supported load, and will furnish your setup with plenty of USB-A ports and ways to manage cables. I ultimately feel like a desk that's courteous to its user, as even its adjustable motor springs into action as soon as its front panel buttons are pressed but avoids juddering like many alternatives out there.

Provided you're not looking for a standing desk with extra storage capacity, the Flexispot E7 Pro is up there with the top surfaces available right now. While we tested the model with a bamboo top, you can also opt for one that's made of a mouse pad material, provided you're looking for something ultra-gaming-focused.

If you love the sound of this surface but crave something that's a bit more sturdy, you'll also want to check out the Flexispot E7 Plus, as the four-leg version adds even more support for heavy-duty setups and projects.

What's better than a good gaming desk? A gaming desk that's reasonably priced and has a gosh-darn cup-holder built in, that's what. The Eureka Ergonomic Z1S has all of this on offer, not to mention a neat carbon-fiber pattern, ambient blue lighting, and raised, protected edges to avoid scuffing the walls. It's eye-catching but functional.

✅ You're buying for a younger player: This desk is geared towards players who are just starting out, with features like a cup holder providing useful novelty.

✅ You always use a headset: Little extras like a headphone stand mean you won't be stuck for a place to put peripherals.

✅ You want a gaming desk: Compared to some more grown-up options, this desk looks like it belongs next to a gaming PC specifically.

❌ You want something stylish: Eureka's desk is ultimately more geared towards traditional gamer setups than stylish office spaces.

❌ You'd rather avoid novelties: Cupholders and other quirks are fun, but they might be redundant as part of a professional setup.

On top of this sweet design, the Eureka Ergonomic Z1S also features a trolley for your PC tower that you can buy as an add-on. It's a clever addition; the wheels mean it can be easily pushed anywhere you like. Need to get access to the back of the tower? Forget having to crawl beneath the table to do so - with this, you can simply pull it somewhere more comfortable.

Even without it, the Eureka Z1S is a good starter desk (particularly if you're heading to college in September). It's practical, distinct, and hard-wearing.

Our expert review:

The Herman Miller X Logitech G Nevi is a premium gaming desk in every sense of the word. Yup, it has a hefty price tag but this is a seriously nice desk for work and play. Its premium build, feel, and finish, and build are superb, while it is a beautiful sit-to-stand desk with strong motors, making it perfect for use all day work, and all-night gaming.

Construction is relatively simple and takes a couple of hours, and once it's up and built, the Nevi is as solid as anything, on both carpet and harder floor surfaces. It puts my previous small corner desk to shame and makes managing my setup easier than ever. The Nevi's aesthetic is a symphony in black - and it looks chic and heck as a result of this restrained aesthetic. Part of me would have loved some flashes of Logitech blue on parts to give a nod to the gaming hardware's pedigree and name on the Nevi - just like the Embody chair - but such touches would probably be hard to register while sitting at the desk. And the black colorway means it'll go with anything too.

✅ You want ultra-premium: Herman Miller is a name closely associated with quality, and its desk is a testament to the brand's premium status.

✅ You need a desk for life: With a 12-year warranty, this surface is likely to outlive your PC, peripherals, and potentially even some of your favorite live service games.

✅ You want simple controls: Two buttons is all some standing players will need, and that's exactly what you'll get with the Herman Miller.

❌ You want programmable settings: Keeping those buttons simple means you won't be able to set specific heights using programmable keys.

❌ You'd rather spend less: Price is a huge kicker with this desk, and you could buy plenty of other surfaces that'll provide the same level of performance.

On the whole, any gripes we have with the Nevi are quite small and nitpicky - and largely relate back to a desk that demands such a high price tag. For example, one would really hope that paying this much for a desk would also get the necessary tools thrown in too but this isn't the case (a caveat here is that such is the design of some parts of the Nevi, Herman Miller would have to throw in a magnetic, long screwdriver with every unit). Another such caveat would be that one might hope for some extra bells and whistles in the controls; they are super simple housing just up and down buttons and the ability to store a height or two - but some might be expecting more memory slots, and even USB ports on such a premium desk.

All in though, this is about as premium as it gets for gaming desks and for sit-stand desks; an incredibly well-designed, well-finished, and beautiful gaming desk.

Our expert review:

The Fezibo Triple Motor L-Shaped Desk is our new go to surface for game room corners, and while it's not perfect, it hits harder than many other angled options out there. It strikes a fantastic balance between space, functionality, and dashing good looks, and it won't look out of place in less gamery living rooms.

✅ You've got a corner setup: L-shaped desks are ideal for those of you trying to squeeze your setup in between two walls.

✅ You want smooth movement: Height adjustment with this surface is notably smooth despite its unconventional shape.

✅ You need layout efficiency: Rather than using a cape and corner approach, this L-shape will provide the comfort of a conventional desk and space across two walls.

❌ You'd rather have one surface: Using an L surface means you're dealing with two desks, which might take up more room than some players would like.

❌ You need something deep: This desk is pretty shallow, and sticking with conventional rectangles should grant you more vertical space.

Admittedly, the Fezibo Triple Motor L-Shaped Desk isn't the simplest surface to put together, and it did cause our reviewer some turmoir. However, once put together, it proved to be a great looking corner surface with plenty of space on top, convenient hooks for your gaming headset, and smooth controls that prevented a ruckus when moving from sitting to standing mode. Built in monitor risers also help free up some more space for your gaming keyboard, mouse, or even the best gaming handheld, so you won't have to worry about if your tech will actually fit.

While you'll certainly find better made desks out there, especially since this model uses veneer rather than a solid top, it ultimately looks the part. If you're not really into RGB and racing stripes, then this model will furnish you with the subtlety you're looking for, and it'll serve budding streamers and causal users a like well.

Our expert review:

The AndaSeat Mask 2 features both sturdy construction and a large surface area to accommodate multiple monitors and all the peripherals that you need. It's one of the best gaming desks on that front, not to mention the slick RGB lighting that adorns the legs of the unit itself for that added touch of flair.

The one main drawback is the included plastic accessories, such as a cable management tray which sets underneath. In our testing, we found that this box did not do much to mitigate wires free-falling underneath. However, the two cable holes in both the left and right corners did an effective job of keeping leads out of the way on their own.

✅ You love RGB: As far as rainbow lighting goes, this desk gives of a night diffused glow that'll appeal to flashy players and those looking for minimalist style a like.

✅ You like little extras: Headphone hooks and other neat tricks help provide that gaming functionality feel.

✅ You want plenty of space: As a surface, AndaSeat's desk is pretty roomy and should accommodate most setups.

❌ You don't care about RGB: Lighting is the main draw here, so you'll want to look around if you're not into multicolored aesthetics.

❌ You want premium accessories: The included add-ons are notably cheap feeling thanks to their plastic materials, meaning they don't exactly scream quality.

All told, you're looking at around 45 minutes of construction time with the AndaSeat Mask 2, and you're thankfully provided all the tools that you need for the job in the box. Provided are a screwdriver and a set of Allen keys to screw the legs and frame together. The main point of frustration that we found in our testing was in the LED light strip which needs to be threaded through a thin metal frame. It took us more attempts than we care to admit to get it right, but of course, your mileage may vary here. While the AndaSeat Mask 2 isn't exactly compact, it's also not as big as some other of the best gaming desks either we've tested either. We found that this model was effective in both a corner of a room and at the center of a home-office setup.

While there's no exact one size fits all solution as far as the best sizes of gaming desks, we've generally found that a minimum size tabletop of 30 (W) x 23 (H) should accommodate most people. Ideally, if you have the room for it, then going bigger is always going to be better, though, depending on the real estate available to you.

All things considered, we'd bet that the majority of pro gamers are using the Secretlab Magnus Pro, or something similar to it. Whether its for streaming or high-level performance, the Magnus pro is the best for desk space, cable management, and can even be a standing desk too. Elsewhere, corner desks are also some of the best gaming desks for pro gamers since they offer a lot of versatility.

Standing desks can be a great addition to your gaming setup. Plenty of content creators, streamers, and other pro gamers will have standing desks due to their harsh schedules that make it tough to stay active. There are plenty of great standing desks that are designed for gaming specifically - ones like the Secretlabs Magnus Pro, for example. Using a standing desk obviously doesn't mean standing the whole day, but a few hours each day can make the world of difference to your circulation, as well as your focus.

Many of the best gaming desks brands our featured in our roundup, with the likes of Secretlab, AndaSeat, Arozzi, Eureka Ergonomics, and Respawn making some of the best tabletops on the market right now. While these companies are perhaps best known for their chairs, these options show that the commitment to quality furniture continues passed them, too. For a more traditional desk setup, such as one without carbon fiber and flashing lights, Eureka and FlexiSpot should have you covered, too.

While we love our tried and true mousepads of all shapes and sizes, opting for an all-over desk mat can be an interesting shake up as well. As you've see from the likes of the Arozzi Arena, a desk mat (or textured tabletop finish) eliminates the need for a mousepad that's cut to size, instead meaning you've got free-reign for your pointer anywhere on the work surface. A desk mat is unlikely to make you any better at FPS or RTS games, however, it could be an added convenience should you find one affordably priced.

Any good gaming desk setup will typically contain at least one gaming monitor (or several) along with a keyboard, mouse and some kind of speakers or soundbar. We generally find that games consoles mounted vertically, such as the PS5 or Xbox Series X, work well when put to one side, too. It will generally depend on the weight capacity of your gaming desk of choice, though, we would generally advise having your gaming PC on the floor if able as a tower can take up an awful lot of valuable space, and may even weigh more than your other gaming gear combined.

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As something of a setup connoisseur, I fully believe there's an art to choosing a gaming desk. Not every surface will suit all players universally, and while playing games is a personal priority within the decision making process, it's important to take adjacent activities into consideration.

For example, if you're into building PCs and upgrading your rig, picking something sturdy enough to serve as a workbench is wise. Those of you with limited space will want to go with something smaller too, which narrows your list down to surfaces with narrower dimensions. On the flip side, you don't want to fall into the trap of immediately running out of space when trying to fit multiple monitors on top of your new desk, so always take your hardware into consideration when choosing.

Of course, all of the above is dependant on budget too. Furniture prices can range from approachable to premium investments, and how much you're willing to spend will impact features and build quality. That's not to say you can't get a fantastic desk for cheap, but you'll have to be extra careful when eyeing up anything under $150. Sticking with reliable brands is a good way to avoid post-purchase disappointment, and checking in with us regularly for reviews will go a long way.

You can find out specifics on how we test gaming desks in our full hardware policy, though it's worth stating here, too. We put all gaming desks through their paces by using them as gamers would, by working and playing at them for extended periods of time. This means replacing any prior setup and evaluating the value for money combined with the construction quality and feature set. We never recommend models that we wouldn't consider for ourselves.

Gaming desks are becoming more popular with major manufacturers throwing their hats into the extended furniture ring, and at GamesRadar, we're often given opportunities to review gaming, and standing, desks of all shapes and sizes.

Now you've sorted a desk, you'll need something to put on top of it. Here's our list of the best gaming monitors. If you'd rather have something you can take on the go, here are all the best gaming laptops available on the market right now.

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I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.

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