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The best gaming desks of 2021 are more than just flashy pieces of furniture for dedicated and casual gamers alike. For some people, gaming desks are often overlooked or deemed unnecessary. They tend to feel like they’re overpriced, tacky, and that a traditional office desk can do the same job without the expensive price tag.
But I don’t necessarily agree with them and I’m sure the gamers who are reading this right now will support me. While it’s true that at its core, these desks have the same function: to carry your gaming or work peripherals.
However, a gaming desk can be an entirely different experience for the right person. Let’s find out why below.
Why Do You Need A Gaming Desk?
Depending on who is using it, a gaming desk can take your overall gaming sessions to the next level. Obviously, the actual gaming part is all based on your skills, but doing so doesn’t have to be uncomfortable for you.
I know all too well how we can work up a sweat during games as they get intense or when you reach more difficult levels. Sometimes, moving the mouse alone can be such a struggle as traditional desks don’t have the same weight capacity or space to take on all our gaming equipment.
For others, traditional desks can either be too high or too low and that puts a strain on their joints and muscles. This ultimately makes the whole gaming experience uncomfortable and somewhat disheartening to continue playing.
But with a dedicated gaming desk, these difficulties are easily addressed. After all, they are made specifically for gaming and to ensure the utmost comfort of the gamer. Therefore, I do believe that investing in a gaming desk is definitely worth your while.
Not only will your previous concerns be handled, but you’re also getting a ton of extra features with a gaming desk.
Though keep in mind that this would entirely depend on which unit or model you get from certain manufacturers. But gaming desks can offer a variety of features such as built-in LED lights, cable management, cup holders, height adjustability settings, and so much more.
So if you want to be on top of your game every time you sit down to play, read on for our top recommendations of the best gaming desks this 2021.
Our Top Recommendations
1. ApexDesk Elite Series 60″ W Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Overview
Taking the top spot in our list is the ApexDesk Elite Series 60″.
Despite the subtle and minimalist design, this desk is spacious and sturdy enough to accommodate all your gaming peripherals. Coming in at a width of 60 inches and a depth of 30 inches, you’re getting a ton of massive space so feeling crammed up while you’re gaming will no longer be an issue.
With this much space, you can effortlessly fit in large keyboards, headphones, dual monitors, speakers, and you’re left with more space so you can move around your mouse without bumping into other equipment. Additionally, this desk also has a weight capacity of 235 lbs.
Apart from your gaming peripherals, this particular gaming desk also has a nifty, full-sized cable tray you can use to keep your space looking tidy and orderly. With a measurement of 35.5 x 5.5 inches, the tray is large enough to fit in and hide all the cables necessary to your gaming setup.
What’s more, the tray has space for one 12-outlet power strip and a few power adapters if you need them.
Last but not the least, the ApexDesk Elite Series is also very ergo-friendly.
You know I love to promote a healthy lifestyle, so it’s really impressive that this gaming desk also serves as a sit-stand desk with a powerful dual motor lifting system. This means you have the option to easily adjust the desk’s height from 29 inches up to 49 inches with a single press of a button.
This way, you can get at a comfortable height during gaming sessions whether you’re sitting or standing.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 60 x 27 x 48 inches.
- Shape: Rectangular.
- Item Weight: 131 lbs.
- Manufacturer / Brand: ApexDesk
- Weight Capacity: 235 lbs
- Height Adjustable: Yes, from 29 inches to 49 inches.
- Cable Management: Yes.
- Material: Engineered wood and metal.
- Colors: Black, White, Grey, Light Oak, Red Apple Top, Red Cherry Top, and Walnut.
- Extra Special Features: Cable tray, ergonomic cutout on the front if you want to work closer to your monitors.
Pros
- Ergonomic design.
- Cable tray inclusion to keep your cables tidy and hidden away.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Spacious tabletop.
- Easy height adjustment settings.
Cons
- Assembly takes up a bit of time.
- Some might find the overall style of the desk a little bland and basic.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The ApexDesk Elite Series 60″ W Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk?
2. Cougar MARS 120 Ergonomic & Scratch Resistant Gaming Desk
Overview
Now if you’re looking for gaming desk that’s true to the gamer aesthetic, I present to you the Cougar Mars 120.
When it comes to gaming equipment, you really can’t go wrong with the brand Cougar. They’re a reliable gaming company that produces one of the best gaming peripherals and equipment for any gamer out there. With the Mars 120, I assure you that you’ll be getting the same experience.
This particular gaming desk is spacious and sturdy enough to carry all your equipment without any fuss. It does, however, take quite a bit of time to assemble. Not to mention, it’s pretty heavy too. But all those just contribute to just how well this desk performs under heavy load.
On the surface, you’re getting a textured carbon fiber tabletop that’s scratch-resistant and wide enough to accommodate two 27-inch dual monitors with enough room to spare for more of your stuff. This gaming desk made of a high-strength welded steel frame can easily handle up to 330lbs of weight!
In terms of design, you will notice on the sides are two RGB lighting strips that can be connected to your PC’s motherboard so you can sync the colors with your gaming peripherals. The ARGB lighting effects help in giving you a more immersive experience and boost your overall gaming atmosphere.
Check out our dedicated review of the Cougar Mars 120 here.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 31.5 x 11.81 x 47.24 inches.
- Shape: Rectangular
- Item Weight: 88.18 lbs.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Cougar
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs.
- Height Adjustable: No.
- Cable Management: No.
- Material: High-strength welded steel frame and carbon fiber tabletop.
- Colors: Black.
- Extra Special Features: ARGB Lighting Strips, Control stands
Pros
- Sturdy and has great weight limit capacity.
- Ergonomic and spacious design.
- Nice ARGB lighting.
- Has a built-in control stand to plug in your USB devices.
Cons
- Takes some time to assemble.
- No cable management options.
- Not height adjustable.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Cougar MARS 120 Ergonomic & Scratch Resistant Gaming Desk?
3. Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk
Overview
Another gaming desk in our list that just screams “gamer” vibes is the Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk.
You won’t be getting the same RGB lights on this unit, but the graphic print on the tabletop definitely says “I’m a gamer”. but if you prefer a subtle design, this model also offers a pure black variant.
Like the previous models I have mentioned above, this gaming desk is one of the largest and most spacious desks I have encountered. It can accommodate up to 176 lbs. of weight! At the same time, it’s spacious enough and perfect for gamers who run two to three monitors during their gaming sessions. Curved gaming monitors included!
Even if you’re running three panels at the same time, you will still be left with enough room to spare for your keyboard, mouse, and other necessary gaming peripherals that you need.
If that’s not enough, this desk is also waterproof. So while I don’t recommend drinking anything during games as it can potentially harm your equipment, it’s nice to know that the desk is protected from any accidental spills.
The only downside I see is that it is on the pricier side of the spectrum of gaming desks in the market. But if you have the budget to spare, this is a very solid choice for you especially if you play using two or more monitors.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 32.2 x 63 x 31 inches
- Shape: Rectangular
- Item Weight: 85.5 pounds
- Manufacturer / Brand: Arozzi
- Weight Capacity: 176 lbs.
- Height Adjustable: Yes.
- Cable Management: Yes.
- Material: Microfiber cloth and metal base.
- Colors: Black, blue, green. red, and white.
- Extra Special Features: Waterproof tabletop, multiple color variants to choose from.
Pros
- Spacious enough to accommodate two to three monitor systems along with other gaming peripherals.
- Includes cable management.
- Can easily carry up to 176 lbs. of weight.
- Waterproof surface.
- Sturdy and durable.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Height adjustability is less than mediocre.
Check out our dedicated review of the Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk here.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk?
4. Flexispot EN1 Primo 48″
Overview
While not marketed as a gaming desk, the Flexispot EN1 Primo deserves a spot in our Best Gaming Desks list of 2021 due to its impressive features that are just hard to ignore.
What it lacks in the usual gamer aesthetic department, the Flexispot EN1 Primo makes up for its amazing sturdiness, built, and ergonomic features such as an electric height adjustable system. By just pushing the built-in LED button controller, you will be able to customize your desk height in your preferred setting.
Moreover, you can also program up to 3 different customized heights with this adjustable desk to easily switch between standing and sitting positions.
The motor lift mechanism in this model offers smoother height adjustments, going from 29 inches up to 48.6 inches (1” thickness of tabletop included), with a speed of 1 inch per second with low noise (under 50 dB) while adjusting.
As for the surface area, it has a 48” x 30” workable surface which should be more than enough to accommodate the average gaming setup.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 48 x 30 inches.
- Shape: Rectangular.
- Item Weight: 100 lbs.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Flexispot.
- Weight Capacity: 154 lbs.
- Height Adjustable: Yes, from 29 inches to 48.6 inches.
- Cable Management: No.
- Material: Wood and metal.
- Colors: Black, maple, walnut, and white.
- Extra Special Features: Built-in LED button controller for height adjustment, customizable programs for your preferred desk heights.
Pros
- The subtle design is great for professionals who game from time to time and like to keep their setup lowkey and minimal.
- Ergonomic design.
- You can program customizable desk heights according to your preference.
Cons
- No cable management options.
- No pressure sensor.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Flexispot EN1 Primo?
5. Eureka Ergonomic Captain X Series 47″
Overview
Taking our fifth spot in this list is the Eureka Ergonomic Captain X Series 47″.
People who are on a budget or just prefer to spend less on their gaming desks so they can prioritize more critical parts of their gaming setup will absolutely love this table.
Having your dream gaming setup doesn’t necessarily mean you have to burn a hole through your wallet. While other companies start their gaming desk’s price ranges at around $300, Eureka decided to take the other direction and gave us this budget-friendly gaming desk that’s just under $200.
Of course, you can’t expect this to have the same high-tech and complicated features other premium gaming desks have, but this model is certainly more than enough to do what it needs to do. Which is essentially to carry your gaming peripherals.
Eureka’s Ergonomic Captain X Series 47-inch wide top offers a fairly spacious surface for your gaming monitors, mousepads, and keyboards. Measuring 47 inches wide and 23 inches deep, it also has adjustable legs so you can slightly dial your preferred height and level.
In addition, the Ergonomic Captain X Series also comes in with a convenient cup holder, headphone hook, controller stand, game storage and a mouse pad for your gaming keyboard and mouse.
If you’re also worried about space, this gaming desk doesn’t take up too much space and can be placed in extremely small spaces.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 23.62 x 47.24 x 29.33 inches
- Shape: Rectangular.
- Item Weight: 44.9 pounds
- Manufacturer / Brand: EUREKA ERGONOMIC
- Weight Capacity: 90 lbs.
- Height Adjustable: No.
- Cable Management: No.
- Material: Wood and Alloy Steel.
- Colors: Black.
- Extra Special Features: Cup holder, headphone hook, game storage, mousepad, and a controller stand.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price.
- Has a lot of ergonomic features such as a cup holder, headphone hook, game storage, and etc.
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Cons
- Can only accommodate up to 90 lbs. of weight.
- No cable management options.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Eureka Ergonomic Captain X Series 47″?
6. RESPAWN RSP-3010 Computer Ergonomic Height Adjustable Gaming Desk
Overview
What caught my eye with the Respawn 3010 is just how many accessory holders it has built into the desk itself. For gamers who require a lot of accessories and peripherals, this gaming desk is worth looking into.
Just to go into specifics, the Respawn 3010 has an integrated and dedicated monitor shelf so it is placed on a raised surface. The multiple accessory holders allow for easy access and retrieval to your peripherals or even water bottles if you ever feel parched mid-game.
When it comes to this gaming desk’s weight capacity limit, you have nothing to worry about. The Respawn 3010 can easily accommodate up to 200 lbs. of weight! This is also supported by a sturdy steel tube frame. So it’s safe to say that your whole gaming setup will be in good hands.
If those features aren’t enough to impress you, this gaming desk is also height adjustable. It uses pneumatics to go from 28 125″ to 43 875″.
This gaming desk also comes in two-tone color variants of red, gray, blue, and green.
Personally, I don’t think I have seen a gaming desk with this many integrated accessory holders and it’s actually quite handy. I honestly don’t use a lot of accessories whenever I play games, but this gaming desk could be someone’s answered prayer.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 23.63 x 52.63 x 49.5 inches
- Shape: Rectangular.
- Item Weight: 75.6 pounds
- Manufacturer / Brand: Respawn
- Weight Capacity: 200 lbs.
- Height Adjustable: Yes.
- Cable Management: No.
- Material: Wood, Metal, Plastic
- Colors: Blue, green, red, and grey.
- Extra Special Features: A plethora of accessory holders and height adjustable settings.
Pros
- Sturdy and ergonomic built.
- Height adjustable.
- Can accommodate up to 200 lbs. of weight.
- Multiple accessory holders.
Cons
- No cable management.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The RESPAWN RSP-3010 Computer Ergonomic Height Adjustable Gaming Desk?
7. Thermaltake Tt Gaming Level 20 Gt Battlestation Computer Gaming Desk
Overview
Last but not least in our list of the Best Gaming Desks 2021 is the Thermaltake Tt Gaming Level 20 Gt Battlestation Computer Gaming Desk. What a mouthful!
This modestly styled gaming desk is built to take on up to 220 pounds of weight. So if your gaming equipment goes on the heavier side, I would recommend checking this out.
While the Tt Gaming Level 20 Gt Battlestation is definitely not the prettiest gaming desk to look at, it boasts a multi-purpose cable management and display panel for its users along with a heavy-duty steel frame. It also has a full cloth mouse pad that can be removed and washed once it gets a little gritty.
Aside from its impressive weight capacity and integrated accessories, this particular gaming desk is also ergonomically designed with 7 level height adjustments from 28.9″ to 40.7″ without the desktop thickness.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 27.5 x 59 x 28.9 inches
- Shape: Rectangular.
- Item Weight: 102.3 pounds
- Manufacturer / Brand: Thermaltake.
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs.
- Height Adjustable: Yes.
- Cable Management: Yes.
- Material: Engineered wood and steel frame.
- Colors: Black.
- Extra Special Features: 7 level height adjustments, cable management, and a washable mousepad cloth.
Pros
- Weight capacity is 220 lbs.
- There’s cable management.
- Sturdy frame and build.
- Height adjustable with 7 level height adjustments.
Cons
- Design is pretty basic and bland.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Thermaltake Tt Gaming Level 20 Gt Battlestation Computer Gaming Desk?
Before You Buy
Now that we have covered my top recommendations of the best gaming desks this 2021 for you, let’s tackle some things you need to consider before making any purchases.
Size
Before you get to purchasing your chosen gaming desk, I highly suggest taking a look at the space you’ll be placing the table in. This will determine the right size of the gaming desk you need to buy. You need to make sure that your space won’t be too crammed up so you can be comfortable to move around easily.
I recommend measure the room or corner where the table will be placed so you know what you’re working with. It will also make things easier for you once you’re shopping for gaming desks.
Aside from the space, take into consideration your gaming peripherals as well. Are you using dual monitors? Do you need more space to maneuver your mouse? Is your keyboard larger than average? Make sure you know what your setup is like so you know the adequate space you need for your equipment.
Weight Capacity
Speaking of gaming peripherals and equipment, another important factor to keep in mind is the gaming desk’s weight capacity.
Some of you run two to three monitor systems when gaming along with other equipment. So aside from having enough space to accommodate them, you also need to make sure that the desk itself can carry all those things simultaneously. The last thing you need is to have your table breaking down on you mid-game.
If a table can’t take on heavier loads, it’s highly possible you’ll experience wobbling and shaking during your gaming sessions. So in order to avoid this, get a gaming desk that will be suitable and sturdy enough for your overall setup.
Durability
When it comes to a gaming desk’s durability and sturdiness, this one should be a no-brainer. No gamer or individual out there wants to end up with a faulty or wobbly desk. Not only is it not worth the money, but desks that aren’t sturdy are very prone to accidents. not to mention, you also risk your equipment dropping to the floor.
So to prevent all of this from happening, it’s best to thoroughly check if the gaming desk you have chosen for yourself is enough to accommodate your gaming peripherals. At the same time, do some research if the materials used are sturdy and durable enough to last you for many years to come.
Style & Design
While the style and design of a gaming desk solely rely on your preference, I would highly suggest choosing a desk that will benefit you in the long run. The best gaming desks in the market should be ergonomic. Some even offer adjustable height settings so you don’t end up sitting for long periods throughout the day.
As you all know, sitting for such a long time can be detrimental to one’s health. So I would heavily encourage you to get into the habit of gaming while standing every now and then. Once you’re ready to shop, look out for ergo-friendly features so you can stay healthy and enjoy your favorite games at the same time.
When it comes to style, most gaming desks scream out “GAMER”. What I mean by that is that we usually see vibrant RGB lighting and accents and colorful and eye-catching designs in gaming desks. Some even have limited edition designs of our favorite pop culture icons. The possibilities and options are endless.
If you prefer a more subtle design, worry not! There are definitely brands and manufacturers in the market that produce these sorts of gaming desks. These would be perfect for you if you want a more professional setup in your home.
Shape
Speaking of design and style, the shape of your gaming desk is another important factor to consider. Especially if you have a specific space in mind to place the gaming desk. To help you out, here are the different shapes of gaming desks available in the market right now:
- Rectangular
- L-shaped
- Corner
I’m sure there are other unique shapes of gaming desks being sold in the market that I have yet to see, but these three shapes are the most common types you’ll come across frequently.
Functionality
When talking about functionality, you have to carefully consider the necessary features your desired gaming desk should have. For example, if you like to drink coffee while you game or work, a gaming desk with an integrated cup holder will be very beneficial for you.
Other functional features may also include:
Cable Management
So you don’t have to worry about multiple cables tangling across your space. These may come in the form of holes and grommets, cable trays, slots, and cable nets.
Adjustable Height Settings
Having the option to adjust the height settings of your gaming desk will do wonders for your health. Studies have shown that standing from time to time instead of sitting for long periods of time can be healthy for you in the long run.
While sit-to-stand desks can come at quite a cost for some of you, I assure you that it’s worth the investment.
Fortunately, more and more gaming companies are now promoting healthy gaming environments and spaces by making their gaming desks (and chairs!) more ergonomic friendly by giving us the option to adjust their heights. This way, you have more options within the price ranges you can afford.
Compartments & Drawers
This is not as common in the gaming chairs I have seen, but there are definitely some out there that offer their users gaming desks with built-in compartments and drawers. This function helps a lot in avoiding clutter and messes around your table.
If you don’t like having your pens or papers spread out around your table, try looking into gaming desks with drawers and compartments so you can keep your gaming space orderly.
Assembly
Most gaming desks in the market require a little bit of assembly. But there are also ones that get delivered to your home pre-assembled. If you don’t mind taking the extra time to figure out the bolts and screws when assembling your gaming desk, then this shouldn’t really pose a problem for you.
Personally, I was never really good at assembling any kind of objects so I like my tables or any sort of furniture to come in already pre-assembled. Apart from not being good with my hands, I just really prefer to receive the product, lay it down, then use it right away.
If by any chance that you’re like me, then I would recommend looking into gaming desks that arrive at your home pre-assembled.
Conclusion
A gaming desk is every gaming setup’s foundation. And just like any foundation, it has to be solid and can effortlessly carry our gaming equipment for us. When we face struggles that are not in-game or related to what we are playing such as faulty, wobbly desks, it can totally ruin the experience for us.
Just like how we need to be well equipped for any game we take on, our setup needs the same treatment. The comfort and pleasure we get when everything is in place and working properly can’t be underestimated.
When gaming is a way to relieve stress after a busy day for us, the last thing we want is more struggles from a subpar desk. Not to mention, the added stress on your joints and posture because they are not the right height.
As I have stated at the beginning of this article, a gaming desk is more than a piece of colorful and overpriced furniture. It offers versatility and ergonomic features that make sure that you’re comfortable, in great posture, and healthy whenever you’re’ using it. Regardless if you’re actually gaming or not.
Already own a gaming desk? Did your favorite gaming desk make it in our list of the best gaming desks 2021? Let me know about your experiences and what your insights are in the comments section below! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Recommended reading for you:
Your Quick Guide To Buying PC Gaming Desks 2021
Best Adjustable Desk Risers 2021: Level Up Your Office
Your Helpful Buyer’s Guide To The Best Standing Desk Converter For 2021
The Top 10 Best Standing Desks 2021: Working From Home Has Never Been This Comfortable!
Best Computer Gaming Chairs For Adults 2021: For Next Level Gaming!
The Cougar Mars 120 Gaming Desk Review: Your Superior Gaming Desk With LED Lights
The Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk Review: Go Big Or Go Home With Your Gaming Setup