The best desk protector

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They go by many names — desk protectors, desk pads or desk blotters — and they serve just as many purposes. A desk protector can keep your desk’s finish as pristine as the day you got it while providing a functional work surface as well as a decorative touch for your office.

The Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate, for example, features premium polyurethane leather and a nonslip backing, making it perfect for both protecting your workspace and adding a bit of style. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping for a desk protector.

What to know before you buy a desk protector

Dimensions

Measure the surface of your desk before buying a desk protector so you’re sure you order the right size. The desk protector should be big enough to comfortably fit any computer parts and peripherals like your mouse and keyboard.

Surface

Usually, desk protectors offer one of two surfaces: one textured to help grip keyboards and other tools and one smooth for writing. Depending on what you use your desk for, you may prefer one surface material over another. Some desk protectors are two-sided, so they can be flipped over for different textures or colors.

Aesthetic

Desk protectors are available in styles and colors to match just about any office décor. Pick a bold pattern for a creative, customized workspace or a simple solid color for a more formal, professional setting. Desk pads are also available in clear PVC, acrylic or even glass for unobtrusive protection.

Substitute mouse pad

If you plan to use your desk protector as a mouse pad, make sure it has a smooth, matte texture that won’t disrupt mouse performance. Optical mice in particular function better on desk pads, and desk pads offer the added benefit of visually organizing your workspace in a way that mouse pads don’t.

Desk protector features

Size

Desk pads come in a variety of sizes to cover the working surface of most desk styles. Most desk protectors are larger than 12 by 20 inches, with 15.7 by 31.5 inches being a common size. Some are more than 26 by 49 inches wide. Some desk pads incorporate pockets or grooves for writing implements, which should be taken into account when you’re planning your new desk layout.

Materials

Look for a desk pad with a grippy, nonslip backing made of cork or rubber. If you have a habit of eating or drinking at your desk, look for heat- and water-resistant materials to protect your desk from your microwaved snack or morning coffee even if it spills. Quality desk protectors are made to bounce back from dents or pen indentations so their appearance won’t be affected by writing on them. Desk protectors also feature reinforced stitching to prevent the materials from fraying and improve the pad’s durability.

High-tech vs. old-school

Most desk protectors are simple layers of fabric, leather or plastic, but a few offer high-tech features for the modern desk. Some have hidden magnets to corral charger cables, while others have built-in wireless charging pads.

On the other end of the tech spectrum, some desk protectors are still available with stabilizing side rails or panels and pads of classic blotter paper to protect your surface from ink bleed-through.

Desk protector cost

Affordable, no-frills desk protectors can be found for less than $20, while mid-range options with more stylish touches and better materials cost $30-$50. Larger desk pads that offer special features like genuine leather or smart technology can cost more than $100.

Desk protector FAQ

Can I get a desk protector for an oddly sized or shaped desk?

A. Many desk protectors are available in at least two or three sizes, and some are made specifically for corner or L-shaped desks.

What’s the best desk pad for gaming?

A. Gamers can benefit from an extra-large desk protector that offers grippier backing and extra cushioning compared to models geared toward office environments. Look for desk pads with specialized micro-mesh surfaces for better mouse tracking. Some big-name gaming brands also make desk pads with customizable LED strips.

Which desk protector should I get?

Best of the best desk protector

Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate: available at Amazon

Our take: This desk pad offers sophisticated style and good build quality. It’s perfect for smaller desks.

What we like: It measures 12 by 23 inches and comes in three colors. Users appreciate how nice it looks and how well it holds up to extended use.

What we dislike: It’s a little small for both mouse and keyboard, and some users found their mouse didn’t perform as well on this pad.

Best bang for your buck desk protector

EMINTA Dual-Sided Desk Pad: available at Amazon

Our take: Offering one side with a grippy texture and one side that’s smoother, this desk protector is reversible, so you can choose which color or surface you prefer.

What we like: The desk pad’s polyurethane is water and heat resistant and features reinforced stitching for better durability. It comes in six color choices and two sizes.

What we dislike: A few users experienced quality-control issues. The pad isn’t as nonslip as some other models, particularly when it’s used flipped over. Some reported a chemical smell that took a long time to go away.

Honorable mention desk protector

Artistic Rhinolin II Ultra-Smooth Desk Pad: available at Staples and Amazon

Our take: It’s generously sized at 24 by 36 inches, and its surface is classic black, comfortable and antimicrobial.

What we like: The broad surface is exceptionally smooth, making it great for writing. The PVC material is treated with antimicrobial protection and has a suede-like foam backing to keep it in place.

What we dislike: The edges sometimes have a tendency to curl up. Some users thought it showed fingerprints too easily.

Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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Desk pads, or desk mats, may not be as common a sight in offices or on desktops as they once were, but they’re still a great option to consider whether you’re looking at them for practical or stylish purposes. They provide a better surface to write on than the hard surface of your desk — either used on their own or paired with traditional blotter paper — and they can protect your desk in the process — or cover up any damage it may have already incurred.

Even if you aren’t writing on them, they can serve as an effective substitute for a mouse pad, in a pinch. In addition, they often come in sizes large enough to make for a great non-slip base for your laptop or keyboard. Bottom line: they’re worth thinking about.

Why Use a Desk Pad?

Satechi

A desk pad may seem unnecessary and frankly, it is. Your desk will be able to hold objects just fine without a pad. But a nice pad is a functional and aesthetic upgrade that is well worth the investment.

Protection

A desk pad will help defend your desk from the wear and tear of keyboards, mice, and your own arms. It’s a layer of protection that’s equally valuable if you have a nice desk you would like to keep nice or a cheap desk that requires all the help it can get.

Grip

If you have a slick desk surface, you may find various desk implements running away from you when you are using them or when you’re not looking. A desk pad will add a field of higher traction for keeping things like a keyboard in place, and many also come with elements that will keep more traditional writing implements or styluses (or vape pens, or what have you) from rolling away as well.

Cleanliness

A desk pad will not only help you keep the surface of your desk clean but also serves to create a distinct space on your desk for various tools to belong. If you have a tendency to generate mess that expands to fill the space available, a desk pad may help you create a smaller space for at least part of your mess. Pads with a place to hide documents go a step further.

Better mouse performance

Optical mice have come a long way and work relatively reliably on many surfaces, but some desks and mice just do not get along. Unless you want to switch to a trackball, a desk pad will give you all of the benefits a mousepad would, but with the additional advantages of extra real estate.

Sound dampening

If you’re a keyboard nerd, you might benefit from a softer desk surface that can help slightly mitigate the thudding of a mechanical keyboard, if that’s a goal.

What to Look for

Material

Desk pads come in a wide variety of materials, with leather, felt, vinyl and plastic being some of the most popular. The matters mainly because you are going to be touching it every time you use your computer — and you want something that feels and looks good.

Size

Desk pads come in several different sizes. Some can cover your entire desk. Some are specifically designed to fit either standard or full-sized keyboards. And some are also designed to function as a mouse pad, as well. The larger the pad, the steeper the price.

How We Tested

Gear Patrol Staff

We’ve been writing about and reviewing products for near-on a decade. We also work with major brands and talk to experts within the computer, audio and accessories industries. The below selections of desk pats are a combination of products that we’ve had hands-on experience with as well as products made by brands we trust.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate

Satechi

BEST ALL-AROUND DESK PAD

Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate

Pros

• Good size for smaller desks
• Available in several different finishes
• Relatively affordable

Cons

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• Doesn't have the same premium look and feel as real leather
• Not great for larger desks

• Size: 23 in x 12.2 in
• Material: polyurethane (PU) leather

If you’re looking to keep things simple and streamlined on your desk, then Satechi’s Eco-Leather Deskmate might be just what you’re after. It’s available in your choice of blue, black or brown, and is a good choice for smaller desks (or larger desks you don’t want to cover up too much) at 23″ x 12.2″ in size. You can use your mouse on the desk pad itself, but Satechi also makes some separate matching mouse pads that you can pair with the desk pad if you find that things are getting a little too cramped.

Dacasso Classic Leather Mat Desk

Amazon

BEST LEATHER DESK PAD

Dacasso Classic Leather Mat Desk

Pros

• High quality leather

Cons

• Too large for small desks
• Quite expensive

• Size: 30 in x 19 in (other sizes available)
• Material: leather

Dacasso is one of the bigger names when it comes to desk pads, and the company makes a wide range of options to suit just about anyone’s needs. This leather desk pad with a felt backing is available in black or brown and in a range of sizes and can add a higher-end touch to your desk as well as provide a great writing surface. If you’re looking to go fully old school, you can opt for a model with side rails and add some of Dacasso’s blotter paper in your choice of color.

Grovemade Felt Desk Pad

Grovemade

BEST FELT DESK MAT

Grovemade Felt Desk Pad

Pros

• Available in five of different sizes
• Available in 8 different colors

Cons

• Felt might not be your jam

• Size: 24.75 in x 11 in (larger sizes available)
• Material: merino wool felt

You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting 18 desk mats that are made out of leather, so why not switch it up with something a little more unique? Grovemade’s wool felt pads add a bit of texture to a desk that might otherwise lack it, both in terms of feel and in terms of color.

The Grovemade Felt Desk Pad. Size small. Light grey.

Tucker Bowe

Grovemade Matte Desk Pad

Grovemade

BEST LARGE DESK MAT

Grovemade Matte Desk Pad

Pros

• Gorgeous look and feel
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

Cons

• Large sizes get quite pricey

• Size: 24.75 in x 11 in (larger sizes available)
• Material: linoleum and cork

If you are looking for a truly large desk mat, Grovemade’s extra large option should have you covered. At 26.5″ x 49″, it’s one of the larger options out there. The Matte Desk Pad is the most affordable, but you can also get this gargantuan pad in felt or leather if you are prepared to pay $200+.

The Grovemade Matte Desk Pad. Size large. Navy.

Ryan Brower

Awnour Clear Desk Mat

Amazon

BEST CLEAR DESK PAD

Awnour Clear Desk Mat

Pros

• Super affordable
• Available in different sizes

Cons

• Lacks a premium feel
• Transparent design won't be for everyone

• Size: 24 in x 14 in (larger sizes available)
• Material: vinyl

If you’re looking for an affordable option, this clear desk mat is about as cheap as they come. A few retailers like Ikea go even lower, like this $5 option, but unless you’re already making an Ikea order, the cost of shipping will likely eat into those savings.

House of Doolittle Doodle Pad Refillable

Amazon

BEST DESK PAD FOR WRITING

House of Doolittle Doodle Pad Refillable

Pros

• Unique design
• Great for doodlers
• Affordable

Cons

• Definitely not for everyone
• Doesn't feel premium
• Can't spill on it

• Size: 22 in x 17 in
• Material: recycled paper

If you’re looking for a desk pad that you can do some more analog work on, the House of Doolittle Doodle Pad is great for writing on. It comes with 50 paper sheets included and is refillable when you burn through those.

Miroddi Wireless Charger Desk Pad

Amazon

Miroddi Wireless Charger Desk Pad

Pros

• Available with or without built-in lighting
• Relatively affordable

Cons

• Design won't be for everybody
• Wireless charging maxes out at 10-watts

• Size: 32 in x 12 in
• Material: faux leather

Desk pads are pretty low-tech by design, but you can sneak a little gadgetry in there. If you’re looking for a pad that can also help you keep your other high-tech tools topped off, this pad with an integrated wireless charger makes it easy to keep your smartphone near 100 percent without sacrificing desk space to a dedicated charger.

MROCO Mouse Pad

Amazon

BEST MOUSE PAD

MROCO Mouse Pad

Pros

• Very affordable
• Available in several different sizes

Cons

• Lacks premium look and feel
• It's not a desk pad

• Size: 8.5 in x 11 in
• Material: rubber

If you’re looking for something smaller than a full desk pad, either for real estate or cost considerations, this mouse pad from MROCO is a great choice. Conveniently the size of a standard piece of paper, it’s easy to know whether it will fit your setup, and its classic black vibe will fit any desk and with no risk of getting visibly dirty, all for a very low price.

Nordik By Design Leather Desk Mat

Amazon

Nordik Leather Desk Mat

Pros

• Available in multiple different finishes
• Integrated cable management
• Very affordable
• Vegan leather feels pretty premium

Cons

• Only available in one size

• Size: 35 in x 17 in
• Material: vegan PUleather

This desk mat is a standout for a few reasons. It’s made of a vegan leather which feels surprisingly like the real thing. It’s available in a wide variety of colors — there are nine options to choose from. It has a pretty integrated cable organizer to keep your charging cable in place. And, well, it’s one of the more affordable desk pads you can buy.

XNM Creations Cutting Mat

XNM Creations

XNM Creations Cutting Mat

Pros

• Rugged and protective design
• Available in several different sizes
• Double sided with grid lines

Cons

• Only available in black

• Size: 24 in x 36 in (other sizes available)
• Material: polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

We love a good cutting mat and they make great desk pads. Not only are they hardier and do a better job at protecting your desk than most other mats, but they’re also helpful for measurements, cutting and doing various craft projects. This mat by XNM Creations is double sided — with either imperial or metric grid lines — and is available in a number of different sizes.

The XNM Creations Cutting Mat. Size 36″ x 48″.

JD DiGiovanni

Orbitkey Desk Mat

Courtesy

Orbitkey Desk Mat

Pros

• Beautiful look and feel
• Available in small, medium or large sizes
• Very unique design

Cons

• A touch pricey
• Some people might not want the extra functionality

• Size: 27 in x 14.7 in (other sizes available)
• Material: vegan leather

If you’re looking for a desk mat with a little more functionality than just sitting there, Orbitkey’s offering has a few features that might catch your eye. Complete with a flap for hiding documents underneath its vegan leather surface, it also has a special magnet-and-track along its top edge that helps corral any wires that may be connected to your various devices.

Ikea Rissla Desk Pad

IKEA

Ikea Rissla Desk Pad

Pros

• Very affordable
• Unique desk keeps it in place

Cons

• Only available in black
• Only available in one size

• Size: 34 in x 23 in
• Material: faux leather

Ikea offers some basic, no-frills desk pads for less than $10 if you’re just looking for something to protect your desk, but it’s worth shelling out a little extra cash for the company’s Rissla Desk Pad if you want a bit of a more complete package. It’s fairly large and it has both a lip along the front edge to hold it in place on your desk and a handy flap on the left side that you can tuck papers or other belongings under. The synthetic leather material is also made from 80% recycled paper, although you’re out of luck if you had your heart set on a color other than black.

Staples Refillable Faux Leather Desk Pad

Staples

Staples Refillable Faux Leather Desk Pad

Pros

• Relatively affordable

Cons

• Lacks premium feel of real leather
• Only available in one size and color

• Size: 24 in x 17 in
• Material: faux leather

They might not be able to match Dacasso’s desk pads as far as fit and finish go, but Staples’ faux leather desk pads should fit the bill for anyone looking for a traditional-style desk pad at a more affordable price. They’re available in black, brown or blue and come with side rails that can accommodate blotter paper or simply be used whenever you need a place to tuck away business cards or other papers.

Killspencer Desk Mat

Killspencer

Killspencer Desk Mat

Pros

• Made of premium leather
• Available in three different finishes
• Available in two different sizes

Cons

• Quite expensive

• Size: 17 in x 12 in (other size available)
• Material: bullhide leather

Killspencer’s desk pad is one of the nicest you can buy. It has a bespoke design and it’s made out of real bull hide leather — there’s nothing cheap or synthetic about it. You can buy it in one of two different finishes, black or brown, and in two sizes.

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