Best gaming desk 2023

The best gaming desks in 2023 might also be standing desks. I'm finding that more and more gaming desks I hear about from month to month have all the features of the gaming tables we know and love, but also have that extra standing functionality - and people said it was just a fad. A desk is a desk at the end of the day - and you'll get the essentials no matter which one you go for, but a gaming desk whether it be standing or sitting will be feature-packed with things that will supercharge it as a hub for all your gaming hardware.

There are various factors to consider, like weight, size, worktop acreage, cable management, power, and, of course, budget. The thing that's on most people's minds might be the money, but one of the factors that really separates the men from the boys in 2023's best gaming desks is power. Especially for standing desks, power can be one of the biggest drawbacks for making the switch, but a desk that makes cabling and power issues easy might be the thing to pull the trigger on. If you're really into the standing desk scene, it's worth noting that we do have a specific list of the best standing desks, so that could give you a hand in your decision-making.

Luckily, just like with the best gaming chairs, there are plenty of different options available for varying budgets and requirements. There are smaller gaming desks to fit in your flat, there are desks that can fit into a corner and give you more real estate in a smaller room. Alternatively, do you need some depth so you don't strain your eyes? Working out what will suit you, your room, and what you'll use your desk for might help to narrow down your search for the best gaming desk.

The quick list

Best gaming desk

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The Secretlab Magnus Pro is easily the best gaming desk we've ever tested. And not only is it the top gaming desk, but it's also the best standing desk for gaming too. For anyone who works from home, this is the best do-it-all package there is.

The design of the Magnus Pro works in every way you could need. 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; there are a wealth of accessories to choose from to enhance the desk further from cable management clips to excellent surfaces and more. The build is rock solid and while it may be very heavy, the metal parts and materials used inspire great confidence and demonstrate this desk's premium nature.

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 - however the way the Magnus Pro is designed, the space on the normal-sized model is still plenty.

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.

Secretlab has dominated the gaming chair world for years and with the Magnus, the brand turned its keen eye to gaming desks. The result is the Secretlab Magnus - a real winner and easily one of the best gaming desks on the market right now.

In our testing, we found that the Secretlab Magus was capable of supporting 220lbs, meaning that this model can more than handle the weight of your setup. Thick cast steel in the legs gives the desk a super sturdy feel and we love the quasi-floating design of the surface. The flip-up tray lid over the cable management system at the rear of the desk is a great feature and perfect for anyone that likes to move their gear around a lot and doesn't want their setup to have ugly cables dangling everywhere underneath. 

The Secretlab Magus took around 30 minutes to put together, with the only real point of frustration being the awkward rollout of the magnetic mat. Due to its magnetism, this mat was difficult to line up correctly, which means you might need a second pair of hands to help out to avoid unnecessary frustration.

Best gaming desk under $100

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. 

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. 

Best mid-range gaming desk

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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.

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.

Best premium gaming desk

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. 

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.

• Read more: Herman Miller X Logitech Nevi review

Best L-shaped gaming desk

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For anyone that's hunting down the very best l-shaped gaming desk, look no further. There's plenty of space for all your kit thanks to the gently curving L-shape of this Walker Edison beauty, and the lack of unnecessary shelving or drawers keeps things uncluttered on top. The metal frame also gives it a robust, sturdy feel, while the ample room beneath the surface leaves plenty of space for lounging (the metal base for a computer tower at the bottom of the desk is a nice touch, too). 

The glass top and black underside really seal the deal, though. While these kinds of desk are prone to smudges, it's the height of gaming sophistication if you look after it. As shown in the gallery above, different colors are out there as well. 

Honestly, you can't do much better than this. Even if this one lacks the frills of more expensive options, there's little out there in the world of l-shaped gaming desks that compares.

Best RGB gaming desk

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. 

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.

Best esports gaming desk

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Both eye-catching and paradoxically simple, the Arozzi Arena comes in a variety of arresting color-schemes that really make it pop in any room. However, the real appeal lies in its build-quality and the slightly curved shape that puts you in the middle of the action. The idea behind this is that it offers better reach to either side and tons of depth for moving your mouse, too. 

This desk's built-in mouse mat is the icing on the cake, however. Running along the entire surface and providing a smooth glide anywhere, it's perfect for even the broadest of strokes. It's water and tear resistant as well, and that makes it a whole lot more practical than you might expect. Undue wear and tear? Begone!

Best feature-rich gaming desk

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Sometimes you need something a little different, and the Respawn 3010 caters to those who want to be prepared for every eventuality. And we mean every eventuality. There are separate trays here for your accessories. There are headphone holders. A cupholder is available. Mid-level shelving on the surface allows you to put your speakers or monitors at a better height. Oh, and the whole thing is adjustable. 

Yup, this is one of the best gaming desks around if you want something that'll suit your very specific needs. Rather than being a one-size-fits all solution, this is a table that you can tinker with until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Best standing gaming desk

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The Flexispot Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is unprecedented value for the dollar, as motorized adjustable desks are often at least double the price. If you, like many of us, are working from home, it's easier on your back to switch up your posture while you work. A standing desk is the only way to do that, and while ones you adjust by hand are relatively well-priced, it's a lot easier to get a motorized one (though not always cheaper).

In our testing, we found that the Flexispot EC1 model boasts a sturdy steel frame and a large bamboo desktop that comes in a variety of colors. While it may not be the prettiest desk you can get your hands on, this model provides all you need to better your posture. The desk height can be adjusted via a button on the front that is easily depressed. The motor is incredibly silent considering how heavy the desktop is, and it moves smoothly. The only downside is that there's no memory feature to automatically adjust the desk to preset heights, and there's no hole to pull your wires through.

Otherwise, the Flexispot Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is a sturdy, no-frills motorized standing desk that you simply can't find elsewhere for the price.

Best gaming desks - frequently asked questions

Do you need a gaming desk for gaming?

The short answer is no, you don't specifically need a gaming desk for gaming. Like gaming chairs and RGB lighting, they won't make you better at your favourite games. But on the other hand, these things are designed around what's typically needed for gamers. Gaming desks will have small quality of life features and design choices that are perfectly suited for gamers. Things like cable management, the surface of the desk, or for example, many gaming desks will have a hook for headphones where normal desks wouldn't.

While you don't need a gaming desk for gaming, you're bound to get a lot more usefulness and specificity out one.

How we test gaming desks

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.