A good gaming desk that can accommodate all of your gaming essentials and accessories is an absolute must-have, whether you're a professional gamer or a casual one. The best gaming desks will be spacious enough to hold multiple monitors, broad keyboards, computer mice and mouse pads, audio accessories, collectibles, and more with space to spare. They'll also have storage features that will help you keep your games and gaming equipment clean, undamaged, and within reach. Not to mention they can double as great work desks as well! In this guide, we go over what features make the best gaming desks so great.

Best Gaming Desk Sizes

First and foremost, the best gaming desks are large enough to comfortably hold all of your gaming supplies.

Best Gaming Desk Width

If you play with multiple monitors, your desk should be wide enough to hold your monitors side by side without any overlap or awkward placement. Most average PC monitors are 22" – 30" across their diagonals, or approximately 19" – 26" wide. If you have two monitors, you'll need a desk that is approximately 40" – 60" wide to comfortably fit them. If you have three monitors, an ultra-wide monitor, or a curved monitor, you'll need to pay even more attention to the dimensions of the gaming desks you're browsing to ensure that your monitors will fit nicely.

Best Gaming Desk Depth

Monitors may be very slim objects, but that doesn't mean a slim gaming desk will be the best choice. You also need to think about the size of your keyboard and consider what other accessories you'd like to fit on your desk. Smaller keyboards can be just under 5" deep, while larger keyboards can be almost 10" deep. Add a few inches for comfortable arm space, a few more between the keyboard and the monitor(s), and a few more between the monitor(s) and the back edge of the desk, and you'll probably require a gaming desk with a depth of over 20". Standard gaming desks are 20" – 30" deep, but deep gaming desks with depths of over 30" are also available.

Best Gaming Desk Shapes

When it comes to the best gaming desk shapes, there are two main shapes to consider. This choice depends on the space you've chosen for your gaming setup. Keep in mind the width and depth dimensions we discussed earlier as you peruse the two gaming desk shapes available.

Rectangular: The simplest and most common gaming desk shape, rectangular gaming desks are versatile desks that can come in a wide range of sizes, from super compact to super long. If you're interested in a large, lightweight gaming desk, we recommend you browse rectangular gaming desks first.

L-Shaped: If you're a gamer who works as hard as you play, you might like an L-shaped gaming desk. As you might imagine, L-shaped desks are shaped like the letter L, with two tabletops that meet at a right angle. These desks are amazing if you'd like to designate one side as your gaming setup and the other as your workstation. L-shaped gaming desks have larger silhouettes than rectangular gaming desks, but they work just fine in corners if you need to save some space.

Best Gaming Desk Storage

We can't overstate the value of having storage compartments built into your gaming desk. Not only do built-in storage components keep all your essentials within arm's reach, but they can also cut down on desktop clutter and make your PC gaming experience as hassle-free as possible.

Shelves & Bookcase: Gaming desks with shelves often have these storage components built into the underside of the desktop to hold games and gaming accessories. These shelves are some of the most accessible and least bulky gaming desk storage components available. Shelves are great for displaying collectibles, and there are even some gaming desks with built-in shelves designed to hold a PC tower off of the floor. If you need a gaming desk with multiple high-capacity shelves, opt for a gaming desk with bookcase shelves, which are stacked atop each other like a traditional bookcase.

Drawers: Drawers are often built into the underside of gaming desks for subtle and secure storage of games and accessories. Drawers can be a bit more difficult to slide out while you're sitting at your gaming desk, but they can provide sturdier and more reliable storage than exposed shelves.

Hutch: On traditional desks, hutches are bulky shelf structures that frame a computer monitor to provide ample space for displaying calendars, framed photos, desk supplies, decor, and more. On a gaming desk, a hutch is a little different. It's usually a long single shelf lifted a couple of inches off the very back of the desktop. These simple shelves are designed to elevate your monitor(s) above desk level.

Cabinets: Last but not least, cabinets can provide ample storage space for all of your bulkier gaming accessories. Like drawers, cabinets are more secure and private than exposed shelves and can be excellent for keeping games and accessories safe from dust, spills, and exposure to potential damage. And like drawers, cabinets need a little more space in front of them to open smoothly. If you have space, a gaming desk with cabinets is an excellent choice.

Tip!

Want some extra security? Opt for a gaming desk with locking drawers and/or cabinets to keep the contents safe and secure when you're away.

Best Gaming Desk Features

We can't forget to mention some additional gaming desk features that can also improve your organization and overall gaming experience.

Cable Management: One of the most valuable gaming desk features, cable management features are channels or slots in which you can thread cables and wires to cut down on annoying clutter.

Keyboard Tray: Though the efficacy of keyboard trays is subject to debate in gaming communities, they can be great space-savers if you don't have the room for a super deep desk. Keyboard trays are sliding panels that are built into the underside of a gaming desk to hold a keyboard. To access the keyboard, just slide the tray out; when you're done, simply slide it back under your desk for quick and easy storage. They can also protect your keyboard from dust. Despite some gamers' dislike for keyboard trays, some keyboard trays can have ample space and won't move while in use, so it's not a bad idea to consider a gaming desk with a keyboard tray if you're tight on space.

Built-In Outlets/USB Ports: A lack of outlets and USB ports can be ruinous to an effective gaming setup. Opt for a gaming desk with built-in electrical outlets and USB ports to rid yourself of these plug-in woes and ensure that all your essentials will stay connected to power and within reach at all times.