If you are looking for a way to improve your workspace, you might have considered getting a desk mat or a desk pad. A desk mat is a large mat that covers your desk surface and provides a smooth and comfortable surface for your mouse, keyboard, laptop, and other devices. A desk mat can protect your desk from scratches, stains, and spills, and also add some style and personality to your desk.

However, desk mats can also be quite expensive, especially if you want a high-quality and eco-friendly one. Some of the popular brands of desk mats, such as Grovemade, Aothia, or Orbitkey, can cost over $100 for a single mat. That might be too much for some people who are on a tight budget or just want a simple and functional desk mat.

So, are there any cheaper alternatives to the desk mat or pad? The answer is yes, there are. In this blog post, we will show you some of the best and most affordable desk mats that you can find online, and compare them with the more expensive ones. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the right desk mat for your needs and preferences.

 

What to look for in a desk mat?

Before we dive into the list of the best cheap desk mats, let's first talk about what to look for in a desk mat. Here are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a desk mat:

• Material: The material of the desk mat determines its durability, comfort, and appearance. There are many types of materials that desk mats can be made of, such as leather, vinyl, felt, cork, rubber, or fabric. Each material has its own pros and cons, depending on your preferences and needs. For example, leather desk mats are durable and elegant, but they can also be expensive and hard to clean. Felt desk mats are soft and cozy, but they can also be prone to stains and damage from mice. Vinyl desk mats are easy to maintain and waterproof, but they can also be slippery and synthetic.

• Size: The size of the desk mat depends on the size of your desk and the layout of your space. You want a desk mat that can accommodate what you plan to place on top, whether that’s a keyboard and mouse, wireless charger, or a notepad. You also want a desk mat that can fit your desk without hanging over the edges or taking up too much room. Desk mats come in various sizes, from small ones that can fit a mouse and keyboard, to large ones that can cover your entire desk. You can measure your desk and your devices to find the best size for your desk mat.

• Design: The design of the desk mat affects its aesthetics and functionality. You want a desk mat that can match your personal style and your desk decor. You also want a desk mat that can provide some extra features, such as wireless charging, anti-slip backing, or storage compartments. Desk mats come in various colors, patterns, and textures, so you can find one that suits your taste and needs.

 

The best cheap desk mats

Now that you know what to look for in a desk mat, let's take a look at some of the best cheap desk mats that you can buy online. We have selected some of the most popular and well-reviewed desk mats that cost less than $30, and compared them with some of the more expensive ones. Here are our top picks:

• Cuttly Desk Mat: This is a simple and sleek desk mat that is made of PU leather, a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of real leather. It is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, and it comes in various colors and sizes. It has a smooth surface that is suitable for both optical and laser mice, and a soft padding that provides comfort for your wrists and arms. It also has a non-slip backing that prevents it from sliding on your desk. The Cuttly Desk Mat costs $19.99 for the medium size (31.5 x 15.7 inches), which is a great deal compared to the Grovemade Matte Desk Pad, which costs $120 for the same size and is made of linoleum, a natural material that is also durable and waterproof, but less smooth and soft than PU leather.

• Glowworm Desk Mat: This is a large and colorful desk mat that is made of microfiber leather, another synthetic material that is similar to PU leather, but more breathable and flexible. It is also durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, and it comes in various colors and sizes. It has a smooth surface that is suitable for both optical and laser mice, and a soft padding that provides comfort for your wrists and arms. It also has a non-slip backing that prevents it from sliding on your desk. The Glowworm Desk Mat costs $29.99 for the large size (35.4 x 15.7 inches), which is a great deal compared to the Nordik Leather Desk Mat, which costs $69.95 for the same size and is made of genuine leather, a natural material that is more elegant and luxurious, but also more expensive and harder to maintain than microfiber leather.

• Satechi Desk Mat: This is a multifunctional desk mat that is made of synthetic leather, a material that is similar to PU leather, but more durable and resistant to scratches and stains. It is also waterproof and easy to clean, and it comes in various colors and sizes. It has a smooth surface that is suitable for both optical and laser mice, and a soft padding that provides comfort for your wrists and arms. It also has a built-in wireless charger that can charge your compatible devices without any cables, and a pen holder that can store your pens and other small items. The Satechi Desk Mat costs $49.99 for the medium size (23.6 x 12.2 inches), which is a great deal compared to the Orbitkey Desk Mat, which costs $89.90 for the same size and is made of vegan leather, a material that is similar to synthetic leather, but more eco-friendly and animal-friendly, but also less durable and resistant than synthetic leather. The Orbitkey Desk Mat also has a built-in wireless charger and a pen holder, as well as a magnetic cable holder and a document hideaway.