A tidier desk, without the drill
Based on current 2026 reviews, we compare capacity, mounting style, and desk fit — so you don't have to test a dozen trays yourself.
See the comparisonQuick answer: Our top pick for under-desk cable management trays is the Litwaro Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, 25" (Best Overall). If you're looking for best no-drill, the VIVO Under Desk 17" Cable Management Tray is a strong alternative.
A power strip, a laptop charger, a monitor cable, and a couple of USB leads add up fast — and once they're all dangling under your desk, they collect dust, get tangled, and make it hard to move your chair without snagging something. A cable management tray gathers everything into one enclosed shelf, out of sight and off the floor.
Most trays mount in one of two ways: clamp-on (no drilling, works on almost any desk, but weight capacity is a bit lower) or screw-mount (needs a couple of holes, but holds more and sits flush). Below, we compare four well-reviewed 2026 models across exactly that trade-off, plus size and budget.
If you're also tidying up the rest of your setup, a cable tray pairs well with a laptop stand or a monitor arm — but on its own, it's usually the single change that makes an under-desk area look intentional instead of accidental.
A cable tray hides the mess under your desk, but it doesn't solve two related problems: where the power strip itself lives, and how the cables running from the tray to your monitor or laptop stay bundled instead of splaying out across the floor. Most people who install a tray end up mounting a power strip next to it and adding a cable sleeve for the runs that are still visible.
| Product | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litwaro Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, 25" | Best Overall | $20 - $28 | 4.6/5 |
| VIVO Under Desk 17" Cable Management Tray | Best No-Drill | $18 - $25 | 4.5/5 |
| Yecaye Under Desk Cable Management Tray, 15.7" No Drill | Best Budget | $14 - $20 | 4.4/5 |
| Univivi No Drill Under Desk Cable Management Tray, 36" | Best for Large Setups | $32 - $45 | 4.5/5 |
A 25-inch no-drill mesh tray that clamps onto almost any desk edge in minutes and holds up to 30 lbs, making it the best all-around pick in several 2026 comparisons.
A compact, low-profile screw-mount tray that's a go-to recommendation in desk-setup communities for routing power strips and AV cables out of sight.
A compact spring-clamp tray that skips drilling entirely, making it a favorite budget pick for smaller cable loads like a single power strip and charger.
A 36-inch fabric tray built for bigger desks and multi-monitor setups, with both clamp and screw mounting options and enough length for a full cable run.
The Litwaro (Best Overall) clamps on with no drilling required.
The Univivi (36", Best for Large Setups) covers more width than the standard-size trays.
The Yecaye (Best Budget) is the most affordable no-drill option.
The Litwaro (Best Overall) is the most popular option with the strongest track record.
No -- no-drill clamp designs (like our top picks) attach in a few minutes and leave no marks. Drill-in mounting only really helps with very heavy loads.
Most metal or mesh trays comfortably hold a power strip plus several cables. Check the listed weight rating if you're hanging a heavier surge protector.
A mesh design allows airflow, which helps keep cables cool, but it doesn't fully block dust the way an enclosed fabric tray does.
Most trays clamp to desks between 0.5" and 3" thick. Measure your desk edge and check the tray's clamp range before buying, especially for glass or very thin desks.
A tray hides the power strip. Pairing it with cable sleeves or ties for the loose cords running to your devices gives a noticeably cleaner overall look.
Checked against current 2026 comparison roundups -- our current picks are still actively recommended, with mesh and no-drill designs remaining the most popular category for this niche.