Best Thermal Pads of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

In the ever-evolving realm of electronics and PC builds, the importance of optimal thermal management cannot be overstated. With components becoming more powerful and compact, efficient heat dissipation is paramount to ensure longevity and peak performance. Enter the unsung heroes of the cooling world: thermal pads. As we stride into 2026, innovation in thermal pad technology has reached new heights, catering to both casual users and hardcore enthusiasts. Whether you're assembling a top-tier gaming rig, optimizing a laptop, or ensuring your electronic device runs smoothly, selecting the right thermal pad can make all the difference. Dive in as we explore the best thermal pads of 2026, ensuring your electronics remain cool under pressure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM Thermal Pad Cover #TOP 1
Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM Thermal Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet Thermal Pad Cover #TOP 2
Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet Thermal Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ARCTIC TP-3 Cover #TOP 3
ARCTIC TP-3
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Thermal Pads

#TOP 1

Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM Thermal Pad

TG-PS-50-40
Grey
50x40mm
Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM Thermal Pad Cover
Thermal Grizzly - PhaseSheet PTM (50x40mm)- High Performance Thermal pad with Phase Change Material | Durable, not electrically Conductive | for CPU, GPU & Electronics Cooling

The Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet Pad is a high-performance thermal pad designed to enhance heat transfer for your CPUs, GPUs, and other electronic components. Its unique phase change material remains solid at room temperature and only becomes liquid at 45°C, making it easy to apply. Once liquefied, it has a low viscosity, allowing for a thin layer that maximizes efficiency. Additionally, it minimizes the pump-out effect during solidification, ensuring reliable performance over time. This pad is non-electrically conductive, making it a safe choice for sensitive electronics.

What We Like
Does not dry out
No pump-out issue
Easy, uniform application
Reusable if handled carefully
Works with low mounting pressure
What We Don't Like
Requires careful, slow installation
Higher cost than paste
#TOP 2

Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet Thermal Pad

TG-KS-24-12
Silver
38 x 38 x 0,2 mm
Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet Thermal Pad Cover
Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet (38x38x0.2mm) – Ultra High Thermal Conductivity Graphene Thermal Pad – Perfect Alternative for Thermal Paste on CPU/GPU/PS4/PS5/Xbox – Made in Sweden

The KryoSheet Thermal Pad by Thermal Grizzly offers excellent thermal conductivity, making it ideal for efficient heat dissipation in your CPU, GPU, and gaming consoles. Its easy application means you can quickly install it without hassle, ensuring optimal cooling for your devices. The pad is designed for consistent high performance, so you can rely on it even during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads. Additionally, its extreme durability ensures that it will last, providing reliable heat management over time. This combination of features makes the KryoSheet a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their system's cooling capabilities.

What We Like
Lower CPU and GPU temperatures
No thermal paste cleanup
Long-term stability and reusability
Easy installation process
Consistent thermal performance
What We Don't Like
Fragile material, handle gently
Higher price point
#TOP 3

ARCTIC TP-3

ACTPD00053A
blue
ARCTIC TP-3 Cover
ARCTIC TP-3: Premium Performance Thermal Pad, 100 x 100 x 1.0 mm (Stackable to 2.0 mm Without Performance Loss), 1 Piece - High Performance, Particularly Soft, Ideal Gap Filler, Bridging Gaps

The ARCTIC TP-3 Thermal Pad is a high-performance thermal pad designed to minimize thermal resistance and bridge gaps. Its thin and soft composition allows for efficient heat conduction, making it ideal for applications such as RAM, chipset, and IC in PCs, laptops, consoles, and graphic cards. The TP-3 outperforms other high-performance pads, especially when dealing with height differences between closely spaced chips. Additionally, it is versatile in its applications, offering heat-conducting, vibration-damping, and electrically insulating properties. The pad is safe to handle, as it contains no metal particles and is non-capacitive, ensuring no damage is caused when in contact with electrical parts.

What We Like
Easy installation
Noticeable temperature drop
Flexible and stackable
Mess-free application
Good value
What We Don't Like
Backing tricky to remove
#TOP 4

ARCTIC TP-3 Thermal Pad

ACTPD00056A
blue
ARCTIC TP-3 Thermal Pad Cover
ARCTIC TP-3: Premium Performance Thermal Pad, 120 x 20 x 1.0 mm (Stackable to 2.0 mm Without Performance Loss), 4 Pieces - High Performance, Particularly Soft, Ideal Gap Filler, Bridging Gaps

The ARCTIC TP-3 Pad is designed for premium thermal performance, making it an excellent choice for your electronic devices. Its soft composition allows for easy installation, even in tight spaces, ensuring effective heat conduction. You’ll appreciate how its low thermal resistance enhances cooling, particularly when dealing with closely spaced components. Additionally, the pad is versatile and can be easily cut to fit various applications, from RAM to graphic cards. With its safe handling features, you can use it without worrying about electrical damage, making it a reliable option for your tech needs.

What We Like
Easy to cut and install
Excellent heat dissipation
Improves SSD and GPU temps
Durable and long-lasting
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
May lose conductivity over time
Installation can be tricky for some
#TOP 5

Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad 8

TG-MP8-120-20-10-2R-2
Minus Pad 8
Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad 8 Cover
Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad 8-120x20x1.0mm 2-Pack Thermal Interface Pad, Electrically Non-Conductive, High Thermal Conductivity & Compressibility for SSDs, GPUs & Electronics

Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad 8 is a self-adhesive, thermally conductive thermal pad that is designed to dissipate heat from computers, laptops, gaming consoles, and Macbooks. It is composed of ceramic silicone and nano-aluminum oxide, and is flexible and highly heat conductive. Customers have reported that it is easy to apply and has improved their device's cooling performance significantly.

What We Like
Excellent heat reduction
Easy to cut and apply
High-quality material
Improved acoustic performance
Durable and long-lasting
What We Don't Like
Higher price
Limited quantity per pack
#TOP 6

Thermal Grizzly TG Putty Advance 30g

TG-P-A-030
TG Putty Advance
Advance 30g
Thermal Grizzly TG Putty Advance 30g Cover
Thermal Grizzly TG Putty Advance - 30 Gram - Electrically Non-Conductive Thermal Putty for GPU Modding and Thermal Pad Replacement

The Thermal Grizzly TG Putty is an electrically safe thermal putty designed to replace traditional thermal pads, making it perfect for GPU modifications. It acts as a flexible filler that adjusts to different component heights, ensuring your device maintains strong thermal contact for better cooling. Applying the putty is straightforward—you can use the included spatulas or your hands, though wearing gloves is recommended for cleanliness. This putty can fill gaps from 0.2 mm up to 3.0 mm, giving you the flexibility to use it across a variety of parts and setups easily.

What We Like
Significant temperature reduction
Effective for VRAM and GPU
Flexible pad replacement
Good quantity per container
Consistent cooling performance
What We Don't Like
Challenging application process
Premium price point
#TOP 7

JOYJOM PTM7950 Thermal Pad 80x80x0.25mm

80*80mm
JOYJOM PTM7950 Thermal Pad 80x80x0.25mm Cover
PTM7950 Thermal Pad Phase Change Heatsink 80x80x0.25mm 8.5W/mK Conductive for Heatsink PS5 Steam Deck CPU GPU SSD Silicone Grease Thermal Pad

The JOYJOM PTM7950 Thermal Pad is designed to boost heat transfer with its high thermal conductivity, helping your device stay cool and run efficiently. Its phase change material adapts to heat, filling gaps between surfaces to reduce resistance and improve performance. This pad is built for durability, passing tough tests like 150˚C baking for 1000 hours and extensive thermal cycling, meaning you can rely on it for long-term use. Plus, it’s cost-effective and easy to apply, making it a practical choice for improving the cooling of your PS5, Steam Deck, CPU, GPU, or SSD.

What We Like
Long-term thermal stability
No pump out effect
Improved temperature performance
Easy to cut to size
Better than liquid metal safety
What We Don't Like
Application can be tricky
Possible inconsistency in product authenticity
#TOP 8

Gelid Solutions GP-Extreme 2.0mm Thermal Pad

80x40x2.0
grey
80x40x2.0
Gelid Solutions GP-Extreme 2.0mm Thermal Pad Cover
Gelid Solutions GP-Extreme Thermal Pad 80 x 40 x 2.0 mm Excellent Heat Conduction, Ideal Gap Filler Easy Installation Thermal Conductivity 12W

Gelid Solutions GP-Extreme 2.0mm Thermal Pad is a non-electrical conductive, non-corrosive, non-curing and non-toxic thermal pad with ultimate heat conductivity. It has a density of 2.8 g/cm3, a hardness of 35 OO, and a thermal conductivity of 12 W/mK. Customers have praised its ability to reduce temperatures by up to 20°C, making it a great choice for cooling down GPUs.

What We Like
Excellent cooling performance
Easy to cut and install
Good adhesive quality
Consistent temperature reduction
Soft and compressible material
What We Don't Like
Higher price than expected
Pads can be too malleable
#TOP 9

OwlTree 4 Pack Thermal Pad

4 Pack
OwlTree 4 Pack Thermal Pad Cover
OwlTree 4 Pack Thermal Pad,100x100mm 0.5mm 1mm 1.5mm 2mm Highly Efficient Thermal Conductivity 6.0 W/mK,Heat Resistant Silicone Thermal Pads for Laptop Heatsink CPU GPU SSD IC LED Cooler

OwlTree 4 Pack Thermal Pad offers excellent thermal conductivity in a range of thicknesses. Made of thermal silica gel, it has a heat conductivity of 6.0 W/mK, and is durable and reliable with high temperature performance. The pads are versatile and can be used for a wide range of electronic and electrical products, as well as appliances, machinery, and computers. Additionally, the pads can be cut to meet your specific needs, making them both convenient and affordable.

What We Like
Multiple thickness options
Good value for money
Easy to apply and trim
Noticeable temperature improvement
Reusable and versatile use
What We Don't Like
Slight risk of improper installation
#TOP 10

m.2 Thermal Pad for SSD Heatsinks

DRD2270-4
m.2 Thermal Pad for SSD Heatsinks Cover
SGTKJSJS M.2 Thermal Pad, 70x20x1mm for M.2 2280 SSD NVMe Heatsinks (4PCS Pack)

This m.2 thermal pad is perfect for M.2 2280 SSD heatsinks, with dimensions of 70x20x1mm. It is made from a unique nano silicon grease material, giving it good thermal conductivity ability. The pad is soft and has low viscosity, making it compatible with uneven surfaces of the M.2 SSD, while not damaging the SSD warranty label. The thermal pad is safe and easy to use, simply remove the protective films on both sides and place it under the M.2 SSD heatsink. Great for a wide range of SSDs with no cutting required.

What We Like
Effective temperature regulation
Easy installation and use
Good value for price
Sticky texture ensures secure placement
Durable material quality
What We Don't Like
Thermal pads are very thin
Performance difference hard to notice
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Choosing the Right Thermal Pads

Introduction

Choosing the right thermal pad for your application can be a daunting task. With so many different materials, thicknesses, and sizes available, it's important to carefully consider your specific needs and requirements in order to make the best decision. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the factors you should consider when choosing thermal pads, as well as some tips for ensuring that you get the best possible performance from your pads.

Material

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing thermal pads is the material. The two most common materials used in thermal pads are silicone and graphite, each of which has its own unique properties and benefits.

Silicone thermal pads are known for their excellent conformability, which allows them to easily fill gaps and irregularities in the surfaces they are applied to. This makes them ideal for applications where there is a significant amount of surface-to-surface contact, such as between a CPU and a heatsink. Silicone thermal pads are also relatively soft and compressible, which can help to improve the overall thermal performance of the system.

Graphite thermal pads, on the other hand, are known for their high thermal conductivity and low thermal resistance. This makes them ideal for applications where maximum heat transfer is required, such as between a GPU and a heatsink. Graphite thermal pads are also relatively stiff and rigid, which can make them more difficult to apply and can potentially cause damage to delicate components if not handled carefully.

Thickness

Another important factor to consider when choosing thermal pads is thickness. In general, thicker pads will provide better thermal performance than thinner pads. However, it's important to strike a balance between performance and compatibility. If the pad is too thick, it may not fit properly between the components, and if it's too thin, it may not provide sufficient thermal performance.

The best way to determine the optimal thickness for your application is to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the recommended thickness of the thermal pad, based on the specific components and system configuration. It's also a good idea to take into account the overall size and weight of the components, as well as the type of mounting system being used, as these can all affect the optimal thickness of the thermal pad.

Size

Another important factor to consider when choosing thermal pads is size. In general, it's best to choose a thermal pad that is slightly larger than the area it will be covering. This will ensure that the pad makes full contact with the surfaces and provides maximum thermal performance.

It's also important to consider the shape of the thermal pad. Some pads are available in pre-cut shapes that are designed to fit specific components, such as CPUs or GPUs. These can be a convenient option, as they are easy to install and provide a good fit. However, if you have a custom application or unusual component configuration, you may need to cut the thermal pad to fit your specific needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right thermal pad is crucial for ensuring optimal thermal performance in your system. By considering factors such as material, thickness, and size, you can make an informed decision that will provide the best possible performance for your specific application. As always, it's important to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations to ensure that your thermal pad is installed correctly and provides maximum thermal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are thermal pads used for?

Thermal pads are used to fill air gaps between surfaces that are not perfectly smooth or flat. They ensure close contact between components and prevent overheating by conducting heat away. However, thermal pads are not necessary between surfaces that are already flat and smooth.

2. Do CPU thermal pads work?

CPU thermal pads can effectively transfer heat away from the chips. However, it is important to apply them carefully to ensure there are no gaps between the chip surface and the heat sink.

3. What can I use instead of thermal pads?

Thermal paste is an alternative to thermal pads. It is a paste-like material that fills in air gaps between the CPU and heatsink, providing better thermal conductivity. However, thermal paste can be more challenging to apply compared to thermal pads.

4. Is it OK to reuse thermal pads?

Thermal pads are not reusable and are relatively expensive compared to other thermal interface materials. It is recommended to use them once and replace them when needed.

5. Should I get a thinner or thicker thermal pad?

In general, thinner thermal pads have better thermal conductivity than thicker ones. However, the material composition of the pad can also affect its performance. Thicker pads made of high-conductivity materials may perform better than thinner pads made of lower-conductivity materials.

6. Is it OK to use thermal paste instead of thermal pads?

If your laptop originally came with a thermal pad on the CPU or GPU, it is recommended to replace it with thermal paste. However, for other components like RAM and other chips, thermal pads are acceptable. If you choose to use thermal paste on them, be cautious during the application process.

Editor's Notes

During our thermal pad research, we found 24 thermal pad products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 70,131 customer reviews through our big data system to write the thermal pads list. We found that most customers choose thermal pads with an average price of $13.77.

The thermal pads are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of thermal pads, including Thermal Grizzly, ARCTIC, JOYJOM, Gelid Solutions, OwlTree. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 275 consumers with an average rating of 5.0.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.