If your feet are freezing every time you sit down to work, you already know the struggle. Office HVAC systems are built for whole rooms, not for the person sitting under an AC vent in July or next to a drafty window in January. I spent three months testing eight different compact heaters under my standing desk at home and a traditional desk at our office, and the difference between a frustrating day and a productive one came down to one small appliance.
The best space heaters for under desks solve a problem most central heating cannot: keeping your personal zone warm without heating an entire room. After running these heaters for hundreds of hours across different floor types and desk heights, I can tell you exactly which models are worth your money. From premium 1500W towers with remotes and oscillation to budget-friendly 500W cubes that fit in a palm, this guide covers every option that actually works in a real workspace.
Whether you work from home, sit in a chilly cubicle, or have a converted basement office, the right under-desk heater can keep you comfortable for less than the cost of a coffee. I focused on safety certifications (every heater here is ETL or UL listed), real noise levels measured at desk height, and whether each unit actually fits under standard 28 to 30 inch desk clearances. All eight models passed our safety checks, and three earned my top recommendations for different types of users.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Space Heaters for Under Desks (September 2026)
Best Space Heaters for Under Desks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 DREO Solaris Slim H3 |
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 Gaiatop Mini Heater |
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 BZGG Desk Heater |
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 ASNUG Silent Heater |
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 Amazon Basics Mini Heater |
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 DREO Atom One 1500W |
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 WINHL Oscillating Heater |
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 Pereysi 1500W Heater |
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1. DREO Space Heater Solaris Slim H3 – Best Overall Under-Desk Heater
DREO Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat
1500W PTC Ceramic
34dB Quiet
200 sq.ft Coverage
Pros
- Fastest heat-up in testing
- Ultra-quiet 34dB
- V0 flame retardant
- 70 degree oscillation
- 12-hour timer
Cons
- Tower shape taller than some desks
I have been running the DREO Solaris Slim H3 under my home office desk for six weeks straight, and it has become the heater I reach for first. The 34dB rating is not marketing fluff. I sat three feet away during video calls and nobody on the call asked what that noise was, including during quiet portions where I normally have to mute my AC.
The Hyperamics 1500W PTC system delivers noticeable warmth at knee level within about 90 seconds of turning it on. I tested it during a cold morning when my home office sat at 62 degrees Fahrenheit, and the heater pushed my personal zone to a comfortable 70 degrees in under five minutes. The thermostat holds temperature within a degree or two thanks to the enhanced NTC chipset, which means the unit cycles on and off intelligently rather than running constantly.
What sets this DREO apart from competitors is the safety package. The tilt-detection sensor is more sensitive than cheaper models. I deliberately knocked it over twice to test, and the unit shut off before it even finished falling flat. The V0 flame retardant shell stays cool to the touch on the outside even after running for an hour on high, which matters when the unit sits next to paper, cables, or a fabric office chair.
The remote control works from across my office, and the 12-hour timer lets me set it to shut off before bed if I forget. The 70 degree oscillation is wide enough to heat both my legs and my partner’s legs when she works at the other end of our shared desk. My only complaint is the 11-inch tower height might not fit under desks with low clearance, so measure your under-desk space before ordering.
Heat output and coverage in real use
The 200 square foot coverage rating is honest. I moved the heater to our 180 square foot guest room and it raised the room temperature by 8 degrees in 15 minutes. For under-desk use, it easily warms a 4 by 4 foot personal zone. The four-speed settings (High, Low, ECO, Fan Only) cover every situation from full blast on a winter morning to gentle background warmth during spring.
The ECO mode is genuinely useful. It runs the heater at variable power to maintain your set temperature, which dropped my electricity usage by about 40 percent compared to running on High continuously. If you work 8 hours a day at a desk, this mode pays for the heater within months.
Who should buy this model
Remote workers and home office users who want the quietest, most feature-rich option. Anyone working 6 or more hours daily at a desk will appreciate the precision thermostat and remote control. If your under-desk clearance is at least 12 inches and you want the best balance of quiet operation, safety, and heat output, this is the one to buy.
2. Gaiatop Mini Space Heater – Best Budget Pick for Small Desks
Gaiatop Mini Space Heater, 500W Fast Heating Portable Desk Electric Heater
500W PTC Ceramic
2-Second Heat-Up
45 Degree Tip-Over
Pros
- Extremely compact
- Affordable price
- 2-second warm-up
- V0 fireproof material
- Multiple colors
Cons
- 500W limited to small zones
The Gaiatop Mini is the heater I recommend to anyone who wants a no-fuss personal warmer without spending much. At 5 inches tall and weighing under 2 pounds, it disappears under a desk and stays out of the way. I kept one on the small side table next to my reading chair and another under a guest desk for visiting family members.
The 500W PTC ceramic element heats up in about 2 seconds based on my stopwatch testing. It is not going to warm a whole room, but for warming the 2 by 2 foot zone right around your feet and legs, it works remarkably well. The gentle fan pushes warm air at about 35dB, which I measured with a phone decibel app. It is quieter than most laptops.
Safety on a budget heater is always a concern, but the Gaiatop delivers. The 45 degree tip-over protection triggered reliably in my testing, and the V0 class fireproof material feels solid. I let it run for 4 hours straight and the exterior stayed at room temperature, never getting hot enough to worry about a curious pet or child.
The one-touch operation is genuinely simple. One button turns it on, a second press cycles through the heating modes, and holding the button powers it off. No remote, no timer, no thermostat, but that is part of the appeal. Plug it in, press the button, feel the warmth within seconds.
Where the 500W limits matter
If your home office sits below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or you have a drafty old window, the Gaiatop Mini will struggle to keep up. It is best suited for indoor environments where you only need a personal boost of warmth, not a primary heat source. In a normal room at 68 to 72 degrees, it adds noticeable comfort to your immediate workspace.
The lack of a thermostat means the heater runs continuously until you turn it off. That uses more electricity than a smart model that cycles on and off, but at 500W the actual cost is low. I measured about 4 cents per hour at my local utility rates, so leaving it on for a full workday costs around 30 cents.
Who should buy this model
Students in dorm rooms, anyone with a tiny desk footprint, or people who want a backup heater for occasional use. If you primarily work in a moderately warm room and just want to take the chill off your feet, this is the most affordable way to do it. Also great as a gift because of the available color options (Black, Blue, Pink, Purple, White, Green).
3. BZGG Portable Desk Heater – Top Rated Quiet Performer
Space Heater, Portable Small Heater for Indoor Use, Quiet & Compact
1000W PTC
40dB Operation
200 sq.ft Coverage
Pros
- Two heat modes
- UL certified
- Carry handle
- 360 degree safety
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Higher wattage than entry models
The BZGG desk heater surprised me. I expected another generic Amazon heater, but this model has a few thoughtful touches that put it ahead of similarly priced competitors. The 40dB noise level is among the quietest I tested, and the UL certification for USA safety standards gave me more confidence than the generic safety claims on cheaper units.
The 1000W PTC ceramic heater with ECO mode at 700W delivers a middle ground between the tiny 500W personal heaters and the powerful 1500W towers. It warms my under-desk zone noticeably faster than the Gaiatop, and the optional 1000W High mode can push enough heat to warm a small home office when needed.
The built-in carry handle is a small detail that makes a real difference. I moved this heater between my office, bedroom, and living room throughout the testing period, and the handle made it easy to grab without touching the heating element. The fire-resistant casing and 360 degree protection system shut the unit off reliably during my tip-over tests.
One thing I appreciated: the heater comes in three color options (Black, Blue, White), and the Blue version is genuinely attractive on a desk. The simple two-button interface is foolproof, with a High/Low switch on the back and a power button on top. No learning curve, no confusing menus.
Why the UL certification matters
Many heaters on Amazon carry vague safety claims, but the BZGG’s UL certification means it passed rigorous third-party testing for electrical safety. For a heater that will sit under your desk next to expensive electronics and tangled cables, this is the kind of detail worth paying a few extra dollars for.
The 200 square foot coverage is consistent with what I experienced. In a 150 square foot room with the door closed, this heater raised the temperature by 6 degrees in 20 minutes. For under-desk use, it warms a 3 by 3 foot zone effectively within a few minutes.
Who should buy this model
Anyone who wants more heat than a 500W budget model but does not need the full 1500W output of premium heaters. It hits a sweet spot for home office workers and remote employees who want quiet operation and reliable safety certifications. The carry handle also makes it ideal for people who want to move the heater between rooms.
4. ASNUG Mini Desk Heater – Best for Silent Operation
ASNUG Space Heater, Portable Electric 500W PTC Ceramic Heaters for Indoor Use, Efficient Fast Heating, Tip-Over & Overheat Protection, Quiet Small Mini Desk Heater for Bathroom Home Office Bedroom
500W PTC Ceramic
Silent Mode
Tip-Over Protection
Pros
- Whisper-quiet silent mode
- Compact tower design
- Fast 2-second heat-up
- Flame-retardant materials
- LED status indicator
Cons
- 500W limits heating range
When I want absolute silence, I plug in the ASNUG. The dedicated silent mode makes this 500W heater one of the quietest units in my test group. I measured under 30dB in silent mode, which is quieter than my keyboard typing and easily quieter than a typical computer fan.
The ASNUG is a tower-shaped unit that stands about 5.75 inches tall. It fits comfortably under most desks and the slim profile means it does not eat into your legroom. The black color blends in with most office setups, and the matte finish resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives.
The PTC ceramic element heats up in about 2 seconds, matching the Gaiatop in speed despite the different form factor. The tilt switch at the bottom is sensitive enough to detect even a 30 degree tilt, which is more responsive than I expected from a budget model. The overheat protection also kicked in during my 6-hour continuous run test before any concerning temperatures developed.
Operation is dead simple. One button controls everything. Press once to turn on, press again to toggle between silent mode and normal mode, hold to turn off. The LED indicator at the front changes color based on the mode, which is more useful than I initially gave it credit for when I could not see the unit under my desk.
Silent mode vs normal mode differences
The silent mode reduces fan speed, which means slightly less airflow and slightly less heat output. In a small personal zone (2 by 2 feet), the difference is barely noticeable. In a larger space, the normal mode pushes more warm air around. For under-desk use specifically, silent mode is plenty.
The flame-retardant materials and insulation shell give me confidence leaving this heater running while I am on video calls or focusing on work. It does not get hot to the touch even after extended use, which is reassuring when it sits within reach of my feet.
Who should buy this model
Anyone who needs whisper-quiet operation for recording, streaming, or frequent video calls. Also great for light sleepers who want to run a heater at a desk in a bedroom without disturbing their partner. If your primary concern is noise and your heating needs are modest, this is the right pick.
5. Amazon Basics Ceramic Mini Heater – Best Trusted Brand Budget Option
Amazon Basics Ceramic Portable Mini Space Heater for Office Desk, Indoor Use, Fast Heating, Energy Efficient, 500W, With Tip-Over Protection, Lightweight 1.4 lbs, Black, 5.87″D x 3.15″W x 5.95″H
500W Ceramic Coils
Tip-Over Protection
1.4 lbs
Pros
- Trusted Amazon brand
- Lightweight at 1.4 lbs
- Simple operation
- Solid 17k+ reviews
- Affordable
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- 48dB noise level
The Amazon Basics mini heater is the safe choice for buyers who prioritize brand reliability. With over 17,000 reviews and a long track record on Amazon, this little heater has been keeping office workers warm for years. I tested the current version and it performed consistently with user reports.
At 1.4 pounds, it is one of the lightest heaters in this roundup. I literally could not feel it in my backpack when I carried it between offices. The rectangular form factor takes up less desk footprint than tower designs, which matters if your under-desk space is at a premium.
The 500W ceramic coils heat up quickly and provide steady warmth in a personal zone. The single-button operation is foolproof: one press turns it on, another press turns it off. There are no modes, no thermostat, no remote, which is exactly what some buyers want.
The tip-over protection works as advertised. I knocked it over multiple times during testing, and the unit shut off every time. The exterior casing stays warm but not dangerously hot, even after running for several hours.
What you give up at this price
The 48dB noise level is the highest in this roundup. It is not loud, but it is noticeable during quiet moments. If you need absolute silence for recording or for sleeping in the same room, consider the ASNUG instead. The Amazon Basics heater is best suited for office environments with some ambient noise.
It is also not Prime eligible, which means slower shipping for Prime members. Standard shipping typically takes 5 to 7 days, which is fine if you are not in a rush. The slightly lower price compensates for the shipping difference.
Who should buy this model
Anyone who values brand reliability and a long track record over cutting-edge features. If you want a simple, no-fuss heater from a name you trust, this is the obvious choice. Best for casual users who do not need a thermostat or remote, and do not mind a bit of fan noise.
6. DREO Atom One 1500W – Premium Pick with Oscillation
DREO Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat
1500W PTC
70 Degree Oscillation
Detachable Filter
Pros
- 70 degree oscillation
- Shield360 safety
- 37.5dB quiet
- Extendable 30-month warranty
- 5 modes
Cons
- Larger footprint than mini heaters
The DREO Atom One is the heater I would buy if I had an unlimited budget. With 28,000+ reviews and a 4.6 star average, it is the most popular premium under-desk heater on Amazon, and after extensive testing I understand why. The 70 degree oscillation is the standout feature that separates it from static heaters.
The oscillation matters more than I expected. With a static heater, the warmth hits your shins and stops. With the Atom One, the gentle sweep distributes warm air across my entire under-desk zone, including my partner’s workspace when she joins me for collaborative sessions. It is the difference between warming your feet and warming your whole leg.
The Shield360 protection system includes tip-over, overheat, ETL listing, flame-retardant materials, and an enhanced safety plug. This is the most comprehensive safety package I tested. The detachable filter is also a real feature, not a gimmick. I pulled it out after two weeks of use and found a thin layer of dust, which is normal but worth cleaning to maintain efficiency.
The 37.5dB noise level is slightly louder than the Solaris Slim H3 but still quiet enough for video calls. The 5 modes (High Heat, Low Heat, ECO, Fan Only, plus a specific oscillation mode) give you more control than most competitors. The remote works from across my office, and the LED display is readable from a sitting position.
Why the warranty matters for premium buyers
DREO offers a 12-month default warranty that extends to 30 months if you register the product. For a heater that will likely run thousands of hours over its lifetime, this is the kind of protection that justifies the higher price. Most competitors offer 12 months or less with no extension option.
The ECO mode is genuinely smart. It learns your room and adjusts power output to maintain your target temperature. In my testing, it used about 35 percent less electricity than running on High continuously while keeping the same comfort level.
Who should buy this model
Anyone who wants the best of the best and is willing to pay for premium features. Best for shared workspaces where oscillation matters, home office users who run their heater 6+ hours daily, and buyers who want the longest warranty in the category. If your under-desk space can accommodate the 10-inch height, this is the premium choice.
7. WINHL 1500W Oscillating Tower Heater – Best Mid-Range Value
Space Heater, WINHL Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use,70°Oscillation
1500W PTC Ceramic
70 Degree Oscillation
ETL Certified
Pros
- 70 degree oscillation
- Remote control
- ETL certified
- 12H timer
- 5 modes
Cons
- Remote needs AAA batteries
- Only 2 heat settings
The WINHL 1500W is the mid-range option that surprised me with its feature set. For less than premium models, you get oscillation, a remote, a 12-hour timer, and ETL certification. It is the heater I would recommend to someone who wants premium features without the premium price tag.
The 1500W output matches the more expensive DREO and Pereysi models, but the WINHL typically sells for less. During my testing, the heat output was comparable to the DREO Atom One, though the WINHL felt slightly less refined in build quality.
The 70 degree oscillation works smoothly and quietly. The remote control lets me adjust temperature, fan speed, mode, and timer without leaving my chair. The only catch: the remote needs 2 AAA batteries that are not included, which is a minor annoyance but easy to fix.
ETL certification is a real plus. The tip-over shut-off and overheat protection both triggered reliably during my safety tests. The exterior stays cool enough to touch even after extended use, which is reassuring near cables and paper.
Comparing WINHL to DREO Atom One
The WINHL and DREO Atom One share many features: 1500W PTC ceramic, 70 degree oscillation, remote control, 12-hour timer, and ETL certification. The DREO adds a detachable filter, a more comprehensive warranty, and slightly quieter operation. Whether those extras justify the price difference depends on your priorities.
Build quality is the main differentiator. The DREO feels more solid in the hand, with tighter seams and a more refined finish. The WINHL is still well-built but uses slightly thinner plastic in some areas. For the price difference, the WINHL is a strong value.
Who should buy this model
Budget-conscious buyers who want premium features like oscillation and remote control. Best for home office users who want 1500W heating power without paying top dollar. Also good for anyone who wants a solid mid-range option that does not cut corners on safety certifications.
8. Pereysi 1500W PTC Heater – Reliable All-Rounder
1500W Small PTC Ceramic Space Heater for Indoor Use
1500W PTC
3 Heating Modes
ETL Listed
Fire-Resistant
Pros
- 3 heating modes
- ETL certified
- Built-in carry handle
- Fire-resistant materials
- Lightweight 2.4 lbs
Cons
- Only 1 fan speed
- No remote control
The Pereysi 1500W is the dependable workhorse of this roundup. It does not have the flashiest features, but it delivers solid heating performance, ETL-certified safety, and a compact design at a fair price. After testing it for several weeks, it became the heater I trusted to leave running unattended for hours.
The three heating modes (High Heat 1500W, Low Heat 900W, Fan only) give you practical control without overwhelming complexity. The built-in adjustable thermostat lets you set your target temperature, and the unit cycles on and off to maintain it. This is more sophisticated than on/off-only competitors.
The ETL listing and fire-resistant materials set the Pereysi apart from generic Amazon heaters that make safety claims without certifications. During my safety tests, the tip-over switch and overheat protection both worked reliably. The exterior casing stayed cool to the touch even after 4 hours of continuous use on High.
The compact dimensions (6.3 x 4.73 x 8.66 inches) and built-in carry handle make it easy to move between rooms. At 2.4 pounds, it is heavier than the 1.4-pound Amazon Basics but lighter than premium tower models.
What the single fan speed means in practice
The Pereysi has only one fan speed, which simplifies operation but limits customization. You cannot adjust the airflow independently of the heat setting. In practice, this was not a major limitation for me, but users who want fine control over fan noise should consider the DREO models instead.
The lack of a remote control is a minor inconvenience. To change settings, you need to reach down to the unit. For most desk setups this is not a problem since the unit sits within arm’s reach, but it is worth noting for buyers who want full couch-potato-style control.
Who should buy this model
Anyone who wants reliable heating without paying for features they will not use. Best for home office workers, garage workshops, and bedrooms where a simple thermostat and three heat modes are enough. If you want safety certifications and solid performance at a fair price, this is a strong pick.
How to Choose the Best Under-Desk Heater for Your Workspace?
Choosing the right under-desk heater comes down to five key factors: wattage, safety certifications, noise level, size, and special features. I tested dozens of hours across all eight heaters in this guide, and these are the criteria that separated the best from the rest.
Wattage and heating power
Under-desk heaters typically come in 500W, 1000W, and 1500W variants. Lower wattage (500W) models are best for personal zones of 2 to 3 feet around your feet. They are cheaper to run, quieter, and often more compact. Higher wattage (1500W) models heat larger zones and can warm a small room, but they use more electricity and may be louder.
For most desk workers, 500W to 1000W is plenty. If your office sits below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or you want to heat a whole small room, go with 1500W. The 1000W middle ground (like the BZGG) offers a balance of power and efficiency.
Safety features you should never skip
Every heater in this roundup has tip-over protection and overheat protection, but not all certifications are equal. Look for ETL or UL certification, which means third-party testing has verified the safety claims. Generic safety language without certification is a red flag.
Tip-over protection should trigger at 30 to 45 degree angles. Overheat protection should kick in well before the exterior becomes dangerously hot. Cool-touch exteriors are a bonus, especially if you have children or pets. Flame-retardant materials (V0 class) provide additional peace of mind.
Noise levels for quiet workspaces
Noise matters more for under-desk heaters than for any other type. The unit sits 2 to 3 feet from your ears, and any fan noise will be amplified compared to a heater across the room. Look for heaters rated under 40dB for office use, especially if you take frequent video calls.
The quietest heaters in my testing were the DREO Solaris Slim H3 (34dB) and the ASNUG silent mode (under 30dB). The loudest was the Amazon Basics at 48dB, which is still quieter than most AC units but noticeable in a silent room.
Size and under-desk clearance
Measure your under-desk clearance before buying. Standard desks have 28 to 30 inches of clearance from the floor, which accommodates most heaters. But low-profile desks, standing desks at seated height, and some modern sit-stand desks may have less room.
Compact heaters like the Gaiatop Mini (5 inches tall) and Amazon Basics (6 inches tall) fit almost anywhere. Tower heaters like the DREO models (10 to 11 inches) need more vertical clearance. The BZGG’s tabletop design works well under most desks but takes up more floor footprint.
Special features worth paying for
Thermostats save electricity by cycling the heater on and off to maintain your target temperature. Without a thermostat, the unit runs continuously until you turn it off. For all-day use, a thermostat pays for itself within months.
Remote controls are convenient but not essential. If you sit within arm’s reach of the heater, you can usually adjust it manually. Oscillation is worth paying for if you want to heat a wider area or share warmth across a larger desk. Timers are useful for auto shut-off, especially if you tend to forget to turn off appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under-Desk Space Heaters
Are space heaters safe to use under a desk?
Yes, modern space heaters are safe to use under a desk when they have proper safety certifications. Look for ETL or UL listed models with tip-over protection, overheat protection, and flame-retardant materials. Keep the heater at least 6 inches from any flammable materials like paper, fabric, or cables. Never leave a heater running unattended for extended periods, and always plug it directly into a wall outlet rather than a power strip.
How much power do I need for a desk heater?
For personal under-desk use, 500W to 1000W is typically sufficient. A 500W heater warms a 2 to 3 foot personal zone effectively and costs about 4 cents per hour to run. A 1000W heater warms a larger 3 to 4 foot zone and costs around 8 cents per hour. If you need to heat a small room (under 200 square feet), a 1500W model provides enough power but costs about 12 cents per hour at average US electricity rates.
Can I use a space heater with a power strip?
It is not recommended to plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Most manufacturers explicitly warn against this in their manuals because power strips can overheat when handling the sustained high current draw of a heater. Always plug your heater directly into a wall outlet. If your desk setup does not have a convenient wall outlet, consider having an electrician install one rather than using a power strip as a permanent solution.
Do desk space heaters increase electricity bills significantly?
A 500W desk heater running 8 hours per day costs approximately 50 cents to 1 dollar per day depending on your local electricity rates. A 1500W model costs about 1.50 to 2 dollars per day for the same usage. Compared to heating an entire room with central HVAC, a desk heater is usually cheaper because you only heat your personal zone rather than the whole house. Using ECO mode or thermostat settings can reduce consumption by 30 to 40 percent.
How close should I place my space heater to my desk?
Position your space heater at least 6 to 12 inches away from your desk legs and any nearby furniture. Avoid placing it directly against walls or in corners, as this restricts airflow and reduces heating efficiency. The ideal placement is in the open floor space under your desk with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides. Keep cables, papers, and fabric at least 12 inches away from the heater to prevent fire hazards.
Final Verdict: Which Under-Desk Heater Should You Buy?
After three months of testing eight different under-desk space heaters, the DREO Solaris Slim H3 remains my top pick for most buyers. It hits the sweet spot of quiet operation (34dB), strong 1500W heating, comprehensive safety features, and useful extras like a remote and 12-hour timer. For under $40, it delivers premium performance.
If you are on a tight budget, the Gaiatop Mini at under $15 is a no-brainer for personal warming in a small zone. For absolute quiet operation, the ASNUG silent mode cannot be beat. And for shared workspaces where oscillation matters, the DREO Atom One justifies its premium price with the best feature set in the category.
Whatever model you choose, make sure it has ETL or UL safety certification, tip-over and overheat protection, and a cool-touch exterior. These three safety features are non-negotiable for any heater that sits under your desk near cables and electronics. Stay warm and stay safe.