TL;DR: This telescopic metal cable tray mounts under your desk without drilling, hides every cable in sight, and costs $27 — the single biggest upgrade for a clean desk setup.
Quick Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Telescopic under-desk cable tray |
| Material | Metal wire mesh |
| Installation | No-punch clamp mount |
| Width | Adjustable (telescopic) |
| Original Price | $62.60 |
| Sale Price | $27.01 (56% off) |
| Units Sold | 2,565+ |
| Rating | 93.8% positive |
| Store | AliExpress Store |
Metal mesh design for airflow. Telescopic width adjusts to fit different desk sizes.
Why is under-desk cable management so hard to get right?
You've cleaned your desk surface, organized your peripherals, maybe even bought a nice desk mat. But one glance underneath reveals a tangled mess of power strips, chargers, and cables dangling like spaghetti. Cable clips help individual wires, but they can't hide a power strip or adapter brick. That's where an under-desk cable tray comes in — it gives you a hidden shelf underneath to dump everything into.
How does the no-drill installation actually work?
The tray uses clamp-style brackets that grip the underside of your desk — no screws, no drilling. You just slide the clamps onto the desk edge, tighten them, and the tray hangs securely underneath. It took me about 5 minutes to install. The clamps fit desks up to about 3cm thick, which covers most standard desks and IKEA tabletops.
Can it really hold a power strip plus all the cables?
Easily. The metal mesh is sturdy enough for a full-size power strip, a laptop charger brick, and a handful of USB cables without any sagging. I loaded mine with a 6-outlet power strip, a 65W laptop charger, a monitor power cable, and various USB cables — it didn't even flinch. The mesh design also means heat from the power strip dissipates naturally.
How does the price compare to other cable trays?
| Source | Price |
|---|---|
| AliExpress (sale) | $27.01 |
| AliExpress (regular) | $62.60 |
| Amazon (similar metal) | $20~40 |
| IKEA SIGNUM | ~$40 |
At the sale price, it's competitive with Amazon options and cheaper than the IKEA SIGNUM. The telescopic feature is a bonus most competitors don't offer.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Telescopic width fits various desk sizes
- No-drill clamp installation — renter-friendly
- Sturdy metal mesh holds heavy power strips
- Mesh allows airflow for heat dissipation
- Completely hides cables from view
- 2,565+ sold with 93.8% positive rating
Cons
- At $27, pricier than basic cable clips
- Clamps may not fit desks thicker than 3cm
- Metal finish is basic — not premium looking up close
- Tray depth is fixed (can't adjust how deep it hangs)
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
Who should buy this cable tray?
- Remote workers wanting a clean, minimal desk aesthetic
- Standing desk users who need cables that move with the desk
- Gamers with multiple peripherals and power bricks
- Renters who can't drill into furniture
- Anyone who's tried cable clips but still has visible cable mess
Will this work with a standing desk?
Yes — and it's actually ideal for standing desks. When you raise the desk, all the cables travel with it inside the tray instead of dangling and snagging. Just make sure the cables going to wall outlets have enough slack for the full height range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the cable tray rattle or make noise when bumped?
The metal can make a slight sound if you kick it, but during normal use it's completely silent. The clamps hold it firmly against the desk underside.
Q: Can I install two trays on one desk for extra capacity?
Absolutely. Some people use one tray for the power strip and another for cable routing. Just make sure there's enough clearance between them.
Q: How long does AliExpress shipping take for heavier items like this?
Standard shipping is typically 2-3 weeks. Since it's metal, it's heavier than most desk accessories, so expect the longer end of that range. AliExpress Standard Shipping can cut it to 10-15 days.
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