Buying Guide
The Best Plastic Letter Trays for a Better Desk Setup
We looked at 6 plastic letter trays side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read6 products evaluated
Across best plastic letter trays, aren't always interchangeable, given plastic letter trays, marketing skips the rest.
Plastic letter trays: we weighed true loading access, since footprint competes with desk space.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for 10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Turn in Trays Classroom
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Turn in Trays Classroom (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
Officemate Recycled Desk Tray
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Officemate Recycled Desk Tray (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
ShineMe Plastic Paper Trays for Classroom
Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Our take Check price for ShineMe Plastic Paper Trays for Classroom (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
4 Pack Stackable Paper Trays for Letter Documents
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for 4 Pack Stackable Paper Trays for Letter Documents (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 6
10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects
10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects is the top pick in this comparison.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
Rich in color and well suited to kids crafts. 2 inch/28 x 21 x 3 cm (l x w x h).
Set next to Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray, the two land close enough on paper that it's worth comparing both listings directly on the spec that matters most for your setup.
Reach for this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Size labels on paper trays aren't perfectly standardized, check the actual interior dimensions against your specific paper size rather than trusting the label alone.
Key specs
- Colorful tray
- Sand trays are made of high quality plastic
- Easy storage
Pros
- Colorful tray
- Sand trays are made of high quality plastic
- Easy storage
- Excellent gift
Cons
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
Also Worth Considering2 of 6
Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray
Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
The newest wave in plastic! Holds a4 size documents and folders.
Against 10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
This makes sense for anyone who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. More tiers only help if you sort into that many categories, count your real sorting habits before buying the highest tier count available.
Key specs
- Newest wave in plastic
- Holds a4 size documents and folders
Pros
- Newest wave in plastic
- Holds a4 size documents and folders
- Straightforward setup based on the listed specs
Cons
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
Solid Alternative3 of 6
Turn in Trays Classroom
Turn in Trays Classroom is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
34 ", with a small internal size, it is very suitable for classrooms and offices. Texture of material - pp resin raw material, clean without impurities, thickened material, durable, simple cleaning and strong load-bearing capacity.
10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is design - large capacity, anti-skid handle, basket can be stacked, hollowed out and breathable.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Size labels on paper trays aren't perfectly standardized, check the actual interior dimensions against your specific paper size rather than trusting the label alone.
Key specs
- Size - 13.58 "x 10.23" x 3.34 "
- Texture of material - pp resin raw material
- Design - large capacity
Pros
- Size - 13.58 "x 10.23" x 3.34 "
- Texture of material - pp resin raw material
- Design - large capacity
- Save space - storing items in baskets can perfectly save space and facilitate management and handling
Cons
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
Another Strong Option4 of 6
Officemate Recycled Desk Tray
Officemate Recycled Desk Tray is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Stores papers and documents to keep them organized. Stackable to reduce desk clutter.
10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. More tiers only help if you sort into that many categories, count your real sorting habits before buying the highest tier count available.
Key specs
- Stores papers and documents to keep them organized
- Convenient side loading
- Stackable to reduce desk clutter
Pros
- Stores papers and documents to keep them organized
- Convenient side loading
- Stackable to reduce desk clutter
Cons
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
Best Premium Pick5 of 6
ShineMe Plastic Paper Trays for Classroom
ShineMe Plastic Paper Trays for Classroom is the priciest pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Why we like it
6in which suit for standard a4 papers to lay flat without curling. You will receive 6 pack plastic book bins in different colors for better identification.
10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
It's worth picking this one if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Size labels on paper trays aren't perfectly standardized, check the actual interior dimensions against your specific paper size rather than trusting the label alone.
Key specs
- A4 paper lay flat size
- Bright colored bins for classroom
- Heavy duty material
Pros
- A4 paper lay flat size
- Bright colored bins for classroom
- Heavy duty material
- Wide application
Cons
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
Worth a Look6 of 6
4 Pack Stackable Paper Trays for Letter Documents
4 Pack Stackable Paper Trays for Letter Documents is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
These trays are stackable, allowing you to maximize vertical space on your desk or workspace, keeping your documents organized without taking up too much room. Made from high-quality materials, these trays are designed to withstand daily use while maintaining their shape and functionality, ensuring long-lasting organization.
10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. More tiers only help if you sort into that many categories, count your real sorting habits before buying the highest tier count available.
Key specs
- Space-saving design
- Durable construction
- Sleek aesthetic
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Durable construction
- Sleek aesthetic
- Versatile use
Cons
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
How We Chose These Plastic Letter Trays
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Confirm the Tray's Actual Interior Dimensions Against Your Paper Size
- Size labels on paper trays aren't perfectly standardized, a tray labeled for letter-size paper can still be a tight fit for A4 or won't accommodate legal-size documents without curling, check the actual interior dimensions in the listing against your specific paper size before assuming the label alone guarantees a fit..
- Stackable Trays Need Actual Interlocking Features, Not Just a Flat Top
- A tray marketed as 'stackable' should have real interlocking feet or a lip design that keeps stacked trays from sliding apart when you pull a document from the bottom one, a tray with just a flat top surface can still slide or tip when stacked, check for a genuine interlocking mechanism in the product images or description..
- Modular or Add-On Tray Systems Let You Scale Up Without Replacing Everything
- A modular tray system that accepts additional tiers later is more future-proof than a fixed all-in-one unit, if you're not certain how many tiers you'll eventually need, check for this expandability specifically rather than committing to a fixed tier count now..
- Finish and Color Should Match Your Existing Desk Setup, Not Just Look Good Alone
- Color and finish don't affect a paper tray's function, but a mismatch with your existing desk setup is more noticeable in person than in an isolated product photo, check the actual finish against your other desk accessories before assuming any color works in your specific space..
- Open Wire Designs Are Easier to Clean Than Enclosed Plastic or Wood Trays
- An open wire-mesh tray lets dust and debris fall through or get wiped out easily, while an enclosed plastic or wood tray with solid sides can trap dust in the corners, requiring more deliberate cleaning, a small but real maintenance difference if the tray sits somewhere dusty or near a window..
What to Look for in a Plastic Letter Tray
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Confirm the Tray's Actual Interior Dimensions Against Your Paper Size
Size labels on paper trays aren't perfectly standardized, a tray labeled for letter-size paper can still be a tight fit for A4 or won't accommodate legal-size documents without curling, check the actual interior dimensions in the listing against your specific paper size before assuming the label alone guarantees a fit.
Stackable Trays Need Actual Interlocking Features, Not Just a Flat Top
A tray marketed as 'stackable' should have real interlocking feet or a lip design that keeps stacked trays from sliding apart when you pull a document from the bottom one, a tray with just a flat top surface can still slide or tip when stacked, check for a genuine interlocking mechanism in the product images or description.
Handmade walnut letter tray with dovetailed corners on a workbench Modular or Add-On Tray Systems Let You Scale Up Without Replacing Everything
A modular tray system that accepts additional tiers later is more future-proof than a fixed all-in-one unit, if you're not certain how many tiers you'll eventually need, check for this expandability specifically rather than committing to a fixed tier count now.
Finish and Color Should Match Your Existing Desk Setup, Not Just Look Good Alone
Color and finish don't affect a paper tray's function, but a mismatch with your existing desk setup is more noticeable in person than in an isolated product photo, check the actual finish against your other desk accessories before assuming any color works in your specific space.
Open Wire Designs Are Easier to Clean Than Enclosed Plastic or Wood Trays
An open wire-mesh tray lets dust and debris fall through or get wiped out easily, while an enclosed plastic or wood tray with solid sides can trap dust in the corners, requiring more deliberate cleaning, a small but real maintenance difference if the tray sits somewhere dusty or near a window.
How to Choose a Plastic Letter Tray
By Sorting Habit
| Your sorting | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Just 2-3 categories | Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray |
| Several distinct categories | 10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects |
| High document volume | ShineMe Plastic Paper Trays for Classroom |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Lowest price in this lineup | Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray |
| Mid-range pick | Turn in Trays Classroom |
| Higher budget | ShineMe Plastic Paper Trays for Classroom |
Wire Mesh vs Plastic
- Wire mesh (e.g. Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray)
- Resists bending and warping longer under daily loading.
- Plastic
- Lighter and often cheaper, can warp under sustained heavy use.
Match this to your actual setup and priorities.
By Desk Space
| Your desk | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Limited desk depth | 10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects |
| Room for a taller multi-tier tray | Turn in Trays Classroom |
For a Shared Desk Specifically
- Look for
- Clear label slots on each tier so the sorting system doesn't rely on memory.
- In this comparison
- 10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects is worth checking against its specific spec sheet before assuming any pick here covers your exact need.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You need the strongest real-world performance and sturdiest build, where ShineMe Plastic Paper Trays for Classroom justifies the extra cost.
- Save if
- You want straightforward everyday use without paying for headroom you won't need, where Rubbermaid Regeneration Letter Tray already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a multi-tier tray take up too much desk space?
Check the actual footprint dimensions against your available desk area, a tray with more capacity generally takes up more physical space, which can crowd a smaller desk's working area.
Do paper trays require assembly?
Some wire or multi-tier units ship flat-packed and need genuine assembly with included hardware, check reviews for assembly-time complaints if you want something ready to use immediately.
Will a letter tray fit legal-size or A4 paper?
Not always, size labels aren't perfectly standardized, check the tray's actual interior dimensions against your specific paper size rather than trusting the label alone.
How many tiers do I actually need?
Count your real sorting habits first, most people only sort into 2-3 categories in practice, extra tiers beyond that just become empty space or an unused catch-all.
Wire mesh or plastic, which lasts longer?
Wire mesh generally resists bending and warping better than thin plastic under daily loading and unloading, check reviews for warping complaints if the tray will see genuine daily office use.
Does the tray's finish matter beyond looks?
Not functionally, but a mismatched finish is more noticeable next to your other desk accessories in person than in an isolated product photo, check it against your actual setup.
Bottom Line
Best overall: 10 Pack Plastic Art Trays: 8 Color Sensory Trays for Kids Crafts & DIY Projects — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all plastic letter trays on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.