Buying Guide
The Best Side-Load Letter Trays for a Cleaner, More Useful Desk
We looked at 5 side-load letter trays side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
9 min read5 products evaluated
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Best Side-Load Letter Trays span a wider range, exactly why side-load letter trays, listings bury tradeoffs.
Side-load letter trays comparisons come down to true tier logic, given that size labels aren't exact.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
Officemate Recycled Desk Tray
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for Officemate Recycled Desk Tray (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal Letter Tray
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal Letter Tray (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Officemate 26054 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 26054 Recycled Desk Tray (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray
Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Our take Check price for Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
1inTheOffice Stackable Paper Tray
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 1inTheOffice Stackable Paper Tray (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around | Stores papers and documents to keep them organized | Check price for Officemate Recycled Desk Tray (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Stackable side-load letter tray helps keep your desk and papers organized | Check price for TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal Letter Tray (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Legal size trays accommodate both letter and legal papers | Check price for Officemate 26054 Recycled Desk Tray (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use | New upgrade design | Check price for Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it | Modern and innovative design, this side load plastic desktop file organizer can be stacked | Check price for 1inTheOffice Stackable Paper Tray (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 5
Officemate Recycled Desk Tray on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Officemate Recycled Desk Tray is our overall pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
Stores papers and documents to keep them organized. Stackable to reduce desk clutter.
Against TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal Letter Tray, 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 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 dimensions & 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
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
Also Worth Considering2 of 5
TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal Letter Tray on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal 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
Stackable side-load letter tray helps keep your desk and papers organized. 5" x 11" sized paper.
Set next to Officemate Recycled Desk 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.
This fits best 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 dimensions & specs
- Stackable side-load letter tray helps keep your desk and papers organized
- Each tray measures 10.43"l x 13.39"w x 2.95"h and holds up to 8.5" x
- Two letter trays
Pros
- Stackable side-load letter tray helps keep your desk and papers organized
- Each tray measures 10.43"l x 13.39"w x 2.95"h and holds up to 8.5" x
- Two letter trays
- Load capacity
Cons
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
Solid Alternative3 of 5
Officemate 26054 Recycled Desk Tray on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Officemate 26054 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
Legal size trays accommodate both letter and legal papers. Made from 30% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Weighing this against Officemate Recycled Desk Tray, ribbed base for ease in handling papers ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.
It's worth picking this one 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 dimensions & specs
- Legal size trays accommodate both letter and legal papers
- Made from 30% post-consumer recycled plastic
- Ribbed base for ease in handling papers
Pros
- Legal size trays accommodate both letter and legal papers
- Made from 30% post-consumer recycled plastic
- Ribbed base for ease in handling papers
- Built-in handles set
Cons
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
Best Value4 of 5
Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray is a low-cost pick that doesn't skip the essentials.
Best for
- Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Why we like it
Unique portable handle design which makes the paper sorter organizer very convenient to move and place where you need it! 2-Tier layered design and large capacity make the paper organizer become an ideal choice for managing all kinds of letter-size letters, paper, books, bills, etc.
Against Officemate Recycled Desk Tray, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
Reach for this pick if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. More tiers only help if you sort into that many categories, count your real sorting habits before buying the highest tier count available.
Key dimensions & specs
- New upgrade design
- Multi-purpose organizer
- Mesh desktop file organizer is made of lightweight durable
Pros
- New upgrade design
- Multi-purpose organizer
- Mesh desktop file organizer is made of lightweight durable
Cons
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
Best Premium Pick5 of 5
1inTheOffice Stackable Paper Tray on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
1inTheOffice Stackable Paper Tray 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
With its modern and innovative design, this side load plastic desktop file organizer can be stacked. It can be used on any desk or inside cabinets, and is well suited to offices, clinics, schools, homes, and much more.
Held up against Officemate Recycled Desk Tray, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is desk trays stack securely to form an attractive convenient method of desktop organization.
Go with this pick 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 dimensions & specs
- Modern and innovative design, this side load plastic desktop file organizer can be stacked
- Can be used on any desk or inside cabinets
- Desk trays stack securely to form an attractive convenient method of desktop organization
Pros
- Modern and innovative design, this side load plastic desktop file organizer can be stacked
- Can be used on any desk or inside cabinets
- Desk trays stack securely to form an attractive convenient method of desktop organization
- Black in color and made of plastic
Cons
- Size labels on trays aren't perfectly standardized
- Extra tiers only help if you sort into that many categories
How We Chose These Side-Load Letter Trays
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Wire Mesh Trays Resist Bending Better Than Thin Plastic Under Daily Loading
- Daily loading and unloading is where a cheap paper tray's material shows its limits first, wire mesh holds its shape better over time than thin plastic, which can warp or bend under the same repeated handling, factor this in if the tray is for genuine daily use rather than light occasional storage..
- Open Wire Designs Are Easier to Clean Than Enclosed Plastic or Wood Trays
- Long-term maintenance differs by tray design, an open wire mesh sheds dust easily with a quick wipe, while a solid-sided plastic or wood tray traps debris in the corners that needs more deliberate cleaning, factor this in if the tray's location tends to collect dust..
- Some Trays Ship Flat-Packed and Need Real Assembly Time
- A metal wire tray or a multi-tier unit sometimes ships flat or in pieces requiring assembly with included screws or clips, a detail rarely emphasized in the listing title, check buyer reviews specifically for assembly-time complaints if a ready-to-use tray out of the box matters to you..
- 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..
- Label Slots or Clear Fronts Prevent Miscategorized Documents
- A multi-tier tray without a clear labeling slot or transparent front relies on memory or eyeballing to keep tiers sorted correctly, a genuine label slot or clear front face makes it obvious at a glance which tier holds which category, worth checking for specifically if the tray will hold overlapping types of documents that could get placed in the wrong tier by mistake or by other people using the same desk..
What to Look for in a Side-Load Letter Tray
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Wire Mesh Trays Resist Bending Better Than Thin Plastic Under Daily Loading
Daily loading and unloading is where a cheap paper tray's material shows its limits first, wire mesh holds its shape better over time than thin plastic, which can warp or bend under the same repeated handling, factor this in if the tray is for genuine daily use rather than light occasional storage.
Open Wire Designs Are Easier to Clean Than Enclosed Plastic or Wood Trays
Long-term maintenance differs by tray design, an open wire mesh sheds dust easily with a quick wipe, while a solid-sided plastic or wood tray traps debris in the corners that needs more deliberate cleaning, factor this in if the tray's location tends to collect dust.
Some Trays Ship Flat-Packed and Need Real Assembly Time
A metal wire tray or a multi-tier unit sometimes ships flat or in pieces requiring assembly with included screws or clips, a detail rarely emphasized in the listing title, check buyer reviews specifically for assembly-time complaints if a ready-to-use tray out of the box matters to you.
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.
Label Slots or Clear Fronts Prevent Miscategorized Documents
A multi-tier tray without a clear labeling slot or transparent front relies on memory or eyeballing to keep tiers sorted correctly, a genuine label slot or clear front face makes it obvious at a glance which tier holds which category, worth checking for specifically if the tray will hold overlapping types of documents that could get placed in the wrong tier by mistake or by other people using the same desk.
How to Choose a Side-Load Letter Tray
| Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray | |
| Lowest price in this lineup | Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray |
|---|---|
| TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal Letter Tray | |
- Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray)
- Resists bending and warping longer under daily loading.
- Lighter and often cheaper, can warp under sustained heavy use.
Match this to your actual setup and priorities.
| Room for a taller multi-tier tray | TRU RED Side-Load Stackable Metal Letter Tray |
|---|
For a Shared Desk Specifically
- Clear label slots on each tier so the sorting system doesn't rely on memory.
- Officemate Recycled Desk Tray is worth checking against its specific spec sheet before assuming any pick here covers your exact need.
- You need the strongest real-world performance and sturdiest build, where 1inTheOffice Stackable Paper Tray justifies the extra cost.
- You want straightforward everyday use without paying for headroom you won't need, where Marbrasse 2 Tier Paper Organizer Letter Tray already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Front-loading or top-loading, which is more convenient?
Front-loading lets you pull a specific document without disturbing others above it, top-loading is simpler but forces working through the stack in order, pick based on whether you need random or sequential access.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Officemate Recycled Desk Tray — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all side-load letter trays on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.