Adding a stand makes your iPad even more convenient whether you want to use it in bed or on your desk. Here are some of the best adjustable and portable stands and holders for your tablet
There’s nothing like having the convenience of hands-free use of your iPad. Whether you’re in the kitchen, streaming a film, or working at your desk, a stand becomes an essential tablet accessory.
Of course, those using their iPad for work may also want to pair the iPad with a keyboard—we have tested the best iPad keyboards for you).
An iPad stand will help your posture and viewing comfort, or make typing or using a stylus much easier.
We’ve rounded up some of the best iPad stands out there for every budget–from the lightweight and portable, to the adjustable, to the ones that just look great, and one that will turn your iPad into a desktop workstation.
Some are basic, some are stylish or super-bendy, one comes with an array of handy ports, and one looks like a cuddly toy.
For more hands-free gadgetry, also see our round-up of the best iPhone car holders and mounts.
Lamicall – Most compatible basic iPad stand
Pros
Works with all iPads
Affordable
Cons
Not full 360-degree rotation
The Lamicall Tablet stand is an adjustable iPad holder that tilts 270 degrees to suit the angle that you need, making it ideal for use at the work desk or kitchen table. It comes with rubber cushions on the hooks to prevent the screen from getting scratched too.
It works with any tablet (or indeed phone) from 4-inch to 13-inch.
This iPad stand might be basic but it’s a bargain for a well-built tiltable iPad accessory.
Twelve South Compass Pro – Most stylish iPad stand
Pros
Ultra stylish
Foldable
Portable
Cons
Expensive
If you’re looking for a stylish folding stand to hold up your iPad while you work, Twelve South has you covered with the easel-like Compass Pro.
We like the way it folds up into a small package (and comes with a travel pouch), and can be quickly unfolded and placed on any flat surface.
It’s ideal for mobile workers looking to prop up an iPad in a coffee shop, and designers will love its arty credentials.
You can also unfold one side to prop an iPad up on its side.
AmazonBasics – Best budget iPad stand
Pros
Cheap
Cons
Basic
You can’t really go wrong with AmazonBasics—Amazon’s line of cheap and cheerful line of gadgets we all need.
The Adjustable Tablet stand fits all iPads under 11in (and of course Kindle Fire tablets and e-readers). The back support pivots to any angle you need—plus, it’s collapsible, making it ultra-portable and easy to stow away.
It may not be the prettiest to look at, but it’s a quick and inexpensive solution to propping up your iPad.
Kensington StudioDock iPad Docking Station – Ultimate iPad stand
Pros
8 ports
Wireless device charging
Cons
Expensive
Not height adjustable
You can buy portable USB-C hubs that extend the range of ports of your iPad but the Kensington StudioDock has it all, with a stand that raises the iPad 13cm off desk level and can tilt between 0-120 degrees, plus adds a row of 5Gbps USB-A, USB-C and Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as a speedy UHS-II SD 4.0 Card Reader and a combo audio jack.
There’s also an HDMI 2.0 port that lets you connect up to a 4K external display at 60Hz. With all this, your iPad just became a fully fledged desktop workstation, and one that runs iOS and works with the Apple Pencil.
As a real bonus, its base offers wireless charging for iPhone and AirPods, and you can also add an extra Apple Watch charging module.
Make sure you buy the correct model for your iPad. The K39160WW is compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021 and 2022 models); the K34031WW StudioDock is compatible with 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air but not with the 10.9-inch (10th generation) iPad. The K34030WW is compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Elago Magnetic Stand for iPads – Best Apple-like iPad stand
Pros
Makes an iPad into an iMac
Adjustable
Cons
Expensive
If you want a stand that’s as close to the Apple aesthetic as possible, you can’t get any closer than Elago’s new Premium Stand.
The minimal aluminum stand is designed to mirror the 24-inch iMac—and you’d be hard-pressed to tell them apart other than the size. The stand holds all sizes of the iPad with magnets, so it’s recommended to be used with a case since none of Appel’s iPads support MagSafe.
Like the iMac stand, Elago’s stand has a hole to thread a cable through. The stand also allows for tilt adjustment so you can get the best viewing angle. And the iPad can be rotated from portrait to landscape positions freely. Here’s a video to see how that works.
The Elago Magnetic Stand for iPads is available in gray, blue, pink, and silver.
Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand – Best rotating iPad stand
Pros
Rotates 360 degrees
Height-adjustable folding arm
Magnetic
Cons
Dedicated to individual iPad models
This iPad stand looks similar to many others but has the useful benefit of being able to rotate 360°, which makes it ideal for sharing with groups, either at home for family video calls or in-office meetings. If you use your iPad in the kitchen for recipes, you can rotate it as you move around.
The iPad clamps firmly onto the stand magnetically, rather than sitting on a ledge as with most stands.
