An iPad stand allows you to elevate your favorite tablet and bring a whole new world of interactions that range from hands-viewing to using it with an external keyboard and mouse, all the way to using it as an Apple Pencil canvas or notepad. Still, these accessories are frequently overlooked, even though there are thousands to choose from. To help you find the best on the market, we are constantly scrutinizing top-rated iPad stands for home, office, or on-the-go use.
Best Overall: Best Budget: Most Versatile: Most Minimalist: Most Luxurious: Grovemade Wood iPad StandWe've been comparing hundreds of iPad stands over the past few years to find the sturdiest, most attractive-looking, most convenient options for your go-to Apple slate. Here's what you need to think about when shopping for one of your own or to gift an iPad user you care about.
When shopping for an iPad stand, it's important to keep in mind what size screen it has. Fortunately, most stands are adjustable, so they can accommodate small tablets like the iPad mini as well as big-screened ones like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. However, some stands are incapable of holding certain tablets, depending on how big or small they are.
Besides screen size, you'll want to assess where you want to use the stand. Some folks need a portable stand that's small enough to take anywhere, while others need something sturdy and more durable to use in a commercial setting. Consider the size and material the stand is made of, too, so that it's easy to move around from place to place.
Our recommended stands are used by bakers, chefs, writers, illustrators, and many other professionals. And because iPadOS lets you use an iPad with either an external mouse or trackpad and keyboard, these stands are perfect to use in your home office, too. Here are 10 of the best iPad stands worth buying.
1Best Magnetic Stand
ProsCons
Only suitable for iPad Air and iPad Pro iterationsThe Lululook iPad stand uses magnets to attach to an iPad Pro or an iPad Air, just like Apple's own Magic Keyboard. It aligns perfectly when the iPad is put in place, making the combo look like a miniaturized iMac all-in-one desktop computer. The process of attaching is as easy as snapping a compatible iPad Air or iPad Pro to the stand.
You can use your iPad in either portrait or landscape mode with the stand. Its 360-degree design allows you to set the slate any way you want. We also appreciate the stand's non-slip feet because you won't have to worry about it sliding while you're interacting with your iPad's touchscreen.
The metal stand is compatible with all 11-inch iPad Pro models, the third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, and the last two iPad Air iterations.
Form Factor |
---|
Adjustable stand/mount |
Any iPad |
✅ |
4Best Overall
Pros
Sleek and durable
Fully collapsible
Available in many colorsCons
Could use better cable management setupSatechi’s R1 iPad stand is our top pick for most upgraders, offering a mixture of elegant and versatile design and a sturdy all-metal build at a reasonable price. Given the accessory maker’s excellent track record in developing iPad and MacBook accessories, that’s hardly a surprise.
Over months of using the R1 on a daily basis, we liked its highly adjustable viewing angles and ability to hold any iPad in landscape or portrait mode, even with a protective case on. When not in use, the stand collapses, so it’s easy to slip into a laptop bag.
You can order the Satechi R1 in several iPad-matching colors. Consider this if you or the gift recipient frequently use an iPad with the Apple Pencil.
Form Factor | Foldable stand |
---|---|
Compatible With | Any iPad |
Adjustable Viewing Angles | ✅ |
5Best Budget
Pros
Incredibly compact
Very affordable
Available in many colorsCons
Version for 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs extraThis inexpensive stand from MoKo is the best for propping up an iPad on a tight budget. Despite its small size and price, the accessory can effortlessly hold any iPad with up to an 11-inch screen. It has six slots for adjusting the tablet's viewing angle.
We like that the accessory folds into a compact rectangle (3.6 x 2.8 inches) when you don't need it, making it perfect to use on the go. You can easily toss it in a bag or even fit it in your pocket. The tablet stand is made from plastic, so it's nowhere near as sleek as its metal rivals, but its compact design and low price more than make up for its design shortcomings.
You can order the MoKo stand in multiple colors, ranging from low-key to eye-catching. A is also available for a few extra dollars in case you are looking to hold a 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Form Factor | Foldable stand |
---|---|
Compatible With | Up to 11-inch iPad iterations |
Adjustable Viewing Angles | ✅ |
6Best for Power Users
Pros
Sleek and compact
Adds a ton of wired connectivity features to any iPad
Easy setupCons
USB-C port is only suitable for chargingThis foldable aluminum iPad hub by Satech is the one to get if you use your iPad Air or iPad Pro for work. By connecting to the slate with its integrated USB-C cable, the accessory will transform it into a legit workstation with USB-C and USB-A ports, a duo of card readers (SD and microSD), an HDMI port for linking to an external monitor, and a standard audio jack.
During weeks of testing, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the Satechini hub, in tandem with a wireless keyboard and mouse, successfully replaced a big-screen laptop as a work computer. Its onboard audio jack was also super helpful, bringing a long-missing feature in premium iPads.
Like all products from the brand, the Satechi hub has a sleek metal finish that's a perfect match for the Apple products it's designed for.
Form Factor | Foldable Connectivity Hub |
---|---|
Compatible With | Any iPad with USB-C |
Adjustable Viewing Angles | ✅ |
7Best iPad Case with a Built-in Stand
Pros
Can hold the iPad in landscape and portrait mode
Excellent damage protection
Convenient Apple Pencil pocketCons
Case and folio make the iPad considerably bulkierThe ESR Shift Series is a rare type of iPad case that also doubles as an incredibly versatile viewing stand — in both landscape and portrait mode. The multi-functional accessory consists of a snap-on protective shell and a magnetic dual folio cover. The latter can hold the iPad in a multitude of easily adjustable viewing angles, ensuring you can find a perfect setup for any scenario.
Detaching the folio cover leaves your iPad with a sturdy protective case that's one of the best for the money. Impressively, the built-in magnets of the case also make it attachable to metal surfaces like, say, a fridge.
You can snag the ESR Shift Series case in several colors for the iPad Air and . Of course, a version of the product for is also available. The folio cover of every case has a handy Apple Pencil pocket.
Form Factor | Snap-on case & magnetic folio cover |
---|---|
Compatible With | iPad Air & iPad Pro |
Adjustable Viewing Angles | ✅ |
8Best Floor Stand
Pros
Brings endless viewing possibilities
Solid build
Can hold an iPad with or without a caseCons
Might be too big for someThe floor-standing Twelve South HoverBar Tower will provide you or the giftee with a whole new world of iPad viewing possibilities. The accessory offers practically limitless height and viewing angle combinations that don't require a table, a desk, or other furniture. It is particularly suitable for using the iPad for hands-free viewing (e.g., during Apple Fitness sessions, video tutorials, etc.).
Featuring a sturdy clamp with silicone padding to prevent scratches, the HoverBar Tower can accommodate any iPad, even with a snap-on protective case. The clip has handy cutouts for plugging in a charging cable while using the stand.
The Twelve South stand has a metal construction with a matte paint finish in black or white. Its high-quality build and remarkable versatility make it worth its considerable price tag.
Form Factor | Foldable Stand |
---|---|
Compatible With | Any iPad |
Adjustable Viewing Angles | ✅ |
9For the Minimalist
Pros
Impossibly compact design
Easily accommodates big-screen tablets
Bundled storage caseCons
Works with iPad mini only in landscape modeThis iPad holder by Twelve South — another leading maker of high-quality Apple accessories — sets itself apart with an incredibly minimalist design without skimping on essential features. We love that the product collapses into a metal stick when you don’t need it. It has a stylish bundled case, and it’s incredibly easy to carry in a bag or a jacket pocket.
The Twelve South Compass Pro can instantly shift between a viewing platform or a convenient stand to taking notes and typing on the iPad’s touchscreen in landscape mode. The gadget can fit most iPads in landscape or portrait mode. However, it can only accommodate the compact iPad mini in landscape mode, which is perfect for watching video or gaming with an external controller.
The product’s unique form factor and uncompromising versatility are the reasons why it’s worth spending extra for it over a standard viewing stand. Twelve South offers the Compass Pro with a matte metal finish that fits most iPads perfectly.
Form Factor | Foldable stand |
---|---|
Compatible With | Any iPad |
Adjustable Viewing Angles | ✅ |
10Most Luxurious
Pros
Beautiful design
Exceptional build quality
Cable management slot is helpfulCons
Doesn't offer adjustable viewing anglesMeticulously handcrafted using natural wood and cork, stainless steel, and wool felt, this iPad stand by Grovemade is a bona fide luxury item that’s in a league of its own in terms of design and tactility. The product makes its rivals look generic in comparison. It’s worth investing in, especially if you spent $1,000+ on an iPad Pro with a 12.9-inch display.
Thanks to the high-quality materials used in its making, the Grovemade stand will always stay in place, too. The accessory has a nifty cutout for always keeping the device’s charging cable in place. It can hold any iPad in landscape or portrait mode, but you should know that you can’t adjust its viewing angles.
The Grovemade stand is available in three natural wood finishes: maple, oak, and walnut. Because of its natural wood finish, every stand has a unique look.
Form Factor | Stationary stand |
---|---|
Compatible With | Any iPad |
Adjustable Viewing Angles | ❌ |
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