The best iPad stands

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.

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.

This basically adjustable Tablet stand fits all iPads under 12 inches (and of course Kindle Fire tablets and e-readers). 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.

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.

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.

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. This means you need to choose the correct model stand that is compatible with iPad Air 4/5, 11-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021/2022), and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021/2022). if you upgrade to a different iPad, then it’s possible that the stand won’t be compatible, but it works very well with the iPad models mentioned here.

The aluminum-alloy arm is height adjustable to help you find the best viewing angle for the iPad. It folds up, so can be stored or carried with you on your travels. There’s a solid-sounding, but not intrusive, clicking noise as you rotate the stand and iPad.

An under-base silicone pad provides stability, which is especially important for a rotating stand.

This rotating stand is cheaper than the Benks Infinity Pro stand, reviewed above, and is also universal, meaning it works with any iPad up to 12.9 inches.

It’s also smaller and folds up into an easily transportable package. A cable passthrough hole means you can charge your iPad while in use and it worn’t get wrapped up as you swivel the stand around.

It can rotate all the way round and makes a pleasing clicking sound as it rotates. As it can fold back 180 degrees on adjustable hinges, you can keep it upright while adjusting the height.

Even though it’s small it feels sturdy even holding a larger iPad.

This rotating iPad stand isn’t magnetic like the Benks Infinity Pro, and instead rests on a couple of sturdy hooks. Otherwise, it’s similar, cheaper and works with all iPad models.

It raises the iPad with its height-adjustable aluminum-alloy arm.

Vents provide a cooling airflow, keeping your iPad at a healthy temperature. Anti-slip silicone hooks protect your iPad from scratches and slides, and under-base silicone pads provide extra stability.

Compatible with 4-inch to 12.9-inch iPads.

If you want to raise your iPad or bring it closer, then push it away, the folding long-necked X36 iPad stand range offers a sturdy arm and a choice of holding options. At the top of the pile is the X36 Pro Max, which offers a magnetic fix and neat charging.

18W rapid charging is supplied via the Smart Connector on the back of your iPad that lines up with the same on the stand. It ships with 10 cable clips, nano traceless double-sided tape, and a 2m/6.56ft USB-C charging cable.

It gives away its Chinese origins when you first attach your iPad to the stand—a message appears asking if you want to use a Chinese keyboard, but you can simply click No and you shouldn’t see the message again.

Made from rustproof aluminum alloy, the folding arm has a maximum height of 26.8 inches (68cm), with five adjustable angle joints. The flexible arm joints feel a little stiff at first, but it is reassuringly stable. It clamps to a table or desk up to 2 inches (5cm) thick.