The best iPad stands can make your tablet even more versatile, allowing you to fix it in place while you read, write, draw take video calls and more. iPads have so many potential uses, but without a stand, it can sometimes be a challenge to keep the tablet in one position. The best iPad stands can transform your iPad into a digital canvas, a lectern, a TV, second monitor, a sheet music stand or whatever else you might need. And many of the best stands are very reasonably priced.
That's not to say you should jump in and buy the first iPad stand you see. For a start, there's a lot of cheap rubbish around that you wouldn't want to trust to hold your tablet. But on top of that, some very good stands serve for particular purposes, be they desk-based stands or free-standing options, or iPad holders for bed. Crucially, you also need to make sure the stand fits your iPad.
To help you choose the best iPad stand for you, we've picked out our top choices for a range of uses, price points and iPads. We've evaluated them based on their form, build quality, versatility, customer feedback and value. If you're feeling confident, then you can try and make your own, see our how to make an iPad stand guide.
If you're looking for a new iPad as well as a stand, see our guide to the best iPad deals where we track the latest offers on Apple's tablets. And if you're planning on drawing or note-taking using your iPad, you'll want to choose the best iPad stylus too.
The best iPad stands available now
Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best iPad stand overall
Orientations: Portrait and landscape
Compatibility: All iPads, all iPhones
iPad charging: Yes
Weight: 1.02kg
+ Highly adjustable
+ Solid construction
- Not ideal for drawing
- Only one colour
We think the Twelve South HoverBar Duo is one of the best iPad stands overall, especially if you want flexibility. We've been impressed by just how adjustable it is, allowing you to use it in portrait or landscape orientations in all kinds of use cases, whether it's finding the right angle for a Zoom call or taking notes. The height can be adjusted and overall the stand has a premium, durable feel and a good weight to it. This stand also leaves the charging port free so you can charge your iPad while you use your tablet. CB rating: 5/5
The best iPad stand for big Apple fans
Orientations: Portrait and landscape
Compatibility: All iPads, iPhones, MacBooks
iPad charging: Yes
Weight: 0.33kg
+ Folds down
+ Works with MacBooks
- Can't rotate iPad
- Limited height adjustment
The Satechi R1 is a premium iPad stand that's useful for iPhones and MacBooks too. Constructed from premium aluminium, the R1 comes in black, silver or space grey, which means you can match it to the finish of your iPad. This is a particularly good choice if you're planning on using your iPad as a second monitor. It folds down to a compact size, though angle and adjustment options are limited. You can choose different heights, but there's no option to rotate. CB rating: 4.5/5
The best cheap iPad stand
Orientations: Portrait and landscape
Compatibility: All iPads
iPad charging: Yes
Weight: 0.13kg
+ 6 different positions
+ Affordable
+ Minimalist design
- Can't charge in portrait
For the minimalists among us, the Moft Invisible Tablet Stand is a fantastic way of keeping your iPad setup sleek and chic. It tucks in unobtrusively behind your tablet, becoming invisible when the tablet is viewed from the front (hence the name). The back panel can be folded in six different ways, giving you plenty of different viewing angles for your iPad. The Moft Invisible stand comes in different sizes for different iPads (and other tablets) so check the size of the model before you buy. CB rating: 4.5/5
The best iPad stand for drawing
Orientation: Portrait and landscape
Compatibility: All iPads
iPad charging: Yes
Weight: 0.13kg
+ Optimal 18° angle
+ Also holds MacBooks
+ Built-in cable management
- Non-adjustable
If you plan to mostly use your iPad for drawing, then you'll likely to want to use it in one position, fairly close to flat but at just enough of an angle to make it easier to view your work without having to hunch over. The Twelve South ParcSlope is an excellent choice for this, holding your Pad at an 18-degree° angle that's perfect for long sessions of drawing. We found it to be sleek and well built. It also has built-in cable management to help keep your desk nice and tidy. CB rating: 4/5
The best free-standing iPad stand
Orientations: Portrait and landscape
Compatibility: 7-13-inch tablets
iPad charging: Yes
Weight: 2.3kg
+ Stands on the floor
+ Wheeled options available
+ Highly adjustable positioning
- Quite bulky/heavy
If you would rather have your iPad free-standing on the floor, then the CTA Digital Gooseneck Floor Stand for iPad is a cost-effective way of making this happen. The long gooseneck is highly adjustable, meaning you can contort it to pretty much any angle you'd like, but it's made with solid steel construction, so you can be confident your iPad is supported. CB rating: 4/5
The best iPad stand to use in bed
Orientations: Portrait and landscape
Compatibility: iPads up to 11-inch
iPad charging: Yes
Weight: 0.48kg
+ Highly adjustable
+ Works with most iPads
- No good for 12.9-inch iPad
- No good for drawing
The flexible Lamicall LS07 gooseneck iPad stand allows you to position your iPad exactly where you need it. Clamp it to a nearby desk or table, move your iPad into position, and you’re ready to relax. The stand proves sturdy enough to keep your iPad in place while you're watching, reading or browsing, but note that it isn't stable enough to keep your iPad still for drawing with a stylus. CB rating: 4/5
How should I choose the best iPad stand for me?
The best iPad stand for you will largely depend on what you want to do with it. If you only want to use your iPad to watch films or other media, then you probably just need a device that can hold it still in the position that you need. What form that takes may depend on where you want to use your iPad – for example, if you want to use your iPad in bed or lying on a sofa, a gooseneck iPad stand can be useful
If you want to write or draw on your iPad or to otherwise use the touchscreen, then you might need something that will hold the device more firmly so that it won't wobble when you touch the screen. For that, you have versatile options like the Twelve South Hoverbar Duo at the top of our selection or the Twelve South ParcSlope if you're looking for an iPad stand that's super stable for drawing.
You also need to check the size compatibility of each stand. Some stands are broadly compatible and will fit any iPad but others are designed for specific models. Some stands come in different versions for different sized devices, so you need to check you order the right one. You can check our guide to the iPad generations if you're not sure of the difference between the various iPad models.
How do I elevate my iPad
Many iPad stands will elevate your iPad, including most of the selections above. To test how much elevation you need, try holding your iPad in the place you want it to be and measuring the distance from a surface such as your desk or the floor. Some of the best iPad stands, including our top pick, the Twelve South HoverBar Duo, enable you to adjust to a range of different heights.
Do I need a tablet stand?
Holding an iPad for a long period of time can cause back and neck pain, and be quite annoying. We recommend using an iPad stand designed for the tasks you most use your iPad for, whether that's reading, drawing or watching films in bed. Our list above has a range of options for a range of different uses.
Read more:
- The best iPad screen protectors
- The best iPad keyboards
- iPad vs iPad mini: which iPad is right for you?
