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.

The best iPad stands

Product shots of the various best iPad stands on a bright red background

(Image credit: Future/Apple/TwelveSouth)

Whatever your needs, there are plenty of different iPad stand form factors to choose from that each provide unique benefits and uses. Whether you need something highly versatile, sturdy, or with greater height options. We've considered these varying needs as well as the build quality, value for money and compatibility to help you choose the best iPad stand for your needs.

If you don't yet own an iPad, or it's time for an upgrade, don't forget to check out our guide to the iPad generations to find out which one you need. If you're more of a nighttime tablet user, why not check out the best iPad holders for bed, or for a DIY approach, check out our handy guide on how to make an iPad stand.

Twelve South iPad stand

01. Twelve South HoverBar Duo

Best iPad stand overall

+ Highly adjustable
+ Solid construction
- Not ideal for drawing
- Only one colour

We think this is one of the best iPad stands overall, especially for its flexibility. It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to use it in portrait or landscape orientations, and the height can be adjusted. It has a premium, durable feel and a good weight, and also leaves the charging port free.

Satechi iPad stand

02. Satechi R1

Best for Apple fans

+ Folds down
+ Works with MacBooks
- Can't rotate iPad
- Limited adjustment

This iPad stand is useful for iPhones and MacBooks too. Constructed from premium aluminium, it's 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.

Moft iPad stand

03. Moft Invisible Tablet Stand

Best cheap stand

+ 6 different positions
+ Affordable
+ Minimalist design
- Can't charge in portrait

The sleek and chic Moft Invisible stand sits unobtrusively behind your tablet, and the back panel can be folded in six different ways, giving you plenty of different viewing angles. It comes in different sizes for different iPads (and other tablets) so check the size of the model before you buy.

TwelveSouth iPad stand with an iPad on it

04. Twelve South ParcSlope

Best for drawing

+ Optimal 18° angle
+ Also holds MacBooks
+ Cable management
- Non-adjustable

If you plan to mostly use your iPad for drawing, then the Twelve South ParcSlope is an excellent choice, holding your Pad at an 18-degree° angle that's perfect for long drawing sessions. We found it to be sleek and well-built. It also has built-in cable management.

CTA Digital gooseneck iPad stand with an iPad on it

05. CTA Digital Gooseneck Floor Stand for iPad

Best free-standing

+ Stands on the floor
+ Wheeled options
+ Highly adjustable
- Quite bulky/heavy

If you want your iPad free-standing on the floor, then the CTA Digital Gooseneck Floor Stand is a cost-effective option. The long gooseneck is highly adjustable, meaning you can contort it to pretty much any angle, but it's made with solid steel construction, so you know your iPad is supported.

Twelve South Compass Pro, one of the best ipad stands

06. Lamicall Gooseneck iPad Holder

Best portable

+ Folds neatly
+ Stylish
+ Versatile
- Expensive

This neat iPad is perfect if you're regularly on the move and need something simple and portable - and it even comes with a travel pouch, too. We love that it also offers a horizontal orientation for some extra versatility on the road.

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.

TOPICS

Alex Blake is a freelance tech journalist who writes for Creative Bloq, TechRadar, Digital Trends, and others. Before going freelance he was commissioning editor at MacFormat magazine, focusing on the world of Apple products. His interests include web design, typography, and video games.

With contributions from

Josephine WatsonManaging Editor for Lifestyle

The best iPad stands