Apple's tablets are incredibly versatile, and the best iPad stands help you to get even more out of your slate.
Whether it's for drawing, entertainment, or gaming, there are lots of things to consider when buying a stand for your iPad. Naturally, you'll want good value for money, but going for something too cheap could damage your device. You'll also want to consider the form and versatility to ensure it fits your needs. To help, we've done the legwork of weighing up these considerations and listed our top picks below.
We also have a specific guide just for iPad holders for bed, or you can go down a more unconventional route - we've written a handy guide on how to make an iPad stand. If you're on the market for a new or upgraded iPad, we're continuously updating our guide to the best iPad deals, too.
The best iPad stands available now
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The 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.
The best iPad stand for big Apple fans
+ Folds down
+ Works with MacBooks
- Can't rotate iPad
- Limited height 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.
The best cheap iPad 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.
The best iPad stand 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.
The best free-standing iPad stand
+ 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.
The best iPad stand to use in bed
+ Highly adjustable
+ Works with most iPads
- No 12.9-inch iPad
- Drawing support
This 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 go. It proves sturdy enough to keep your iPad in place, but not enough to keep your iPad still for drawing with a stylus.
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.
