The Best iPad Stands and Holders for 2021

Apple’s iPad is a versatile tablet that you’ll wind up using for many tasks — reading, watching videos, cooking, presenting, or even as a substitute for your laptop. For such a variety of uses, consider purchasing an iPad stand, which lets you elevate the position of the tablet and use it hands-free. Now that iPadOS 14 accommodates an external mouse or trackpad and keyboard, a stand is becoming a must-have accessory. With iPad stands, there’s a bang-for-the-buck factor: You can use an iPad stand with many different devices — or even with newspapers and magazines.

Sure, an iPad case that doubles as a stand may cover you in a pinch, but many people like to have their iPad on a more stable platform. Before purchasing a new iPad holder, consider how high or tall you want the stand to be or whether you want to share your view with another person. Take the size of your iPad into account to make sure that the stand you like is compatible with the model you own. We’ve assembled a few highly-rated iPad stands to get you started.

If you’re looking for a keyboard to use with your iPad, check out our roundup of the best iPad keyboards.

AmazonBasics Multi-Angle Portable Stand

If a good-looking, portable, sturdy iPad stand at a reasonable price is what you seek, look no further than AmazonBasics. This tablet stand offers comfortable, hands-free viewing for a wide range of tablets and smartphones, with ideal sizes ranging from 4 to 10 inches. Adjust your tablet for any viewing angle using the handy side button for either portrait or landscape positioning. Available in black or white, the zinc-alloy body holds up to 11 pounds and folds flat when closed. Removable rubber pads facilitate a nonslip and scratch-free grip on delicate tabletops.

Rain Design iRest Lap Stand for iPad

If you seek a comfortable fit with your iPad on the couch, easy chair, or bed, the iRest lap stand is what you’re looking for. It’s made of aluminum and plastic, with soft foam cushions and a torque hinge to achieve the optimal viewing angle, so you can watch movies and TV programs without hand or neck strain. The iRest is versatile, too. You can remove the cushions to convert it to an elegant desktop stand for reading or typing with or without a wireless keyboard. It fits all tablets that are less than .47 inches thick, including multiple generations of iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.

Humixx Multi-Angle Adjustable Foldable Stand

The Humixx Multi-Angle Adjustable Foldable Stand is a versatile stand that’s ideal for both personal and business use. It supports most smartphones and 4- to 13-inch tablets. Constructed from spaceflight aluminum-titanium alloy and strengthened alloy steel, it’s incredibly lightweight yet also really durable, with a reinforced design and anti-slip silicone pads on the bottom and cradle. All this and it folds into a flat package that’s easy to tote around. The shaft rotates 270 degrees for the perfect viewing angle, whether you’re enjoying a Netflix binge or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Moft X Invisible Stand

Moft’s Invisible Stand balances minimalism with functionality and won a 2020 IFA award for Best Design. For $30, you get a smooth-feeling stand that sticks onto the back of your iPad so you can use it anytime, anywhere. When not in use, the stand acts as a cardholder. When unfolded, the iPad holder functions as a kickstand as well as a hand grip so you never drop your tablet when handheld. Whether it’s set to landscape or portrait mode, the Moft Invisible Stand offers a comfortable viewing experience.

CTA Digital Height-Adjustable Gooseneck Stand

Picture shows a man in a barber shop sweeping hair off the floor while his tablet rests in an upright CTA Digital height-adjustable gooseneck stand.

You’re not always viewing your iPad on a table. You may be on the couch or your exercise bike, or using it as a display at work. Whatever you need it for, the CTA Gooseneck Adjustable Stand, with its stable metal base, gives you hands-free operation. The flexible, sturdy gooseneck adjusts to any position, while a jointed tablet holder tilts side to side and rotates 360 degrees for landscape or portrait viewing. The telescoping pole lets you easily adjust the height. The CTA is compatible with 7- to 13-inch tablets, including the iPad 10.2-inch (7th generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020), 11-inch iPad Pro (2020), various Minis, Airs, and Pros, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, and more.

AICase Telescopic Adjustable iPad Stand Holder

The super elegant AICase iPad stand looks great in any room of your home or office. It’s made of spaceflight Al-Ti alloy and strengthened alloy steel material, so it’s tough but lightweight. Its rubber pads and feet protect your device from scratches and scuffs and prevent it from sliding. The stand is ideal for 4- to 13-inch tablets like the iPad 2017 Pro 9.7 or 10.5, iPad Air and Mini, Surface Pro, Samsung Tablet, and many other models. If you use a tablet larger than 12 inches, set it horizontally to maintain the stand’s stability. The hook width of the stand is 0.71 inches so your tablet should not exceed that width. The stand easily supports both vertical and horizontal viewing for playing games, watching videos, viewing photos, reading, typing, and recording video.

Satechi Foldable Aluminum Stand

Satechi’s sturdy iPad stand is made of durable aluminum with protective padding so your iPad won’t get scratched. The “foldable” part of the stand refers to its ability to fold down to a small, compact square that you can tuck into nearly any pocket of your bag or case. Fold it down part of the way, and you can angle your iPad more upward until you find just the right viewpoint. It’s useful for streaming workout videos as pictured, but can also help users make video calls and much more.

TechMatte Multi-Angle Aluminum Holder

A tablet stand from Techmatte in a brushed silver finish.

The stylish TechMatte aluminum tablet holder has a spiffy two-tone style to complement both your tablet and any home or office. It’s compatible with almost all devices including iPads, iPad Minis, and iPhones, and also Samsung Galaxy phones, most other Android phones, and a variety of e-readers. A one-touch button and 270-degrees of rotation facilitate quick adjustments to the viewing angle. The aluminum structure can hold up to 11 pounds while nonslip, firm grip tabs and liners protect your device and keep it in place as you use it. The angle adjustment is so versatile that it can accommodate anything from a large tablet to a small smartphone in both horizontal and vertical orientations. It’s great for reading, watching videos, viewing photos, and searching the web. The included drawstring tote protects your stand against scratches as you travel around town.

Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder

This Lamicall stand is designed to attach to the side of a desk with a long, flexible neck that you can adjust however you prefer. This makes it particularly easy to use the iPad as a second screen beside your monitor, while also saving on desk space. Traditional iPad stands may keep your iPad too low or at an awkward angle for this kind of work, but this particular model has no problems with it. It also supports full 360-degree rotation to get just the viewpoint. While using it at a desk is a common option, the clamp can connect to nearly any shelf or table you have for a variety of interesting setups.

Ugreen Tablet Stand

The portable and lightweight Ugreen tablet holder, made from premium ABS material, is foldable and easy to slip into a pocket for travel. While in use, you can easily place this stand on your desk, or in the kitchen, office, living room, bedroom, and other horizontal surfaces. It’s compatible with various Apple iPad generations and models as well as numerous tablets, iPhones, and other Android phones. Its 4.7 x 4.2-inch frame supports multiple angles from 0 to 100 degrees for watching video, reading, video recording, browsing the web, FaceTime calls, and other hands-free situations. Silicone pads on the bottom and cradle protect both your tablet and the stand from scuffs and scratches. This tablet stand is available in black or white.

Saiji Adjustable Tablet Stand

Like an adjustable monitor, the Saiji tablet stand allows you to adjust the height of the iPad so you can use it comfortably. The stand is compatible with iPads of all sizes, including the largest 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and the silicone grips prevent your device from being scratched and scuffed during use. Whether you’re presenting a slideshow, using your iPad as a sale terminal, or simply wanting to share a picture, the 360-degree mechanism lets you seamlessly rotate your iPad. The stand is available in silver and black.

Twelve South Compass Pro

Compass Pro is a multiuse stand that works with the 11-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and all generations of iPad Air (excluding the iPad Mini) in both landscape and portrait orientation. Made of metal and soft silicone, it serves as a stable easel that holds your iPad in portrait for FaceTime interactions or widescreen mode for hands-free movie viewing and interacting with the tablet. Flip down its secondary leg and the Compass Pro transforms into a typing stand. Made with heavy gauge steel, Compass Pro folds flat and includes a travel sleeve so you can take it anywhere. Compass Pro has soft protective silicone anywhere the stand touches your iPad to protect from scratches and to prevent your device from shifting. The Compass is a small, totally mobile tool that can be used on planes, at the office, and in airports, hotels, coffee shops, and cafes. This product is available in silver.