Buying guide for best ipad stands

When it comes to tablets, it’s hard not to love the iPad. Every iPad model is a delight to use, the battery lasts forever, and many of the best mobile apps are iPad exclusives. There’s just one catch. In most cases, you need two hands to hold an iPad, which can sometimes be a challenge.

Thankfully, there’s a solution: iPad stands. With an iPad stand, you can set your iPad at just about any angle you want, so it’s easier to see and easier to use. You can use an iPad stand in any number of contexts – for example, with the right stand, you can turn your iPad into a virtual kiosk or digital cash register.

There’s an iPad stand for every use. Whether you’re looking for a stand to hold up your iPad while you read or a stand for using your iPad as a second screen for your computer, we’ve got you covered. Our guide has everything you need to know to find the right iPad stand for your needs, including our top picks, which you can find in the matrix.

As you’re comparing different iPad stands, keep an eye on how much each model weighs. If an iPad stand is too light, your iPad is more likely to accidentally fall out.

Key considerations

Before you begin shopping for an iPad stand, start with these questions to help focus your search.

What height iPad stand are you looking for?

Some iPad stands are designed to lift your iPad high, so you can use the device almost as if it were on a lectern. Other iPad stands are made for a desktop, so they only lift your iPad up a few inches. Start by considering how tall you want your iPad stand to be, and then limit your search accordingly.

Do you want to be able to swivel or adjust your iPad?

Consider how you’ll be using your iPad in its stand. Will it stay in the same orientation the whole time? Will you ever need to flip it back and forth between yourself and another person? If your iPad will stay mostly in one position, you can save money by buying a stand that doesn’t move. On the other hand, if you need to move your iPad around while it’s in the stand, you’ll need to find a stand with the appropriate adjustability.
 

What size is your iPad?

iPads come in a variety of sizes, and some iPad stands only work with certain sizes. Start by checking to see what the screen size is of your iPad, and then shop for an iPad stand that explicitly states it can work with yours.

Features

The best iPad stands do a lot more than just hold your iPad up. Here are the key features to look for when you’re comparing models.

Clamps

If you need to keep your iPad in place, it’s important to get a stand that includes clamps. If you get a stand without clamps, you run the risk of your iPad accidentally getting bumped off the stand and potentially damaged. Just remember that not all clamps are created equal. Some metal ones can scratch your iPad’s screen, so stick to stands with silicone or plastic clamps.

Materials

Most iPad stands are either made from metal or plastic, although there are a few models constructed from wood. The construction materials for an iPad stand have everything to do with its stability and durability, so choose wisely. If you need an iPad stand that’s extra-rugged, get a stand made of metal. If you’re just getting an iPad stand for casual use, plastic and wood stands will work fine.

Swivel control

One of our favorite iPad stand features is the ability to swivel the iPad’s screen. For example, with a swiveling stand, you can turn the iPad around to face a customer or quickly change from landscape mode to portrait mode. Swiveling makes it a lot easier to use your iPad at any angle.

iPad stand prices

Basic iPad stands cost between $5 and $25. Stands in this price range are pretty flimsy. They’re made of plastic, don’t usually have silicone feet, and don’t include any cable management features. If you’re looking for a basic stand for limited use, you can get a decent one in this range, but if you’re looking for a sturdier or more flexible stand, you’ll need to spend more.

iPad stands between $25 and $100 offer the best value. At the low end, you’ll find simple one-piece stands made from metal. At the high end, expect to see stands that are rugged, include multiple mechanisms to keep your iPad in place, and have a swivel feature so you can turn the screen in any direction.
 

Stands that cost more than $100 are typically aimed at businesses who want to power their kiosks with iPads. Stands in this price range usually come with heavy-duty enclosures. Unless you need a stand for commercial purposes, you’re better off getting a more affordable stand.

Tips

• Make a plan for cable management with your iPad stand. If you want to charge your iPad while it’s in the stand, you’ll need to plug in a charging cable. Some iPad stands account for this and provide cable management solutions that keep everything connected and out of the way. With others, you have to come up with your own solution, which can leave wires exposed or force you to position your iPad awkwardly if you need to charge it. As you’re comparing different iPad stands, remember to check how each model will work with your iPad when it has the charging cable attached.
• If you’re buying an iPad stand for public use, get a screen protector while you’re at it. iPads are great for use in high-volume situations, like as a digital cash register for small businesses or a touchscreen directory for large businesses. But if a lot of different people will be interacting with the iPad, you’ll want to keep the screen out of harm’s way with a screen protector. Even a basic screen protector can help protect against accidental damage or spills, so it’s definitely worth the investment if you know your iPad will frequently be in use.
• Consider securing your iPad stand to the surface it’s on. Most iPad stands do a decent job of staying in place. They commonly have silicone or rubber feet on the bottom to stop slipping. That said, some iPad stands aren’t the most stable, making it surprisingly easy for your iPad to topple. If you’ll be putting your iPad stand on a surface you don’t entirely trust, consider securing your iPad with adhesive strips or hook-and-loop fastener tape.

It’s easy to forget that the iPad works well in both landscape and portrait modes. Some iPad stands are designed for only one orientation. For the most flexibility, get an iPad stand that supports both.

FAQ

Q. Is it safe to get a generic stand that works with more tablets than the iPad?
A. Yes. Most tablet stands are compatible with multiple different tablets, including Android-based models. If you see a tablet stand that you like that’s also compatible with brands besides Apple, don’t sweat it. There’s no real advantage to buying a stand that’s exclusive to the iPad.

Q. Will my iPad and its case fit in an iPad stand?
A. It depends on the case. Some iPad cases add a lot of bulk, essentially turning a magazine-size device into one that’s closer to an encyclopedia. If you’ve got your iPad in a case that makes it thicker, you’ll need to look a little harder to find a stand that can accommodate it. Or simply take your iPad out of its case to put it in the stand.

Q. Some iPad stands have silicone feet. Is that important?
A. Yes. Many stands use silicone feet because they keep the stand stable and less prone to toppling over. Make sure that the iPad stand you buy has silicone feet or some other stabilization method for keeping it steady.