The right stand can bring a whole new range of functionality to your iPad. A vertical stand on the kitchen counter can turn your tablet into an easy-to-read cookbook. A raised stand on your desk can turn your iPad into a computer—just combine it with a wireless keyboard and a mouse, and you’re ready to go. Slide your iPad into a kiosk stand, download some point-of-sale software, and you’ve got a ready-made checkout station for your small business. 

Whether you want to read, watch movies, make video calls, or get some work done, we’ve found the best iPad stands out there for all kinds of uses. Check out our list below to find the best iPad stand for a hands-free experience.

The Lamicall Tablet Stand is our top pick for the iPad. Its sturdy aluminum alloy frame and adjustable positioning make it a great stand for using around the house or in the office. The Lamicall stand lifts iPads a few inches off the desk, reducing neck strain.. Prop up your tablet to read, watch TV shows, follow a recipe, or use your iPad like a computer with a wireless keyboard and mouse setup.

Best Overall

Lamicall S Adjustable Tablet Stand

  • Sturdy aluminum build

  • Adjustable viewing angles

  • Low center of gravity for stability

  • Not as portable as other options

Our tester noted that it supports both landscape and portrait modes, and there’s a cutout along the bottom edge that lets you plug in and charge your device when the iPad is oriented vertically. That bottom edge is also lined with a soft rubber material to prevent scratches and stop your device from sliding around when it’s in the stand. 

The Lamicall stand is lightweight, at about 5 ounces, and has a rubber cushion on the bottom that keeps it firmly anchored where you set it down. It’s compatible with tablets and phones that measure between 4 and 13 inches, which includes most iPhones and iPads. But be advised that devices larger than 12 inches, such as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, become quite tippy in portrait mode. It also can’t fit devices thicker than 18 millimeters, which could be an issue if you have a protective case on your tablet.

Build material: Aluminum alloy | Device size: 4-13 inches | Adjustable: Yes

“The metal base lifts iPads 2 or 3 inches off the desk depending on the viewing angle.” — Sandra Stafford, Product Tester

Best Budget

  • Lightweight and foldable

  • Budget-friendly

  • Durable

  • Doesn’t lift tablet

Build material: Plastic | Device size: 6-12 inches | Adjustable: Yes

“Nonskid material on the base and upper arm kept my iPad stable at all angles as long as I was handling it gently.” — Sandra Stafford, Product Tester

The Compass Pro from Twelve South is a sleek-looking iPad stand that folds down flat for easy transport. Though surprisingly heavy for its size, the Compass Pro tablet stand is a great portable option. When entirely folded, the stand has a low profile that can fit in almost any pocket. This tablet stand has a unique design reminiscent of a drafting compass. Small plastic feet keep iPads firmly seated on the tablet, and the tablet pivots around its back leg rather than falling over. The stand can be adjusted to two different viewing angles, one of which is for typing or writing, the other of which is for hands-free use and viewing.

Best Portable

Twelve South Compass Pro for iPad

  • Compact when folded

  • Compass design prevents tipping

  • Kickstand creates ideal typing angle

  • A little pricey

  • Metal stopper in the hinge seems delicate

According to our tester, the adjustable back leg gives you three different options for viewing angles: a vertical display mode, an angled “desktop” mode that’s perfect for use with a wireless keyboard, and a typing/drawing mode that is nearly horizontal. These options make the Compass Pro a versatile accessory for your iPad’s many different functions. 

When you’re on the go, the Compass Pro folds up flat and can be carried in its own protective sleeve. The stand is a little on the heavy side at about half a pound, but not so heavy that it’ll be uncomfortable to carry around. It’s available in both black and silver, with its sleek design, the Twelve South Compass Pro is sure to turn some heads.

Build material: Steel and silicone | Device size: 6-12 inches | Adjustable: No

“Annotating text at this angle was comfortable since I could rest my wrist on the table and still each the entire screen with my Apple Pencil.” — Sandra Stafford, Product Tester

Omoton’s adjustable tablet stand is perfect for anyone who wants to use and charge their iPad at their desk most of the time. Its selling point is its anti-skid rubber base with nano-absorption material, guaranteed not to slip, even at a 75-degree angle. That said, the iPad stand, which consists of durable, lightweight aluminum, is hefty enough on its own not to move around. According to our tester, the Omoton T1 adjustable tablet stand is great for desktop use despite its weight. Plus, you can adjust the product for multiple viewing angles.

Best for Desktop

Omoton T1 Adjustable Tablet Stand

  • Charging cables can pass through

  • Multiple color options

  • Sturdy build

  • Some users report quality control issues

Designed to lift iPads while remaining stable, the stand has a low center of gravity and rubberized base that keeps it from tipping or sliding. Charging cables can pass through cutouts in the metal to reach the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode. The Omoton T1 is available in six colors, so it will complement any home office.

Build material: Aluminum alloy | Device size: 3.5-12.9 inches | Adjustable: Yes

“The heavy metal base has a low center of gravity and a large footprint, allowing it to withstand most force that might knock it over.” — Sandra Stafford, Product Tester

If you like to set your iPad on your lap, then a big aluminum stand is not what you’re looking for. The PadPillow Stand from IPEVO is perfect for relaxed browsing and watching, whether you’re laying on the couch, stretched out on the floor, or sitting up in bed.

Best Pillow

Ipevo PadPillow Stand

  • Comfortable to hold on your lap

  • Unfolds to hold a keyboard

  • Removable cover

  • Very little height to the stand

  • Bulky

Its soft pillow design is comfortable to rest on your legs or stomach and can easily move to a desk if you need to get work done. The unique design also unfolds to support different viewing angles. It can even hold a wireless keyboard, instantly transforming the PadPillow into a comfortable lap desk for typing. 

The PadPillow works with any kind of tablet, phone, or e-reader. You can even use it to read books when you’ve had too much screen time. The cover is made from 100% cotton denim that can be removed and washed by hand if needed.

Build material: Denim pillow | Device size: All iPad generations | Adjustable: No

If you’re shopping for an iPad stand to use in a retail setting, the Beelta Kiosk is our top pick. This stand has a metal design that actually screws together to hold the iPad in place, keeping your device secure and all of the important ports accessible. Cable management channels on the back allow you to thread through a power cord and charge up the device throughout the day.

Best for Businesses

Beelta Kiosk Retail Stand

  • Secure casing around the iPad

  • Swivel stand

  • Compatible with card reader attachments

  • Case must be unscrewed to remove the iPad

The Kiosk’s base can be fixed to any flat surface and has a 360-degree swivel design so the tablet can be rotated back and forth between customers and cashiers. Cutout ports along the edges of the case leave room to attach a Square card reader, so if you download point of sale (POS) software, your iPad can function as a full checkout system.

Build material: Aluminum alloy | Device size: iPad Air 1, Air 2, iPad 5, iPad 6, iPad Pro 9.7 | Adjustable: No

About Our Trusted Experts

Emmeline Kaser is an experienced product researcher and reviewer in the field of consumer tech. She is a former editor for Lifewire’s product testing and recommendation round-ups.

Sandra Stafford has been testing products for Lifewire since 2019, covering a wide range of accessories, tablets, and other devices.

  • What kind of stand is best for video calls?
  • If you frequently use your iPad for FaceTime calls or video conferencing, we recommend getting a raised stand that can hold the iPad upright rather than leaned back. This will make it easier for you to see the screen and will get the iPad’s camera closer to eye level. That higher camera angle will give the people you’re talking to a better view of your face (rather than up your nose).
  • What kind of stand is best for bed?
  • You don’t want to balance any kind of tippy metal stand on your bed, so we’d recommend something lower and preferably soft, such as the IPEVO PadPillow. You’ll want something with a wide base that doesn’t lift your iPad too high and is comfortable to hold on your lap. Just remember not to charge your device in bed—the heat it generates can be a fire hazard.
  • Can you use a stand if you have a case on your iPad?
  • Some stands can accommodate the extra bulk of a case, and others cannot. If the stand has a narrow notch for the device, make sure to check the measurements in the product description and compare it to the thickness of your iPad when the case is on. Otherwise, you may find you have to take the case off anytime you want to use the stand.

If you frequently use your iPad for FaceTime calls or video conferencing, we recommend getting a raised stand that can hold the iPad upright rather than leaned back. This will make it easier for you to see the screen and will get the iPad’s camera closer to eye level. That higher camera angle will give the people you’re talking to a better view of your face (rather than up your nose).

You don’t want to balance any kind of tippy metal stand on your bed, so we’d recommend something lower and preferably soft, such as the IPEVO PadPillow. You’ll want something with a wide base that doesn’t lift your iPad too high and is comfortable to hold on your lap. Just remember not to charge your device in bed—the heat it generates can be a fire hazard.

Some stands can accommodate the extra bulk of a case, and others cannot. If the stand has a narrow notch for the device, make sure to check the measurements in the product description and compare it to the thickness of your iPad when the case is on. Otherwise, you may find you have to take the case off anytime you want to use the stand.