Apple’s iPad is a versatile tablet that you’ll use for many tasks — reading, watching videos, cooking, presenting, or even as a substitute for your laptop, whether you’re the owner of a new iPad, an iPad Mini, or an iPad Pro. 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. With an iPad stand, there’s also a bang-for-your-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 of the best iPad stands for 2021 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.

Belkin Portable Tablet Stage

The Belkin Portable Tablet Stage is expensive, but it’s versatile and features singular capabilities for both personal and business use. It supports most tablets and smartphones (and their cases) and folds into a flat package so it’s easy to tote around. It provides an adjustable platform to secure your device above a presentation stage. You can position your device camera to focus on a page, document, or object and connect a projector, TV, or monitor to display on a big screen. It can even transform your iPad into an interactive presentation tool. You can position your tablet to capture images or live video of objects and text in document camera mode, and it supports the Belkin Stage interactive whiteboard and document camera app. Use the Belkin Stage app to record videos or share your presentations online. The intermediate angle is ideal for FaceTime, Skype, or recording narratives, and the 80-degree angle is perfect for filming presentations.

Omoton Foldable Stand

Looking for an iPad stand you can slip into a bag or backpack? This foldable stand from Omoton has you covered. Made from premium aluminum alloy, it’s super sturdy and durable yet folds totally flat to stow away for your travels. This tablet stand also has dual shafts for excellent adjustable height and viewing angles, making it the perfect companion for viewing recipes, bingeing your favorite Netflix show, or watching a workout video. It’s compatible with most tablets up to 12.9 inches, including the latest iPad, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini models.

Flippy Pillow Stand

It might look a bit different when compared to other, more professional iPad stands out there, but the Flippy Pillow Stand is one for those long, lazy Sunday mornings in bed or Saturday afternoon Netflix binges. Made from lightweight foam with a suede cover that can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, it’s bulky yet cozy, and can hold your iPad, tablet, or Kindle at three different angles — just turn it around as each side of the stand is tilted to a different degree. It comes in 23 different colors and patterns, all with fun names, like “Def Leopard” (leopard print), “I Wanna Go to Miami” (teal), and “Orchid You Not” (plum), but we’d probably go for the Greyster version, pictured, which goes with everything.

Amazon Basics 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 four 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 0.47 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 handgrip so you never drop your tablet when handheld. Whether it’s set to landscape or portrait mode, the Moft X Invisible Stand offers a comfortable viewing experience.

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 2021, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020), 11-inch iPad Pro (2020), new iPad Mini (and various others), several iPad Airs, 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 Pro 12.9 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

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 by 4.2-inch frame supports multiple angles from 0 to 100 degrees for watching videos, 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.

Lamicall Tablet Stand

The Lamicall tablet stand is a small desktop display stand that’s specifically designed for all iPad and iPhone models. It provides a secure cradle for your tablet while you view videos or have a FaceTime chat with your buddies. It’s also great for playing games, viewing photos, reading, typing, and recording video. In addition to iPad models, it also works with the Surface Pro, Samsung Galaxy tablets, Kindles, Amazon Fire tablets, and many more devices. With a minimalist, solid aluminum alloy metal construction, the elegant silver finish complements most devices both in color and style. Rubber pads and feet protect your device from scratches and prevent sliding. As a desk accessory, it occupies minimal space and is durable enough for many environments including kitchens, offices, and nightstands.

Frequently asked questions about buying an iPad stand

What should you consider when buying an iPad stand?

The first thing to consider is where you plan to use the stand. If you’re going to be using it in bed or on the couch, a pillow or lap stand will likely be best. If you plan to use it at a desk, you might want a multi-angle stand that you can adjust — for example, to use your iPad as a second screen. You’ll also need to check to ensure the stand you’re eyeing fits your iPad, as stands come in different shapes and sizes. Finally, you may also want to consider what materials the stand is made from and available colors/designs. Some materials are more durable than others, making them ideal for use on the go, while others come in a wide range of colors so you can choose the one that matches your style.

Which stand is best for sitting on a bed or couch?

For sitting on a couch or using your tablet hands-free in bed, you’ll want a lap or pillow stand. We’d recommend the Flippy Pillow Stand or RainDesign iRest Lap Stand from our list, both of which are comfortable to use while sitting down.

What are the best iPad stands for people on a budget?

Those on a budget probably want to consider sleek, simple stands like the Amazon Basics stand, the TechMatte Multi-Angle Aluminum Holder, the Lamicall Tablet Stand, UGreen’s Tablet Stand, or Lamicall’s Gooseneck Tablet Holder, if you’re using your tablet at your desk.

What is the best iPad stand?

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to iPad stands, as everyone has different needs. However, if you have a little more to spend we love the Satechi Foldable Aluminum Stand, which is ideal for use while cooking, working out, for video calls, and much more. It’s one of the dearer options on our list, but worth the extra investment.