No matter how you like to use your tablet, there will come a day when you’ll want to put it down. And whether you’re using it for something as simple as a laptop replacement, a reader, or a gaming console, it’s bound to be awkward — mainly because a tablet (even one as small as an iPad mini) is still than the largest smartphones.
You need a tablet stand that lets you prop your device up for easy viewing and access, while freeing up your hands to prepare dinner, work out, or just take a break from handling heavy glass and silicon.
Of course, since you can do everything with your tablet, it only makes sense that there are plenty of stands available as well. From floor stands to products that can be propped up on a desk or counter, here’s our pick of our favorite tablet stands of 2022.
floor stand
Sometimes, you just need to put your tablet away. These floor stands let you keep your tablet next to you without tethering you to your desk or workstation. We think they’re great for working out, preparing dinner, or video conferencing.
The Hoverbar is a beautiful, versatile floor stand that holds any size tablet, including those in a case, thanks to the spring-loaded handle mount. The tablet can be placed low to the ground, at eye level or even higher, depending on what you’re going to use it for. (Pro tip: Set it at eye level when practicing your instrument while seated.)
Aimed squarely at the office worker, the CTA Digital Gooseneck Floor Stand isn’t as versatile as the Hoverbar—the iPad mini is too small for it—but it has wheels and a bendable neck for those looking to be in the office.
The Moft Snap Tablet Holder uses magnets that stick to the back of your tablet to hold the mount in place while you set up the device for hands-free use. This is a lightweight, almost invisible, and affordable desk stand.
The Satechi R1 Aluminum Hinge Stand for Phones and Tablets is capable of supporting any device from 4 inches to 13 inches. ” When you don’t need it, it folds up into a small aluminum pad that sits on your desk.
Yes, the price is high, but few stands can match the style of the Yohann iPad Stand. The company used oak and walnut for these organically curved wooden stands, and they come in two sizes—one for smaller tablets like the iPad mini, and one for larger tablets. It offers three angles of use and supports both landscape and portrait devices.
The Ergonofils Folding Stand is designed for laptops, but is perfect for 2-in-1 devices or large tablets. It’s much more stable than most stands for tablets, which means it offers plenty of support if you want to use the pen with a Microsoft Surface, iPad Pro, or similar device. The only downside (besides the price) is that since it’s designed for laptops, there’s no pass-through for the charging cable on the bottom bracket, so you can’t charge your device easily when you’re using it in portrait orientation. But if you want an extremely stable stand with luxurious materials (the entire thing is made of solid wood in your choice of walnut, maple, cherry, or white oak), look no further.
The Lamicall Gooseneck iPad Stand is for all business – it’s not just for iPads or similarly sized tablets. This desktop clip-on adjustable stand holds any device from 4.7 inches to 11 inches and fits most phones and all but the largest tablets. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to use their tablet as a second screen at their desk, follow recipes in the kitchen, or read hands-free in bed.
It’s a dichotomy. Not only does it hold your tablet in a great position for writing and drawing — always a plus for those who love a stylus — but it also doubles as a stand for your laptop. It’s packed with thoughtful little details, like an opening for cables to pass through, and a notch on the front to make opening the laptop easier. And it looks great, too, with that trendy polished chrome look.
Sometimes you just want to curl up on a good YouTube. Or TikTok, or whatever! The Ontel Multi-Angle Soft Tablet Stand is soft and comfortable, perfect for propping up your tablet when you don’t want to get out of bed.
The Elago is the most Apple-y desktop yet, designed to mimic the look of an iMac or Apple Display Monitor. The stand is designed specifically for Apple’s line of tablets because it attaches to Elago’s Magnetic Folio Case (sold separately for $26.99) using magnets. However, it looks great and allows you to rotate the iPad into landscape or portrait orientation.