Best iPad stand: what are my options for iPad stands?

Say you’ve bought the iPad and use it for reading a lot or you need sometimes to put it on a table just like a monitor while you type on an external keyboard.

Those moments are rare, but when you need to use the iPad like this the only option is to get an iPad stand to raise the screen just like when you open the lid on a laptop.

There are many types of iPad stands, some cheap and simple, some complex and expensive and some are iPad cases with multi function use, including acting like a stand when folded correctly.

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With this article I’m trying to show you what are your current options when it comes to choosing an iPad stand for your beloved Apple touch tablet. I won’t limit this list to iPad stands only as I’ll be reviewing/presenting also iPad cases that can be used as an iPad stand and stands that can be used with multiple devices, not just the iPad. So let’s get it on and see what the market has for us right now:

Kickstand Stand Adjustable Handheld Electronics Holder – 11.8$

[iPad 2 compatible] - If you want a stand that can also hold up to 12 inch tablets/laptops and is very light to transport then you can’t go wrong with the Kickstand Stand Holder, an amazing piece that folds like a tripod mount for digital cameras and is able to elevate your screen for easy typing while working and comfortable viewing of the screen.

Two of the legs of Kickstand can be adjusted in length, thus varying the inclination of the screen. Construction is very solid, the materials used being PC+ABC Plastic & Aluminum Alloy while reduce overall weight to 300 grams and increase ruggedness. Kickstand Stand Ajustable Handheld Electronics holder is available in pure white. Nonetheless, you must admit that this stand looks very ‘industrial’.

Kickstand Stand Adjustable Handheld Electronics Holder

Griffin A-Frame – 24.98$

[iPad 2 compatible] - This is another cool aluminum stand for iPad that holds it upright in landscape and portrait views or at a lower, wrist-friendly angle for surfing, writing, reading and more (depending on your interests). You can use the Griffin A-Frame in conjunction with iPad covers and cases, carrying cases, screen protectors, hard-cases and silicone skins because there’s plenty of space in the non-slip rubber cradle. Griffin A-Frame is a quality built iPad stand, so you’ll get to use it for a long time. Add to this the moderate price and you got yourself a deal.

Griffin A-frame for Ipad

elago P2 Stand for iPad and Tablet PC – 29.99$

[iPad2 compatible] - This is the kind of accessory that you put in your living room to brag to friends because it looks so stylish, being made from aluminum and resembling something Steve Jobs would have designed. Once mounted, the screen of the iPad sits at the right angle and you can start using it as you would have touched the screen on a laptop. A back hole allows for cable management (I know you have messy cables as much as I do). What’s interesting is that eLago P2 stand is also compatible with other tablet PCs, not just the iPad. If you’re into aluminum there’s an article with best aluminum iPad stands you should take a look at.

elago P2 Stand (Silver) for iPad and Tablet PC

Bracketron LTM-205-BX iPad and netbook desktop stand – 8.10$

[works with iPad 2] - This is one of the most complex iPad stands on market today. It’s cheap but very complex when it comes to adjustment options for the screen inclination. Practically is impossible not to be able to get the perfect angle for media watching, text input and web browsing. Of course installation is a breeze, tool-less and fast. It’s got what it takes for any occasion, but won’t win a design award so if you believe that function must follow form, the Bracketron LTM-205-BX iPad stand is not for you. As a mention, it can be used also for netbooks, so you might look at it as an investment.

iPad Desktop Stand

Tuff-Luv Bi-Axis Napa Leather case cover and stand – 40$, iPad 2 – $40

This is more than a case, more than a convertible case: it’s a multipurpose genuine leather case made from the highly acclaimed Napa leather. It looks good, it’s nice to the touch and can be adjusted from 20 to 70 degrees in 5 steps. There’s no chance to miss the setting you like for your iPad screen inclination angle. It’s available in multiple colors and features a soft inside lining to protect the iPad during transportation and daily use. It costs more than your average case/stand, but is worth the money considering the functions and quality you’re getting with the Tuff-Luv Bi-Axis Napa Leatehr case cover and iPad stand.

Tuff-Luv Bi-Axis Napa Leather case cover and stand

Deluxe Leather multi-view Case/Folio (white) – 6.99$

This is a nice looking leather case/folio that doubles as a stand with more than 13 adjustment options which allow the screen to be inclined to your desired levels to watch media, browse or type on the iPad. The Deluxe Leather Case is professionally designed to hold the iPad perfectly on all sides, with no need for cheap and unreliable straps. Once loaded, a secure flap ensures the iPad is safe when loaded into the pouch. If you’re not a big fan of white leather you’ll be happy to know that Deluxe Leather multi-view Case/folio is also available in red and brown versions.

Deluxe Leather multi-view Case/Folio with Stand

Macally Viewstand Aluminum stand for iPad – 23.5$

What goes best with your iPad aluminum casing? An aluminum stand, of course. It’s the best design option to keep the clean look of your tablet. You’ll pay a premium for the Macally Viewstand Aluminum stand for iPad, but you’ll get more than a simple stand. You’ll get two adjustment options for the screen angle by just putting the Macally model standing on one side, or another. No fancy lever to pull. Even if it’s made of aluminum, there’s supplemental protection from scratches as Macally Viewstand is coated with a Thermo Polyurethane layer.

Macally VIEWSTAND Aluminum Viewing Stand for iPad

ChillBed ChillTab2 – 34.99$

[iPad 2 compatible] - This is actually one of the nicest iPad stands out there, being build from aluminum, which makes it nice looking and also pretty solid. Having fewer parts means it’s not going to break anytime soon, but it also means there are not too many adjustment options, so look elsewhere if flexibility is what you need. You can read the full review here.

ChillBed ChillTab2

Macally BOOKSTAND Protective Case and Stand for iPad – 10.40$, iPad 2 – $19

This is a more classic approach to an iPad stand, if you like. It’s a typical iPad case with the option of folding it like a book stand. The two positions allowed by Macally Bookstand help you to set up your iPad in two positions: one for typing and browsing and one for media watching, where the screen is positioned at a steep angle. The Bookstand protective case is made from a nice material that’s friendly to touch and keeps all iPad controls opened when using it like a case. It’s more expensive than other iPad stands but is worth the money due to its multifunction use and above average construction.

Macally BOOKSTAND Protective Case and Stand for iPad

iPad keyboard – 56$, iPad dock – 16$

Surprisingly enough, this expensive accessory is one of the best if you need an iPad stand: it’s got a sync connector, it keeps the screen at a steep angle (not adjustable) and features a keyboard to help you speed text input. The iPad keyboard dock is very expensive but is worth it. Nonetheless, if you’re seeking for something more from this world you can get the iPad dock, which looses the keyboard but also shaves around 60$ from the price of the stand.

iPad keyboard dock

Conclusion

As you can see from above, there are plenty of options currently on market for an iPad stand, so choosing the best iPad stand has to do with you, your needs, design preferences and the amount of money you wish to spend. Expect more models to come in next months, so you should subscribe to this page to get updates once new entries are made into this top. Ultimately, if you get one of the iPad stands shown above please leave a comment below to let others know what your impressions are.

Suggestion

Because many iPad cases can be used as iPad stands I recommend you take a look at another article we’ve wrote with the best iPad cases. You might find an interesting model there too.

Also recommended:

• Best accessories for iPad
• Best screen protector for iPad
• Best iPad cases