The iPad is a brilliant device, whether you’re using it to consume or create. But it has always played a rather odd role in my life. Rather than using this as a Mac hub (losing the iPad charging is a bit of a bummer in that scenario), it does present a rather awesome use case for anyone who wants to turn their iPad into a fully-fledged multiport device, complete with SD card slots, USB-A 3.1 inputs, and a 4K@60Hz HDMI output.

This all-metal stand by UGREEN is a must-have for those who frequently use an Apple Pencil in a plethora of scenarios — from taking notes during a meeting to making edits to photos and videos, all the way to working on elaborate graphic design and illustration projects. Its hefty metal base and wide iPad holding surface with silicone padding to keep it in place will always keep it in place. Such stability is crucial for getting the most precise inputs out of Apple's iconic stylus. On the other hand, the iPad holder's cutouts will help the device stay cool during demanding tasks like editing high-resolution video, among others. Attach your iPad to a magnetic stand, and it suddenly looks like an entirely different device. It can be a second screen, Universal Control companion, or a conveniently placed consumption device while you’re making dinner. Moft takes a slightly different approach to iPad stands with its Snap Float Folio. This is essentially a case that attaches to the iPad magnetically and then, through some clever folds and slits in the vegan leather, allows the device to be placed in three different positions. They are available for a variety of iPads, including the mini, Air, 11-inch Pro, and the 12.9-inch Pro version reviewed here.The Urban model is very minimalist in design. It’s essentially a blank gray rectangle sitting above the iMac-style stand. The only marking is a single line along one of the long edges. I have no idea why, and I’d prefer it not be there, but it’s not a big deal. There’s no branding on the front of either stand or magnetic pad, only on the rear. We've been comparing hundreds of iPad stands over the past few years to find the sturdiest, most attractive-looking, most convenient options for your go-to Apple slate. Here's what you need to think about when shopping for one of your own or to gift an iPad user you care about. What to Consider It's taller than most iPad stands on the market, making it great for using it alongside a Mac for Sidecar, for cooking along to a recipe in the kitchen, or for using as a glanceable HomeKit display hub. The Infinity stand is the cheapest option on this list, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice build quality if you opt for it. Just like every Benks product I’ve tested, the Infinity is built like a tank. The hinge is stiff (possibly a little too stiff) and the magnets confidently take a hold of your iPad.

Understandably, this is to keep the center of gravity lower so that you can comfortably tap on the screen without pushing the whole thing over, but it's worth noting. If you want a stand that brings your iPad up to your eye level, you'll need to find another solution. We like that the stand will not only adjust its height and viewing angles but also allow you to rotate it 360 degrees. The last-mentioned functionality is incredibly helpful for sharing onscreen content at school and work.As a real bonus, its base offers wireless charging for iPhone and AirPods, and you can also add an extra Apple Watch charging module. So, now that I’ve hopefully given you some food for thought when it comes to use cases for iPad stands, let’s look at four great options. Option 1: CharJenPro MagFlött There’s also an HDMI 2.0 port that lets you connect up to a 4K external display at 60Hz. With all this, your iPad just became a fully fledged desktop workstation, and one that runs iOS and works with the Apple Pencil.

There are plenty of great iPad stands on the market with various forms and capabilities. When it comes to stylish magnetic stands, there aren't quite so many, but Lululook does have some competition in this space. I hope I’ve given you plenty of food for thought. Let me know in the comments how you intend to use your iPad-on-a-stand! Reliable Compatibility: The magnetic iPad stand comes in 2 size options. 12.9" stand works perfectly for iPad Pro 12.9” 3rd Gen, and iPad Pro 12.9” 4th Gen, iPad Pro 12.9 2021 (5th Generation), iPad Pro 12.9" 6th Gen (2022); 11" stand works perfectly for iPad Pro 11” 1st Gen, iPad Pro 11” 2nd Gen, iPad Pro 11 2021 (3rd Generation), iPad Pro 11" 2022 (4th Generation), as well as iPad Air 4th, iPad Air 5th. I opted for the iPad mini version, which fits the iPad mini 6 perfectly. Indeed, if that’s your iPad of choice, the Infinity is the only magnetic stand on this list to cater for Apple’s tiniest tablet. And trust me, if you think the iPad mini is too small to justify a stand, think again; I’ve loved having the ability to perch mine so elegantly and safely next to my iMac while working away in the kitchen. I’m a full iPad stand convert. I’m still some way from making effective use of every iPad I have to hand, but these stands really do transform Apple’s tablet.

Rotating base makes up for a so-so hinge on the Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand.

Both of these features are brilliant methods for integrating the iPad into your daily work, but they’re rather incomplete without something to place your iPad on – hence the need for some form of stand. The iPad clamps firmly onto the stand magnetically, rather than sitting on a ledge as with most stands. This means you need to choose the correct model stand that is compatible with iPad Air 4/5, 11-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021/2022), and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021/2022). if you upgrade to a different iPad, then it’s possible that the stand won’t be compatible, but it works very well with the iPad models mentioned here.

Most iPads are supported (bar the iPad mini) and there’s a useful slot for your Apple Pencil, too. The case is microfibre-lined, scratch-resistant, and relatively lightweight, but it inevitably adds some bulk to your iPad. Compatibility: All iPads from 2017, excluding iPad mini (although some iPads require the Magfit magnetic case – see Option 4, below) There’s just one issue – the magnets aren’t as strong as the other stands on this list. And that’s rather unnerving if you’re an iPad Pro 12.9″ owner. In my experience, iPads have to fight hard to play a role in whatever it is you’re doing. And Apple knows this, which is why they keep integrating the iPad more wholesomely into the ecosystem. This iPad stand looks similar to many others but has the useful benefit of being able to rotate 360°, which makes it ideal for sharing with groups, either at home for family video calls or in-office meetings. If you use your iPad in the kitchen for recipes, you can rotate it as you move around.

Magic Magnet Experience: iPad Pro stand with strong built-in magnet which automatically aligns and holds iPad Pro/iPad Air 5th/4th in place, showing the iPad screen to you with ergonomic viewing experience. Compatible with Apple Pencil 2 wireless charging (Pencil Not Included). The only other real qualm is that it still takes two hands to remove your iPad from the stand. The base is hefty, but no so much that you can remove your iPad with one hand. I expect this is down to the strength of the magnets needed to keep your heavy iPad in situ. There are two ways to use it. You can either connect the supplied USB-C cable between the hub and your iPad or connect the hub directly to your Mac. The former allows you to use all of the ports on the hub within iPadOS, from the HDMI output to the ethernet connection. The latter switches access to those ports to the Mac, but you’ll lose the ability to charge the iPad directly from the hub. When shopping for an iPad stand, it's important to keep in mind what size screen it has. Fortunately, most stands are adjustable, so they can accommodate small tablets like the iPad mini as well as big-screened ones like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. However, some stands are incapable of holding certain tablets, depending on how big or small they are. Form Factor The Type-C PD input on the rear of the hub can draw 100W of passthrough power, but will obviously only charge your iPad at its maximum wattage. The benefit of the 100W is that you can charge a number of devices from the hub – such as your iPhone and AirPods – at the same time.