Buying guide for Best tablet stands
Tablets are pretty incredible devices that have evolved to become paper-thin computers. But one thing that’s not incredible is having to hold one up for long periods of time. Whether you use your tablet for watching movies, browsing the web, or gaming, a tablet stand is a necessity if you plan on doing it for more than a few minutes.
Tablet stands come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, and many are even designed around specific use cases like traveling or school. Some are simple and hold up your tablet like an easel, while others have long adjustable arms that allow you to move your tablet to the perfect position. Some are spartan, all-metal stands, while others are designed to be conversation pieces that fit in with any décor.
No matter what kind of tablet you have or how big it is, the perfect tablet stand for you is out there, and we’re here to help you find it! Here’s everything you need to know about tablet stands.
If you’re a musician, consider a tablet stand that attaches to a standard microphone stand so you can keep music or lyrics nearby when performing and practicing. Tablets are the ultimate musician’s companions because they can do everything from recording compositions to storing sheet music.
Key considerations
Before you start sorting through the hundreds of available options, start by answering these questions.
How flexible do you need your tablet stand to be?
Consider how much you need to move your tablet when it’s in a stand. Do you need to adjust it to multiple viewing angles or turn it for others to see? If you don’t think you’ll need to make adjustments, you can save money buying a single-position tablet stand. If you’ll need to move the screen at all, get a tablet stand that’s adjustable.
Do you plan on charging your tablet while it’s on the stand?
It’s easy to overlook that most tablet stands don’t include hardware for charging your tablet. In most cases, you’ll need to bring your own charging cable, and in some cases, there isn’t a lot of room for a charging cable at all. Our best advice: once you’ve narrowed your choices to a few models, make sure the one you pick has room for a charging cable.
Do you prefer plastic, metal, or fabric?
One of the biggest differentiators between tablet stands is what they’re made of: some are single pieces of metal, while others are made of plastic or even premium materials like suede or bamboo. Think about your specific needs and choose accordingly: if you need a stand that’s going to last forever, stick with those that are mostly or all metal. If you need a stand on a temporary basis, look at the less expensive plastic models. If you want to use a stand in the kitchen to display recipes while you cook, choose a material you can easily wipe down.
Expert Tip
Clean your tablet before you put it in the tablet stand — this is especially important for tablet stands that include suction cups. It’s important that your tablet stays securely in its stand, and that can be challenging if it’s got dust, dirt, or grime on the surface or the connection ports.
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Tablet stand features
All tablet stands can prop up your tablet, but there are a few key features that are worth watching out for. Here’s what separates the so-so models from the best of the bunch.
Portability
When it comes down to it, there are two types of tablet stands: those that are made to sit somewhere semipermanently and those that are designed to travel with you wherever you take your tablet. Desktop tablet stands are great for stability, and ideal in situations where you need to see your screen while keeping your hands free. Portable stands are better for situations where you’re on the go; for example, many users take portable stands on airplanes to hold up their tablets while they watch movies.
Adjustability
If you need a tablet stand that will let you see the screen from multiple angles, get one with an adjustable arm. Stands with adjustable arms are useful if you find yourself frequently having to change the angle of your tablet to account for light glare or showing it to other people.
Desk clamps
Some desktop tablet stands are designed to be easily transferred from one location to another with a built-in clamp. Tablet stands with desk clamps are ultra stable and work well for using your tablet as a teleprompter or second screen.
Expert Tip
Experiment with both portrait and landscape modes to see which you like better on your tablet stand. Most tablet stands can hold your tablet in whichever orientation you prefer, so spend some time trying out both.
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Tablet stand prices
Basic tablet stands cost between $5 and $10. Models in this price range are essentially metal or plastic easels that hold your tablet upright. If you just need a basic stand for a low-traffic area, you can easily find a great deal in this price range.
The best values in tablet stands are between $15 and $30. Tablet stands in this price range start to introduce features that are truly worth it, like adjustable mechanisms so you can quickly change the viewing angle, or silicone padding to protect your tablet’s frame. In this price range you’ll probably still need to bring your own cables, but that’s OK with us, given the variety and flexibility of options.
Premium tablet stands cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000. Tablet stands in this price range are commonly used in commercial or professional situations; for example, if you’ve ever interacted with a touchscreen customer service kiosk built into a large, permanent stand, you’ve interacted with a high-end tablet stand. Unless you’ve got a specific use case that requires a commercial-grade tablet stand, stick with the consumer-grade models.
Expert Tip
If you run a business, get a tablet stand so you can use your tablet as a register kiosk. Some stands swivel, so they can be used by both cashier and customer, and they often include security features like a lock and key, keeping your tablet safe at the same time.
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Tips
- Check the power. If you get a tablet stand with a built-in charger, check to see how many amps the charging port provides. Not all USB ports are built the same, and some can charge much faster than others. Start by checking your tablet’s original plug and see how much power it delivers (it will be measured in watts), then make sure the charger on the tablet stand you’re looking at can match that. If it’s a lower wattage, it will take longer to charge.
- Go for safety and security. If your tablet stand will be in a location where it can get knocked over, get a rugged tablet case and screen protector. Tablet stands are usually pretty stable, but accidents happen, and we’re big believers in protecting our tech investments. If you can see your tablet getting knocked over while it’s on a stand, get it some adequate protection so you can rest easy knowing it will survive any oopsies.
- Keep a microfiber cloth handy. Your tablet’s screen can get dirty quickly, especially if you use it a lot — there’s no getting away from leaving fingerprints behind! We recommend always keeping a few microfiber cloths handy to wipe down all of your screens periodically; it makes a big difference in image quality, and it’s also just plain sanitary.
Other products we considered
If you need a stand that can charge multiple tablets at once, we recommend the Hercules Tuff Fast-Charging Station. It charges up to six devices at once while keeping them all neatly organized, and it even includes USB-C, Lightning, and micro USB cables. Each charging port is a 2.4A port, so no matter how much gear you’ve got plugged in, it all charges as fast as possible.
If you’re looking for a tablet stand that’s a better fit with your home décor, consider the Barva Wooden Cell Phone Stand. It’s a home organizer that can hold and charge your tablet, and it’s got room for your keys, watch, and even a pair of sunglasses. It comes in a variety of finishes, so it’s easy to find the one that’ll match your home perfectly. If you’re getting a tablet stand anyway, why not get one that looks this good?
If you want to charge your tablet while it’s in the stand, look for a right-angled charging cable. A right-angled cable is perfect for when a stand has only a little bit of room. It saves you from having to awkwardly bend a standard cable to keep it organized.
FAQ
Q. How can I tell if my tablet will fit in a specific tablet stand?
A. The best way to confirm a tablet stand will work with your tablet is to check the measurements of both and verify that there’s room. If you don’t have a tape measure handy, check the product description; many include a list of which tablets they work best with. Above all else, never assume your tablet will fit in a stand without checking!
Q. Will a tablet stand scratch my tablet?
A. It’s unlikely. Most tablet stands are made to protect your tablet, or at the very least, not damage it. If you’ll be using your tablet without a case when you put it in the stand, check to make sure that the stand you buy doesn’t have any sharp metal edges or areas that might scratch your tablet.
Q. Is it better to get a plastic tablet stand or one made of metal?
A. It depends. Plastic tablet stands are more affordable and lighter, so they’re ideal for low-traffic scenarios or situations where you’ll be the only one taking the tablet off of the stand and putting it back again. Metal stands are more expensive and heavier, but they’re also sturdier and so less likely to get accidentally knocked over. Our advice: if you share your tablet with anyone else, stick with a metal stand.
