The use of stands has enhanced the productivity and entertainment setup for iPads as they are able to provide the user with very good desktop experiences with perfect viewing angles, and attachments to the iPads with great ease. Stands for either the iPad Pro or the iPad Air will always make the productivity and entertainment setup better.
Definition of an iPad Stand with Magnetic Properties
Magnetic iPad stands are those which use very powerful, built-in magnets that are used to hold the iPad in place without the need for clamps, brackets, or sleeves. It is as if the iPad is floating since there are no attachments on the lower or sides of the iPads.[1] The connection with supporting iPads that are cross-compatible is almost seamless since locking and unlocking is very effortless, and provides support for a host of viewing angles that are stable. Unlike older stands which need to use bulky and complex clamps or supports, these newer floats easily and provide better user interaction since the magnets allow for ease of use.[2][3]
Which Versions of the iPad are Compatible with Stands
iPad Pro Compatibility
If you’re an iPad Pro user, then the compatibility is set to the generation as well. Most stands are compatible with:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation (2018 to 2022)[1]
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation (2018 to 2022)[1]
A key piece of information for those who use the M4 iPad Pro is that older stands will not work due to the M4 iPad Pro models having different magnet alignments. You will require stands that are confirmed to be compatible with M4 technology.[4][5][6]
iPad Air Compatibility
iPad Air compatibility includes:
- iPad Air 4th generation (10.9-inch, 2020)[1]
- iPad Air 5th generation (10.9-inch, 2022)[1]
- iPad Air M2 11-inch and 13-inch (2024)[5]
Note: Only iPad Pro and iPad Air models are compatible with magnetic stands; other iPad models do not have compatible magnetic supports.[7]
Essential Features: Viewing Angles & Adjustability
Multi-Angle Viewing
The best magnetic iPad stands feature complete 360-degree rotation and multiple viewing angle options for different tasks. Key adjustability features include:[8]
- Switching between portrait and landscape modes
- Height adjustment feature with rigid hinges
- Tilt adjustment between 0-90 degrees
- Swivel rotation to facilitate effortless screen sharing in presentations[10]
Ergonomic Benefits
Viewing angles that are too high or low can cause neck and back strain in prolonged use. Look for stands that allow the iPad to be positioned at eye level around 20-30 inches away, slightly below the line of sight, with the screen.[8]
Top Magnetic iPad Stand Reviews
Premium Category ($80+)
1. Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic Stand - $89.99
- Design: Premium, aluminum construction with hinges engineered to precise standards[9]
- Build Quality: Towering stability with stiff hinges that lock in place[9]
- Features: Scratch-proof, foldable with a 360° rotation design[10]
- Best for: Users seeking incredible build quality and impeccable stability[9]
2. LULULOOK Foldable Magnetic Stand - $79.99
- Design: Svelte and simple design that easily matches Apple products[11]
- Build Quality: Very strong magnets that need a two-handed approach for removal[11]
- Features: 360-degree swivel, portable, aluminum[1]
- Best for: Those who want an Apple design that’s easy to carry around[12]
3. KUXIU X36 Pro MAX Charging Stand - $139.99
- Design: Arm is adjustable and has integrated hollow cable routing[13]
- Build Quality: CNC aluminum with stiff joints[13]
- Features: Magnetic charging with Smart Connector, M4 iPad Pro[5]
- Best for: M4 iPad Pro users looking for charging integration[14]
Mid-Range Category ($50-80)
4. KUXIU X33 Pro MAX - $99.98
- Design: Traditional desk stand form with a wide and stable base[15]
- Build Quality: Fully CNC machined aluminum[13]
- Features: Magnetic charging, dual-hinge design, most iPad Pro compatible[16]
- Best for: Those looking for a stand with charging capabilities in a traditional design[15]
5. INVZI MagFree Pro - $69.99
- Design: Floats with a strong magnet and is made from aluminum alloy[2]
- Build Quality: Scratch-free with adjustable hinges[2]
- Features: 360-degree rotating shaft, vertical/horizontal display modes[2]
- Best for: Professionals who need to adjust their iPad to various angles for their work[2]
Budget Category (Under $50)
6. Plugable AMS-STAND11 - $49.95
- Product Design: Made from fanless aluminum alloy with silicone padding[17]
- Manufacturing Quality: N52 magnets which are guaranteed for 2 years[17]
- Capabilities: 360° rotatable panel, 180° adjustable hinges, foldable[17]
- Most Appropriate For: Economical users with older iPad Pro versions available[17]
7. Elago Magnetic Stand - $34.99
- Product Design: Sleek aluminum design available in 4 color options[18]
- Manufacturing Quality: Strong hold construction with a compatible magnetic case[18]
- Capabilities: Magnetic folio case friendly, simplified structure[18]
- Most Appropriate For: Consumers who have a magnetic case and are looking for a low-priced option[18]
8. ProElite Magnetic Floating Rotatable Stand - $45.99
- Product Design: 360° rotation, floating design[37]
- Manufacturing Quality: Good build with Apple Pencil 2 charging support[37]
- Capabilities: Adjustable angles, supports older iPad Pro and Air models[37]
- Most Appropriate For: Budget-conscious users needing Apple Pencil support[37]
Comparison Table
| Brand | Model | Price (USD) | Compatibility | Key Features | Design Rating | Build Quality | M4 Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LULULOOK | Foldable Magnetic Stand | 79.99 | iPad Pro 11/12.9" (3rd-6th Gen), iPad Air 4th/5th Gen | 360° rotation, Foldable, Strong magnets, Aluminum build | 4.5 | Excellent | No |
| Benks Infinity Pro | Infinity Pro Magnetic Stand | 89.99 | iPad Pro 11/12.9", iPad Air | 360° rotation, Premium aluminum, Stable hinges, Scratch protection | 4.8 | Premium | No |
| KUXIU X36 Pro MAX | X36 Pro MAX Charging Stand | 139.99 | iPad Pro 11/13" M4 (2024), iPad Air M2 | Magnetic charging via Smart Connector, Adjustable arm, Cable routing | 4.6 | Excellent | Yes |
| KUXIU X33 Pro MAX | X33 Pro MAX Charging Stand | 99.98 | iPad Pro 11/12.9" (3rd-6th Gen) | Magnetic charging, Traditional desk stand, CNC aluminum | 4.4 | Very Good | No |
| Plugable AMS-STAND11 | Magnetic iPad Stand AMS-STAND11 | 49.95 | iPad Pro 11" (1st-4th Gen M2), iPad Air 10.9/11" (4th/5th Gen M2) | N52 magnets, 360° panel rotation, 180° hinges, Foldable | 4.2 | Good | No |
| INVZI MagFree Pro | MagFree Pro Floating Stand | 69.99 | iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad 10 | Premium aluminum alloy, 360° rotating shaft, Scratch protection | 4.3 | Very Good | TBD |
| Elago Magnetic Stand | Magnetic Stand (4 Colors) | 34.99 | iPad with magnetic folio case | Sleek aluminum, 4 color options, Compatible with folio cases | 4.0 | Good | No |
| ProElite Magnetic | Magnetic Floating Rotatable Stand | 45.99 | iPad Pro 11" (1st-3rd Gen), iPad Air 4th Gen | 360° rotation, Floating design, Apple Pencil 2 charging support | 4.1 | Good | No |
Design & Build Quality Comparison
Premium Construction Materials
Aluminum alloy construction is widely used in iPad stands and offers:
- Great durability and is scratch and impact resistant[1]
- Enhanced thermal management capability for prolonged usage[2]
- Attractive aesthetic that is compatible with Apple devices[9]
- Anti-slip silicone padding to protect the surfaces[1]
Magnet Strength & Stability
N52 grade magnets are the strongest hold available, although some users have described them as “too strong” and needing two hands to take them off. The best magnetic strength holds balance security and ease of use.[19][11][17]
Pricing Analysis & Value
The current market advises that iPad magnetic stands categorize as follows:
- Budget Range: $35-50 (3 options available)
- Mid-Range: $50-80 (2 premium options)
- Premium Range: $80-140 (3 high-end options)
Mean Price: $76.36 across all categories.
Best Options:
- Cheapest: Elago Magnetic Stand ($34.99).
- Mid-Range: INVZI MagFree Pro ($69.99).
- Premium: Benks Infinity Pro ($89.99).
Buy Links:
- Amazon: KUXIU, Benks, and most magnetic iPad stands are available with Prime shipping.[20]
- Apple: Limited third-party stands.[21]
Note on Compatibility with the M4 iPad Pro
Important: The magnetic alignment on the new M4 iPad Pro models differs from earlier models, which means that most existing models are incompatible with them. Only stands specifically designed for the M4 will work:
- KUXIU X36 Pro MAX (M4 compatible version)
- INVZI MagFree Pro (TBD, pending confirmation)
KUXIU and others have new magnetic panels designed for the M4 iPad Pro models.[5]
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
- iPad Pro: Select the Benks Infinity Pro if you want premium build quality, or LULULOOK for the best price-to-features value.
- M4 iPad Pro: Only the KUXIU X36 Pro MAX with M4 compatibility will work.
- Value Buyers: The Elago Magnetic Stand offers the best price for decent build quality and folio case compatibility.
- For Creative Professionals: The INVZI MagFree Pro’s adjustable angles allow it to be optimally positioned for drawing and design work.
- Best Overall: The LULULOOK Foldable Magnetic Stand captures attention for its best balance of ergonomic configuration, design, and versatility with a $79.99 price point.
Citations
- [1] LULULOOK Magnetic iPad Stand
- [2] CharjenPro: Magnetic Stand for iPad
- [3] CharjenPro: Magnetic vs Traditional Stand
- [4] Reddit: Magnetic Stands M4 Pro
- [5] Instagram: KUXIU M4 Compatibility
- [6] Gewokliy M4 Magnetic Stand
- [7] KUXIU Compatibility Chart
- [8] VidaBox: iPad Stand Features
- [9] Benks Infinity Pro Review
- [10] Benks Infinity Pro Stand
- [11] Switch to iPad: LULULOOK Review
- [12] iMore: Best iPad Stands
- [13] MacRumors: KUXIU Review
- [14] YouTube: KUXIU X36 Review
- [15] AppleInsider: Best Magnetic Stands
- [16] KUXIU Stands Collection
- [17] Plugable AMS-STAND11
- [18] Elago Magnetic Stand
- [19] SlatePad: iPad Stand Options
- [20] Apple India: iPad Accessories
- [21] Apple: iPad Accessories
- [22] TradeIndia: iPad Stand
- [23] LinkedIn: Best iPad Stands
- [24] Bosstab: Handy iPad Stands
- [25] MOFT Magnetic iPad Stand
- [26] Lemon8: iPad Stand Post
- [27] YouTube: iPad Stand Review
- [28] Croma: iPad Reading Stand
- [29] RackoraPro: iPad Stand Review
- [30] YouTube: iPad Stand Guide
- [31] YouTube: iPad Stand Setup
- [32] YouTube: iPad Stand Features
- [33] Croma: iPad Stand
- [34] BuyHatke: ESR iPad Case
- [35] ESR: iPad Case for Work
- [36] AliExpress: iPad Stand
- [37] ProElite Magnetic Stand
- [38] Square: iPad Stand Specs
- [39] YouTube: iPad Stand Demo
- [40] Square: iPad Stand
- [41] YouTube: iPad Stand Review
- [42] Reddit: iPad Pro Stand Recommendations
- [43] HecklerDesign: iPad Pro Stand
- [44] StoicInvesting: iPad Stand
- [45] TechnologyAdvice: iPad POS Systems