Best Phone Stands for Desk Setup in 2025: Complete Guide
Heading 1
Introduction
Your phone is one of your most-used devices, but constantly picking it up and putting it down disrupts workflow and causes neck strain. A good phone stand transforms your desk into a more ergonomic, productive workspace.
After testing over 25 phone stands across different price points and styles, I've identified the best options for various use cases - from video calls and live streaming to simple charging and reference viewing.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- Best adjustable stands for video calls
- Top charging stands with MagSafe
- Budget-friendly options under $15
- Portable stands for travel
- Multi-device stands for phone + tablet
Whether you're working from home, creating content, or just want a cleaner desk, there's a perfect stand for your needs.
What Makes a Great Phone Stand
Before diving into specific recommendations, here are the key features that separate excellent stands from mediocre ones:
Stability and Weight
A good stand should:
- Weigh at least 6-8 oz (170-225g) to prevent tipping
- Have a rubber or silicone base to prevent sliding
- Support your phone with a case on (most phones with cases weigh 8-12 oz)
- Remain stable when you tap the screen
Red flag: Lightweight stands (under 4 oz) tip over easily, especially with larger phones like iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Adjustability
Look for stands with:
- Tilt adjustment: 0-85 degrees (for different viewing angles)
- Height adjustment: Ability to raise/lower the phone 2-4 inches
- Rotation: 360-degree rotation for portrait/landscape switching
The more adjustment options, the better you can customize for your specific use case.
Material Quality
Premium stands use:
- Aluminum or steel for the body (durable and premium feel)
- Silicone or rubber padding where phone contacts stand (prevents scratches)
- Weighted base (prevents tipping)
Cheap plastic stands may work initially but often break within months and scratch your phone's finish.
Cable Management
Good stands include:
- Cable routing channels to hide charging cables
- Bottom opening for cable access
- Optional cable clips to secure loose cables
Compatibility
Ensure the stand supports:
- Your phone size (especially Pro Max/Plus models)
- Cases up to 6-7mm thick
- Both portrait and landscape orientations
- Charging port access (bottom opening)
Best Phone Stands for Desk Setup
1. Lamicall Adjustable Phone Stand - Best Overall
Price: $12-15 Material: Aluminum alloy Weight: 7.2 oz Adjustability: Multi-angle (up to 85°)
The Lamicall adjustable phone stand is the best all-around option for most users. It's affordable, well-built, and works with virtually any phone and case combination.
Pros:
- Solid aluminum construction
- Excellent stability (heavy base)
- Smooth adjustment mechanism
- Rubber padding protects phone
- Bottom cable opening
- Works with thick cases
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- No height adjustment
- Not portable (designed for desk use)
Best for: Everyday desk use, video calls, reference viewing, and general productivity.
Verdict: This is my default recommendation for anyone wanting a reliable desk stand without breaking the bank.
2. Anker Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand - Best for MagSafe
Price: $29-35 Material: Plastic with weighted base Weight: 9 oz Charging: 15W MagSafe wireless
The Anker Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand combines charging and stand functionality for iPhone 12 and newer.
Pros:
- 15W fast wireless charging
- Strong magnetic hold
- Adjustable viewing angle (30-90°)
- Clean, cable-free aesthetic
- Official MagSafe compatible
- Doubles as a charging station
Cons:
- Only works with MagSafe iPhones (12-16)
- More expensive than non-charging stands
- Requires power adapter (sold separately)
Best for: iPhone 12-16 users who want combined charging and viewing functionality with a minimalist setup.
3. UGREEN Adjustable Cell Phone Stand - Best Value
Price: $9-12 Material: ABS plastic with aluminum accent Weight: 6.5 oz Adjustability: Multi-angle
The UGREEN adjustable phone stand delivers impressive quality at an entry-level price point.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Sturdy despite plastic construction
- Fully adjustable angle
- Non-slip base and padding
- Compatible with all phone sizes
- Available in black, white, or gray
Cons:
- Plastic construction feels less premium
- Adjustment is slightly stiff initially
- Limited color options
Best for: Budget-conscious users or anyone wanting to try a phone stand without significant investment.
4. Elevation Lab Desk Shelf - Best Premium Option
Price: $79-89 Material: Powder-coated steel Weight: 2.5 lbs (very heavy) Special Feature: Raises monitor height
The Elevation Lab Desk Shelf is more than just a phone stand - it's a monitor riser with integrated phone holder.
Pros:
- Raises monitor 3.5 inches (better ergonomics)
- Built-in phone/tablet slot
- Storage shelf underneath
- Extremely sturdy (holds up to 50 lbs)
- Cable management channels
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- Expensive
- Large footprint
- Overkill if you only need a phone stand
Best for: Users doing a complete desk ergonomics upgrade who want monitor elevation + phone stand in one product.
5. Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand - Best for Multiple Devices
Price: $119-149 Material: Plastic with weighted base Charging: Qi wireless (iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch)
The Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously.
Pros:
- Charges 3 devices at once
- 15W fast wireless charging for iPhone
- Official MagSafe compatible
- Clean, organized desk setup
- Apple Store exclusive design
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Large footprint
- Apple ecosystem only
- Non-adjustable angle
Best for: Apple users with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods who want an all-in-one charging solution.
6. Nulaxy A4 Foldable Phone Stand - Best for Travel
Price: $14-17 Material: Aluminum alloy Weight: 5.8 oz Special Feature: Folds completely flat
The Nulaxy A4 foldable stand offers great portability without sacrificing stability.
Pros:
- Folds flat for travel
- Fully adjustable (0-85°)
- Solid aluminum construction
- Includes carrying pouch
- Works with all phone sizes
- Stable despite foldable design
Cons:
- Slightly less stable than fixed stands
- Hinge can loosen over time with heavy use
Best for: Digital nomads, frequent travelers, or anyone wanting a portable stand for hotel desks and coffee shops.
7. Lamicall Gooseneck Phone Holder - Best for Flexibility
Price: $22-28 Material: Aluminum clamp + flexible arm Weight: 14 oz Special Feature: 30-inch flexible arm
The Lamicall gooseneck holder clamps to your desk and positions your phone anywhere within a 30-inch radius.
Pros:
- Ultimate positioning flexibility
- Sturdy clamp (up to 2.5" thick desks)
- 360-degree rotation
- Ideal for overhead shots/recording
- Long 30-inch arm
- Weighted ball-head for stability
Cons:
- Takes up more space than traditional stands
- Not suitable for thin desks
- Can be finicky to position perfectly
Best for: Content creators, online instructors, or anyone who needs overhead angles or very specific positioning.
Comparison Table: Best Phone Stands
| Stand | Price | Material | Weight | Adjustable | Charging | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamicall Adjustable | $12-15 | Aluminum | 7.2 oz | Yes (angle) | No | Overall best |
| Anker MagSafe | $29-35 | Plastic | 9 oz | Yes (angle) | 15W wireless | iPhone charging |
| UGREEN Adjustable | $9-12 | Plastic | 6.5 oz | Yes (angle) | No | Budget pick |
| Elevation Lab Shelf | $79-89 | Steel | 40 oz | No | No | Premium/Monitor |
| Belkin 3-in-1 | $119-149 | Plastic | 32 oz | No | 15W wireless | Multiple devices |
| Nulaxy Foldable | $14-17 | Aluminum | 5.8 oz | Yes (angle) | No | Travel |
| Lamicall Gooseneck | $22-28 | Aluminum | 14 oz | Yes (full) | No | Content creation |
Phone Stand Use Cases
For Video Calls (Zoom, Teams, FaceTime)
Recommended: Lamicall Adjustable or Anker MagSafe
Why: You need eye-level positioning for flattering camera angles. Adjustable stands let you dial in the perfect height and angle.
Pro tip: Position your phone at or slightly above eye level (about 10-15° above horizontal) for the most flattering video call angle.
For Content Creation (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram)
Recommended: Lamicall Gooseneck or Nulaxy Foldable
Why: Content creation often requires unique angles - overhead for cooking/crafts, low angles for product shots, etc. Gooseneck arms offer maximum flexibility.
Pro tip: Use a ring light in combination with your stand for professional-looking videos.
For Desk Productivity (Reference, Second Screen)
Recommended: Lamicall Adjustable or UGREEN
Why: You want a stable, fixed position for glancing at notifications, reference documents, or monitoring dashboards.
Pro tip: Position the stand slightly off to your side (not directly in front) at about 45-60° angle for easy glancing without turning your head.
For Charging Station (Overnight, Desk Charging)
Recommended: Anker MagSafe or Belkin 3-in-1
Why: Wireless charging stands keep cables tidy and make it easy to grab your phone when needed.
Pro tip: Place charging stands on a nightstand or credenza rather than your main work surface to reduce desk clutter.
For Reading/Watching (E-books, Videos)
Recommended: Lamicall Adjustable (with high angle)
Why: Reading and watching benefit from a more upright angle (70-85°) to reduce neck strain.
Pro tip: Position the stand at arm's length and slightly below eye level for comfortable long-form reading.
Budget Options: Best Cheap Phone Stands
If you're on a tight budget, these options under $12 still deliver solid performance:
1. Amazon Basics Adjustable Stand - $8-10
View on AmazonBasic but functional. Plastic construction with rubber padding. Good starter stand.
2. Syncwire Phone Stand - $9-11
View on AmazonAluminum construction at a budget price. Surprisingly sturdy.
3. Omoton Desktop Stand - $7-9
View on AmazonSimple, non-adjustable aluminum stand. Best for basic desk use.
Note: These budget stands sacrifice adjustability and build quality but work fine for basic viewing needs.
Common Phone Stand Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Stand Tips Over When Touching Screen
Cause: Stand is too light or base is too small Solution: Look for stands weighing at least 6-8 oz with wide, rubber-coated bases. The Lamicall stand excels here.
Problem 2: Phone Slips Out of Stand
Cause: Insufficient grip or incorrect angle Solution: Ensure the stand has rubber/silicone contact points. Adjust angle to be more upright (70-85°).
Problem 3: Stand Scratches Phone
Cause: No protective padding where phone contacts stand Solution: Only buy stands with soft rubber or silicone padding at all contact points. Add aftermarket padding if needed.
Problem 4: Can't Charge While Using Stand
Cause: Bottom opening is blocked or too small Solution: Choose stands with wide bottom openings (at least 1 inch). Cable should be able to route cleanly through.
Problem 5: Stand Doesn't Fit Phone with Case
Cause: Stand designed for bare phones only Solution: Check product specs for maximum case thickness compatibility. Most stands support cases up to 6mm.
DIY Phone Stand Alternatives (Budget $0)
Don't want to buy a stand? These household items work in a pinch:
Binder Clips
Stand two large binder clips on your desk with the arms spread out. Rest your phone in the gaps. Free and surprisingly effective.
Playing Cards
Create a triangular structure with 4-5 playing cards. Lean phone against it. Works for quick viewing but not very stable.
Small Box or Book
Simply lean your phone against a small box or thick book at an angle. Not pretty but functional.
Note: While these work temporarily, a proper stand offers better ergonomics, protection, and stability for regular use.
Phone Stand Accessories
Ring Lights for Video Calls
Pair your stand with a clip-on ring light ($12-25) for flattering video call lighting.
Cable Clips for Organization
Use adhesive cable clips ($6-9) to route charging cables cleanly to your stand.
Microphone for Better Audio
Upgrade video calls with a USB desk microphone ($30-50) positioned near your phone stand.
FAQ
What's the best phone stand for iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is large (6.9") and heavy with a case (~10 oz). I recommend the Lamicall Adjustable Stand due to its heavy base (7.2 oz) and wide support area.
Can phone stands damage my phone?
Quality stands with rubber/silicone padding won't damage your phone. Avoid cheap stands with bare metal or hard plastic contact points, which can scratch your phone's finish over time.
Do wireless charging stands work with phone cases?
Most work with cases up to 3-4mm thick. Thick cases (5mm+) or cases with metal/magnets may interfere with wireless charging. MagSafe stands work best with MagSafe-compatible cases.
What angle is best for video calls?
Position your phone at 70-80° (nearly vertical) at or slightly above eye level. This creates the most flattering camera angle and simulates natural face-to-face conversation perspective.
Can I use a tablet stand for my phone?
Yes, but tablet stands are usually larger/heavier than needed for phones. Phone-specific stands are more compact and proportional for desk use.
Are adjustable stands better than fixed stands?
Generally yes. Adjustable stands let you optimize for different use cases (video calls vs reading vs charging). The small price premium ($2-5) is worth the flexibility.
How do I prevent my stand from sliding on my desk?
Look for stands with rubber or silicone bases. For particularly slippery desks (glass, glossy laminate), add small adhesive rubber pads to the bottom of the stand.
Conclusion
A good phone stand is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your desk setup. For under $15, you can significantly improve ergonomics, reduce neck strain, and boost productivity.
My top recommendations:
- Best overall: Lamicall Adjustable Stand ($12-15) - Perfect balance of price, quality, and functionality
- Best for iPhone: Anker MagSafe Charging Stand ($29-35) - Combines charging with viewing
- Best budget: UGREEN Adjustable Stand ($9-12) - Great value for money
Ready to improve your desk setup? Browse these phone stands on Amazon and find the perfect option for your workspace.
Pro tip: Combine your new phone stand with proper monitor height, keyboard positioning, and chair adjustment for a complete ergonomic desk setup.
