The Best Cell Phone Stands
While smartphones bring endless connectivity to our everyday lives, we can't keep them in our hands all day long. Cell phone stands are a hands-free way to use smartphones. They can also serve as a neat home for your device when it's not in use, as they hold the screen clearly in view for videos and messages. We've rounded up some of our favorites, offering a wide range of features to suit the most common devices and users from all walks of life.
What to Look For
While you might think that holding a smartphone in place is a simple task, the designs are actually quite varied. Some options favor a minimalist design over complex configurations, so you’ll want to consider your needs as you choose. It will be useful to have the weight and dimensions of your device as you browse to make sure you find the right fit. Our top choice is the elegant and minimal S1 stand from Lamicall. This design does away with bells and whistles, serving instead as a simple and reliable desktop de-clutterer. If you’re looking for a stand that won’t leave you frustrated when adjusting to the needs of any situation, check out the two gooseneck options at the end of the review. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Lamicall S1 Stand
Simplicity at its finest
This plain and simple cellphone stand offers a dependable solution for when you want to go hands-free. The minimalist aluminum alloy frame will sit steadily atop a desk or bedside table, with a sleek geometry that looks stylish and modern whether empty or occupied. Your device will be held snugly in place by the cushions on each of the two cradle arms. The arms open to 0.59 inches, offering universal compatibility with contemporary smartphones.
Pros:
- The large hole in the rear allows you to route charging cables neatly through from behind, helping you to keep your desk tidy and tangle-free.
- Your phone is sure to stay put, thanks to the four anti-slip rubber feet beneath this stand.
- The height of the cradle allows you to place your phone both vertically and horizontally.
Cons:
- You can’t adjust the viewing angle on this stand.
Lisen Adjustable Phone Stand
Find the perfect angle
Rise to the occasion with this adjustable column stand. If you’re used to spending long sessions texting, using social media, or streaming on your phone, you might have experienced neck or upper back pain if you’re constantly hunched over as you look at the screen. This versatile option offers a welcome alternative. It can be elevated up to 8.5 inches from the desk surface, offering a comfortable viewing position that allows you to sit back and relax in a natural posture as you get down to business.
Pros:
- The top joint can be quickly adjusted to an angle of your choosing between 5 to 85 degrees, so you can easily find your perfect viewing position and combat glare.
- You won’t need to worry about this stand accidentally toppling over because of the hefty counterweight block in the pedestal base.
- Thanks to the elevation offered by this stand, longer charging sockets don’t bend when attached.
Cons:
- The central pole might not support the weight of heavier devices when fully extended.
UGreen Foldable Phone Holder
Fold it up and hit the road
Snap into action with this nifty portable phone holder that’s made for use on the go. This portable design retracts to a flat shape for easy storage. The compact dimensions of just 3.74 by 3.35 inches mean it can easily be tucked away in the inside compartment of a backpack, or even stored in your pocket. You can fold the holder to an angle of your choosing up to 100 degrees, so you can find the perfect position whatever you’re up to.
Pros:
- The ABS plastic construction is lightweight and incredibly durable, meaning this stand can survive an accidental knock or two.
- Your phone is protected from scratches and abrasions by a silicone pad in the cradle.
- The wide base on this holder could also support tablets in a horizontal position.
Cons:
- This closed-bottom cradle means you can’t charge your phone while it’s resting in an upright position.
Saiji Gooseneck Phone Holder
More flex than the rest
If you don’t want to compromise on possibilities when it comes to positioning your phone holder, this gooseneck option from Saiji is a seriously versatile solution. The 85-centimeter telescopic arm can be freely positioned as you see fit, allowing a full 360 degrees of rotation and endless options for height adjustment. Despite its malleable composition, this flexible arm is made from 8.5mm aluminum alloy. As a result, it’s durable and sure to securely hold the weight of contemporary smartphones.
Pros:
- This holder clips to furniture with an anti-slip silicone-lined grip, allowing you to attach it to desks, tables, bed frames, and more.
- The opening of the bottom attachment can be expanded to offer a secure fit on various surfaces.
- The furniture clip and gooseneck combination allows for unconventional positioning options, such as hanging your phone from above or to the side.
Cons:
- The phone clip only opens to 3.9 inches wide, so it won’t be able to fit larger devices.
B-Land Universal Mobile Phone Stand
All in one
This incredibly adaptable universal stand is the sort of gadget that will continue to reveal new uses every day. With its single flexible gooseneck stand, it can be easily sculpted to sit atop a desk at the height and angle of your choosing. The hooped design can also be worn around your neck for a hands-free phone viewing experience. If you rely on your phone’s GPS when you drive, you can also secure this stand around the steering wheel so it’s visible when you drive. The possibilities are endless.
Pros:
- The extendable mount offers a tight grip for devices between 2.2 and 3.3 inches wide, accommodating most smartphones on the market today.
- This stand packs down easily for travel, thanks to the removable mount and easily-coiled gooseneck.
Cons:
- The flexible gooseneck won’t grip surfaces as securely as some clip-on or anti-slip options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my phone fit on this stand?
The smartphones of today come in all shapes and sizes, so when you’re looking for a stand one of your first concerns will be to measure up. Most of the stands we found feature adjustable mounts or spacious cradles, both of which will facilitate most of the popular handsets on the market today. Be sure to check the dimensions for both vertical and horizontal placement if you’re hoping to stand your phone in both positions.
Can I charge my phone while it’s on the stand?
Phone stands are often put to use for streaming our favorite shows or taking an extended video call. During these longer tasks, your phone will probably need to be plugged into a charger to ensure it doesn’t lose power at a crucial moment. Many, but not all, of the stands we reviewed support charging while the phone is in place, but be sure to confirm this is the case if it’s a dealbreaker.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.