Need a stable, ergonomic stand for drawing on your iPad? Here are the best options for digital artists at every budget, from professional-grade stands to affordable picks that get the job done.
What to Look For
- Stability — A stand that wobbles while you draw defeats the purpose. Look for weighted bases or non-slip rubber pads that keep your iPad locked in place during pressure-heavy strokes.
- Angle adjustment — Drawing angles differ from viewing angles. Most artists prefer 15-45 degrees for comfort; stands with multiple positions or continuous adjustment offer the most flexibility.
- Surface area — Larger stands let you rest your drawing hand on the surface rather than the iPad screen, reducing fatigue and accidental touches.
- iPad compatibility — Not all stands fit all iPads. Check size compatibility, especially for the 12.9-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models.
- Portability — If you draw on the go, look for stands that fold flat and weigh under a pound.
- Charging access — Long drawing sessions drain batteries. Cable management or cutouts for charging ports are essential for marathon sessions.
Product Recommendations
Elevation Lab DraftTable V2 — Best Overall
A rock-solid stand engineered specifically for digital artists who need zero movement during detailed work.
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The DraftTable V2 was designed by digital artists and it shows. Spring-loaded hinges lock into four distinct positions and stay put even during aggressive stylus work. The V2 update adds indentations for camera bumps and a textured surface that grips your iPad without cases. Heavy steel and composite construction means this stand stays planted on your desk.
Pros:
- Absolutely stable at all four angle positions
- Premium steel construction with refined hinges
- Folds flat for storage or travel
- Works with iPad, laptops, and tablets up to 13 inches
Cons:
- Higher price point than most competitors
- Limited to four preset angles
Best for: Professional illustrators and designers who need uncompromising stability for precision work.
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Sketchboard Pro 2 — Best for Professional Artists
The only iPad stand that creates a flat drawing surface around your screen, mimicking traditional paper.
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Sketchboard Pro takes a completely different approach. Instead of just propping up your iPad, it cradles it in a form-fitted frame that creates a smooth, continuous surface for your drawing hand. This lets you use your full arm while drawing—the same technique traditional artists use on paper. Featured in Wired, TechCrunch, and Fast Company as a top iPad accessory.
Pros:
- Extended surface eliminates hand contact with screen edges
- Multiple standing angles from 20-72 degrees
- Charging port access for long sessions
- Upgradeable when you switch iPad sizes
Cons:
- Premium price reflects specialized design
- Size-specific—must match your exact iPad model
- Adds bulk compared to minimal stands
Best for: Serious digital artists who draw for hours and want the most comfortable, paper-like experience.
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Twelve South ParcSlope — Best Premium Design
A beautifully crafted single-piece metal stand with a fixed 18-degree drawing angle and Apple Pencil storage.
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Twelve South is known for premium Apple accessories, and ParcSlope delivers on that reputation. The seamless steel construction looks stunning on any desk, and the 18-degree angle hits the sweet spot for sketching and annotation. Built-in cable management and a silicone ridge for Apple Pencil storage add thoughtful touches.
Pros:
- Gorgeous single-piece steel construction
- Ideal 18-degree angle for drawing and typing
- Built-in cable management and pencil storage
- Works with MacBooks too
Cons:
- Fixed angle—no adjustment options
- Does not fold for travel
- Best suited for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Best for: Design-conscious artists who want a permanent desk setup with premium aesthetics.
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LISEN Tablet Stand — Best Value
A sturdy all-metal stand with adjustable height and angle at a fraction of premium prices.
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LISEN punches above its weight class. The aluminum alloy construction feels solid, and an included adjustment tool lets you tighten hinges when they loosen over time—a problem that plagues cheaper stands. Supports devices from 4 to 15.9 inches, so it grows with your setup. The weighted base prevents tipping even at steeper angles.
Pros:
- All-metal construction at a budget-friendly price
- Adjustable tension prevents loosening over time
- Wide compatibility from phones to large tablets
- Folds flat for portability
Cons:
- Not as stable as premium options at steep angles
- Plastic components on some contact points
Best for: Artists who want solid performance without the premium price tag.
Parblo PR100 — Best for Versatility
A wide-angle adjustable stand that works equally well for iPads, drawing tablets, and laptops up to 16 inches.
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The PR100 offers the widest angle range of any stand in this roundup—15 to 90 degrees with smooth, continuous adjustment. Built from zinc alloy with rubber contact points, it handles everything from iPads to large Wacom displays. The sliding locking mechanism is the same design found on professional drawing monitors.
Pros:
- 15-90 degree continuous angle adjustment
- Supports tablets and monitors up to 16 inches
- Sturdy zinc alloy construction
- Works for drawing tablets, laptops, and books
Cons:
- Heavier than iPad-specific stands
- Not designed exclusively for iPad aesthetics
Best for: Multi-device users who need one stand for iPad, drawing tablet, and laptop.
MAX SMART Drawing Tablet Stand — Best Budget
An affordable, lightweight stand with six preset angles that gets the job done without frills.
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MAX SMART strips away unnecessary features and delivers a functional stand at rock-bottom prices. Six preset angles between 15-39 degrees cover most drawing needs. The open-back design helps with heat dissipation during long sessions. At just 0.8 pounds and 3/8-inch thick when folded, it disappears into any bag.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable entry point
- Ultra-lightweight and thin when folded
- Six angle options for flexibility
- Open design promotes airflow
Cons:
- Less stable than heavier stands
- Plastic construction feels less premium
- May slide on smooth desks
Best for: Beginners or occasional artists who need a functional stand on a tight budget.
HUION ST200 — Best Lightweight Portable
An ultra-slim aluminum stand that weighs just over a pound and folds to 7mm thick.
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When portability matters most, the ST200 delivers. The aluminum alloy body weighs only 566g and folds to a mere 7.3mm—thinner than most smartphones. Angles adjust from 20-60 degrees using a notched mechanism. Hidden stoppers and anti-slip mats keep devices secure despite the minimal footprint.
Pros:
- Exceptionally thin and light for travel
- Aluminum construction with ventilation cutouts
- Fits tablets and laptops up to 15.6 inches
- Hidden baffle prevents sliding
Cons:
- Limited angle positions compared to continuous-adjust stands
- Small rubber feet can shift on slick surfaces
Best for: Mobile artists who need a professional stand that travels easily.
ELETIUO Bamboo Stand — Best Natural Aesthetic
A handcrafted bamboo stand with built-in Apple Pencil holder and charging cable slot.
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For artists who prefer natural materials over metal and plastic, ELETIUO offers hand-polished bamboo with ABS support structure. The integrated pencil holder supports wireless charging for Apple Pencil 2, and a cable slot keeps your iPad powered during work. Six angle adjustments accommodate different drawing styles.
Pros:
- Beautiful natural bamboo construction
- Built-in Apple Pencil holder with wireless charging support
- Charging cable routing included
- Folds flat for storage
Cons:
- Size-specific models for different iPads
- Bamboo requires dry storage conditions
- Less durable than metal alternatives
Best for: Artists who value sustainable materials and want their workspace to reflect their aesthetic.
Frunsi Drawing Tablet Stand — Best for Large Tablets
A dual-structure stand built to support large drawing tablets and monitors from 12-17 inches.
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The Frunsi stand handles devices that would tip over smaller stands. Its double triangular structure provides stability for large iPad Pros and drawing displays up to 17 inches. Nine angle levels and a built-in smartphone holder make it versatile enough for complex workflows.
Pros:
- Handles tablets and monitors up to 17 inches
- Nine angle adjustment levels
- Integrated phone holder for reference images
- Double triangular support structure
Cons:
- Overkill for standard iPads
- Larger footprint than iPad-specific stands
Best for: Artists with large iPad Pros or dedicated drawing displays who need heavy-duty support.
Pewant P2 — Best Mid-Range Option
A stainless alloy stand with continuous angle adjustment from 15-90 degrees and included drawing glove.
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Pewant built the P2 specifically for artists who work with screens. The smooth continuous adjustment—not preset notches—lets you dial in exactly the angle you want. Rubber contact points protect your device, and the included artist glove is a nice bonus. Folds to A4 paper size for easy transport.
Pros:
- Continuous 15-90 degree adjustment
- Includes drawing glove
- Stainless alloy construction
- Folds to A4 size for portability
Cons:
- Less brand recognition than competitors
- Not as heavy-duty as premium options
Best for: Artists seeking precise angle control at a mid-range price point.
Verdict
For most iPad artists, the Elevation Lab DraftTable V2 offers the best combination of stability, build quality, and versatility. If you want the most comfortable drawing experience regardless of price, the Sketchboard Pro 2 delivers an unmatched paper-like surface. On a budget, the LISEN stand provides impressive all-metal construction that rivals stands twice its price.
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