I’m not here to convince you that you need a laptop stand—check out that article for that discussion—but if you’re planning to invest a significant amount in an iOS device, it deserves a worthy platform that highlights its artistic design. As of February 2024, Apple has over 2.2 billion active devices, so chances are you own at least one. If Apple were to create laptop stands, they would likely resemble those from Rain Design.
Renowned for their sleek elegance, Apple devices find a perfect match in Rain Design’s offerings. Each stand seamlessly blends into the background, avoiding any overwhelming clutter on your workspace. Most products in their lineup range from $25 to $65 (with the exception of the $319 iGo monitor stand) and feature finishes reminiscent of iOS devices—silver, gold, space gray, black, midnight blue, and starlight (the champagne-like shade)—along with most designs accommodating a cable outlet.
While Apple stocks stands from Twelve South, I prefer those from Rain Design. They tend to be slightly more affordable and come in a broader selection of styles and colors. Their sturdiness ensures they will still be reliable even when you upgrade to a newer MacBook model.
Unyielding Stability
Out of their lineup, the mStand is my top choice. Crafted from a solid aluminum plate, this stand boasts a wide base (7.5 x 10 inches) that provides remarkable stability. I love the thoughtful addition of a slot underneath where I can tuck my external keyboard and mouse when they’re not in use. If you frequently collaborate in-person, the mStand360 model features a swivel base. There are also variants of the mStand available for iPhones and iPads.
Photograph: Rain Design