The 6 best MacBook Pro stands

Using a stand with your MacBook Pro can help reduce neck and shoulder strain when working or video chatting, and it’s a must-have if you’re trying to improve the ergonomics of your workspace. The best MacBook Pro stands elevate your computer anywhere from 2 to nearly 20 inches, and some are height-adjustable for lots of versatility, while others can be collapsed and packed in your laptop bag for on-the-go use.

What to look for when shopping for the best MacBook Pro stands

Height & angle adjustment

Depending on where you use your stand and how adaptable you want it to be, you have a few styles to choose from. For the most versatility, a stand with height adjustment options will allow you to find the most comfortable viewing angle, and some even offer enough height for standing. Keep in mind, adjustable models tend to be a little pricier, so if you only need to raise your laptop a few inches, a sturdy, straightforward stand with no adjustment options might be sufficient; while they’re less customizable, they’re generally designed to bring your screen closer to eye level while you’re sitting, so they get the job done.

Travel & commuting considerations

If you commute or travel with your MacBook Pro, a collapsible stand packs easily into a bag, and some can be mounted to the back of your device with adhesive. This allows them to act as a kickstand, which is ideal for hybrid work situations (or anyone who likes to work from a coffee shop).

Size

Last, keep size in mind; most of the picks on this list are compatible with all MacBook Pros, with the exception of two that aren’t designed for 16-inch models.

With all that, here are the best MacBook Pro stands that make it more comfortable to use your laptop, whether you’re working, Zooming, or streaming videos.

Shop the best MacBook Pro stands

In a hurry? These are the best MacBook Pro stands:

1. The best, all things considered: Nulaxy C3 laptop stand
2. The best height-adjustable stand: Boyata adjustable laptop stand
3. The best for sitting & standing versatility: Lifelong ergonomic adjustable laptop stand
4. The best collapsible stand for travel: Nulaxy foldable laptop stand
5. The best stand with built-in storage: SimpleHouseware computer riser
6. The best laptop kickstand: MOFT Invisible slim laptop stand

1. The best, all things considered

• Pros: wallet-friendly, no-nonsense, 4.8-star overall rating
• Cons: no height adjustment

You won’t find many bells and whistles on the Nulaxy laptop stand, but it’s a solid pick that’s earned a near-perfect 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon after more than 28,000 reviews, and it comes at a wallet-friendly price. Suitable for laptops ranging in size from 10 to 16 inches, it elevates the screen by 6 inches, thus bringing your eye line up to a comfortable height when seated. Made from premium aluminum alloy, the ergonomic laptop stand’s support arms are lined in an anti-slip material, and the bottom of the frame has soft feet to protect tabletop surfaces. Available in seven colors, it boasts an open-frame design that allows for plenty of airflow, which can help keep devices from overheating.

Helpful review: “Love this stand! Works very well and seems extremely well built. It keeps my MacBook nice and cool and makes it way more ergonomic to use on a desk.”

Compatibility: laptops from 10 to 16 inches | Elevation: 6 inches

2. The best height-adjustable stand

• Pros: height-adjustable, 4.8-star overall rating
• Cons: reviewers reported height adjustment takes some effort

If you want more height customization, it’s worth spending a bit more for this adjustable laptop stand. Another highly rated pick on Amazon with a 4.8-star overall rating after 12,000 reviews, the Z-type stand features legs that can be unfolded to a maximum height of about 12 inches, according to a reviewer. (Keep in mind, however, that another reviewer noted the stand works best at a maximum height of 8 inches.) Made from sturdy aluminum alloy, it has padded hooks to keep your device in place and four silicone pads on the bottom to help it stay in place. It’s compatible with devices from 11 to 17 inches in size, and the cutout on the platform allows for extra airflow. Choose from colors like black, silver, and champagne gold.

Helpful review: “Simple but stable design with perfect variation in height and angles.”

Compatibility: laptops from 11 to 17 inches | Elevation: adjustable up to 10 inches

3. The best for sitting & standing versatility

• Pros: most height adjustment on the list, good for standing desks, 4.8-star overall rating
• Cons: higher price

If you frequently give presentations or want the option of sitting or standing while you work, this adjustable MacBook Pro stand is your best bet. It offers a range of ergonomic angles, and the sliding center section extends the arm to a height of 13 inches, which — when combined with the angle adjustment — can elevate your computer by up to 20 inches. The upper section has padded hooks that keep laptops from sliding off, even when near vertical, but it’s also sturdy enough to keep devices steady when they’re in a horizontal position. Made from aluminum, it has a cutout to allow for some airflow, but there’s no mention of a padded base. This pick is suitable for devices ranging from 10 to 17 inches.

Helpful review: “This product is extremely durable, and compliments any office desk. This stand is very flexible, sturdy, and it looks sleek! Perfect for my height and now helps better my posture while sitting or standing. Awesome product! Highly recommend!”

Compatibility: laptops from 10 to 17 inches | Elevation: adjustable up to 20 inches

4. The best collapsible stand for travel

• Pros: folds flat for easy portability, height-adjustable, wallet-friendly, 4.7-star overall rating
• Cons: not designed for use with 16-inch MacBook Pros, only two height levels

If you take your MacBook Pro with you when you go to work or travel, this laptop stand from Nulaxy collapses completely flat for easy transport, and it’s suitable for devices from 10 to 15.8 inches (although more than a few reviewers have reported that it does, indeed, stand up to 16-inch models). The hinge can be adjusted, bringing the height of the stand from 3.1 to 5.1 inches, so you can customize it to your preferred viewing angle. Made from aluminum alloy, it has rubber protective hooks and anti-skid pads to secure and protect your MacBook Pro, and since the bottom of the low-profile stand sits flush on work surfaces, you can type directly on your laptop if you prefer not to use an external keyboard. It comes in gray and silver, and an opening on the back of the stand helps to dissipate heat from your computer, which can keep it running efficiently.

Helpful review: “Product is rock solid in term of stability when holding my laptop. Use it both at home and when traveling.”

Compatibility: laptops from 10 to 15.8 inches | Elevation: adjustable from 3.1 to 5.1 inches

5. The best stand with built-in storage

• Pros: built-in storage, two-in-one design optimizes desk space, also compatible with monitors
• Cons: not height-adjustable

This metal mesh riser functions as either a laptop or monitor stand, and has a built-in shelf and four compartments for storage, making it a great option if you want to add some organization to your workspace. At 20.25 inches wide and 11.5 inches deep, it’s compatible with MacBook Pros of all sizes, and the 5.8-inch height places your screen roughly at eye level. Papers can be stashed on the pull-out shelf, while the end compartments are large enough to hold a small tablet, smartphone, notepad, or writing utensils. It’s not height- or angle-adjustable, but the mesh design allows for airflow, and the rubber feet on the legs protect your desk from damage. The riser comes in two colors — black and silver — as well as a smaller 15.4-inch option.

Helpful review: “Brings my MacBook up to the right height for viewing and leaves space (width and depth) beneath the drawers for my wireless keyboard and mouse. So quick to assemble and it has space for a couple of trays for pens and other office needs in the pull-out drawer.”

Compatibility: laptops up to 16 inches | Elevation: 5.8 inches

5. The best laptop kickstand

• Pros: easy portability, great for hybrid work situations
• Cons: maximum height of 3 inches, not compatible with 16-inch MacBook Pros

The MOFT laptop stand mounts to the underside of your MacBook Pro using adhesive, and has a folding design that lies almost completely flat (at 1/9 inch) when not in use. When unfolded, the stand offers two viewing angles — 15 and 25 degrees — that raise your device 2 and 3 inches, respectively. The slim stand is constructed from polyurethane and fiberglass, and the manufacturer states it’s compatible with devices up to 15.6 inches, but several reviewers have reported it can handle their 16-inch MacBook Pros. This is one of the few laptop stands you’ll find that comes in a range of patterns and colors, and while it’s not the best pick if you’re looking for lots of height, it’s perfect if you want a stand that can go anywhere you do.

Helpful review: “The lowest setting is perfect for typing on the built-in keyboard, and the higher setting is great for when it's docked and I'm using an external keyboard.It is far sturdier than I originally expected.”

Compatibility: laptops up to 16 inches | Elevation: adjustable from 2 to 3 inches when not collapsed flat

Also great: A vertical stand for storing your MacBook Pro

If you use an external keyboard or monitor with your MacBook Pro, or want to maximize space on your desk when you’re not working, this vertical laptop stand from HumanCentric has a small footprint and serves as a home for your device. The inner walls of the dock are lined with soft pads to protect your computer from scratches and are wide enough to accommodate laptops as thick as 1 inch, including those with skins or cases. Available in three colors, the open-frame design keeps your computer from overheating when you’re using accessory devices, and leaves ports and other outlets open and accessible for charging.

Helpful review: “I love this stand and it’s looks great holding my 13” MacBook Pro space gray. They match perfectly in color and helps maximize space in my setup. This stand is sturdy and one size fits all so if you upgrade your computer the stand will still fix your needs. Love this stand and the price is great too. Some other stands are twice the cost. The aesthetic of this is simply amazing!!!!”