Best Phone Stands for Content Creators - What Actually Works in 2025
I've been creating content full-time for three years now, and I've probably wasted $300+ on phone stands that looked great on Amazon but fell apart after a week. So when people ask me what stand to buy, I have opinions.
This isn't a roundup of every stand on the market. These are the ones I actually use, have tested for months, and would buy again. Some are cheap, some aren't, but they all do the job without making you want to rage-quit filming.
Why Most Phone Stands Suck (And What to Look For Instead)
Here's what usually goes wrong: the joints loosen after a few uses, the base is too light so it tips over, or the "adjustable" angle is actually just two positions that both suck.
What you actually need is simple - something that doesn't move when you don't want it to, adjusts when you do, and doesn't look like a toy in the background of your shots. Aluminum beats plastic every time. Weight is your friend. And if it wobbles in the store, it'll wobble worse at home.
The Stands I Actually Use
My Go-To Portable Stand: Rackora Magnetic Stand
This thing lives in my camera bag. It's basically a strong magnet with a bottle opener (which sounds weird but is actually clutch when you're filming outdoor content).
$23.99 - Get it here
The magnets are no joke - I've stuck my phone to gym equipment, car hoods, even a street sign for a quick shot. Rotates 360°, adjusts to any angle, and weighs nothing. Comes with a magnetic ring if your phone isn't MagSafe.
Downside? It's not replacing a desk stand. But for $24 and the size of a coaster, it's saved my ass more times than I can count.
The One I Use Every Day: Rackora Premium K80
Yeah, it's $190. But I film 4-5 days a week, and this stand has been rock solid for eight months straight.
$189.99 - Check it out
The build quality is immediately obvious - thick aluminum, smooth adjustments, zero wobble even with my iPad Pro. I can position it exactly where I want and it stays there. No drift, no creep, no "let me just adjust this one more time."
I use this for all my YouTube filming. Eye level, perfect angle, looks clean in the background. It folds down but honestly I just leave it set up because I use it daily.
Worth it if you're serious. Overkill if you're just starting out.
Best Value: Rackora Adjustable Stand
This is what I tell people to buy first. Fifty bucks, does everything you need, doesn't feel cheap.
$49.99 - Grab one
Aluminum construction, adjustable height and angle, rubber pads so it doesn't scratch your phone or slide around. I've recommended this to probably 15 people and nobody's complained.
It's not as premium as the K80, but it's stable enough for serious work. Great for overhead shots (I use mine for product photography), video calls, or just having your phone at eye level while you work.
If you're not sure you need a stand, buy this one. If you hate it, you're only out $50. But you won't hate it.
The Middle Ground: Rackora Pro Stand 100
Sits between the basic stand and the K80. Better build than the $50 version, cheaper than the premium one.
$59.99 - See details
What I like: cable management groove (keeps cords tidy), holds up to 13" tablets, folds flat but still feels solid. The adjustments are smooth and it doesn't slowly sink down like cheaper stands.
I keep this as my B-camera stand. When I need two angles, this holds my phone while the K80 has my iPad. At $60 it's a solid pickup.
For Travel: Z118 Phone Case with Stand
Different approach - this is a case with a built-in kickstand. The stand is always with you, no extra gear to pack.
$49.99 - Check it out
Metal frame (actually protects your phone), 120° adjustable stand, works with MagSafe and car mounts. I throw this on when I'm traveling and don't want to pack stands.
The stand flips out in a second. Not as adjustable as a real stand, but way more convenient. Good for quick content, video calls from hotels, or just watching stuff on planes.
Heavy Duty: Rackora Black Hole Plus 518
If you're rough on gear or film in sketchy places, this is the case.
$76.00 - Full details
Carbon fiber and aluminum, 360° rotating stand, hand ring for grip. It's bulky but that's the point - maximum protection. The stand rotates smoothly and the ring makes one-handed filming way easier.
I used this for a month of outdoor filming and my phone didn't get a scratch. Comes with lens protector and spare parts. Overkill for most people, perfect if you need it.
Bonus: Laptop Stand for Editors
Not a phone stand, but if you edit your own content, get this.
$79.99 - See it here
Raises your laptop to eye level, improves cooling (no more thermal throttling during exports), cable management built in. I pair it with an external keyboard and my neck doesn't hurt after 8-hour editing sessions anymore.
What Actually Matters
After buying way too many stands, here's what separates good from garbage:
Weight and material: Aluminum > plastic. Always. Heavier base = more stable. If it feels light and cheap, it probably is.
Adjustment mechanism: Should be smooth but firm. If you need two hands to adjust it, annoying. If it drifts after you set it, useless.
Rubber/silicone pads: Protects your phone and stops sliding. Non-negotiable.
Size range: Get something that works with different devices. Your phone will change, the stand shouldn't have to.
How I'd Spend Different Budgets
Under $75: Adjustable stand ($50) + screen protector ($14). You're filming.
$150-200: Pro Stand 100 ($60) + Z118 case ($50) + magnetic stand ($24) + screen protector ($14). Covers most situations.
$300+: K80 ($190) + Black Hole case ($76) + magnetic stand ($24) + laptop stand ($80). This is my actual setup.
Real Scenarios
What I actually use for different content:
YouTube talking head: K80 at eye level. That's it. Consistent, professional, easy.
TikTok/Reels: Z118 case or magnetic stand. Fast setup, portrait mode ready.
Product shots: Adjustable stand for overhead, Pro Stand 100 for angles. Two stands = multiple angles without moving stuff.
Streaming: K80 (stable for hours) + laptop stand for monitoring.
Travel vlogs: Magnetic stand + Z118 case. Light, versatile, always ready.
Don't Forget Screen Protection
If you're handling your phone constantly, get a screen protector. Scratches suck and kill resale value.
Rackora's tempered glass ones are solid - 9H hardness, don't mess with touch sensitivity, anti-fingerprint coating. $13.99 for a 2-pack.
- 6.1" Standard - $13.99
- 6.1" Pro - $13.99
- 6.7" Plus - $13.99
- 6.7" Pro Max - $13.99
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Do I need MagSafe for magnetic stands?
Nope. They come with magnetic rings you stick on your phone or case.
Will these work with my case?
Most cases are fine. Super thick ones (Otterbox Defender level) might be tight on some stands.
Can I use these for tablets?
The adjustable stands handle up to 13" tablets. Just check the weight limit.
Are expensive stands worth it for beginners?
Start with the $50 stand. Upgrade later if you're still creating in 3 months.
What about video calls?
That's literally what I use them for daily. Eye-level looks way better than laptop angle.
Final Thoughts
The right stand depends on what you're doing. Desk filming? Get a solid stand. Always moving? Go magnetic or case-stand. Want the best? K80.
But honestly, even the $50 stand beats propping your phone against books. Your footage will be better, filming will be less annoying, and you'll stop doing retakes because your setup fell over.
I started with the adjustable stand, added the magnetic one for travel, then upgraded to the K80 when I went full-time. That's probably the smart path for most people.
Whatever you get, just make sure it's stable and doesn't make you want to throw it. Good gear makes creating content actually enjoyable instead of frustrating.
Now go film something.
