As someone who creates digital art for FixThePhoto, I needed to find the best iPad tripod mount since I rely on my iPad to make most of my illustrations and record time-lapse footage for my social media pages. Capturing the drawing process allows me to give my audience an insight into my work, and I couldn’t do it properly without a tripod mount.
When trying different iPad tripod adapters, the trickiest part was finding the optimal combination of stability and functionality. Most options didn’t have a convenient locking system, which made it hard to reposition the iPad and pick the right angle. Meanwhile, other tripods feel too unstable or aren’t sturdy enough to handle an iPad Pro, which makes me worry it will simply fall over.
After testing 40+ iPad tripod mounts, I made this rundown of the best options available today. I tried to pick products that offer the necessary versatility and sturdiness to support switching between different angles without any difficulties.
Below you’ll find my recommendations along with their benefits and drawbacks, allowing everyone to find a suitable model for themselves.
FendTek ★★★★★ (5/5)
FendTek is a top-tier iPad tripod mount that offers the necessary sturdiness, versatility, and longevity. It excels at gripping most iPad models, ensuring they don’t accidentally slip or change their angle.
I started by determining which features I value in an iPad holder for tripods. Stability is priority number one since it has to keep my iPad in place without dropping it or shaking during recording. It also needs to be adjustable, enabling me to switch angles smoothly without wasting time. I also want my mount to be portable since I often work on the road and can’t afford to carry heavy gear.
After establishing my priorities, I started browsing the web for suitable options. I’ve studied reviews, analyzed specs, and compared different tablet holders for tripods. I also examined video demos to check how specific products perform in real life.
Afterward, I’ve put together a shortlist and then started testing them both on my own and with my FixThePhoto teammates. I noted how intuitive the installation process felt, the mount’s stability when used, and whether it could be attached to the tripods I have.
Amazon: 400+ bought in past month
eBay: 5K+ sold in the past year
I tested the FendTek iPad tablet tripod mount for about 7 days to film time-lapse footage of my drawing process. I used it in both portrait and landscape modes while also setting a variety of angles. Additionally, I employed the mount during an outdoor photoshoot when looking at reference photos on my iPad.
I paired Fendtek with multiple tripods, including a portable travel tripod and a bulky studio model. Changing the width is simple while the tight lock mechanism kept the iPad steady when taking both static and angled pictures. Even when I was recording a long video, the mount ensured my iPad didn’t vibrate or shift despite being attached to a lightweight tripod.
I also asked Kate to try out this iPad tripod stand mount to get her opinion on it. She used it when editing some videos while pairing it with an iPad Mini and iPad Air, making sure this model is as universally compatible as advertised. She confirmed that the mount didn’t have any issues holding both her iPads in place while also remaining as easily adjustable as before.
| Test | Results | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
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Tablet compatibility
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Compatible with all tablets with 5.5” to 9.7” displays
|
★★★★★
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Locking mechanism
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Fluid and dependable
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★★★★★
|
|
Orientation support
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Offers both portrait and landscape modes
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★★★★☆
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Tripod compatibility
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Supports all regular 1/4”-20 thread tripods
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★★★★★
|
Amazon: 3K+ bought in past month
KDD Service: 35K+ sold in the past year
I paired this iPad tripod mount with my iPad Pro 11” while one of my teammates used it with an iPad Mini 6. We used a regular tripod and camera monopod to see how versatile it is when added to different setups. You can also use this model for iPhones, which is great if you need a nearly universal mounting option.
The first features that caught my eye were the reinforced base rib and the spring-loaded arms, which both served to make the iPad more stable when I was recording my time-lapse footage. The anti-slip padding ensured my device stayed in place while also preventing any scratching. Kate used the KDD with a bigger iPad and noted that it was just as successful in keeping it stable.
I filmed an hour-long time-lapse video of me creating a digital illustration and I didn’t notice the iPad move on its own even once while the ball head enabled me to conveniently tweak the angle to get some nice close-up shots. Kate attached her iPad to the mount for a Zoom call and appreciated the dedicated charging space, which enabled her to recharge her device.
We used KDD in both portrait and landscape modes while leveraging the 360° adjustable ball head to set different angles. While it was perfect for my iPad Pro 11”, I suggest sticking to horizontal mode if your tablet has a bigger screen than that.
| Test | Results | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
|
Tablet compatibility
|
Compatible with iPads (up to Pro 12.9”), Galaxy Tabs, Surface Pro, etc.
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★★★★★
|
|
Locking mechanism
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Dependable locking with spring-loaded arms and non-slip pads
|
★★★★★
|
|
Orientation support
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360° rotation but limited to horizontal mounting for bigger iPads
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★★★☆☆
|
|
Tripod compatibility
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Supports any tripod with 1/4”-20 threads
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★★★★★
|
Amazon: 500+ bought in past month
KobraTech: 6K+ sold in the past year
I tested the KobraTech tripod mount for iPads by pairing with my Manfrotto video tripod to record a time-lapse video. I employed a Bluetooth-connected remote to control the recording process. The provided swivel ball head has proven to be handy for tweaking my iPad’s camera angle. KobraTech ensured my device was held firmly and the resulting video looked smooth and even.
During my next test, I used this mount with different equipment to film how I created an illustration for a product presentation. I set a top-down view to ensure the viewers could examine the tiniest details of my drawing. This tripod iPad mount maintained perfect stability while offering smooth transitions between multiple angles.
My colleague from FixThePhoto used KobraTech for a live stream while mounting her iPad Mini 4 onto it. She didn’t have any stability issues while the provided remote allowed her to snap pictures from 20ft away without having to be near the iPad. This option is great fit for video recording, online calls, photography, and live streaming.
| Test | Results | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
|
Tablet compatibility
|
Ranges from 6.25” up to 9.30” and perfect for iPad Pro 12.9, 10.5, 9.7, Air, Mini, etc.
|
★★★★★
|
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Locking mechanism
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Dependable spring-loaded system with anti-slip pads
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★★★★☆
|
|
Orientation support
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Landscape and portrait orientation
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★★★★☆
|
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Tripod compatibility
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Conveniently attaches to any tripod with a 1/4” screw
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★★★★☆
|
Heckler: 100+ bought in past month
B&H: 11K+ sold in the past year
The Heckler iPad Pro mount for tripods impressed me with its stable, firm build. I paired it with my iPad 10.2” (9th Gen) and a regular budget tripod under $50. This mount lets me choose between 3 1/4-20 mounting options, so I tested all of them to see if they’re equally reliable and stable.
I used Heckler to conveniently tweak the angle and height of my iPad while the applied lock ensured it didn’t move around. Such stability is essential when recording time-lapse footage since it loses its appeal if you can notice camera shake or abrupt angle switches. This way, I could focus on creating my digital drawings instead of constantly checking if the iPad is set up properly.
I also appreciate how this mount’s build facilitates cooling. It allows the iPad to receive more air, ensuring it doesn’t overheat during a lengthy filming session. Cable management is also very intuitive, allowing me to avoid mess. Its compatibility with various accessories like lights and mics also makes it a better fit for streamers and YouTube content creators.
| Test | Results | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
|
Tablet compatibility
|
iPad 10.2-inch (7th-9th Gen)
|
★★★☆☆
|
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Locking mechanism
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Convenient and dependable lock
|
★★★★★
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|
Orientation support
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Landscape and portrait modes
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★★★★☆
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Tripod compatibility
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Regular tripods with 1/4-20 mounting positions
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★★★★★
|
Amazon: 100+ bought in past month
eBay: 12K+ sold in the past year
After seeing dozens of glowing reviews for this iPad bracket for tripods, I wanted to try it myself. I grouped up with another colleague who also creates drawings using her iPad. We both tested the 6amLifestyle with an 11” iPad Pro and an iPad Air 3.
Setting up this mount is very simple and quick. It has an intuitive locking system that offers a tight grip. My iPad felt perfectly stable even when I was adjusting the tripod to pick a different recording angle. The rotatable ball head ensured I didn’t have any issues going from a landscape to a portrait orientation while the iPad remained firmly mounted.
During testing 6amLifestyle, I’ve recorded multiple time-lapses, while making frequent angle adjustments. Not once did the iPad slip out or change position without me touching it, which is exactly what I expect from a sturdy tablet tripod mount. The sponge cushioning and silicone padding in the claws are also much appreciated since they ensure my iPad doesn’t get scratched.
| Test | Results | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
|
Tablet compatibility
|
iPads with displays ranging from 5” to 7.9”
|
★★★☆☆
|
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Locking mechanism
|
Lock&Unlock knob mechanism
|
★★★★☆
|
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Orientation support
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Portrait and landscape orientations with 360 adjustment
|
★★★★☆
|
|
Tripod compatibility
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Any model with a 1/4” screw
|
★★★★★
|
Amazon: 80+ bought in past month
Caddie Buddy: 1K+ sold in the past year
I paired this iPad tablet tripod mount with my iPad Pro 12.9 4th Gen, which is one of the bigger and heavier models on the market. I used a budget tripod made by Geekoto. My fellow digital artist from FixThePhoto also used this mount and we both liked how simple it is to connect and disconnect the iPad.
Since I like to carry my iPad in a heavy-duty protective case, I greatly appreciated the fact that this mount can support it even with the case on. My colleague mounted her iPad without a case and was just as satisfied with the fit. Caddie Buddy has spring-loaded arms that offer the grip necessary to keep your device in place.
I used this iPad mount for tripods in both portrait and landscape modes while its gooseneck design helped me set the perfect angle when I was filming my time-lapse videos. My iPad didn’t slip or change tilt a single time even though I’ve been recording for over two hours.
| Test | Results | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
|
Tablet compatibility
|
iPad Pro 12.9, 3rd, 4th Gen
|
★★☆☆☆
|
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Locking mechanism
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Reliable spring-loaded arms
|
★★★★☆
|
|
Orientation support
|
Portrait and landscape
|
★★★★☆
|
|
Tripod compatibility
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All regular 1/4-20 models
|
★★★★★
|
Amazon: 100+ bought in past month
B&H: 12K+ sold in the past year
I used this iPad holder tripod mount with an iPad Mini 4 to see if it’s capable of tightly gripping a smaller tablet. Meanwhile, Kate picked an iPad Pro 12.9” to test the other end of the size spectrum. The fact that this mount supports iPhones with screens that range from 3.93” to 9” in size was also a pleasant surprise. We used this mount for about two weeks.
ULANZI U-pad III offered a snuggly grip for my iPad Mini 4 as well as Kate’s iPad Pro 12.9”, easily accommodating both sizes. I employed this mount for recording drawing tutorials for YouTube. I set the optimal angle, and my iPad remained perfectly in place during the entire filming session.
This iPad Mini tripod mount also lets me conveniently switch between portrait and landscape orientations. Additionally, this model allowed me to connect a light using the cold shoe mount to make my recording even more aesthetically pleasing. Kate also noticed that ULANZI U-pad III has a dedicated lock button on top and a back button that makes sure the device is tightly gripped.
| Test | Results | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
|
Tablet compatibility
|
iPad Pro 12.9, 10.5, 9.7, iPad Air, Air 2, iPad Mini 1,2,3,4 etc.
|
★★★★★
|
|
Locking mechanism
|
Double-lock mechanism
|
★★★★☆
|
|
Orientation support
|
Portrait and landscape modes
|
★★★★☆
|
|
Tripod compatibility
|
Compatible with any 1/4 tripod
|
★★★★☆
|
To ensure our test is as thorough as possible, we’ve paired the mounts with a wide range of iPads to check how well they can accommodate different sizes and loads.
Our selection included the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) for its bigger frame and bulkier body, the iPad Air (5th Gen) for its midrange dimensions, the small iPad Mini (4th Gen), and the standard iPad 10.2-inch, and iPad Pro 11-inch to reflect the average user experience. This way, we could evaluate the versatility and sturdiness of each tablet mount for tripods across different scenarios.
Stability is of upmost importance when dealing with an iPad mount regardless of whether you’re using it with regular-sized tripods, mini tripods, or bigger tripods designed for photography studios. We checked how each mount featured above handles gripping the iPads in horizontal/vertical mode, different angles, when set to overhead, etc.
The locking system is another crucial feature of every iPad holder for a tripod. We examined their dependability and how well-suited they are for making quick accurate adjustments without letting the iPad slip. Unless you’re using your setup in a completely static environment, adjustability is essential for changing between angles and going from portrait to landscape mode and vice versa.
We also made sure all featured mounts are durable and made of high-quality materials that offer the necessary stability and can be adjusted countless times without breaking or loosening the grip applied to the iPad. We recommend picking iPad stand mounts that have padding or come with rubberized arms to ensure your tablet doesn’t get scratched.
Being able to easily pack and transport your gear is essential if you’re an artist or content creator who’s constantly on the go. We evaluated the weight and portability of each option while checking how easy it is to fold and pack them without damaging any components.
During our tests, we tried to emulate different real-life scenarios. We employed the mounts for recording the process of creating digital drawings while also seeing how they handle being touched by the Apple Pencil.
Meanwhile, time-lapse videos allowed seeing how capable each option is at preserving the same angle for hours on end. We also recorded several vlogs and did some live streaming to further check the versatility of every tripod tablet mount.
