Aluminium Monitor and Tablet Stand Review: Solid Enough for a 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor

This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.

Quick take

Using a portable monitor or iPad propped on its own cover often leaves the screen too low. I bought an aluminium desk stand that claims to hold up to a 17.3-inch portable monitor, and tested how stable and practical it is. For about ¥2,500 it is surprisingly solid, and worth it if you are short of a good spot for a portable monitor or iPad. My unit did have some price-level quirks, though, such as an arm that leans very slightly.

Aluminium desk stand for tablets, monitors — Aluminium desk stand with six adjustable joints

What I tested

Aluminium desk arm stand for tablets and monitors, rated for 4.7-inch phones up to 17.3-inch portable monitors: about ¥2,500 on Amazon Japan at the time of recording
Six moving joints including a ball joint, with stiffness adjustable using the included hex key
Two holders included: one for phones and one for tablets
Tried with a 15.6-inch portable monitor, an 11-inch iPad Air, and behind a 14-inch MacBook Pro

What I found

The base is large and heavy (over about 750 g), so even a big device does not feel like it will tip forward.
The metal joints can be tightened with the hex key, so you can firm them up again if they loosen over time.
The holder is lined with rubber, so it grips the device firmly without scratching it.
A 15.6-inch portable monitor was held securely. With so many joints, I could fine-tune the height and angle to my eye line.
An 11-inch iPad Air was easy for it too, and having it fixed at eye level is comfortable for watching videos or using it as a second screen.
On my unit, the arm rising from the base was not quite vertical but bent at a slight angle. It does not affect use, but it bothers me a little visually.
Even at full height, it was only just tall enough to stack a screen above a 14-inch MacBook Pro placed in front. For a phone, the stand is far bigger than it needs to be.

15.6-inch portable monitor on the stand — A 15.6-inch portable monitor held firmly

iPad Air on the stand — An 11-inch iPad Air at eye level

Who it’s for

It is a good pick if you want a portable monitor or iPad at eye level on your desk. It is more stable than its price suggests. If small finishing details like the slightly leaning arm would bother you, keep that in mind, but in practical terms I was very satisfied.

【正直レビュー】Amazonで人気の格安モニタースタンド。安定感は最高だけど斜めに生えてる？

The video is in Japanese.

Limitations

I tested a single unit, and the leaning arm may be a one-off. The weight of the base is approximate. The price is in yen from Amazon Japan at the time of recording.

Products

Aluminium desk arm stand for tablets and monitors (4.7 to 17.3 inches): on Amazon Japan

The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.

More reviews in English