The MagPod Is a Basic Smartphone Tripod I Can't Live Without

WIRED

27-05-2025

It's simple and sturdy to use, and keeps my phone elevated from all the clutter.
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There's nothing special about STM Goods' MagPod phone stand. It's quite boring, especially compared to all the other MagSafe accessories I routinely test. It doesn't have unique features or charging capabilities—it just props your phone up. But I've grown more attached to it than any other phone tripod I've tried. Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
I regularly carry it throughout my apartment, using it from my desk to the living room and kitchen. I rarely travel without it either—I throw it in my bag to use when working outside my house, like a coffee shop or the office. It's the perfect mobile accessory for keeping my phone elevated and within view, and in a world where so many accessories try to do too much , this one stays nice and simple. Simple and Compact
I test a lot of iPhone accessories, and right before I switched to the MagPod, I had just wrapped testing of a few MagSafe grips that doubled as kickstands. At my desk, I was switching between the Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit and the OhSnap! Snap Stand. All of these are great, multi-functional iPhone stands, but I happily replaced them with the MagPod.
It's just a mini tripod you magnetically attach your phone to wherever and whenever. There's no special setup. Simply unbox it, open the tripod, place it on your desk, and attach your phone. It doesn't require cables or adhesives (the OhSnap! Snap Stand has an adhesive bottom that keeps it steady but hard to move from surface to surface).
On top of the tripod is a magnetic disc attached to a socket, meaning you can affix your phone in portrait or landscape mode. I've been using it with the iPhone 16 Pro, but it's compatible with any iPhone that supports MagSafe. It has a super strong hold. I never have to be too careful that I'll accidentally knock it over while moving stuff around my desk or when I pick it up to carry it to another room.
You can twist the socket to adjust the angle and height. Mind you, the height is technically fixed; it just moves slightly up and down, but you have more versatility with the angle. When standing at my kitchen counter, I switch it to the tallest setting and angle the disc upward so that it's lying flat. That way, I can scroll through my phone while it's on the counter. Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
The retractable legs are sturdy. With rubber grips on the bottom, they don't slide across surfaces as you tap or scroll on the display, staying put even when I'm typing texts or emails. You can fold all three legs together and use them as a grip to take selfies or shoot video, and this also makes the whole thing more travel-friendly. Space Saving
Between my laptop, external monitor, keyboard, mouse, notebooks, iPad, and coffee mug, I always struggle to find a comfortable spot for my phone. But the compact MagPod stand makes it easy to separate it from all the clutter and keep it at an ideal viewing angle. The same goes for my nightstands, which are also fairly small and constantly occupied by my Kindle, physical books, water bottle, and trinkets. The MagPod makes it easy to check my notifications while reading or watching TV before bed, and it also keeps me from constantly picking up my phone.
In between, I'll place it on the counter near the stove while cooking dinner, on my coffee table while sitting on the couch, and in the bathroom while doing my makeup. I use it to stream YouTube videos, but it's great for FaceTime calls, too. I used to rely on the Belkin Stand for this, but I prefer the MagPod's slim base when moving it from room to room.
It's affordable and a no-brainer—everyone should have a little MagPod stowed away in their home, yes, even people with Android phones; just make sure you have a MagSafe case. I might go ahead and buy a second one to keep in my bag or in a separate room, so I don't have to constantly grab this one. Yes, I'm officially that emotionally attached to this stand.