The Peak Design iPhone Tripod has a sturdy, stylish aluminium frame that folds down to the size of a credit card. The tripod legs even have small hex keys built into them for tightening when needed, and the build and quality are well worth the premium price.
The sturdy micro ball head lets you adjust the angle of your iPhone when in tripod mode, plus it attaches securely to your phone with magnets in both vertical and horizontal orientations, making it a great stand for your phone even when you’re not taking videos or photos.
You also don’t need to buy one of Peak Design’s cases to make it work reliably, but it does feel more securely connected if you do: Your MagSafe-enabled iPhone locks into the peripheral, keeping this mobile tripod secure both when in use and when folded up.
There are plenty of more affordable MagSafe phone stands out there, like Moft’s Snap-On Stand and Wallet, which can hold a few credit cards while propping up your iPhone, Anker’s MagGo phone grip, and the now-ubiquitous PopSockets. These MagSafe accessories are convenient, but they’re not as sturdy as ones that attach securely to your phone or phone case. Every MagSafe stand, wallet, charger, and other accessory I tried eventually came undone when I applied enough force. But Peak Design’s tripod leaves no sticky residue and doesn’t require the use of a dedicated case. — Matt Smith, UK Bureau Chief
