Anker Magnetic Phone Stand

The Anker MagSafe-compatible phone stand is a small aluminum puck on a hinged arm that holds your phone upright on your desk with a magnetic connection. It does this one thing well enough that I use it every day without thinking about it. The magnet is strong enough that the phone stays put when you tap the screen. Sounds like a basic requirement, but several cheaper stands I tried before this one let the phone slide down or wobble on contact. The hinge adjusts to any angle between flat and upright. A weighted base keeps it from tipping when the phone is steep. The charging version runs about $30 and the non-charging stand is $16. I went with non-charging because I don't need my phone at 100% all day, and cable management is simpler without a power cord to the stand. Aluminum finish matches my laptop. Overall footprint on the desk is smaller than a coffee coaster. Anker has built a reputation for making accessories at about 70% of Apple's quality for 40% of the price. This stand fits that pattern exactly. It does one specific thing: holds my phone at eye level so I stop hunching over to read notifications. No built-in speakers, no LED lights, nothing that would make it bigger and more expensive. Magnetic alignment means I can grab the phone with one hand and put it back without looking. The unconscious ease of use is the best indicator of good design.