Laptop Stand Size Guide for 14 and 16-Inch MacBook Pro
Most laptop stands say they fit "all laptops." That's not much help when you own a 16-inch MacBook Pro, one of the bigger laptops around. Here's what to check in a listing before you buy.
Start with your exact model
Look up your MacBook Pro's size and weight on Apple's tech specs page for your model year. Note three numbers:
- Screen size: 14-inch or 16-inch.
- Depth: front to back, with the lid closed.
- Weight.
The 16-inch is deeper and heavier than the 14-inch, so a stand that is fine for one may be tight for the other. Then compare those numbers with the stand's listing.
Check the size range
Most stands give a range, such as "10 to 16 inches" or "10 to 17.3 inches."
- For a 14-inch: almost any stand rated to 15.6 inches or more will do.
- For a 16-inch: pick a stand rated past 16 inches, or one whose listing names the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Being right at the top of a range leaves no margin.
It's even better when the listing names your model. The Lamicall adjustable stand lists the 2023 14-inch and the 2024 and 2026 16-inch MacBook Pro by name, and fits laptops up to 17.3 inches.
Watch for older model lists. Some stands name "MacBook Pro 13/15" or "16-inch (2016 to 2020)." That can still work, but the listing doesn't promise it for the newer 14-inch.
One-piece stands: check the depth
Solid aluminum risers don't adjust, so they list a depth limit instead of a size range. The Rain Design mStand fits laptops less than 10.4 inches deep. Compare that with the depth on your Apple spec page. If your MacBook is close to the limit, choose an open-frame stand instead.
Check the weight rating
A MacBook Pro weighs far less than most stands are rated for, but a rating still tells you how solid the stand is meant to be.
- The Nulaxy C3 is rated for 22 lb.
- The OMOTON detachable stand is rated for 11 lb.
- Some stands, including the Lamicall, don't state a rating at all. In that case, look at the base: wide, heavy bases wobble less.
If you type on the MacBook's own keyboard while it's on a stand, it will flex more. Nulaxy's own listing suggests an external keyboard for that reason.
Vertical stands: check the slot
A vertical stand holds the MacBook closed and upright, for clamshell mode with an external monitor. Here the number that matters is thickness. The UGREEN vertical stand has a slot that adjusts from 0.47 to 1 inch and names the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. If you use a case, measure with the case on.
Don't forget the ports and cables
A raised MacBook still needs power and maybe a dock. Check that:
- The stand doesn't block the ports on either side.
- There's a path for the cables. The mStand has a 2-inch cable hole at the back.
- Your charging cable is long enough to reach the new height.
Quick checklist
- Your model's screen size, depth and weight, from Apple's spec page.
- A size range that goes past your screen size, or a listing that names your model.
- A depth limit bigger than your MacBook's depth, for one-piece stands.
- A stated weight rating, or a wide, heavy base.
- Room for ports and cables.
For five stands compared on fit, adjustment and cooling, see our laptop stand for MacBook Pro comparison.