iPad Charging Stand Review - MacRumors

As someone who regularly uses my M4 iPad Pro as an extended Mac display via Sidecar and often plays around with Apple’s Universal Control feature, finding the perfect iPad stand that will fit nicely into my limited desk space has become a hobby. Keeping this in mind, KUXIU’s Pro MAX The line of magnetic charging stands promises to solve two persistent iPad stand issues that arise frequently: Positioning and strength.

I spent a few weeks testing them. X33 Pro MAX, X36 Pro MAXAnd X44 Pro MAX models with optional magnetic protective cases. The stands work with current iPad Pro models in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, as well as new iPad Air models from the 4th generation onwards (essentially all iPads with Smart Connector from 2018 and newer).

Design and Construction

These CNC aluminum stands share the same key feature: magnetic connection with integrated charging via the iPad’s Smart Connector pins. Each model meets different needs; The X33 offers a traditional desk stand form factor, the X36 provides an adjustable arm design, and the X44 adds a swivel base for maximum flexibility.

The build quality of the stands is impressive, especially on the X36 Pro MAX. Its hollow arms allow for clean cable routing from the back of the stand’s charging port to your desired port, whether it’s a Mac or a power outlet.

One thing to note is that the X36’s ports are quite stiff, especially when new. Yes, it provides stability, but it requires two hands for significant adjustments, and you don’t want your iPad to mount while you reposition the arm; A sudden joint movement made me worry that the tablet might detach.

Charging and Connectivity

The stands provide up to 18W charging via the Smart Connector, freeing up your iPad’s USB-C port for other connections. When you connect your iPad for the first time, you’ll see a Chinese keyboard prompt; Just turn it off; you won’t see it again. Charging starts automatically whenever you plug in the iPad.

Another important point that caught my attention is that your power supply must meet the minimum 18W requirement. Anything less resulted in inconsistent on-off charging behavior in my testing. For reliable performance, I recommend using your iPad’s original power adapter or an equivalent high-wattage USB-C charger.

Using the On-Screen Keyboard

These stands create an interesting quirk in how iPadOS handles text input. Because they use the Smart Connector (the same connection used by Apple’s Magic Keyboard), your iPad thinks a physical keyboard is connected when mounted.

This leads to several notable behaviors. First, you’ll get a one-time prompt about Chinese keyboard input when you first connect; Just tap “Not Now” to turn it off permanently. Second, iPadOS will hide the on-screen keyboard by default. You may also notice that blue frames appear around interface elements; This is the automatic enablement of iPadOS’ Full Keyboard Access feature. If it bothers you, you can disable it in Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Keyboards.

X33 Pro MAX: Traditional Desktop Stand

With an approximately 6-inch wide footprint and a maximum height of 12 inches when fully extended, the X33 strikes the perfect balance between stability and desk space efficiency. Its magnetic panel rotates 360 degrees vertically, offering 90 degrees of horizontal adjustment, and the stand folds down to just 2 inches high when you want a more comfortable angle for taking notes or drawing with Apple Pencil. This is also the most compact way to pack it for travel; but at this price point a carrying case would have been welcome.

The charging port is located on a raised rectangular platform behind the panel; This keeps the connection out of sight, even without the cable, and leaves your iPad’s USB-C port available. The aluminum construction feels premium, with precision-machined ports that move seamlessly. During my use, the X33 excelled as a desktop companion; It allowed me to type quite aggressively on my iPad’s screen, even at full extension, without wobble. Charging performance remains consistent, and the compact design manages heat particularly well without thermal throttling during long sessions. However, the rear USB-C cable connection could provide better integration into the design for a cleaner desk aesthetic.

X36 Pro MAX: Flexible Arm Solution

The X36 features seven adjustable ports as well as horizontal and vertical adjusters; each sleeve section is approximately 8 inches and the total height is 24 inches. This wide reach makes it my preferred choice for using Sidecar because I can position the iPad exactly at monitor height in a multi-screen setup. The desk clamp accommodates surfaces up to 1.97 inches thick, with silicone padding protecting your desk.

KUXIU’s attention to detail is also evident in the construction. The clamp mechanism is rock solid, and while each joint moves independently, they all require significant force to adjust – a worthwhile compromise for stability, but as I mentioned above, be wary of sudden bending of the joints when applying pressure. The hollow arm design is especially useful for cable management. I was able to run both the power and USB-C data cable through it for a cleaner installation. Despite its more complex design, the X36 maintains solid charging performance, but in my experience it’s best to avoid extreme angles that could strain the USB-C connection.

X44 Pro MAX: Rotating Stand

The X44 is similar to the X33, but uses a smooth rotating ball joint that rotates the entire arm assembly 360 degrees. The top port allows vertical and rotation adjustment, while the circular base can be rotated to any position for easy screen display adjustment. The entire mechanism feels well-designed, with no play or wobble even when fully extended.

Like the X33, it folds for portability but adds versatility to the X36’s articulation style. The dual-hinged design makes switching between portrait and landscape particularly fluid, although it’s not as tenacious as the X36, but it does have some stiff mounting characteristics. Charging performance maintains the same 18W delivery as its siblings, and the added moving parts didn’t create any connectivity issues in my testing.

Magnetic Protective Case

KUXIU also offers a magnetic protective case designed to work with these stands while maintaining compatibility with Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Although the case successfully delivers power via the Smart Connector and features precise cutouts for attaching a keyboard, its protection features are limited. The thin plastic construction covers only 90% of the iPad’s back surface and only two corners, providing basic scratch protection but little impact resistance.

The case was also problematic for the Magic Keyboard; Despite KUXIU’s claims, I had trouble properly closing the keyboard with the case attached, unless the iPad was up and there was weight on the housing mechanism. Additionally, its slippery texture and tight fit make the case difficult to remove once installed. While it’s nice to have the option of a case that works with charging stands, it’s expensive and I recommend using your iPad bare with these stands instead.

summarize

Each KUXIU Pro MAX stand fills a niche with thoughtful engineering and solid charging performance across the line. The X33 shines as a space-saving desktop solution, ideal for those who prioritize portability. Meanwhile, the X36’s long articulating arm makes it a great option for multi-display setups and Sidecar users, though its stiff joints require some muscle. And the X44 bridges the gap by adding a rotating base, which is especially valuable for collaborative work or anyone who values wide-ranging lateral movement.

While all three deliver on their charging promises, your choice largely depends on your workspace needs. The X33’s traditional design gives the most refined feel, the X36 offers unmatched positioning flexibility, and the X44 provides the best balance of features for most users.

Where to Buy

KUXIU is currently offering reasonable Black Friday discounts on the Pro MAX range: X33 Pro MAX costs $85.49 (was $109.99), X36 Pro MAX costs $104.48 (down from $139.99) and X44 Pro MAX price $94.98 (down from $139.99). If you’re interested in the protective case, it’s currently on sale for $50.34 (down from $59.99). All stands are also available. company’s Amazon store. Considering the stands’ feature set and build quality, promotional prices represent reasonable value, especially for the X36 with its long adjustable arm and the X44 Pro MAX with its versatile swivel base. I’m just not a fan of the optional case.