I’ll be honest. When I first heard that a little donut-shaped stand had won an award at CES, I rolled my eyes.
CES is the world’s biggest tech event. Around 170,000 people show up to see self-driving electric trucks and 4D cameras from the big companies for the first time. So I could not see how a small ring of flexible material would be the thing people kept talking about.
But it was. The GoDonut won the TWICE Picks Award at CES, one of the show’s most coveted honors, and it costs less than a few coffee shop lattes.
I was tired of propping my phone against the sugar jar and holding my tablet up until my wrists ached, so I ordered one. I have now used it for several weeks, and I really can’t remember how I got by without it.
What Is GoDonut, Exactly?
GoDonut is a phone and tablet stand that lets you use your devices anywhere, completely hands-free.
It has flexible grooves built into its donut shape. The maker says it works with 99% of mobile devices, including ones that haven’t been released yet, because the grooves fit everything from small phones to big tablets.
The grooves hold your device six different ways. You get three viewing angles, 45°, 70° and 90°, and each one works in portrait or landscape.
Here’s how I ended up using each mode:
- Portrait mode (tall): best for browsing, reading, handwriting and video chatting.
- Landscape mode (widescreen): best for movies, video games, drawing and more.
Switching between portrait and landscape takes about a second, and picking the angle takes another. So you are always about two seconds away from the view you want.
How I Actually Use It Every Day
My first real test was in the kitchen. The 45° and 70° angles put my phone at a comfortable height on the counter, which is exactly what I needed while I worked through a chocolate protein cupcake recipe with batter on my fingers.
During the workday it moves to my desk. With the 70° or 90° angle, my phone or tablet sits upright like a small second monitor, and I get more done because I’m not constantly picking it up.
On weekends the kids take it over to binge their favorite shows. I don’t have to listen to anyone complain that their arms are tired from holding the tablet.
What surprised me most is how steady it is. The stand is weighted, so even a big tablet in landscape mode doesn’t tip. Whether I’m reading, watching, swiping, typing or drawing, the device stays right where I put it.
It’s also handy for filming and FaceTime calls. The base is solid and stays clear of the camera, and you can stand the GoDonut upright for even more options.
How Does It Work?
This is the simple part. GoDonut works straight out of the box, with no setup and no assembly.
You set it on any flat surface and slide your phone or tablet into one of the grooves. That’s it.
Within seconds you can read, watch videos or take calls hands-free, and you can change the angle whenever the situation calls for it.
What Makes GoDonut Different From Other Stands
It looks almost too simple, but the features add up once you live with it.
The patented design has a non-slip, weighted base that keeps your device secure. The material is heat resistant and waterproof, so it can go to the beach, and when it gets grimy you can put it in the dishwasher.
It’s described as virtually indestructible and was tested to hold up to 33,000 pounds without breaking. I’m not planning to test that one myself, but it does feel like it will last for years.
It also fits in a pocket, so packing it for a trip takes no effort. It’s BPA free, isn’t made with any known toxins and has no sharp edges, which mattered to me with kids around. And yes, my kids love it.
I keep a thick case on my phone, and the flexible material gives a little for a snug fit. I never have to take the case off before setting the phone down.
Who Made This Thing?
I assumed a big tech company like Apple or Samsung was behind it. It wasn’t.
GoDonut was created by two young entrepreneurs, Raymond Alonzo and Nina Seyedabadi. They came up with the idea in high school: a deceptively simple device stand that anyone could use and that would last a lifetime.
They patented the idea quickly, and before long they were winning awards and selling thousands of units.
Price, Availability And Where To Get It
Demand has grown fast since the TWICE Picks win at CES in Las Vegas. GoDonut has now sold over 500,000 units worldwide and is one of the fastest-growing phone stands out there.
That popularity comes with a catch. It has sold out before, and it’s only back in stock for now.
The price I saw was $24.99. The makers are also running a limited-time bundle where you get a third GoDonut when you buy two, and you can try it for 30 days. Check the official site for the current price and to see whether the bundle is still on.
GoDonut FAQ
Will it fit my phone or tablet? The maker says it’s compatible with 99% of mobile devices, from small phones to large tablets, thanks to its flexible grooves.
Do I have to take my case off? Usually not. The flexible material gives a little for a snug fit with bulkier cases.
How many viewing positions are there? Six in total: three angles (45°, 70° and 90°), each in portrait or landscape.
How do I clean it? It’s made from heat resistant, waterproof material, so you can put it in the dishwasher.
Is it safe for kids to use? It’s BPA free, isn’t made with any known toxins and has no sharp edges.
Does it need any setup? No. It works out of the box. Put it on a flat surface and insert your device.
My Verdict
I expected a gimmick, and what I got is something I use every single day. GoDonut is simple, steady and small enough for a pocket, and it ended my habit of holding a phone up in the air until my arm got tired.
One honest limitation: it needs a flat surface to sit on, and because it has sold out before, you may not always be able to get one right away. If you use your phone or tablet for a few hours a day, though, I think it’s well worth having.
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