Quick answer: Flexsta and the Tern Setups Portable Monitor Stand are both magnetic tripod stands for portable monitors, and both are aluminium. Flexsta is lighter (212g against 335g), has a higher stated maximum height (40.5cm against 32cm) and costs less (£59.99 against £79 in the UK, $82 against $99 in the US). It also comes with a 2-year warranty and a protective pouch. The Tern stand takes heavier and bigger screens: up to 1.5kg and 18.5 inches, against Flexsta's 1kg and 18 inches. Flexsta is rated 4.95 out of 5 from 113 customer reviews. [1, 3]
We make Flexsta, so read our view with that in mind. Every Tern figure links to Tern Setups' own pages, checked on 5 October 2026.
Flexsta vs Tern: specs side by side
| Spec | Flexsta | Tern Setups Portable Monitor Stand |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 212g | 335g |
| Material | Aluminium | Aluminium alloy |
| Maximum height | 40.5cm, from the table to the top of the magnet | 32cm (measuring point not stated) |
| Screens it fits | Portable monitors up to 18 inches that weigh 1kg or less | Monitors up to 18.5 inches and 1.5kg; tablets too |
| Folded length | 20cm | Not stated |
| How the screen attaches | Magnet and a stick-on metal plate; 3 plates included (2 spare) | Magnet (25kg pull force) and stick-on metal plates; number not stated |
| Portrait and landscape | Yes, rotating head | Yes, rotating head |
| Works with MagSafe phones | Yes, the magnet is MagSafe compatible | No, the magnet isn't MagSafe compatible |
| Carry pouch | Protective microfibre pouch included | None listed |
| Warranty | 2 years | None stated for the stand (Tern's 1-year warranty covers its monitor) |
| Returns | 30 days | 14 days |
| Price | UK £59.99; US $82 | UK £79; US $99 |
| Delivery | UK: free, from our London warehouse; order by 12pm on a weekday and it usually arrives the next working day. US: from our US warehouse, 3 to 8 business days | Ships from Estonia by FedEx: 4 to 7 business days in Europe, 5 to 9 elsewhere. Shipping is extra on orders under €150 (typically €10 to €20 for a stand) |
| Customer reviews | 4.95 out of 5 from 113 reviews | 4.8 out of 5 from 71 reviews |
Sources: Flexsta figures from our product page, compatibility guide and policies; Tern figures from Tern Setups' product page, shipping policy and refund policy. [1, 2, 6, 7, 3, 4, 5]
What do Flexsta and the Tern stand have in common?
- Both are tripods, so they stand on any table without clamping to it.
- Both hold the screen with a magnet and a thin metal plate stuck to the back of the monitor, so your monitor doesn't need VESA holes.
- Both are made of aluminium.
- Both let you turn the screen between landscape and portrait.
How are they different?
- Weight. Flexsta weighs 212g and the Tern stand 335g, so Flexsta is 123g (37%) lighter. We compare more stands, with the monitors they carry, in our portable monitor stand weights guide. [1, 3, 9]
- Height. Flexsta extends to 40.5cm, measured from the table to the top of the magnet. Tern lists a maximum height of 32cm without saying what it is measured to, and suggests sticking the plate near the bottom of the screen for the most height. On the stated figures, Flexsta reaches 8.5cm higher. [1, 3]
- Which screens fit. The Tern stand takes up to 18.5 inches and 1.5kg. Flexsta fits portable monitors up to 18 inches that weigh 1kg or less, which covers 112 of the 124 monitors under 17 inches in our compatibility guide. [3, 2]
- Warranty and returns. Flexsta comes with a 2-year warranty and 30-day returns. Tern offers 14-day returns, and the only warranty on its site covers its portable monitor, not the stand. [1, 7, 5]
- Carry pouch. Flexsta comes with a protective microfibre pouch. Tern doesn't list one in the box. [1, 3]
- Phones. Flexsta's magnet is MagSafe compatible, so the same stand also holds a MagSafe-compatible phone. The Tern stand's magnet isn't MagSafe compatible. [8]
- Price. Flexsta is £59.99 in the UK and $82 in the US. The Tern stand is £79 and $99. [1, 3]
- Delivery. Flexsta ships free in the UK from our London warehouse, and to US customers from our US warehouse. Tern ships the stand from Estonia by FedEx. Shipping is extra on orders under €150. [6, 4, 3]
- Reviews. Flexsta has 4.95 out of 5 from 113 reviews. Tern shows 4.8 out of 5 from 71. [1, 3]
What do Flexsta customers say?
A few of our reviews, in the customers' own words: [1]
"It's sturdy, compact, and light. Flo has been very responsive every time I've reached out with questions."
Daniel, verified buyer
"Works flawlessly with the iPad pro 11" and is super elegant, compact and lightweight."
RRO, verified buyer
"The magnet is super secure with my 18" monitor (I couldn't believe how strong it is given the tiny stick-on metal piece)."
Trevor K., verified buyer
"The customer service is helpful, kind and fast!"
Verified buyer
Buying from us
- Free UK delivery from our London warehouse. Order by 12pm on a weekday and it ships the same day, and usually arrives the next working day. [6]
- A US warehouse too, so orders in the US arrive in 3 to 8 business days. [6]
- 30-day returns, no questions asked. [7]
- A 2-year warranty. If your stand arrives damaged, we send a replacement and you don't need to return anything. [7]
- 5% off your order when you sign up to our emails.
When is the Tern stand the better choice?
- Your monitor weighs more than 1kg, or is 18.5 inches. The Tern stand takes up to 1.5kg. [3]
- You're in the EU and want it the next day. Tern ships from Estonia, with paid express delivery in 1 business day within Europe. [4]
Which should you choose?
- You travel with your screen and want the lighter, taller stand for less: Flexsta.
- You want one stand for both your monitor and your MagSafe phone: Flexsta.
- Your monitor weighs more than 1kg: the Tern stand.
- Not sure what your monitor weighs? Look it up in our compatibility guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Flexsta lighter than the Tern stand?
Yes. Flexsta weighs 212g and the Tern stand 335g, so Flexsta is 123g lighter. Flexsta's metal plate adds 5g and stays on the back of your monitor. [1, 3]
Which stand holds a bigger monitor?
The Tern stand, which takes screens up to 18.5 inches and 1.5kg. Flexsta fits portable monitors up to 18 inches that weigh 1kg or less. [3, 2]
Do I need VESA holes for either stand?
No. Both use a metal plate that sticks to the back of the monitor and holds onto the stand's magnet. You need a flat area on the back of the monitor for the plate. [10, 3]
Which has the longer warranty?
Flexsta, with 2 years. Tern's site gives a 1-year warranty for its portable monitor but states none for the stand. [1, 5]
Can I use Flexsta with my phone?
Yes, if your phone is MagSafe compatible. Flexsta's magnet is MagSafe compatible, so it holds a MagSafe phone as well as your portable monitor. [8]
Is the Tern stand MagSafe compatible?
No, the Tern stand's magnet isn't MagSafe compatible. Flexsta's is, so the same stand also holds a MagSafe-compatible phone. [8]
Which is cheaper, Flexsta or the Tern stand?
Flexsta, at £59.99 in the UK and $82 in the US. The Tern stand is £79 and $99, and shipping is extra on Tern orders under €150. [1, 3, 4]
Sources for this comparison
Manufacturer specifications and prices were checked on 5 October 2026. Products change, so check the exact model before you buy.
- Flexsta Portable Monitor Stand specifications and reviews
- Flexsta monitor compatibility guide
- Tern Setups Portable Monitor Stand
- Tern Setups shipping policy
- Tern Setups refund policy
- Flexsta shipping policy
- Flexsta refund policy
- Flexsta: what we learned building a magnetic portable monitor stand
- Flexsta: portable monitor stand weights compared
- Flexsta: how to mount a portable monitor on a Flexsta stand