The Best Handpan Stands of 2026
- Mark D'Ambrosio

- May 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Whether you’re looking to play two handpans at once, you’ve got shorter legs, or just want a more secure hold of your handpan, finding a good handpan stand is essential for the beginner handpan player.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from, each with their own unique strengths and use cases. In this article, we’ll explore and compare some of the best handpan stand options of 2026 to help you find the right one for you.
[The following list is meant to be impartial and Planet Handpan does not receive any compensation for listing any of the following companies.]
#1 The Pantam Stand by Aviot: Elegance Meets Functionality
Price:
Classic Pantam Stand - $289
Black Anodized Pantam Stand - $349 Where to buy: www.aviot.com Review:
Crafted by the skilled makers of the Cajonico, Aviot, the Pantam stand has become a fast favorite among handpan players worldwide for its quick and easy setup and its sleek, elegant design. Backed by world renowned handpan player Kabecao, this stand is made from Aluminum and Stainless steel and comes in both silver and black finishes. With a fully height adjustable frame this stand covers both sitting and standing play and should accommodate players of all shapes and sizes. While the starting price tag of $269 isn't exactly the cheapest option, this handpan stand is built to last and may indeed be the first and last handpan stand you ever need to buy.
Pros:
Fully height adjustable
Can be used for sitting or standing play
Durable metal construction
Quick and easy to set up
Cons:
Expensive
Not ideal for bottom notes
Has been known to rattle when playing
#2 The SPand: Unrestricted Play for All Handpans
Price: Approx. $200
Where to buy: https://www.facebook.com/SPand.stand.handpan
Review:
Created by Daniel Reis the SPand offers a versatile and user-friendly experience for handpan and tongue drum players. Unlike some stands that restrict access to bottom notes, the SPand’s open design allows for uninhibited playing of the entire instrument. This is a big advantage for handpans with extended scales featuring multiple notes on the bottom shell. The stand itself is crafted from aluminum tubes, making it lightweight at 2.4kg yet sturdy enough to securely hold any handpan. The height is adjustable from 54cm to 95cm, allowing for comfortable playing in both seated and standing positions. For safety during use, the SPand incorporates a central locking system that keeps the stand securely open while playing and ensures it stays closed for convenient transport and storage. The rubberized feet provide stability on various surfaces, while the upper supports feature sponge cushioning to enhance acoustics and protect your handpan's finish.
Pros:
Ideal for handpans with bottom notes
Can be used for sitting or standing play
Durable metal construction
Cons:
Setup can be slow and clunky
#3 Atlas Handpan Stand: The Specialist for Bottom Notes
Price: $200 - $315
Where to buy: www.atlashandpan.com
Review:
The Atlas Handpan stand is a unique modular system that solves a specific problem for players with complex instruments. Because it connects to the bottom through a single point of contact on the port, it is the best option for pans with a lot of bottom notes. It stays completely out of the way of your tone fields. I appreciate the magnetic base, which makes the setup feel secure and prevents the handpan from sliding out during a session.
One of the most interesting features is the modular design. If you struggle to keep your instrument secure in your lap, the main body can be used independently as a stabilizer between your legs. However, the setup is a trade-off. Since you have to screw everything together manually, it is noticeably slower to assemble than a standard folding tripod. It is also important to note that the stand is not tilt adjustable. While you can choose between sitting or standing height legs, the lack of a tilting mechanism is a significant limitation for certain playing styles.
Pros:
Single point of contact on the Gu leaves bottom notes completely unobstructed.
Magnetic base provides excellent security against sliding.
Modular body can be used in the lap to help stabilize the pan.
Cons:
No tilt adjustment.
Manual assembly is slow compared to other stands.
Height adjustment is limited to swapping out specific leg sets.
#4 The Humble Snare Drum Stand: A Practical Choice
Price: Approx. $30 - $100
Where to buy: Any music equipment store or online retailer.
Review:
For some handpan players, the simplest solution might just be the best. Snare drum stands offer a budget-friendly and readily available option for handpan players. These stands are typically full-height adjustable with tilt adjustment, and available in both sitting or standing versions allowing you to find a comfortable playing position no matter how you play. Double-braced stands are recommended for optimal stability.
While snare drum stands provide functionality and adjustability, they may not be the most lightweight option. Additionally, their industrial design might not be the most attractive compliment to the aesthetic appeal of the handpan for those who value looks.
Pros:
Cheap
Readily available
Fully height adjustable
Ultra durable
Cons:
Heavy
Not very bottom note friendly
With a variety of handpan stands available, from the budget-friendly to the more luxurious, there's an option for every player's needs. Whether you prioritize portability, adjustability, playing bottom notes, or simply a beautiful design, there's a handpan stand out there waiting to elevate your playing experience. So happy hunting, and most importantly, happy playing!
FAQs:
Do I really need a handpan stand?
While your lap is a natural place to start, a stand becomes a necessity for a few specific reasons. It is the only practical way to play multiple pans at once or to perform while standing up and is also a great solution if your lap is too small to securely fit the handpan, as it ensures the instrument remains stable and safe while you play.
Which stand is best for handpans with bottom notes?
If you have an instrument with an extended scale, you need a stand that avoids the tone fields on the bottom shell. The SPand and Atlas handpan stands are a great choice for this because their limited contact leaves plenty of room for bottom notes.
Is a standard snare drum stand a good budget option?
Yes, snare stands are a very practical and readily available choice for many players. They are extremely durable and offer excellent height and tilt adjustment. However, they are usually quite heavy and their industrial arms are generally not friendly to bottom notes.
What is the best professional handpan stand?
There is no single "best" option, as each stand has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. While the Pantam Stand offers durability and a sleek design, a specialized option like the Atlas or SPand may be better for those with bottom notes. We recommend researching the specific features of each stand to determine which one best fits your playing style and practical needs.
Can I use the same stand for both sitting and standing?
Most modern professional stands are designed to be fully height adjustable to accommodate both playing positions. However, some stands are sitting or standing height only. If playing both sitting and standing is important to you make sure to search for a fully adjustable option.
Looking to buy your first handpan? We've got you covered! Planet Handpan partners with the world's best handpan makers to get you an instrument you're sure to love. Every builder, every sound model, and every instrument is individually selected by us to guarantee you end up with a handpan that is truly the best of the best.
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