Top 10 Best Easels (Reviews & Buyers’ Guide 2022)
Engineer Warehouse is an expert in professional tools and equipment for home and technical use. We recommend products and services based on unbiased research from our editorial team. We have reviewed thousands of products ranging from classic models, new releases, and innovative technologies. Our articles provide objective insights into what will make a smart investment for customers like you. We may receive compensation if you click on a link. Last updated on May 26, 2022.
- Best Easel Stand of 2021; perfect for any outdoor activity
- Reinforced design creates good wind resistance in outdoor settings
- Product comes with a free carrying bag for easy transport
- Has the largest adjustable height at 73 inches
- Dual-layer feature affords bigger canvases for display
- Sleek design appeals to customers
- Lightweight tubular steel build affords better durability
- Easy to set up with spring-loaded joints
- Includes three hooks for easy height adjustment
- Build is of lightweight aluminum steel frame
- Has one of the largest adjustable heights at 70 inches
- Can support up to 25 pounds of canvas; boasts a 4.6-star rating on Amazon
- Features easy-turn knobs for adjustment
- Strong spring clamp locks canvas in place
- Lightweight product (only weighs 1.8 pounds)
- Super lightweight; the easel stand weighs only 0.2 pounds
- Great for viewing at multiple angles
- Made of alloy steel for steady setup
- Can carry large canvases up to 25 pounds
- Features non-slip rubberized feet for stability
- Has an easy-lock pad holder for securing large canvases
- Made of high-quality reinforced aluminum metal
- Has non-slip ball joints to gear towards stability
- Bottom tray can accommodate canvases with 1’’ thickness
- Only easel stand in the list made of wood
- Customer reviews are mixed; some complained about build quality
- Can function both as a tabletop and an exhibit easel stand
- The only product to be sold in packs
- Made up of alloy steel for a sturdier build
- Has adhesive straps instead of a carrying bag
The earliest use of easels can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where artists at the time would use them as structural supports for the canvases that they’re working on. A famous Roman author known as Pliny the Elder once wrote about a huge canvas being supported by probably one of the first easels in recorded history.
Easels are commonly used to display beautiful works of art. Throughout history, they followed a traditional three-legged design and were originally used indoors. They began to spring into popularity when Renaissance artists decided to take their crafts outside of their homes. Since then, easels have always been associated with artists and have seen numerous upgrades in terms of appearance and functionality.
With thousands of selections to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to find the right easel in one go. That’s why we at Engineer Warehouse have created a comprehensive product guide consisting of our ten best recommendations.
Our Criteria
A good painting needs utmost patience and a steady hand. Choosing the right easel to support such painting would inevitably be the first step, but will require a sufficient amount of knowledge and research. Easels should have the right specifications in order to handle different canvases for extended periods.
To guide our readers in their search, we have filtered out ten of the best easels that we can find on the market. They underwent extensive testing to guarantee their value and were ranked accordingly. Our recommendations were selected based on the following criteria: User Ratings, Features, and Value.
User Ratings
User ratings are a collection of honestly written product reviews by current and previous users. The customers’ experiences truly define what a product is beyond its description, giving way to opinions that should be taken with a grain of salt.
Although they are not entirely reliable, the ideas, suggestions, and criticisms written therein can be a compelling factor when choosing your next easel.
Build Quality
Features have always been the frontrunners when buying a specific product such as easels. They primarily influence the customer’s decision and technically drive the product through a competitive global market. Ignoring them could lead to disastrous results and worse, an unsatisfied customer leaving bad reviews.
Value
Value is best appreciated when the features outweigh the billed cost of an easel. The instance might be rare, but having to research for the one with the best value and actually getting it should be satisfying, at least. You just have to find one rigorously.
Although value cannot be quantified by numbers, we have taken several factors into consideration such as cost, features, and build quality. These factors are vital in determining the overall value of the easel, making the selections easier to rank.
View the Best Easels in the Market Below:
Color | Black |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 2.15 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 25 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.22 x 4.21 x 3.7 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
T-Sign has a strong presence from the start, and its artist easel stands have been an Amazon staple ever since their first release. If you’re looking for a self-supporting stand to hold your best paintings, then look no further—the professional manufacturer of high-quality sign stands is here to save the day.
The T-Sign 66’’ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand sits at the top of the Best Easels of 2022 list. With a healthy 4.4-star rating and a #1 Best Seller tag on Amazon, this easel easily trumps other aspiring online competitors. The product is in high demand, dominating with positive reviews from over 19,898 customers.
The T-Sign Artist Easel Stand is capable of accommodating large canvases (up to 33’’d x 1.2’’h) and can support display weights up to 25 lbs. As for height adjustments, just refer to the easy-turn knobs on the side to further extend it from 21’’ to 66’’. Don’t worry about the canvases falling off; the spring-loaded top clamp should secure them.
Since users can easily adjust the easel, it makes it perfect for holding all types of boards: canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings. Equipped with extra thick light aluminum metal and a reinforced design, the easel can hold out on its own against strong winds—perfect for windy outdoor landscapes.
The legs of the easel stand can be adjusted to adapt to new terrain, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on amazing outdoor views. The non-slip base holds the individual legs in place, providing more grip and stability.
The product comes with a free carrying bag—a total relief when packing out after signing off a piece. It is not difficult to pack up since you can shrink the product down to 21’’ for easy transport. The bag also has a shoulder strap for carrying all the equipment with comfort and style.
Genuinely interested in the top pick? The Amazon-exclusive easel sells for only $25.99, making it one of the most economical choices on the list. It comes with a fixing bar and a nylon bag upon purchase.
Color | Black, 1-pack |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 1.7 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 5 Kilograms/ 11 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.2 x 2.8 x 2.8 Inches |
Key Features | Features a double layer to display a bigger object |
Has a towering 73-inch adjustment and a wide canvas accommodation | |
Can display two canvases of different sizes at the same time | |
Equipped with an adjustable canvas bar that can be configured via screw hangers | |
Adjustable legs have leg fasteners | |
Comes with its own carrying bag, an instruction manual, and spare parts |
Next on the list comes from the popular Artify Art Supply brand: the Artify 73-Inches Double-Tier Easel Stand. As the name suggests, the easel is designed to handle two different tiers of canvases. It has an average rating of 4.4-stars on Amazon and is one of the strongest options on the market.
The double-tier design categorizes canvases into tiers according to their size. The first tier is generally for small to medium-sized display boards while the second tier covers large display boards. The design makes use of the easel’s towering 73-inch height and wide accommodation. Maximizing the height enables the easel to fit almost all kinds of canvases. Users can even display two different canvases at the same time, provided they cumulatively do not exceed the weight limit.
To jump between tiers, users should configure the canvas bar via screw hangers. This allows for base adjustment regardless of the orientation. Users may then use the top clamp to hold said canvas securely in place.
The easel also features three adjustable legs that can be secured with fasteners. Users can extend them for taller displays like posters, shorten them to simulate tabletops or configure them to adapt to new terrain when outdoors.
For those artists who regularly paint on a large scale, getting this easel is a wise choice. Reeling in a product with this much potential should at least give you an assurance of quality.
Purchasing the easel comes with its own carrying bag, spare parts, and an in-depth instruction manual for setup suggestions and storing tips. If you find setting it up quite difficult, maybe a quick demonstration video can help visualize it for you.
Amazon sells the double-tier easel for $25.99. If you aren’t in a rush, we suggest waiting for discounts to further push the price down.
Color | Black |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 7.68 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 5 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 25 x 6.75 x 4.75 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
You may find the three-legged build simple, but the Magicfly 2-Pack, 63-Inch Easel Stand is capable of outdoing all other easel stands. The product is listed as one of the Best Easel Stands of 2022 and has a 4.5-star rating in 1118 customer reviews, all while bearing the elusive Amazon’s Choice award.
The telescopic easel is quite durable by all means; the build is of lightweight tubular steel metal with a modern gloss black electrophoretic finish. Its feet have embedded non-slip rubber to cover all kinds of terrain without disturbance. As the product is collapsible by hand (no tools required), you easily have this set-up in just under a minute.
The easel stand is perfect for light canvases as it can only hold up to 5 pounds of display weight. However, the weight limit prevents the easel to carry large paintings and glass-framed works—tremendous amounts of distribution pressure can be enough to take it down. The easel also has three built-in hooks for adjustment; you may manually configure these to suit your display preference and distribute equal pressure for exhibit pieces.
The easel stand itself weighs three pounds—ideal for transporting and switching locations. And since the legs are adjustable, the product sneaks in easily in tight spaces.
For mobility, the telescoping easel has a free carrying bag to pack its contents.
Color | Black |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 2.3 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 25 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 36 x 4 x 3 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
Another product to look out for is the 70-Inch Lightweight Aluminum Telescoping Display Easel by Audio-Visual Direct. With an average rating of 4.6-stars on Amazon, this easel stand is highly recommended by professional and casual artists alike. For its reviews, customers gave overwhelmingly positive reactions and some even recommended it for weddings.
The easel stand is made up of strong, lightweight aluminum with a satin anodized finish, designed to support artboards, signages, and canvases weighing up to 25 pounds. With one of the largest adjustable heights at 70 inches, the easel stands out on the list. Just be sure to manually adjust the art holder to suit the selected height.
This product is perfect for any landscape—be it indoor exhibits or outdoor events, the easel stand shapes the mood for incoming guests with its sleek design. Additionally, the easel’s feet feature non-slip rubberized grips for guaranteed stability on any terrain.
Since its first release in 2010, customers consistently praised the easel’s durability—a reputation many would like to emulate. A user has even mentioned that the easel can hold out 4-5 thick poster boards, and has a broader telescopic range than any other easel.
The only thing limiting this easel is its carrying capacity—go beyond 25 pounds and the special clamps might not hold out any longer.
Color | Black |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 1.9 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.02 x 3.94 x 3.46 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
With a good reputation among customers, the Ohuhu 66’’ Aluminum Field Artist Easel Stand remains one of the best finds on the market. The artist easel offers multiple adjustment features that cater to the needs of many aspiring artists. Averaging a 4.4-star rating on Amazon only proves this product’s guarantee of quality.
The easel features an adjustable main bracket designed to hold large canvases. It can accommodate up to a maximum height of 33.4 inches, allowing most to fit in. Users will have to slowly extend the bracket to a suitable height and use the spring clamp to secure the canvas in place. However, as larger canvases equal larger weights, users may have to adjust the supporting knobs below.
Multiple easy-turn knobs enable users to perform quick height and angle adjustments. These knobs that come attached to the legs can each be separately slid and locked. They work in conjunction with an adjustable canvas bar to meet the preferred height and angle.
A Quick Lock System gives users the option to extend the legs even further and secure them with clamps. Adjusting the legs relative to your sitting height allows you to comfortably work on your canvas and prevent back pains. Furthermore, the system becomes especially useful when using the easel outdoors.
Since working outside deals with uneven terrain, it can induce instability to the legs and cause the easel to collapse. Configuring and extending each leg to adapt should help resolve the problem.
If they’re done for the day, users can choose to contract the easel down to its original 21-inch height and pack it inside its carrying bag. However, if you’re using the lightweight easel more frequently, you can instead carry it by hand.
If you’re interested in the product, you can purchase it exclusively from Amazon for only $18.84. As mentioned, it comes with its own carrying bag for convenience.
Color | Black |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Item Weight | 0.22 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 10 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3 x 3.5 x 24.5 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
The Quartet Heavy-Duty, Instant Easel Stand is the lightest one that made the Best Easels of 2021 list. The easel stand itself weighs 0.22 pounds, enough to be carried along without a carrying bag.
The heavy-duty easel stand boasts a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and is considered a top-tier item for professionals. This instant display easel stand can be set up in under a minute, without the need for tools whatsoever. You can set this up wherever you like: indoors, museums, bars, or maybe even at the office.
The product stands at a towering 63 inches—great for multiple viewing angles since it can cover large posters or canvases. Its simple design makes it perfect for any type of occasion that may need announcements or exhibits.
Most easels on the list are made of aluminum, however, this product uses alloy steel as its base. Alloy steel is categorically two times denser than aluminum therefore you can rest easy knowing that this easel stand is more than durable. The build is thinner than most, but this easel stand can support weights up to 10 pounds—an extraordinary feat by all means.
This mammoth is fully collapsible and does not need any sophisticated instructions. Just contract the legs to their original length of 25 inches and you’re done.
Color | White |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 3.59 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 25 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 38.9 x 3.5 x 3.7 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
The Amazon Basics Display Easel Stand joins the ranks of the Best Easels of 2021. Having a 4.1-star rating on Amazon is hard to achieve as customers are looking for quality products across the Internet. Getting this three-pronged easel stand can definitely be an excellent choice for any consumer.
Easel stands are used to support weights almost tenfolds of their own, and this one is no exception. This easel stand uses an aluminum base for its legs, making it possible to hold large canvases and signages weighing up to 25 pounds. Each of the three legs is equipped with rubberized padding to prevent slipping.
You can also manually adjust the legs’ lengths to your preference, depending on the surface from which the easel stands. By doing this, you can prevent having a wobbly presentation.
Additionally, an easy-lock pad holder located above the easel stand can hold flip charts and posters securely. You can simultaneously adjust the main bracket and remove the top clip to flip through the pages without hassle.
The easel stand folds down easily so never have to worry about dismantling it after each session.
Color | Black, 1-Pack |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 2.01 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 10 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4.4 x 3.5 x 20.2 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
For those who consider themselves art aficionados, better get the Transon Art Easel Stand for your canvases. The easel stand belongs to the Top 10 Best Easel Stands of 2021 because of one thing: Durability.
The product is made of high-quality reinforced aluminum metal for extra durability. It abides by the traditional tripod design, with all three telescopic legs made adjustable to cater to various terrains (you can even rotate them). Non-slip ball joints are naturally embedded to keep the easel stand sturdy while painting activities are underway.
This easel stand ultimately favors large canvases; its main bracket can extend up to 65 inches. Additionally, the easel stand can generally support weights up to 10 pounds and the bottom tray is wide enough to accommodate canvases of 1-inch thickness. Since this product has specifications tailored for large-scale outputs, it is generally recommended to taller customers to maximize space.
To store this easel, shrink it down to 20 inches by folding the legs. If you’re having trouble with this, consult the instruction manual that comes with the easel stand.
Purchasing the easel stand also comes with a free nylon bag to keep all fixtures in one place. With the Velcro strap locked in, the whole product weighs around 2 pounds.
Color | Black |
Material | Wood |
Item Weight | 3 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 45.5 x 41.75 x 63 inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
As the only product in the list that uses wood as its base, the SD Studio Designs Display Easel is an excellent choice for people forgoing the current meta. The easel stand currently sits at Top 9 with a 4.3-star rating on Amazon. The manufacturer has chosen wood as its base material following the tradition of painters over the millennia.
This museum-grade product can function both as a tabletop (33 inches high) and an exhibit easel stand (63 inches high), depending on the occasion. You decide what to choose—just disjoint the leg extensions to favor the tabletop form.
Whichever form you prefer, they both can accommodate materials up to 22 inches wide—solid frame construction made this possible. However, this feature is also its drawback—the need for disjointing is inconvenient when compared to collapsible aluminum legs.
The traditional wood material isn’t exactly what customers are looking for, as some reviews say that only weeks after purchasing, the easel stand broke. Should you decide to skip the reviews and find out for yourself, the product offers a 10-year warranty to get you covered.
Color | Black |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Item Weight | 7.1 Pounds |
Max Support Weight | 5 Pounds |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 15.63 x 8.58 x 2.64 Inches |
Key Features | Has a Best Seller tag on Amazon; averages a 4.4-star rating |
Has easy-turn knobs for height adjustments and spring-loaded top clamp for securing canvases in place | |
Perfect for canvases, dry erase marker boards, whiteboards, chalkboards, posters, and paintings | |
Comes with a free carrying bag and a fixing bar |
The last product to join the list is the Arteza 63-Inch Portable Pack of Easels. It is the only item on the list to be sold in packs—buying one assures you three sets of portable easels. Talk about getting more for less.
The Arteza easel stand currently has a 4.2-star rating on Amazon with 326 customers giving their takes on the product.
The easel stand follows the traditional tripod form and is made with a tubular alloy steel frame. With alloy steel as its build material, you can be sure that the product adheres to high standards of durability—it won’t get scratches easily even when used outdoors. As for strength, the easel stand can support canvases weighing up to five pounds.
The adjustable easel stand has a towering height of 63 inches—perfect for holding large canvases and signboards for outdoor activities. For height customizations, simply modify the distance among the legs; the tray holder is already affixed to the two front legs and cannot be easily removed. The feet are equipped with non-slip rubber bases for stability and to prevent sudden movements.
The tripod easel is amenable to folding, and will not easily break even when done several times. When folded, the easel stand shrinks to 15 inches.
Unlike other easels on this list, this Arteza model does not come with a carrying bag. However, there are adhesive straps included in the package. This small detail is perfect for those on-the-go and who have no time or desire to patiently put away an easel in a bag.
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FAQs
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Are There Drawbacks For Using An Easel?
We believe that every product has its own benefits and drawbacks, and easels are no exception. Angle adjustment should be the only drawback if you’re used to painting on walls or directly on the table.
If you are a first-timer, transitioning on a canvas supported by an easel should feel a little different. Using an easel supports the canvas at an angle roughly between 15 to 45 degrees, forcing you to paint at a specific eye level unless height changes are made. It may seem a little uneasy at first but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
What to look for when buying
Size and Weight Capacity
Easels come in different sizes, heights, and features to cater to different needs and experienes. For example, an A-frame easel may work in the studio but not outdoors—the same way a display easel is better for indoor displays but not for painting and sketching. Before purchasing an easel, you need to determine the size of your work space and preferred canvas and decide the features you need in your easel. An easel’s size and weight capacity will determine what activities and materials you can use in a certain environment.
Most easels come with adjustable brackets. This is great for versatility but does come with limits. Although an adjustable easel will be able to accommdate large canvases, it will not be good to use outdoors as winds or even a slight breeze can topple the wide canvas.
Frame Design
Certain frame designs are better for tight spaces. Carefully consider the shape of the easel, its legs or base, the material used, frame thickness, and adjustability features to determine if that model is compatible with your work space and art medium. Tripod-style easels are great for displaying art and for watercolor painting. They also fit into tight corners for those who work in a small room or apartment, and are also great for traveling. For those with a bigger work space or work on large canvases, H-frames and bench easels offer great stability.
Storage and Portability
If you have the luxury of working in a large studio, non-folding easels will work for you just fine. They are stable for holding large and thick canvases or sketch pads and some even come with drawers for your tools. Easels also come with foldable designs that can either be flattened or folded, compact for storing in a closet or under a table.