Elevation Lab first made a name for itself with the original Elevation Dock, which was one of the most popular docks on the market when it came out in 2012. Since then, the company has continued making docks and stands for iPhone and Apple Watch.


The fourth iteration of the original Elevation dock, the ElevationDock 4, was introduced this September, just in time for the debut of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. These devices no longer require docks at all thanks to wireless charging functionality, but they still charge faster over Lightning, so docks continue to be accessories worth considering.

elevationdock2
ElevationDock 4 is one of the smallest iPhone docks that I've used. It's smaller than the palm of my hand, with a base that measures in at about two inches on one side and two and a half inches on the other side, which tapers back down to the two-inch size.

elevationdock4design
With a footprint that small, it can fit just about anywhere and it takes up a lot less desk/table space than a standard dock. It's less wide than my iPhone, in fact, so it can go anywhere my iPhone will fit.

elevationdock4iphonefront
The dock is made from a medical grade silicone that comes in black or white to match your iPhone. I tested the white version, which is a soft white shade that matches well with everything else on my night stand. This is a lightweight silicone and it's an interesting choice for a dock -- most are made from a much heavier material for stabilization purposes.

At the base, the silicone material is smooth, but the part that rests against the iPhone is textured, I assume for a better grip against a bare device. The silicone looks fine and I have no complaints about it, but I don't think it looks as quite nice or as high quality as some of the aluminum docks that I own.

elevationdock4design2
From a distance, though, it's not easy to tell what the ElevationDock 4 made of, and since it's so small, it's unobtrusive and largely unnoticeable. This isn't a dock that's meant to stand out -- it's meant to be simple, out of the way, and useful. While silicone doesn't look as nice as aluminum, there is a benefit, because silicone isn't going to result in any accidental scratches or dings.

With no weight to secure the dock in place, Elevation Lab uses a grippy pad at the bottom to secure it tightly to a flat surface. Elevation Lab calls this a NanoPad that uses "micro air-suction," and it works well. Whatever's on the bottom of the dock doesn't feel sticky, but when placed on a hard surface, it sticks like it's glued in place.

elevationdock4stickybottom
There's enough sticking power that once placed, the dock isn't going anywhere. It's secure enough for the iPhone to be placed and removed with one hand, and it can also support an iPad. I tested it with a 10.5-inch iPad, and it was able to successfully support the weight of the device to allow it to charge, which is impressive because it's a lot smaller than an iPad.

My iPhone always feels secure in the dock, with no tilting, wobbling, or other problems that can be common with some docks, and one-handed removal worked for all of my devices, iPad included. If you have AirPods, the design of the dock also supports charging the AirPods case.

The NanoPad at the bottom of the dock stuck well to most surfaces where I tested it, including wood, metal, and granite, but it doesn't adhere well to brushed aluminum. It should work with most surfaces, though, as long as they're smooth. When moving it, all you need to do is press down a little to make sure it's secure. And while it feels like it might damage some surfaces because of the strong suction, I didn't run into any problems.

elevationdock4angle
Elevation Lab says the dock works with the iPhone 5 and later and all Lightning equipped iPads with the exception of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is just too big for such a small dock. I use the dock with one of Apple's standard silicone cases, and as long as a case isn't too thick, it should work well with the dock. It's not compatible with thicker cases like the ultra rugged options from OtterBox.

At the base of the dock, there's a built-in Lightning connector, and at the back, there's a flexible braided fabric cord that's durable, attractive, and tangle-free. I appreciate that Elevation Lab didn't just go with some cheap cord -- the cable has a nice look and feel and I'm certain it's going to hold up well over time.

elevationdock4cord
I also appreciate the attention to detail in this dock. Elevation Lab even included a velcro cable wrap with the Elevation Lab logo so extra cord can be wound up and tucked away.

At the back of the dock, there are two stainless steel knobs, and when I first saw the ElevationDock 4, these were what I disliked the most about it. The top knob is designed to allow the angle of the textured back plate to be adjusted by +/-4°, so the iPhone can be positioned straighter or angled slightly backwards depending on your preference. I'm using this dock on my nightstand, so I have it angled back to let me better see the screen in the middle of the night.

elevationdock4back2
The bottom knob lets you adjust the height of the Lightning connector so it can work with thicker cases. Elevation Labs says it supports cases up to 3mm thick.

The knobs definitely stick out, but in person, they're not as obtrusive as they look in photographs because the dock is so small and because they're hidden behind it. It's a clever way to allow for adjustments in such a small dock, though I do wish they stuck out just a bit less. The knobs are the limiting factor that prevent the dock from being placed right up against a wall.

elevationdock4knobs
Elevation Lab has also made the Lightning connector built into the dock just a bit flexible, allowing it to have some give to keep the iPhone stable while also preventing possible damage from being knocked around.

elevationdock4sideiphone
ElevationDock 4 doesn't come with a power adapter, so you'll need to supply the one that shipped with your iPhone or another power source. It's just a standard USB-A cable, so it can also work with Macs that have USB-A ports.

Bottom Line

ElevationDock 4 is not cheap at $59, but that price point is on par with other premium docks on the market, and design wise, given the thought that went into the construction of the dock, I'd consider it a premium dock.

It has a tiny footprint, a built-in sturdy Lightning cable, a stable base, and an adjustable angle, which are essentially all of the features that I look for in a dock. I do wish it were constructed from aluminum or another nicer material than plastic, but the simple, no frills design and clean lines make it work.

If you're looking for a dock that's not going to take up much more room than the iPhone itself, ElevationDock 4 is worth considering.

How to Buy

ElevationDock 4 can be purchased from the Elevation Lab website for $59.

Top Rated Comments

fruitpunch.ben Avatar
101 months ago
Bought one as soon as it was announced here, and have had it for a couple weeks.

Best iPhone/iPad dock money can buy. The one-handed removal (of an iPad!) really is amazing and worth the price by itself imo.

The adjustable lighting connector is a really nice feature, as is the angle adjustment. I have it on my desk and want the iPad to be nice and upright; while those like Juli who want it on their nightstand can angle it back.

I agree it doesn't look the best, but I accidentally bought the black one even though I have a white-front iPhone (too excited and ordered it too quick without realizing there was two colours), and in a shadowy corner of my desk the stand really fades into the background. pretty much just looks like my iPhone is standing up on my desk next to my iMac.

They chose function over form this time, and did a fantastic job (this is why it costs $60 as opposed to $100+ for previous aluminium ones). Highly recommended.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BaracksPhallusPalace Avatar
101 months ago
This thing is ugly as sin and costs more than the Apple branded weighted aluminum dock that is used with the display models in stores... why not just get one of those? at least then you'll have 3.5mm audio out.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pdaholic Avatar
101 months ago
Medical grade silicone.

You'd have to be a boob to not want this dock. I bet they rack up a lot of sales.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 16 pro ghost hand

5 Reasons to Skip This Year's iPhone 17 Pro

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 8 U.S. States

Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:26 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly since it was announced in 2021, with only nine U.S. states, Puerto Rico,...
macbook pro blue green

M5 MacBook Pro No Longer Coming in 2025

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:38 pm PDT by
Apple does not plan to refresh any Macs with updated M5 chips in 2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are now planned for the first half of 2026. Gurman previously said that Apple would debut the M5 MacBook Pro models in late 2025, but his newest report suggests that Apple is "considering" pushing them back to 2026. Apple is now said to be...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

Leaker Reveals Amount of RAM in iPhone 17 Through iPhone 17 Pro Max

Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:08 am PDT by
Three out of four iPhone 17 models will feature more RAM than the equivalent iPhone 16 models, according to a new leak that aligns with previous rumors. The all-new iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will each be equipped with 12GB of RAM, according to Fixed Focus Digital, an account with more than two million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Monday July 7, 2025 9:46 am PDT by
Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature 1

Foldable iPhone Display Production Begins Ahead of Launch Next Year

Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:59 pm PDT by
Production of foldable OLED displays for Apple's first foldable iPhone have begun ahead of its expected launch next year, Korea's ETNews reports. The first foldable iPhone's displays are being produced by Samsung Display, who are establishing a production line dedicated to the upcoming Apple device its A3 factory in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. The production line will make displays exclusively...
apple tv 4k new orange

New Apple TV Expected Later This Year With These New Features

Saturday July 12, 2025 3:09 pm PDT by
A new Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors. Rumors Faster Wi-Fi Support The next Apple TV will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He said the chip supports ...
iphone 16 pro pro max

iPhone 17 Pro Models With BOE Displays Will Be Sold in China Only

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:59 pm PDT by
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models with displays made by BOE will be sold exclusively in China, according to a new report. Last week, it emerged that Chinese display manufacturer BOE was aggressively ramping up its OLED production capacity for future iPhone models as part of a plan to recapture a major role in Apple's supply chain. Now, tech news aggregator Jukan Choi reports...