PopSockets’ latest accessory finally tackles one of the longstanding challenges of mobile phone ergonomics: propping your device up vertically. With the debut of the Kick-Out Grip and Stand, the brand adds a hinge to its tried-and-true MagSafe-compatible PopGrip design, enabling users to switch seamlessly between a comfortable hold and a portrait-mode stand.

PopSockets first emerged in 2012 as a simple answer to tangled earbuds. Founder David Barnett glued buttons to his phone so he could wrap headphone cables around them without hassle; he soon discovered that the grips also made holding large, heavy smartphones easier. Early dual-grip iPhone 4 cases, backed by a successful crowdfunding campaign, allowed users to store headphones and prop their phones horizontally or vertically—even at a time when portrait-mode stands were less common. As wireless earbuds rendered the original headphone-storage purpose obsolete, PopSockets pivoted toward optimizing phone handling as screens grew larger and devices heavier. The company’s meteoric rise saw it sell more than 285 million grips globally, cementing its status as a ubiquitous accessory and creating a new category of “phone grips.”

The defining feature of the Kick-Out Grip and Stand is a rotating hinge built into PopSockets’ MagSafe-compatible PopGrip design. According to Barnett, the new accessory is less than a millimeter thicker than the company’s existing MagSafe PopGrips, thanks to refined internal engineering. When folded flat, the Kick-Out Grip adheres flush to the phone or case; a simple flip of the pop-up tab allows it to lock into a 90-degree position, supporting the phone in portrait orientation. This solves a pain point for users who often prop their phones up on makeshift surfaces (stacks of books, chargers, or even their own hands) when scrolling TikTok, following a recipe, or participating in video calls.

Unlike earlier PopGrips that functioned primarily as grips and occasional horizontal stands, the Kick-Out Grip’s purpose-built hinge delivers reliable vertical stability—ideal for apps designed for upright viewing. While competing products such as OhSnap’s Snap 4 offer a lower overall profile, they lack the swivel action that allows the Kick-Out to transition from grip to vertical stand with minimal effort. This tight tolerance between thickness and functionality underscores PopSockets’ commitment to balancing comfort and utility, even if it means sacrificing a fraction of an inch of slimness.

MagSafe is an Apple-branded magnetic attachment system originally introduced with the iPhone 12 lineup; it ensures that MagSafe accessories—chargers, wallets, and now PopGrips—snap into perfect alignment. The Kick-Out Grip’s MagSafe version works seamlessly with iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series devices when paired with a MagSafe-compatible case. For Android users, the Grip also supports the Qi 2 standard’s Magnetic Power Profile, which seeks to replicate MagSafe’s convenience across the broader smartphone market. This cross-platform approach reflects PopSockets’ desire to capture a wider audience beyond iPhone users.

What about older phones or bulkier cases that block magnetic contact? PopSockets includes an adhesive metal adapter ring in the package to make virtually any smartphone or case MagSafe-compatible. Users simply stick the ring onto the back of their device, and the Kick-Out Grip will adhere as if the phone were MagSafe-ready. This adapter solution maintains compatibility without forcing customers to buy new cases, a nod to practicality for anyone not ready to upgrade their hardware or ditch protective shells.

At launch, the Kick-Out Grip and Stand is priced at $40 and is available through PopSockets’ online store in four standard shades—black, dusk, putty, and latte—each sporting a matte finish and subtle branding. Best Buy carries two exclusive colorways: French navy and silver, both rendered in a glossy metallic finish that stands out amid more muted tones. Just as with previous PopGrip models, the top portion remains swappable: unscrew the collapsible accordion mechanism to reveal a threaded post, then replace it with any other PopTop featuring custom artwork, licensed designs, or solid hues that suit personal style. This modularity encourages repeat customers to refresh the look of their grip rather than repurchasing the entire assembly.

Compared to alternatives, the Kick-Out Grip is somewhat bulkier. For instance, OhSnap’s Snap 4 advertises a profile under 3 mm, while PopSockets does not publicly disclose the Kick-Out’s exact thickness beyond “less than a millimeter thicker than our current MagSafe PopGrips.” Moreover, the Kick-Out Grip’s hinge mechanism is robust enough to hold midweight phones upright without wobble—a feature that budget magnetic grips often sacrifice for slimness.

On the flip side, the Kick-Out Grip must be fully removed for wireless charging. Removing a PopGrip has always required a twist-and-pull motion, but with MagSafe wireless chargers from Apple or third parties, any magnetic or adhesive accessory above a certain thickness can interfere with charging speeds—hence the need for complete detachment each time. By contrast, some third-party MagSafe grips (like those in OtterBox’s Otter + Pop lineup) allow passthrough charging without removal. PopSockets seems to have traded off passthrough charging to optimize stand stability and comfort, signaling that they believe users will find occasional removal acceptable in exchange for a more reliable vertical stand.

While PopSockets’ early dual-grip case could prop a phone vertically, the standalone PopGrip line needed a distinct solution to hold phones upright without leaning them sideways. As smartphones have transitioned to full-screen tall aspect ratios—perfectly suited for portrait video chats, vertical TikTok videos, and social-media browsing—users clamored for stands designed to hold phones the way they were meant to be held. The Kick-Out Grip and Stand marks PopSockets’ official answer to that demand. In practical terms, it means users no longer need to cobble together DIY stands—stacking cables, cups, or miscellaneous household items—just to keep their phone upright while cooking, working out, or catching up on livestreams.

David Barnett reflects on the company’s near-accidental journey: “I invented PopSockets to solve the problem of headset tangle, and turns out they served as a great grip,” he says. That serendipitous use case compelled PopSockets to iterate rapidly: from dual-grip headphone holders to single-grip multipurpose stands, each generation addressed new pain points. Today’s Kick-Out Grip embodies that ethos by solving the vertical-stand challenge without sacrificing its core grip comfort. “Our products are all designed to bring joy to daily phone life by eliminating pain points. I think this one hits the mark,” Barnett adds.

OhSnap’s Snap 4 remains a popular alternative for users unwilling to trade off charging convenience. With a profile around 3 mm and compatibility with passthrough wireless charging, Snap 4 appeals to those who want a near-flat grip that doesn’t need removal for charging. Its hinge design, however, is simpler and sometimes less stable, meaning that heavier phones or devices in thick cases can tip over if the stand isn’t perfectly balanced. Moreover, Snap 4 tops are not swappable, limiting aesthetic customization. LoveHandle Pro is another contender—a silicone stretch strap that’s ergonomically kinder on fingers. While LoveHandle Pro offers a built-in vertical stand and a softer grip surface, its strap-based design can feel less secure in crowded environments and—critically—lacks the magnetic interface that allows quick detachment from magnetic mounts.

The Kick-Out Grip and Stand is available for purchase through PopSockets’ official online store at $40 per unit, inclusive of the adhesive MagSafe adapter ring. Standard color options—black, dusk, putty, and latte—feature a matte finish, ideal for users who prefer subtlety. Best Buy stockists carry two exclusive metallic finishes: French navy and silver, both providing a sleek sheen that stands out in group settings or on glossy surfaces. For those who already own existing PopGrips, the collapsible accordion grip is fully interchangeable: twist off the Kick-Out’s top to reveal a threaded post, then screw on any PopTop to refresh the look or swap for a licensed design. Repeat purchasers often cite this modularity as a key reason to stay within the PopSockets ecosystem.

Whether you’re a content creator filming vertical videos, a remote worker hopping onto video calls between meetings, or simply someone who uses TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Snapchat in portrait orientation, the Kick-Out Grip and Stand removes the final barrier to hands-free vertical viewing. No longer do you need to balance your phone on random household props or hold it awkwardly against your body. Instead, a quick flip of your PopGrip provides a stable, at-home hands-free solution. And for travelers, the Kick-Out can double as a convenient stand in cramped spaces—think airplane seatbacks or café tables—making it easier to follow navigation instructions, enjoy media, or keep an eye on notifications without fumbling.