A cake stand is mostly about display, but check the base diameter against your typical cake size and make sure the material (glass, ceramic, or metal) matches how you'll clean and store it. Pedestal height affects how a cake photographs and how easy it is to decorate the top without leaning over it.
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Wilton
A basic, inexpensive pedestal stand that does the job for everyday cakes and cupcakes. The finish and build feel utilitarian, not something you'd feature at a formal event, but perfectly fine for weekly home use.
Sweese
A popular ceramic pedestal stand with a clean look that photographs well, a common pick for birthday and celebration cakes. Porcelain is heavier and more breakable than a metal stand, handle and store it carefully.
Libbey
Clear glass shows off a layered or naked cake in a way ceramic can't, and Libbey is a long-established glassware maker so quality is consistent. Glass shows fingerprints and smudges more than ceramic, expect more wiping down before serving.
Mosser Glass
American-made pressed glass with a vintage look, a step up in character from mass-market glass stands. It costs more than the Libbey for a similar core function, buy it for the specific vintage aesthetic.
Godinger
A formal, silver-plated stand for weddings and special-occasion cakes, it reads as a statement piece rather than an everyday tool. Silver plate needs occasional polishing to stay looking good, more upkeep than glass or ceramic.