A good phone mount is an essential accessory for every vehicle. Whether it attaches to your dashboard or windshield, a secure phone mount provides a safe and simple way to make calls, get turn-by-turn directions, play your music, or use a voice assistant while on the go. But some mounts work better with certain cars and phones than others.
We've gathered our favorites here, followed by some tips to remember while you shop.
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Ainope Gravity Phone Holder
Best for Large Phones and Bulky Cases
Why We Picked It
The budget-friendly Ainope Gravity works on most standard car vents and can easily accommodate phones with displays up to 6.7 inches, including those with thick cases. Simply slide your phone into the mount and the clamps automatically clip into place for a perfect fit. When you're ready to remove your phone, tap the button on the bottom of the mount to release the clamps.
Who It's For
This mount is ideal for anyone who has a big phone and hates fighting with car mounts to get their device in and out.
Belkin Magnetic Wireless Car Charger
Best MagSafe-Compatible Mount
Why We Picked It
The MagSafe-compatible Belkin Magnetic Wireless Car Charger gets power via your car's DC or USB port. You can simply place your phone on top of it and rely on the built-in magnet to secure your device. It supports wireless charging at up to 10W depending on your device.
Who It's For
If you have a MagSafe-capable iPhone and an open AC vent, this mount is a worthwhile choice. But if you need something that affixes to your dashboard or windshield, look elsewhere.
iOttie Easy One Touch 6 CD Slot Mount
Best CD Player Mount
Why We Picked It
iOttie's latest CD player mount, the Easy One Touch 6, improves upon the previous version with a flexible, lightweight construction that the company says allows it to install without the need for extra brackets or clamps. The updated cradle now offers better cable management and a more easily adjustable foot, too.
Who It's For
If your car has a CD player that you no longer use to listen to music, this is a top option. iOttie also sells variants of this mount that work with your vehicle's air vents, dashboard, and infotainment screen.
Kenu Airframe Qi Wireless Charging Vent Mount
Best Qi-Compatible Vent Mount
Why We Picked It
Kenu's Qi-compatible mount easily clips onto most vents. The 10W Qi wireless charging pad features foreign object detection and automatically turns off in hot conditions to protect your phone from overheating. It comes with a 4-foot USB cable and a 12V DC car charger, as well as features an extra USB port for charging a second device.
Who It's For
If you want to lock your phone into place on your vent and charge it at the same time, this Kenu mount should appeal. If you're frequently in the car with other people, the extra USB port could be helpful, too.
Scosche MagicMount Pro2
Best for Adjustable Arm
Why We Picked It
The Scosche MagicMount Pro2 uses adhesive to attach to your car's air vent, dashboard, or window and supports several different configurations. You can mount it directly onto a flat surface, for instance, or affix a swiveling arm for more adjustability. Its MagSafe-compatible design makes for easy iPhone mounting, and you get magnetic plates for other phones in the box.
Who It's For
If you don't need to charge your phone while it's mounted in your car, the Scosche MagicMount Pro2 is a versatile choice that doesn't lock you into a single position. The company also sells several variants of this design, including one that sits flush on a surface and one with an adjustable extension arm.
Topgo Cup Holder Phone Mount
Best Cup Holder Mount
Why We Picked It
The inexpensive Topgo Cup Holder Phone Mount has an adjustable base that fits snugly into just about any center console cup holder. You can easily change your phone's viewing angle using its goosenecked arm.
Who It's For
If you don't mind losing access to a cupholder, this mount keeps your phone close. Its holster is wide enough to fit smartphones up to 3.54 inches wide, but it's not ideal if your phone's case is thicker than half an inch.
What Are the Different Types of Car Phone Mounts?
First, you need to choose where you want to position the mount. Some attach to your air conditioner vent, while others attach to your dashboard or windshield. Still others attach to a CD player tray or the back of an infotainment touch screen.
If you have a standard air conditioner vent (with horizontal slats), plenty of excellent options exist. Vent mounts are often not compatible with circular or small AC vents, however.
Dash and windshield mounts are more versatile and are typically a better choice for most people. Some attach via a suction base. Others use an automotive-grade adhesive that shouldn't damage your car. You can't easily move adhesive mounts once you place them, though, and the adhesive does break down over time. If you plan to use your mount in multiple cars, or simply don't want to clean gummy residue when you eventually remove it, choose one with a suction mount.
What Is the Best Magnetic Car Phone Mount?
Most mounts use either spring-loaded clamps or magnets to hold your phone in place. Both have benefits. Spring-loaded mounts can handle almost any phone, but you might balk at their bulky sizes. Slapping your phone onto a magnetic mount is fast and easy, but requires you to attach a metal plate to the back of your phone or slide one in between the phone and its case. If you use wireless charging, make sure the plate isn't on or near the charging coil. Some manufacturers make cases with built-in magnets that work seamlessly with their magnetic car mounts.
A growing number of automatic and MagSafe-compatible options are now available. Automatic mounts use an IR proximity sensor, open when your phone is in range, and automatically adjust their grip to accommodate your phone once it is seated. MagSafe mounts attach to the MagSafe array on newer iPhones.
Can You Wirelessly Charge Your Phone With a Car Mount?
Mounts with built-in Qi wireless chargers are increasingly common. Your vehicle's DC port powers these mounts, which save you the trouble of plugging in your phone each time you hop in the car. Most are compatible with both Android devices and iPhones. If you often forget to plug in your phone and it supports wireless charging, this is a no-fuss way to keep it juiced up.
Car phone mounts usually max out at 15W for both Android phones and iPhones. MagSafe-compatible chargers work like a regular Qi wireless charger and will charge your iPhone at up to 7.5W.
More Car Gadgets
Phone mounts are just the beginning. Adding the right technology to an older vehicle can make it feel brand new. Upgrade your old car with our favorite high-tech accessories for a dramatically different ride.
Steven Winkelman contributed to this story.
