A Car phone holder is an incredibly useful bit of kit, allowing you to use your phone as a navigation system, entertainment center, and hands-free communication device. They allow you to secure your smartphone to the dashboard or windshield of your car, keeping it in place whilst you travel. Not only do these keep your device safe, it could also prevent you from breaking the law. 16 US states, including D.C and Puerto Rico, have now banned the hand-held use of cell phones.
Below we list the top phone mounts available on the market right now, so you can choose the one that’s best for you.
Best Rated Car Phone Mount in 2019:
1
iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dashboard
iOttie’s easy to use phone mount can secure any smartphone to the dashboard or windshield of your car. Its patented Easy One Touch mechanism allows your phone to be mounted and removed with a single hand gesture. It also boasts a telescopic arm, which allows you to alter your phone’s position for easiest use. The iOttie mount is also incredibly stable, providing excellent screen visibility even on bumpier roads.
This car mobile holder also comes with a full year’s warranty, and is easy to install with a simple yet effective suction cup, attached to a specially designed dashboard pad.
Compatible with all smartphones thanks to its fully adjustable mounting system
Easy installation
Can be mounted on either dashboard or windshield
Sturdy design keeps phone steady for ease of use
Comes with a year’s warranty
Easy One Touch technology makes mounting and removing your phone effortless
- BrandiOttie
- ModelHLCRIO125
- Weight8 oz
2
Beam Electronics Car Air Vent Mount Holder
Beam Electronics offers another strong choice with their universal phone mount. The holder works by latching onto the air vents of your car, providing a secure hold that’s convenient and easy to install. Air vent installation also precludes the possibility of having your view of the road obstructed by an object on the windshield.
It’s easy to slide your phone in and out of the mount, thanks to the quick release button located on its back. Beam Electronics’ holder also boasts real toughness in its design – it can withstand both hot and cold conditions, all the while keeping your phone stable for easy visibility. Its soft, padded interior cradles your phone throughout your journey, keeping it safe from bumps and scratches. Finally, like the iOttie, this mount comes with a full year’s warranty for your peace of mind.
The only thing to bear in mind with this option is that the mount isn’t compatible with Google’s Pixel 5 phone.
Compatible with most smartphones (excluding Google Pixel 5)
Easy installation via your car’s air vent
Positioning totally avoids blocking your view of the road
Quick and easy to slide smartphone in and out of the mount
Comes with a year’s warranty
Durable design protects your phone from bumps and scrapes
- BrandBeam Electronics
- ModelBeam Electronics Air Vent Car Mount
- Weight3.04 oz
3
WizGear Universal Air Vent Magnetic Car Mount Phone Holder
Like Beam Electronics phone holder, WizGear’s mounting system can be easily attached to the air vents of your car. Once installed, the smartphone is quickly and firmly mounted using a powerful magnet. The set comes with magnetic strips which are easily attached to your phone. They can grip onto the magnet on the holder itself even through a plastic case, so the appearance of your phone needn’t be affected.
WizGear’s magnetic phone holders also swivel back and forth, so you can see your screen as clearly as possible. Not only is this easier on your eyes, but also promotes safer driving, since you won’t be squinting at a screen which is difficult to see. Finally, a pack of two of these holders can be had for under $20, earning them a spot among the best value products on this list.
Easily installed using your car’s air vents
Magnetic holding system grips phone firmly and easily
The mount can swivel back on forth to give you the easiest viewing angle
Two pack is excellent value for money
Universally compatible with smartphones, regardless of their size
- BrandWizGear
- Modelmagnetic mount
- Weight3.84 oz
4
Vansky 3-in-1 Universal Phone Holder
Vansky’s three-in-one design can be mounted on a car’s air vents, windshield, or dashboard, for maximum versatility. As well as this, the phone holder boasts a long, flexibly arm, which can hold your phone at the perfect angle for your needs. The phone mount’s ability to rotate a full 360 degrees means you also have the choice between portrait and landscape viewing – the possibilities are virtually endless! Its strong suction cup mounting system will keep your phone securely in place throughout your journeys, leaving you free to concentrate on the road.
Vansky’s mount is compatible with the vast majority of smartphones, including Apple iPhones 4 – 7Plus, and the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S6.
Compatible with most smartphones
Three-in-one design can be mounted on your car’s windshield, dashboard, or air vent
Long, flexible arm allows 360 degree rotation, and for your phone to be held in any position
Easy to install with a strong suction cup
- BrandVansky
- ModelVS-MOUNT03
- Weight8 oz
5
Mpow Car Phone Mount
Mpow provides great value for money with their effective and convenient car phone mount. It can be easily installed in your car’s CD slot, a lesser used but very effective and stable mounting mechanism. This mounting method also places your phone in prime position for charging, without obscuring your view of the road. Your view of your phone will be good too, since the mount allows for a full 360 degrees of rotation, allowing you to position it at the best angle for you.
Most smartphones are compatible with Mpow’s car mount, thanks to its adjustable side grip mechanism. It also has a quick release button, so you can swiftly and easily grab your phone when you get out of the car.
Compatible with most smartphones
Easy to install in your car stereo’s CD slot
Grips and protects your phone whilst you drive
Quick release button makes taking your phone out of the mount easy
360 degree rotation lets you position your phone at the best angle for visibility
Charging port and headphone jack remain accessible whilst your phone is in the holder
- BrandMpow
- ModelPAMCM3-V
- Weight4.8 oz
6
iOttie Easy 2 Car Mount Universal Phone Holder
iOttie have earned themselves a second place on our list with this car phone mount, which can be attached to either the dashboard or the windshield, holding your smartphone securely in place.
The Easy One Touch 2 boasts a telescopic arm, which can be pulled out when you want to view your device a little closer. As well as this, the mount rotates to make sure you can find the most comfortable viewing angle. It also has the same quick release technology as its cousin further up the list, making it quick and easy to move your phone in and out of the holder. The mount also comes with a special dashboard mounting pad, to ensure it’s held in place as securely as possible. This, combined with the iOttie’s solid, sturdy design, will protect your smartphone from the tight corners and bumpy roads that certain journeys entail!
Compatible with most smartphones
Can be installed on the dashboard or windshield
Telescopic arm allows close-up viewing
Solid, sturdy design keeps phone safe
Quick release button makes mounting and removing your phone easy
Allows charging port and headphone jack to be accessed during use
- BrandiOttie
- ModelHLCRIO121AM
- Weight7.4 oz
7
Maxboost Universal Air Vent Magnetic Phone Car Mounts Holder
Maxboost’s universal car phone mount can, as its name suggests, be used with virtually any smartphone. It’s easily and securely installed using your car’s air vents, and holds your phone in place through a system of small but powerful magnets. A magnetic strip is them attached to either your phone or its case, holding it firmly in place.
Because of the way in which the magnets are positioned, you can also rotate your phone 360 degrees whilst it sits in the holder. It’s compact too, and because of its dark color is a subtle option for mounting your phone.
Maxboost’s magnetic phone holders are a great and cost-effective way to secure your phone for driving.
Compatible with virtually all smartphones
Easy installation using your car’s air vent
Two pack also includes magnetic strips for your phone, adhesive, and rubber mounting pads
Sleek design is barely noticeably in your car
Cost effective
Phone can be rotated to landscape and portrait positions, as well as anywhere in between
Magnetic phone mounting makes it easy to take your phone in and out of the holder
- BrandMaxboost
- ModelMB000049
- Weight2.56 oz
8
Dashboard Mount TechMatte MagGrip Car Mount Holder
TechMatte’s car phone mount is attached to your dashboard or windshield through a sturdy suction cup. Your phone is then connected to a pad through a series of strong magnets. With its one year warranty and durable design, this mount will keep your phone safe even on rough terrain. Customers report that the magnets are strong enough to withstand sudden stops and potholes too.
The adjustable positioning also allows you to see your phone at any angle, making it easy to keep an eye on navigation without being distracted from the road ahead. All this along with the strong and reliable suction cup installation makes this phone mount a great value option.
Compatible with any smartphone thanks to its magnetic holding mechanism
Can be attached to your dashboard or windshield
Strong magnets will hold your phone in place over rough terrain and during sudden stops
The angle your phone sits at can be adjusted for optimum viewing
Comes with a year’s warranty
Thin magnetic strips allow your phone to be attached without affecting its appearance
- BrandTechMatte
- Model4070198
- Weight4.8 oz
9
Bestrix Universal CD Slot Car Mount Holder
Bestrix’s offering in the car phone holder department can be attached via the CD slot on your car stereo. It’s held in place without suction cups, so could be a good option if your car has an uneven dashboard, or you’ve found it difficult to get suction cups to remain in place on your windshield in the past. When your phone has been secured, it can be rotated so you can find the best possible viewing angle.
The mount can also hold phones whilst they’re still in their cases, saving you the hassle of removing your phone’s case every time you undertake a journey. The adjustable gripping mechanism can handle a huge variety of smartphones, case and all, and cradles your device on three sides for optimum security.
Holder is attached by your car’s CD slot
Compatible with all smartphones up to 6 inches in diameter
Rotation allows you to find the optimum viewing angle for your needs
Roomy enough to hold phones even in bulky cases
Stays firmly in place even on bumpy terrain
- BrandBestrix
- ModelCD – 9087
- Weight7.2 oz
10
Mpow Cell Phone Holder for Car
Mpow’s cell phone holder for car has an extra secure installation method. Its powerful suction cup, which sticks to the windshield, is combined with an additional mount which sits on the dashboard. Between these two points of contact, your phone is held in place extremely firmly.
This holder also boasts a long, flexible arm, so your phone can be held at virtually any angle. This ‘goose-neck’ arm is flexible enough to be easily positioned, but rigid enough to stay in place once you’ve got it where you want it. It’s also easy to install and remove your phone from the mount, with its one-touch release button. The phone holder is compatible with all smartphones sized between 4 and 6 inches, so it’s really versatile too.
Extra secure installation with a suction cup and additional dashboard mount
Its long, flexible arm allows you to position your phone exactly where you want it
Compatible with the vast majority of smartphones
Your phone is safely cradled at three points
Quick release button makes it easy to remove your phone at the end of a journey
Great value for money at under $10
- BrandMpow
- ModelMCM6A-PTX-1
- Weight2.4 oz
11
Humixx Dashboard Cellphone Car Mount Holder
Probably the most compact magnetic phone mount on the list is the Humixx. It can be attached to any flat surface, within or without your car, via a strong adhesive base. Your phone is then secured in the holder through powerful magnets. A small magnetic circle is attached to your phone, which aligns with the magnetic surface of the phone mount.
The silicone surface of the mounting circle means that the back of your phone won’t be scratched, but can be easily rotated a full 360 degrees. Because the phone is mounted via a magnet rather than gripped in a cradle, Humixx’s holder is compatible with virtually all smartphones. This magnetic holding mechanism also makes attaching and removing your phone as simple as touching it to the magnetic pad and gently pulling it off.
Compact, discrete design
Adhesive base can be attached to any smooth, flat surface
Can be used outside the car
Strong magnets hold your phone in place
Compatible with the vast majority of smartphones
Adjustable head allows phone to be rotated a fill 360 degrees for optimum viewing
- BrandHumixx
- Model4326588569
- Weight2.4 oz
12
Luxury Phone Holder For Car Air Vents
Auto Tech’s luxury phone holder certainly lives up to its name. The device keeps your smartphone securely in place through an attachment to the car’s air vents. It can handle potholes and rough surfaces, as well as sudden stops, all while keeping your phone safely encased in its rotatable cradle.
Once mounted, your phone can be rotated 360 degrees, so can be used in portrait mode, landscape mode, or anywhere in between. The phone mount also boasts a sleek design, which blends into your car’s interior, and a gripping mechanism capable of holding even heavier smartphones steady.
Sleek design blends in easily with most car interiors
Installed via car’s air vents
Stays firmly in place, even over rough terrain and potholes
Phone can be rotated from portrait to landscape position whilst in the holder
Grips your phone on the sides, keeping charging port free
Compatible with most smartphones, including most iPhones and Samsung devices
- BrandAuto Tech
- ModelBlack-CarMount01
- Weight1.6 oz
13
Baseus Wireless Car Charger Air Vent Phone Holder
If you have a phone which can be wirelessly charged, Baseus’ two in one mount and charger could be the best option for you. It’s compatible with most Qi-enabled devices, including the Samsung Galaxy and certain iPhones. The charger is also optimised to protect your phone and maximise battery life.
Your smartphone can be slid in and out of the cradle with one simple hand movement. Your phone charges quickly, whilst being held securely in place by soft rubber grips, which won’t damage its surface. It can also be rotated in the holder, to make sure you have the best possible viewing angle. This device is surprisingly cost effective at under $40, and keeps your phone secure, at hand, and charged.
Air vent mount holds phone securely in place
Wirelessly charges most Qi-enabled devices
Device is optimised to ensure safe charging and maximised battery life
Phone slides easily in and out of the holder with one movement
Phone can be rotated in the holder to achieve optimum viewing angle
- BrandBaseus
- ModelWXYL-01
- Weight0.8 oz
14
Air Vent Phone Holder Car Mount
Abaolux’s air vent mounted car phone holder is great value at $8.99. It’s easy to install, and features a quick release button, so you can grab your phone at the end of your journey with ease. It features a cradle which rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing you to use your phone at whichever angle is the most comfortable.
This mount is compatible with most smartphones, as the side grips are highly adjustable. Abaolux’s design also features a thick back plate which holds the phone far enough away from the air vents that the problem of overheating when the heat is switched on is avoided.
Air vent installation
Compatible with most smartphones
Grips the sides of your phone, allowing you to use the charging port and headphone jack during journeys
Allows phone to rotate a full 360 degrees
Design helps to prevent phone from overheating
- BrandAbaolux
- ModelCH-A-20170707
- Weight4.2 oz
15
Bestrix Magnetic Phone Holder for Car Air Vent
Bestrix’s sleek and elegant design is a great option for holding your phone in place during car journeys. Its metal frame provides a durable mount for your phone, without the risks of breakage which certain plastic models can bring. Your phone is attached to the holder by small but strong magnets, and it’s compatible with the vast majority of smartphones. The grip is even strong enough to take the weight of mini tablets, making it a versatile option for your vehicle.
Your device can be held in both landscape and portrait positions with this mount, and it’s strong enough to grip your phone even through a thick case.
Air vent mounted
Sleek and elegant design blends easily with your car’s interior
Compatible with the vast majority of smartphones, and most mini tablets
Phone is held in place by strong magnets
Phone can be positioned in both portrait and landscape positions
- BrandBestrix
- Model4335022212
- Weight2.88 oz
Best Car Phone Mount Buying Guide & FAQ
And there you have it – we’ve trawled through the hordes of phone charges out there to bring you the best. Whatever model of car or make of phone you have, we’re confident you’ll find something on the list that works for you. Below we discuss some common questions people have about car phone holders.
Things to Consider When Buying Car Phone Mount
When choosing a phone mount for car, there are a few key considerations to make:
- Your Car’s Interior
What the interior of your car is like will usually decide what type of mounting system you choose. If your car’s windshield rises very steeply from the dashboard, you might not have room to install a windshield mounted device.
If the surface of your car’s dashboard is uneven, you might not be able to use it as an anchoring point for a suction cup. Finally, if your car’s air vents are round, or have particularly thin blades, you might not be able to securely mount models which are attached to air vents. Get to know your car before choosing a mount – if you’re in any doubt, customer reviews can provide useful information.
- Your Phone
The weight and size of your phone will also affect which phone holder you choose. If your phone is especially large, you might be better off with a magnetic holder rather than a cradle, for instance. Manufacturers will usually specify the compatibility of their product.
- How you’ll use it
If you only plan on using the phone mount once or twice, you might consider a more cost effective model. Another consideration might be the angle at which you want to use your phone. For instance, it’s often a good idea to select a charger which can accommodate your phone in both landscape and portrait configurations.
Benefits of Using Car Phone Mount
Using a car mount to secure your phone has a number of benefits:
- Keeps your phone safe and secure during your journey
- Prevents phone from sliding into a dangerous position, such as underneath your pedals
- Render it safer to use your phone as a navigational device whilst you drive
- Allow you to make hands-free calls without installing additional hardware
- Lets you safely control an entertainment system in your car
Types of Car Phone Mounts
Car phone mounts typically fall into one of four categories:
- Air vent mounted
These phone holders are attached to the blades of your car’s air vents. They are the most common type, and typically work best with square or rectangular rather than round vents. With your phone in this position, it will not obscure your view of the road, but the configuration does run the risk of overheating your phone when the fan heater is switched on – especially if your phone is charging.
- Suction cup mounted
These phone holders can be mounted on either your car’s dashboard or windshield. They can be a little tricky to install securely, and some suction cups are stronger than others. However, they’re probably the most versatile of the phone holders, allowing for two alternative installation methods.
- Adhesive mounts
These mounts are rarer. They work by simply sticking to any flat surface in your car. They’re probably the easiest type of holder to install, but are also one of the most difficult to remove, as the adhesive is designed to stay put for the long haul. These mounts do allow you to position your phone virtually anywhere, however, so can be a good option if other mounting methods seem unlikely to work.
- CD slot mounts
Finally, some car phone holders are installed by being wedged into the CD slot of your car’s stereo. This mounting is often the most secure, and won’t obstruct your view of the road like a windshield mounted holder might. However, they can be tricky to install correctly, and once you do access to your CD player will be impeded.
Types of Phone Attachments: Cradle and Magnetic
Your phone will typically be attached to the car holder by one of two methods: magnets, or a cradle. Cradles grip your phone snugly when in use, and have the advantage of being able to hold heavier devices securely. However, each cradle can only accommodate phones within a fairly narrow range of sizes. Magnetic attachment systems are generally more versatile. They’re also easier to use, since your phone is attached simply by placing it onto the magnet. Their hold is not generally quite as secure as a cradle, however, so be sure to look carefully at the reviews when choosing this type of product.
Best Car Phone Mount FAQ:
Q: What is the purpose of a case-compatible holder?
A: Phone holders which are case-compatible can be used even when your phone is in its case. This makes bringing your phone in and out of the car far more convenient.
Q: What should be the capacity of a charging-compatible holder?
A: Generally speaking, charging-compatible holders should have a capacity of five to 10 Watts. This allows your phone to be effectively charged without overloading the battery.
Q: Are there any device-specific mount holders available on the market?
A: Yes. Although most car phone holders are compatible with most smartphones, you can buy a specifically designed iPhone car mount, for example. An iPhone car holder won’t generally bring any benefits that a generic mount would, however. Instead of shopping for an iPhone holder, or Galaxy holder, start by checking compatibility with your car interior and work from there.
Q: What additional features should you look at before buying a car mount holder?
A: Top features to look out for include:
- The ability to rotate your phone
- Easy installation
- A quick release mechanism for removing your phone
- A mounting position which keeps your charging port clear
These features suggest that the manufacturer has paid attention to detail and designed a good quality product.
Our Top Pick
We believe that, overall, the best car phone mount is iOttie’s Easy One Touch Four. It’s compatible with most smartphones, can be installed on both the dashboard and windshield, and has an easy to use quick release mechanism.
It’s sturdy, durable, and lets you adjust your phone to the perfect position for visibility. iOttie have managed to produce a great quality product for a great price.