There's no substitute for a solid car phone mount to get the best use of your smartphone while driving. It frees up your hands—essential while driving—and places the device in a place that can be seen easily (to reference driving directions) and quickly controlled without impeding your vision or any of the vehicle's controls. We started by looking at the different types of phone mounts, including those that attach to your car's AC vent and those that mount on the dashboard and windshield or integrate with a cup holder. And then we put 19 to the test.
Each product was evaluated on a five-point scale on the core features: its capacity and whether or not it supported phones and phone cases of different sizes, the overall design, ease of assembly, the degree of stability and security in holding the phones, how easy it was to maneuver the device once it was mounted, and the cost-to-value ratio.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Best Charging:
What We Like
Variety of mounting options
Reliably secure
Functional quick-detach design
What We Don't Like
Pricey
After using the Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount, our tester’s feedback bordered on the hyperbolic. And that enthusiasm is easy to understand. You can attach the device to your car in three ways: by slipping it into a vent, attaching it directly to the windshield with the included three-layer nano-gel suction cup, or adhering it to the dashboard or windshield with the included 3M sticky pad. Three touchpoints in the mount itself (at the bottom and either side) provide a solid hold on your device, and the storage section is wide enough to accommodate the largest phones and cases.
The whole thing sits on a 7.3-inch mechanical arm, which can be adjusted to suit your circumstances, while a 360-degree rotational ball allows you to angle the phone, making it easy to see and operate while driving. And our reviewer loved that it has a one-button release system, which makes it easy to grab the device with one hand. They’ve even created a gap in the adjustable lower bracket to plug your phone in to charge or play music or a podcast over the car’s stereo system.
Mounting Type: Dashboard, windshield, vent | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 5.9 ounces
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Ainope Car Phone Holder Mount
What We Like
Reasonably priced
Intuitive
Streamlined
What We Don't Like
Setup takes some time
At first glance, our tester was skeptical that the AINOPE Gravity Car Phone Holder Mount would stabilize the device. But they were in for a pleasant surprise, as the seemingly flimsy-looking device actually uses the weight of your phone to hold it stable. When you slot the hook-shaped mount into a vent, three grasp points provide a sure grip. Then, when you drop your phone into the foot, the phone's weight automatically clamps your device—no fussing with buttons or micro-adjustments. This also makes it easy to release the phone with one hand. The setup doesn't interfere with the air circulation and can accommodate large phones with big cases just as well as smaller devices.
Mounting Type: Vent | Dimensions: 3.92 x 4.49 x 1.3 inches | Weight: 3.84 ounces
What We Like
Affordable
Easy installation
Adjustable to accommodate different phone widths
What We Don't Like
Plastic feels flimsy
Boasting a price well under $10, the Arteck Car Mount makes for an easy way to view and use your device while driving. It mounts directly to the dashboard or windshield with a sticky gel pad (and can be removed without leaving any residue), though our tester noted that the protective cover was a bit tricky to pull off and that you have to push the lever down to secure the device. But once in place, it held the phone stable over various speeds and terrains. The side clamps slide to accommodate devices ranging from 2.16 inches to 3.54 inches. Our tester appreciated the sleek design.
Mounting Type: Adhesive to dashboard or windshield | Dimensions: 5.47 x 3.15 x 2.64 inches | Weight: 4 ounces
What We Like
Easy to operate
Firm hold
Quality materials
What We Don't Like
Not the most widely compatible
One of our testers lives in a city where thieves will break into a vehicle to steal anything, so the fact that the Vicseed Car Phone Mount is easy to attach and remove from your car’s vent makes it ideal. It uses a double lock air vent clip that firmly locks it into place—our tester noted that the clips took a bit of strength to open, but that only adds to the stability.
It is constructed of aircraft PTFE and reinforced metal and can withstand impacts and extreme temperatures. And once you adjust the side clamps to fit your device, you simply have to slide in your device, and it’s secure. Our tester noted that the rotation was a bit stubborn, but it worked without issue once configured.
Mounting Type: Vent | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.6 ounces
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Best Windshield Mount
iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Smartphone Car Mount
What We Like
Feels well made
Achieves solid purchase on your windshield
Easy to dial in the perfect angle
What We Don't Like
The powerful adhesive makes setup somewhat fussy
When mounting the iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Smartphone Car Mount, our tester found that the mounting area was "incredibly sticky," which made installation difficult because it would stick whenever it touched the windshield. But once it was in place, our tester loved how well it held true, providing ample stability. And thankfully, mounting a smartphone was a breeze. It uses two locking side arms that secure the device with one hand once you place the phone on the trigger button that lies across the mount's platform. Our tester also appreciated how easily you can adjust the display configuration—the bottom foot can be lowered and raised with a spring button control, the telescoping arm can extend from 5 to 8 inches, and it pivots 260 degrees to allow for vertical or horizontal display.
Mounting Type: Adhesive windshield | Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 4 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces
What We Like
Variety of mounting options
Powerful charging
Indicator light
What We Don't Like
Phone is a bit low when charging
While most phone mounts let you plug your phone into the car’s USB port while using it, the ZeeHoo Fast Charging Auto-Clamping Car Mount employs wireless charging directly in the mount itself for no-fuss charging. Just drop the device into the mount and pull down on a tab to start charging. A 15-watt charging system fuels it, drawing its power via a cable plugged into a USB port.
The mount itself proved easy to set up and can work on the dashboard, vent, or windshield, and the device itself mounts easily—just place the device on the foot, and the side clamps close. All you need is a gentle touch on any side of the quick-release buttons to remove it. Full rotation makes it easy to see and operate your smartphone, and a knob control also lets you adjust the mount’s arm length. As with most wireless charging, it only works if you don’t have a phone case or with cases that are only 3 millimeters thick.
Mounting Type: Vent, dashboard, windshield | Dimensions: 4.49 x 2.85 x 2.24 inches | Weight: 11.3 ounces
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What We Like
Well priced, especially considering the quality
Reliable hold on device
Easy installation
What We Don't Like
Magnets may not work through phone cases
At first glance, our tester was worried that the Scosche MAGDM MagicMount Universal Magnetic Holder would be weighed down by their phone, but the small size of the mount merely hid its strong support for the device. Setup took less than five minutes, with clear instructions and a tacky adhesive lining the suction cup that married nicely to the dashboard (and can also be used on the windshield). That holding power comes from the use of rare-earth neodymium magnets.
Once set in place, the mount has a four-axis, 360-degree adjustable head, along with a soft rubber lock-nut that’s easy to adjust. You can also set up the mount to support landscape viewing—a nice win for when you’re using a GPS app. Our tester also liked how the included cable clip let them secure the charging cable to the mount. The only modest caveat reported was that, when using an iPhone 11 Pro (which uses some non-metallic materials on its back side), our tester noted that the phone has to be mounted in a very specific place to keep from sliding.
Mounting Type: Dashboard, windshield | Dimensions: 2.1 x 3 x 2.3 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces
What We Like
Versatile display configuration
Sleek
Thoughtful cord storage
What We Don't Like
Not compatible with nonmetal phone cases
Not compatible with all iPhones
The streamlined design of the Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount works well for minimalists looking for a svelte mount to work with their car’s vents. Our tester noted that it did take a bit of work to get the clips in place and loved that the arm of the mount has a narrow cable management slot, which keeps your charging cable in place. The magnetic hold means you can position the phone in either landscape or portrait mode, allowing for one-handed operation. But if you don’t have a MagSafe case, you’ll have to remove your phone case to use it, which can be a pain.
Mounting Type: Vent | Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 6 inches | Weight: 5.6 ounces
What We Like
Works with nonmagnetic cases
Landscape and portrait mode
Quality rubber build
What We Don't Like
Can be finicky finding perfect display angle
Most magnetic mounts create problems for drivers who don’t have a magnetic case, but the WixGear Magnetic Mount clears this annoyance by including a separate adhesive magnetic plate that you can attach to the inside of your case or on its back, which our tester loved. The vent mounting was simple, though different phone weights mean it might take a bit of adjustment to find the sweet spot where your phone balances at the desired angle—but our tester reported that the phone itself was always stable.
The pack comes with two mounts at one low price; our tester theorizes that might be because the mount might suffer some longer-term damage due to the more extreme temps that feed through the vent. Our tester also found that the vent mounting didn’t always provide quick access for receiving detailed directions, but they loved how easy it was to handle the touchscreen as needed.
Mounting Type: Vent | Dimensions: 4.1 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces
Final Verdict
If you're in the market for a car phone mount that allows you plenty of adjustability, both in mounting method and display configuration, the Andobil Phone Mount did not disappoint our testers. For those who can't resist a bargain, the Arteck Car Mount performed way above its retail price.
How We Tested
The testing protocols for these car mounts were relatively straightforward. We assembled them and mounted them in the various ways each mount could support, including in the vents or on the dashboard or windshield, taking particular note of the ease of assembly and mounting. Then we placed various phones (with and without cases) on the mounts, first focusing on the ease and speed in which the phone could be secured and removed.
We tested how easily the phone could be tipped and rotated to account for instances of glare or a desire to shift the display from vertical to horizontal. Then we hit the road, using the phones for such tasks as playing music or a podcast, GPS-fed directions, and other applications for two weeks. This allowed us to validate how easily the mount could be removed, how well it stood up to variable temperatures, and how securely it held the phone. It also helped us evaluate whether or not the mount/phone setup introduced any awkwardness, either in seeing and using the device or if it impeded any of the car’s controls. After the testing period, we rated each device on a scale from one to five on the key characteristics: ease of use, stability, quality of materials, and value.
Other Car Phone Mounts We Tested
In addition to the products listed above, we tested seven other phone mounts that we would still recommend, though they didn’t quite make the cut.
Loncast Car Phone Holder: Our tester enjoyed using this mount and appreciated that it didn't require assembly and was incredibly stable even without using the adhesive bottom. The biggest downside was that it only allowed you to mount the phone horizontally.
iOttie iTap Magnetic Dash and Windshield Mount: This mount was straightforward to install, but the limited head rotation range didn’t make it easy to configure the optimal display or touchscreen access.
Trianium Magnetic Dash Car Mount Phone Holder: Our tester really liked this pick but worried that the adhesive wouldn’t work on textured dashboards, especially with heavier phones.
Kenu Airframe Pro Car Vent Mount: The Airframe worked well on short trips, but often the phone would dip over longer durations and isn’t ideal for heavier phones/cases.
Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Car Air Vent Mount: This mount seemed like it would be solid, but it felt bulky and was hard to clip to the vents. Unfortunately, the adjustable tab actually caused some disruption during setup.
Miracase Car Phone Vent Mount: A stable, quality, cost-effective choice. We were disappointed that the Miracase didn’t provide directions on how to attach the mount to your vent, which proved far more difficult than it should have been.
TopGo Cup Holder Phone Mount: This unique design sits in a cup holder and proved easy to set up and impressively stable. It got dinged because the phone felt less stable in the horizontal position, and our tester found it held the phone too low for referencing directions.
What to Look For in Car Phone Mounts
Phone Compatibility
Naturally, for the car mount to work, it needs to accommodate the width of your phone, and most are adjustable enough to handle larger phones and bulky phone cases. But always measure your device and ensure the cradle is wide enough to accommodate it. And if you have additional features in your phone cases like a wallet, PopSocket, or mounts, be sure that the car mount can handle that without compromising the phone’s stability.
Car Compatibility
Windshield-mounted devices are the universal option and work with either an adhesive layer or a strong suction cup (or sometimes both), while dashboard-mounted mounts work with most car types, though the latter may not adhere if your dashboard is textured. Vent-mounted devices are easier to attach to your vehicle but be sure that the car mount is compatible with your car's specific vent configuration and shape.
Other Features
Our testers loved car mounts with no-fuss device mounting, such as those that automatically clasp the phone in place when you place your device into the mount’s foot. And easy, one-handed removal also won accolades. And if you don’t want to leave the mount in your car when you’re parked, quick removal and attachment of the mount to the car was also a nice feature. Also, be sure that the device doesn’t obstruct the charging port on your device should you want to charge your phone while in use or if you need to connect your phone to the car’s USB to use the vehicle’s audio system. Adjustability—the ability to rotate the phone 360 degrees or tilt it while it’s mounted, or telescoping arms—also can make it easy to get the optimal position for unobstructed viewing and to handle the glare of the sun. And if wireless charging seems like a solid feature, look for devices that accommodate that tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to place a car phone mount?
Whether you mount your phone via the car’s vent or on the dashboard or windshield, you need to ensure three things: You can see the device, you can easily control the device, and the device doesn’t obstruct your view or interfere with any of the car’s controls. Most drivers place their mounts so that the phone sits to the left or right of the steering wheel (when using a vent-mounted or dashboard mount) or in the lower regions of the windshield so that your ability to drive isn’t impacted, while still keeping the phone visible and easy to reach.
How much should I spend on a car phone mount?
You can get a solid car phone mount for less than $20, but if you want a super-stylish mount that employs magnets for quick attachment/detachment, expect to spend a bit more. Devices that provide wireless charging while the phone is in the mount run higher.
Do I have to change car phone mounts when I change phones?
Almost all car phone mounts are designed to accommodate phones of different sizes and to work with bulky or streamlined phone cases. Those that have wider side arms or cradles will work with a wider variety of phones and other devices, so if you plan on getting a new phone frequently (and favor larger phones), go with the widest possible mount setup to avoid having to upgrade your car mount when you acquire your new smartphone. Those that attach the phone to the mount via magnets can handle phones of any size but require a magnetic case (or a phone without a case) to provide a sure purchase on your device.
Why Trust TripSavvy
Nathan Borchelt has been rating, testing, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades. He collated the collective feedback of all the testers, layered in additional research to evaluate each phone mount's key features and overall functionality, and consulted professional profiles and reviews from verified customers for each product.
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