A good phone mount is an essential accessory for any vehicle that doesn’t include a built-in navigation system. 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, access the music on your phone, or use a voice assistant. But some mounts work better with certain cars and phones than others.
We’ve gathered our favorites here, followed by some tips to remember when shopping.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Ainope Gravity Phone Holder
Best for Large Phones and Bulky Cases
Why We Picked It
The Ainope Gravity is one of our favorite vent mounts. This budget-friendly model 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 perfect for anyone who has a big phone and hates fighting with car mounts to get their device in and out. The snapping clamps here stretch out to fit big phones with big cases, so you won’t have to worry about your phone falling out while you drive.
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.
Who It’s For
If you have a MagSafe-capable iPhone and an open AC vent, this mount is a solid 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 products consistently make our phone car mount list. The latest version of its CD player mount, the Easy One Touch 6, improves upon the previous version with a new 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 Its For
If your car has a CD player that you no longer use to listen to music, this is a top option.
iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 Dash & Windshield Mount
Best Affordable Mount
Why We Picked It
This phone mount is stylish, easy to use, and won’t break the bank. It attaches to your dashboard or windshield with a powerful suction base. Just note that because it uses magnets to hold your phone instead of clamps, you need to attach a protective sticker and metal plate to your phone or phone case. The mount supports both landscape and portrait modes; the ball joint pivots so you can adjust your phone to any viewing angle.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking to mount your phone on your dashboard or windshield without spending too much money, this is a fantastic and flexible solution.
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 as well as a 12V DC car charger, plus it has 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. 10W Qi wireless charging isn’t the fastest we’ve seen, but it’s still plenty convenient. If you’re frequently in the car with other people, the extra USB port could be helpful, too.
Topgo Cup Holder Phone Mount
Best Cup Holder Mount
Why We Picked It
The Topgo Cup Holder Phone Mount is an inexpensive and practical way to make sure your phone is easily accessible. This 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.
Buying Guide: The Best Car Phone Mounts for 2023
What Are the Different Types of Car Phone Mounts?
First, you need to choose between the two basic types of car phone mounts: mounts that attach to your air conditioner vent and mounts that attach to your dashboard or windshield.
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.
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. And if your car still has a CD player, you can also choose to mount your phone there.
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 it 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 at up to 15W depending on your iPhone model.
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Steven Winkelman contributed to this story.
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