The Best Car Phone Mount in 2021

Are you going on a road trip and in need of a navigation system? Or maybe you’d simply like to listen to your favorite podcast or playlist while driving? Whatever it is you want to do with your phone while driving, the best car phone mount is an accessory that can make it possible. With a good in-car phone holder, you’ll be able to make and receive calls while driving without taking your eyes off the road. You’ll also be able to use your phone’s voice assistants, maps, and other functions with ease.

With that said, not all phone mounts are created equal. While some holders can only be installed on car vents, others can be installed on either your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield. Some mounts hold your device via magnets while others use spring-loaded systems. We know that the buying process can be a bit confusing, so we’ve provided some great buying tips below to help you make the right decision:

Types of In-Car Phone Holders:

Before deciding to go with a particular car phone mount, you first need to understand the difference between each of them. There are basically three types of phone mounts, including air vent mounts, CD mounts, and dashboard mounts.

Air Vent Mounts

Air vent car phone mounts are installed on your vents and they work well with most, but not all air vents. They don’t work with circular vents, for example. These mounts are usually attached via clamps or hooks. You need to ensure that the car phone mount you choose is the right fit and size for your vents’ blades.

Dashboard Mounts

Dashboard mounts are often attached to a car’s dashboard; however, they can also be used on windshields. They are considered to be highly versatile as they can be attached to any flat surface via suction cups or adhesives. The adhesives used on these mounts are top-notch and many of them won’t damage your car’s surface. However, these adhesives may no longer be effective if you pull the mount off to re-install it somewhere else.

CD Mounts

Otherwise known as CD player mounts, this mounting option sits in your CD slot. They are quite easy to install and won’t damage or affect your CD slot in any way. This holder type is best for those who want to answer calls or use voice assistants while driving. They come in varying designs and some of them even feature wireless charging.

Mounting Options:

Car phone mounts often come with either a magnetic base or spring-loaded arms that securely clamp your device. Both mounting options are great and have their own pros and cons.

Magnetic Mounts

These car phone mounts are ideal for when you’re on the go, like when you’re going for a meeting, running late at work, rushing to the airport, etc. You can remove your phone from a magnetic mount faster than when attached to a mount with spring-loaded arms. However, magnetic mounts aren’t the best for devices with wireless charging. While they often come with metal plates and thin films to help protect your phone’s charging coil, one wrong placement of the metal plate can damage the coils and stop your device from charging wirelessly.

Spring-loaded Arms Mounts

Car phone mounts with spring-loaded arms, on the other hand, are secure but aren’t ideal for on-the-go movement. Although there are now models with quick-release buttons like the Beam Electronics Smartphone Holder in our review below, you’ll have to fiddle with the clamps of many other mounts before getting your device off. However, since they aren’t magnetic, you can charge your device wirelessly with no problems.

Mount Size

Another important factor to consider before choosing a car phone mount is the size of your phone and that of the mount. Ensure that the mount is able to handle the width of your device. Most car phone mounts are designed to max out at a particular width. This is especially the case for mounts with spring-loaded arms. Therefore, ensure that the arms are wide enough to clamp your phone securely without compressing or damaging your phone.

Also, consider the weight the mount is capable of handling. This is particularly relevant for magnetic car phone mounts; if your phone is too heavy, the mount may not be able to hold it, thereby causing your device to fall off. Choosing a car phone mount will be easier if you keep these tips in mind. To make the buying process a lot simpler, we’ve reviewed ten of the best products below:

TL;DR - 10 Best Car Phone Mounts:

• Beam Electronics Universal Car Air Vent Mount
• Belkin Universal Car Vent Mount
• WizGear Magnetic Phone Car Mount
• SCOSCHE MAGDMB MagicMount Mobile Holder
• Kenu Airframe+ Vent Car Phone Mount
• iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Car Mount Phone Holder
• Mpow Car Phone Mount
• Vansky 3-in-1 Universal Car Phone Mount
• Maxboost DuraHold Series Car Phone Mount

1. Beam Electronics Universal Car Air Vent Mount

Best On-the-Go Car Phone Mount

The Beam Electronics Car Smartphone Holder is an air vent mount made for those who want to go about their activities as quickly as possible. Endowed with a quick-release button, this car mount is ideal for those who are always on the go. Simply press the button at the back of the car mount and the spring-loaded arms will slide open, allowing you to remove your phone easily.

Compatible with multiple devices, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, this car phone mount features 360-degree rotation, allowing you to get the best viewing angles. If you're looking for the best car phone holder for on-the-go use, this is one of the best products you can choose.

2. Belkin Universal Car Vent Mount

Best Low-Profile Car Phone Mount

If you're looking for a phone mount that allows you to use your device without taking your eyes off the road, the Belkin Universal Car Vent Mount is one of the best you can choose. It's a low-profile mount that helps keep your phone at eye level, allowing you to use your phone without obstructing your view of the road. It sits tightly in your car vents and holds your phone tightly, so even if you make a sharp or sudden turn, your phone won't go skidding across the footwell.

Unlike the Beam Electronics Car Phone Mount above, you can only rotate this mount 180 degrees, which means that you can still use it to hold your phone in both landscape and portrait modes. Using rubberized grips, this car phone holder can only hold devices that are 3mm thick and up to 5.5 inches wide.

3. WizGear Magnetic Phone Car Mount

Powerful and Reliable

The WizGear Magnetic Phone Car Mount is another awesome air vent mount. Sitting at a price point below $12, this air vent car phone mounting device is sturdy and works with most smartphones. Unlike the first two car phone mounts above, this is a magnetic car phone mount designed with powerful neodymium magnets. You get two phone holders in the package and each holder comes with two magnets.

The package also includes 4 metal plates to help reinforce the magnetic power between your phone and the mount. The WizGear is a universal car phone mount, which means it's suitable for most smartphones, GPS devices, and small tablets.

4. SCOSCHE MAGDMB MagicMount Mobile Holder

All-Around Easy to Use

Looking for the best magnetic dashboard car phone holder? Then look no further than the Scosche MAGMDB MagicMount Mobile Holder. This phone mounting option is versatile as it can be used in your home, office, car, and on just about any flat surface. It features a 360-degree adjustable head that allows you to view your phone from any angle, and it also comes with an enhanced lock nut that helps hold the mount in a fixed position.

A cable clip built into this phone mounting device allows you easy access to your charging cables while securing them conveniently. With its easy one-hand use, simple installation, and 3-year warranty, there's no denying that this is one of the best car phone mounts on the market.

5. Kenu Airframe+ Vent Car Phone Mount

Best Car Mount for Medium to Large Smartphones

Do you have a smartphone as large as the iPhone XR or the Samsung Note Series and want an air vent phone mount that can hold your device securely? If so, then the Kenu Airframe+ Car Mount is an option you need to look at. Designed with spring-loaded jaws that can extend up to 3.4 inches, this car phone mount supports smartphones and small tablets that have screens measuring up to 6 inches diagonally.

It also works with cases that are less than 3.4 inches wide, and thanks to its rotating clip, you can use this car mount on multiple air vents. Unlike the Scosche MAGDMB car phone mount that comes with a 3-year warranty, the Kenu Airframe+ comes with a lifetime warranty.

6. iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Car Mount Phone Holder

Best One-Touch Operation

iOttie is a brand that's known to provide some of the best car phone mounts on the market. The iOttie Easy One Touch 4 is a car phone mounting device that works on both dashboards and windshields. It sticks to your car's surface via a dashboard pad and a reusable suction cup that allows you to re-attach it to any other surface. The iOttie Easy One Touch 4 is widely known for its one-touch operation. Simply open and close the clamps at the push of a button. Its adjustable viewing mechanism allows this car phone holder to hold devices between 4 to 6.5 inches in size, and you can even position your phone in a variety of optimal positions thanks to its 255-degree rotation.

The Easy One Touch also comes with a removable bottom foot that can be adjusted to suit different devices or totally removed to accommodate large smartphones or phones with cases. If ease of use and secure attachment are some of the top factors you're looking for in a car mount, then this is a great option to work with.

7. Mpow Car Phone Mount

Best Dashboard Car Mount

The Mpow Car Smartphone Mount is another great dashboard phone mount that's inexpensive and shares some of the features of the iOttie Phone Mount above. Endowed with a sleek-looking design, this phone mount features an ultra-stick suction pad that adheres to your car's dashboard, ensuring that the smartphone mount remains in place even in rough road conditions. The Mpow also comes with an extendable arm that can pivot up and down while extending up to 6.6 inches. This means that you'll be able to get the ideal viewing height without blocking your view of the road. A swivel ball provides you with 360 degrees free rotation.

Compatible with devices up to 6 inches in size, this phone mount features sponge cushions that keep it wobble-free while providing all-around protection. While it doesn't come with wireless charging and doesn't work with pop-out stands, this is arguably the best dashboard car mount you can choose.

8. Vansky 3-in-1 Universal Car Phone Mount

Best Versatile Phone Mount

Would you like to have a dashboard mount, air vent mount, and windshield mount all in a single product? If so, then the Vansky 3-in-1 Universal Smartphone Mount should be your go-to option. Featuring a strong suction cup that ensures the mount remains fixed even on bumpy roads, this mount is compatible with devices that are up to 7 inches. You get a one-touch release function as well as 360 degrees of rotation. With both features, you can view your smartphone at any angle and also release and clamp your device at the push of a button.

Thanks to the 360-degree rotation and the flexible gooseneck, drivers can use their phones in both landscape and portrait orientation. Whether you're going on a road trip, traveling on a plane, or simply want to watch movies at your desk, the Vansky 3-in-1 Universal Car Mount is one of the best you can choose.

9. Maxboost DuraHold Series Car Phone Mount

Best Budget Phone Holder

Our list of best car phone mounts would be incomplete without the addition of the Maxboost DuraHold Series Car Mount. Made out of faux leather, this less than $15 car phone mounting device is one of the best you can choose for your dashboard. It can be installed on both smooth and uneven surfaces. You get an adhesive mounting square that helps with installing the holder on uneven surfaces.

The gel suction pad provides great suction and leaves no residue behind. You can recondition the suction pad back to its original shape after use just by rinsing it with warm water. This holder also comes with a dual-locking mechanism that helps keep it in a fixed position. Easy to install and featuring a year's warranty, the DuraHold is a great piece of gear for any driver.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Car Phone Mount

Besides considering the type, size, and mounting options of your phone holder, there are other considerations you need to make before buying a car smartphone mount. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the necessary elements to consider when choosing the best phone holding device for you.

Phone Case Compatibility

Getting a holder that’s compatible with your phone case is one of the best decisions you can make. You’ll enjoy more convenience as you won’t have to take your case off or put it back on when using the holder.

Charging Compatibility

Ensure that the holder you purchase for your phone allows you to charge on the go. While some car mounts come with Qi wireless chargers, others do not. Those that are designed with wireless charging feature a capacity of 5 to 10 watts, allowing you to charge on the go without damaging your battery. Note that most magnetic car mounts aren’t compatible with wireless charging.

In fact, in order to protect devices that utilize wireless charging, such as the iPhone XR, you may need to attach plates or films to the back of your phone. This way, the charging element embedded into your phone will remain protected from the magnetic force of the holder.

Device-Specific Mounts

While most car phone holders are universal, which means they can be used for any phone, there are also holders that are device-specific. For instance, iOttie makes holders that are specifically tailored to work with some iPhone models. However, keep in mind that since these mounts are designed to work with specific devices, you may not be able to use them with other devices even if the phones are from the same manufacturer.

The best thing to do here is to consider the interior of your car, like your dash, air vents, or windshield to decide on the right type of phone holder for your car.

You might like: Best cup holder phone mounts, and if you prefer two wheels, we have the best phone bike mounts and the best motorcycle phone mounts, too.

Conclusion

Choosing a holder for your phone and car may seem like an overwhelming task what with all of the varying products on the market. However, with the products in our review as well as our tips and guide, you stand a better chance of getting the ideal smartphone holder for your vehicle and device. Simply consider the pros and cons of each product in our review and the ideal type and mounting option for you.

Some of our top recommendations include the Aukey Car Phone Holder, Beam Electronics Air Vent Holder, iOttie Easy One Touch Mount, Kenu Airframe+, and the Vansky 3-in-1 Holder. Whether you’re going on a road trip, need a phone holder for GPS navigation, want to play music, or make calls, the phone holders in our review above are sure to enrich your driving experience.