So, you can’t really wake up until you’ve had that one cup of Joe but also don’t like getting up earlier than you have to and always seem to be late for work. You like to drink your coffee (or tea) in your car on the way to work? Then you certainly need a good cup holder because let’s admit it – no one likes to spill liquids in the car or on that perfect outfit combination it took you so long to pick out.
Top Picks for 2024
Check out the following list to get a good idea of what kind of cup holder you can purchase to avoid those awkward episodes.
1. Swigzy Car Cup Holder
Swigzy Car Cup holder is a widely applicable item with adjustable size. Its extendable base can go anywhere from 2.5” to 3.75” meaning you can fit it in many different car holders, but it can also be used in trucks, boats, RV’s, etc.
The base of this holder is secured with rubber tabs, making it very stable to help prevent any kind of spilling. It can also be easily removed by twisting the top to retract the base, so if you want to clean it just take it out, wash it and then put it back in the car by twisting the top again to expand the base so it will simply “click” back.
This adapter is suitable for most cup sizes and bottles since it has a 3.4”-3.8” diameter, so you can basically fit most of the 32 to 40 oz bottles. A 1-inch sloth on the side allows you to keep your mug with handles and perhaps you won’t even need the lid on the mug, since this is a very stable holder, as mentioned before.
If the money is no issue, this might be a great car cup holder for you.
2. American Technology CH00100-BLK-1 Collapsible and Adjustable Drink Holder – Black
If you don’t mind making a mess in your car while installing a cup holder, this item is worth your while. Just pick the spot and fixate it with some screws and you will have a cup holder for a long time since this one is very well built and will not break any time soon. American Technology made this adaptor cup holder from high-quality plastics, both durable and resistant to scratches.
You can use this item for many cup sizes because it is fully adjustable- it comes with three rings and if you don’t need it just fold the base to get more space in your car when not using it.
It is a very affordable holder that comes in multiple color choices, so it fits nicely into your car interior.
3. Zone Tech Recessed Folding Cup Drink Holder
The Zone Tech car cup holder is designed to prevent any liquid from spilling around your car so you don’t have to worry about making a mess every time you take a turn. To install it, just press the lever behind the holder that will push the air out and tighten the holder to the car window. This feature allows you to use this holder on any kind of vehicle without being concerned about it falling off.
This model is very well designed, with an adjustable arm that provides a wide range of motion. It is made of durable and solid plastic that is easy to clean. However, it is not suitable for bottles and larger cups since it only expands slightly.
4. BottlePro BP2001
The Bottle Pro cup holder is basically an adapter that you can place into a car cup holder. This is the latest Bottle Pro model with a base that has three adjustable rings to ensure compatibility with most cup holders. The installment is not difficult- just fix it to the car console and it is good to go. The manufacturer improved the design with fewer moving parts, so chances are it won’t break or jam up as easily.
The soft-fit foam sleeve ensures a great fit with most of the cup holders found in the majority of vehicles, even if the size of the car holder is between Bottle Pro’s base sizes, and as an extra feature, the foam sleeve protects it from getting scratched.
One thing to keep in mind when buying this item is that is it not compatible with 20/30 oz YETI versions, but it will work with 36 ounce YETI Ramblers.
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5. Camco Adjustable Drink Holder
If you are on a tight budget, this cup holder is for you. Do not let the low price fool you: this model is made of very sturdy plastic, so it can hold heavier bottles and cups. With its open grip, it can be easily adjusted for many cup sizes by simply expanding it.
The great thing about this item is that it saves up space because you can store it with no trouble by folding the holder when you are not using it. You will have to attach it with some screws to be sure it won’t fall off, but it can be installed anywhere in the car for easy access.
6. SMART KUP Car Cup Holder
Smart KUP offers us an adaptor car cup holder that is simple in design yet elegant-looking, made of high-quality ABS plastic material.
It can hold large water bottles AND mugs with handles because of its one-inch cut-out, but these features are not the only thing making this holder very popular. Thanks to the upper cup that is 3 inches tall, spilling the liquid is almost impossible and to ensure stability, SMART KUP enriched this model with a tapered base that extends from 2.6″ to 3.2″ and fits perfectly to most cars.
If you are not confident in just placing the holder in your car, you can always make it more stable by using a few screws.
All in all, this is a very well-sold car cup holder in the mid-price range.
7. Rubbermaid Automotive Cup Holder
Rubbermaid Automotive Cup Holder is a versatile organizer that gives more space to the cup holder already in your car. It will take up a lot of space in the car, but for that, you will get four slots to store not just cups but other stuff as well. The middle opening is meant for cups, bottles, or even mugs since it has a hole for the handle. Other compartments can be used to store smaller items like your phone, wallet, keys, or even makeup and sunglasses. It comes with a pass-through sloth for cables like your phone charger.
It can be cleaned effortlessly, just by wiping it with a soft cloth. Another way to go is to just take it out and wash it with detergent in your sink, or just put it in your dishwasher and put it back in your car once it’s all clean.
While it’s not suitable for cars with smaller consoles and doesn’t have an adjustable slot, this model does give you a lot of space for your drinks and accessories.
8. Iokone Coin Side Pocket
Iokone brings us a little bit different product. This is a console car cup holder made of plastics and leather, that definitely separates it from others and it will fit perfectly into your leather car interior.
It comes with two cup holders and a middle storage area that can be used to store your small items like a phone or a wallet. Many people choose to buy two consoles and put one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger’s side to get extra room for storing drinks and gadgets and on the plus side- they add a little style to the inside of the car with its red thread sewing around the edges.
However, keep in mind that this is not an adjustable car cup holder. It does give you a lot of space, but since it is a console model, you won’t be able to fit it in every car.
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9. Attwood 11672-4 Chrome-Plated Steel Gimbaled Mounted Mug Beverage Holder with Insulation
This Attwood Mug Size beverage holder is somewhere unique. It is made of chrome-plated steel wire that can resist rusting and corrosion, so you are guaranteed a long-lasting product. With its gimbal-design, you can rest assure that this holder WILL hold your drink stable without the risk of spilling. Another cool thing is the size: this holder is large enough to fit a coffee mug with a slot for external cup handles.
The one thing you might not like about this model is that you DO have to screw it into your car, but the upside is that it comes with all the needed screws.
10. TSI Moblorg Mini Clutter Catcher Console
Not the most versatile cup holder out there in terms of cup sizes, but if you need extra storage space for your loose items, this console model is for you. It has enough room for 2 cups, and seven more compartments to accommodate your small items like pen, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, notepad, make-up, keys, wallet… The list goes on and on. It even has slots that allow you to pull through a cable and charge your phone.
If you are driving solo, just put it on the passenger’s seat and secure it using a seat-belt loop so you don’t have to worry about it moving around. If, however, you have company in your car, you can place it on the back seat or even on the floor.
Made of very strong plastic, this console holder is built to last, and it can be cleaned with no trouble since it is not attached to anything and can easily be removed.
Buyers Guide
Types of Car Cup Holders
When choosing a cup holder, knowing what type you need is essential. You can choose from four basic types distributed on the market.
- Adaptor cup holders give you the advantage of adjusting the base of the holder to the size of the cup. They are universal, but they offer space for just one cup.
2. Console cup holders have more space. Not as stable, since they need some kind of base to hold them, but are suitable for families and come in the shape of freestanding models that can be placed on the seat of the car.
3. Mounted cup holders need to be fixated on the dashboard using some kind of tools and screws.
4. Hanging models are cheapest but also less reliable than other cup holders since they are not the best choice for drivers. Other passengers might find them convenient because they come with a small hook that can be hanged on the car door for example.
Size
Since this product comes in a lot of different sizes, it is crucial to choose the one that suits you. You don’t want a cup holder that is too big and takes up a lot of space in your car, but you also don’t want one that won’t fit your large cup. The best choice is probably somewhere in the middle. You can get a cup holder that is adjustable to cup sizes and you’ll avoid all problems.
Material and design
The majority of cup holders are made of plastic. Of course, not all plastic materials have the same quality, so be aware of that when choosing the right one for you. Usually, it’s enough to get one look at a holder and see the build quality. Pay attention to the connection between the cup holder and the hook that is used to attach it to the car. It should be firm and stable to avoid spilling.
You can also get one that has a rubber base or even the ones with LED lights. It should also look nice to fit the interior of your car or just to please your eyes if that is important to you. Sure, most of them are black, but there are some color choices you can make, besides the shape and size of a cup holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size of a car cup holder?
Regular cup holders come in a 3.15”overall diameter, with a hole diameter of 2.675’’ and are 2.25” deep. This means you can fit a standard 12oz soda can in there or a small water bottle.
How do I clean a car cup holder?
It depends on how dirty your cup holder is. If you find that a clean cloth and some soap won’t work, just soak it in water for some time and then try washing it with some kind of sponge or a brush. Otherwise, a cloth and some kind of cleaner will do the trick.
What are the most common types of car cup holders?
As you probably already read in our buyer’s guide, cup holders are divided into four basic categories. The most popular is probably the adapter type.
Do any cars have heated cup holders?
As a matter of fact, yes. Some luxury car models come with cup holders that can heat up your drink, or even cool it.
Word of advice
Anyone who is a frequent commuter knows how important that first morning coffee is. By getting a cup holder, you can say goodbye to spilling and mess in your car. With the market being full of different types and sizes of cup holders, you can undoubtedly find the right one for you, even if it’s not on our list. We certainly hope that this guide has been helpful and that you know what to look for after reading it.
Check out these great models also available on today’s market:
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