Given that it is not safe to use your phone while driving, and it can cost you money since it is also punishable by law, a car mount for your iPhone is probably the safest way to answer calls, use the navigation or just play some funky music on your road trips or on the way to work. If you don’t know which mount to use, stay with us as we explore the possibilities.
Best Picks for 2024
1. iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dashboard
iOttie Easy One Touch 4 car mount is a very stable model that comes with a suction cup so you can easily attach it to your dashboard or the windshield without worrying it will fall off. You just need to peel off the protective film, place the dashboard pad, press it, and wait for 30 minutes, and it is ready to be used. Another way to go is to use the reusable suction cup, basically the same way – remove the plastic cover and press it down on the dashboard cup.
Most iPhone users choose this car mount because it is reliable and fully adjustable. It features a telescopic arm that extends anywhere from 4 to 6.5 inches and pivots on a 225-degree arc so you can turn your phone to ensure good visibility.
This model has an Easy One Touch lock release mechanism that allows you to remove your phone and place it back using just one hand.
The bottom foot gives you versatility when it comes to phone sizes. It can be adjusted up and down and side to side so you can use it for different phones disregarding the size.
2. Scosche MagicMount Dash
Here we have a magnetic car mount that comes with powerful Rare-Earth neodymium magnets enabling you to safely store your phone while driving. It is cheap and flexible, meaning you can adjust your phone in a variety of positions since it features a 360-degree adjustable head. In addition to this, Scosche Magic Mount comes with a cable clip so you can use your phone charger.
The design also gives you a wide array of viewing angles, since the mount can be installed on any vertical surface in your vehicle using an adhesive pad but is also available with a suction cup base and a vent mount. A fair warning: you will need a new pad if you want to move this car mount to some other place in your car and the adhesive is said to be less effective on textured surfaces.
If you choose this car mount you will also get 2 magic plates, an alcohol cleaning wipe, a user manual, and most importantly – a 3-year warranty.
3. Mpow Car Phone Mount, Dashboard Windshield Car Phone Holder
If you need an adjustable car mount with a long arm that allows you to bring your phone closer to your face – this Mpow car mount is the right one for you. The arm is bendable and can be set to your liking, allowing you to in any viewing angle. This model also features a 360-degree ball-head that gives you even more viewing options, whether you need a portrait or a landscape mode.
Mpow car mount comes with adjustable side clamps that can accommodate many phone models even with a phone case since they can extend from 1.8 to 3.7 inches.
You can make sure this mount will hold your phone even when you hit a bump on the road. It comes with an anti-shake stabilizer to prevent any vibrating and best of all it is easy to install using a suction cup that uses a strong vacuum system with a layer of super-sticky gel and a locking lever to ensure your mount is firmly connected to your dashboard or windshield.
4. RAM X-Grip Large Phone Mount with RAM Snap-Link Tough-Claw
RAM x-Grip phone mount is suitable for large phones and tablets, so you can use it for your iPhone and your iPad as well. This is a very durable and sturdy model made from stainless steel and rugged plastic material and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
With its X claw base, this mount ensures a tight grip. It has rubber caps that don’t hide your phone since they hold only the edges of your device so you have a good view of your screen, plus the adjustable arm lets you turn your device in any way you need. It has a small version of RAM Tough-Claw base that adjusts to any surface you want to attach it to, with rubber pads that will give you stability.
If you don’t mind a not-so-elegant design and a bit higher price, you will get a versatile car mount compatible with most device models.
Read also our in-depth review of the best phone mounts this year.
5. Maxboost Car Mount, [2 Pack] Universal Air Vent Magnetic Car Mounts Holder
If you are on a budget, we have just the thing for you. For a very low price, you can get a pair of car mounts that are small, eye-pleasing, and will fit in perfectly in your car interior. These Maxboost car mounts are made to be installed in your vent and do not take a lot of space. They are extremely easy to install – just “click” the claw into your air vent and you are set to go. It is equally easy to remove them, and best of all, they can be used as many times as you want without making a mess like with adhesive glues.
Using 4 strong magnets, these items allow you to place your iPhone safely and secure a tight bond between the metal plate that goes onto your phone (or phone case) and the mount. They come with a protective film that sticks to the back of your phone to prevent damaging your device before placing a metal plate.
While the magnets may interfere with the wireless charging of your phone, they will give you a firm grip. The mounts are rotatable, and allow you to orient the phone in a landscape or portrait mode for optimal viewing angle.
6. TOPGO Cup Holder Phone Mount
TOPGO Cup holder phone mount is a slightly different model comparing the regular car mounts. As the name itself says, this mount is foreseen to be installed in your vehicle’s cup holder and this one, as opposed to the previous model, is modified to fit all kinds of automotive cup holders not larger than 4 inches in diameter.
The mount features a long gooseneck (aka the arm) that goes up to 8 inches providing you the option to bring your phone closer to your face AND allowing you to adjust the angle of your screen. The holder itself can expand in length and width with a 360-degree rotation.
The downside is that this holder can only “grab” phones that are 2.01′-3.54′ wide and cannot fit a phone with a battery case since it only supports a 0.51″ thickness device.
Don’t miss our reviews of the best cup holders for your car.
7. FoPcc Fast Charging Wireless Car Charger Mount
If you are always running low on iPhone battery and never seem to have the time to charge it during the day, a car mount that provides fast wireless charging is a great option for you (if your iPhone supports wireless charging, of course). The FoPCC car mount offers 10W of fast wireless charging, but you will need to use a QC3.0/2.0 adapter that is not included in the package, but it does come with a LED charging indicator and an elegant stylish design.
This car mount is easy to use and allows you one-hand operations with a non-slip silicone base that secures your phone keeping it safe even if you drive fast on rough roads. It also features joints that rotate to 360 degrees so you can turn your phone in whichever way you want.
Thanks to the adjustable foot, you can use this holder for various phone models. It is compatible with phone cases with a maximum thickness of 8mm.
The installation of this model should be no trouble at all since this is a model that goes to your car vent and can easily be removed.
8. Nite Ize Steelie
Probably one of the coolest looking phone holders is the Nite Ize Steelie. It comes in a form of a small magnetic ball with a small magnetic circle that sticks to the back of your iPhone case. The magnet is strong with a silicone center and holds your phone tight allowing you to adjust the viewing angle by tilting your phone.
Nite Ize Steelie is made to be attached to your dashboard and since it is so small, it doesn’t take up much space and you can place it anywhere you like. You can also get different versions of this mount that can be installed on your windshield or the vent.
Buyers Guide
Attachment Style
The most important thing when buying an iPhone car mount is to know where you want to place it. This depends greatly on the attachment possibilities, so you should know what kind of mounts are out there. Basically, there are four types.
Suction cup mounts can be placed on your dashboard or the windshield and are easily accessible since they are in your eye level and you can reach the phone while looking at the road.
Adhesive mounts can be installed anywhere in your car since they come with a strong adhesive that will not damage your car but will decay over time. These mounts cannot be moved.
Air vent mounts are very common. They attach to your air vent and allow you to stay focused on the road because they are placed lower than the ones that go on the dashboard, therefore you won’t be distracted.
CD slot mounts are also convenient and stay within your peripheral vision range but can be a little bit tricky to install.
You should also consider getting a car mount that allows you to move your phone at different angles so you can see your screen clearly on those sunny days.
Base style
You can choose between a car mount with a spring or the type that holds your phone on a magnetic base.
Spring-loaded arms tend to be more versatile since you can change phones with ease. If you use a magnetic car mount, you will have to put a metal plate on the back of your phone and be careful not to put the plate near to charging coil. Otherwise, you won’t be able to charge your phone.
Size
The size of your phone is a deciding factor when buying a car mount. Make sure that the car mount you get is wide enough to hold your phone. Some models are adjustable so they can be used to hold different phone models. If you choose a magnetic mount, check what is the maximum weight it can hold, so your phone is secured.
Charging ability
Being able to charge your phone in the car is a must. If your iPhone has a wireless charging feature, you can get a mount that is powered by your car’s DC port. If not, make sure that the car mount you get has an opening so you can easily attach a cable to your phone and charge it.
Phone Compatibility
The market is over-flooded with lots of different models of car mounts. While most of them are universal, be sure that the one you get is compatible with your iPhone.
Check out the following video and find out which is the best place to mount:
FAQ
Are magnetic car mounts safe for iPhones?
Magnetic car mounts use small magnets that won’t affect your phone, but make sure you get one that allows you to charge your phone without interference.
What is the best place to put a phone holder in your car?
While it is a matter of personal preference, many people agree the best place for your phone holder is the windshield, since it is easily reachable.
Is it illegal to have a phone mount in your car?
This really depends on the state laws. In some states, you are allowed to mount your phone anywhere on the windshield while some require that you place your phone on the bottom of the windshield in a five-inch square on the driver’s side. There are states that do not allow phones on the windshield at all.
Conclusion
Whether you like it or not, holding a phone in your hand while driving is not only dangerous but can also get you a ticket. To avoid that, it is best to use a car mount and as you can see, there is plenty of options out there. All you have to do is decide on what kind of model do you like and find most convenient, and we hope this article has narrowed down your search.
Here are some other interesting choices for you to check out:
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